Meet the winning women's singing group, Sweet Adelines

Friday, August 1, 2014
Meet the Sweet Adelines
This unique women's singing group is about more than just vocals

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A group of women from all over Houston are bringing cheer to others with their voices. The Houston Horizon chapter of the International Sweet Adelines a capella group range in age from 14 to 80 and come from a variety of professional backgrounds.

Allie Battocletti, 26, works as a NASA engineer. "There are a couple other engineers in our group and then every other career you can imagine - teachers, nurses, doctors, veterinarians, other music people."

Each takes time out of their busy schedules to follow their passion for music.

Leah Jorgensen explains, "We meet from 7-10 o'clock,so it's three hours,and we always start with a physical warm up with a little dancing,and then we really get into the music and we really work hard."

Sweet Adelines specializes in barber shop a capella. It's a four part performance that includes tenor, lead, baritone, and bass.

Carin Williamson has been singing with Houston Horizon for more than a decade. "I love the singing. I love the music. It allows me to be a bit of an actress," and a competitor.

Since 1980, Houston Horizons won every single regional competition they've been part of. But for Williamson and the other women, this is also a sisterhood. "I've experienced a life change this year with the loss of my husband, and this group has been phenomenal in supporting me through that," she says.

To join the group there is an audition process, but you don't have to be a singer. Sweet Adelines believe in education and help along the way.

Houston Horizon performs August 2nd, at 2pm and 7pm, at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church at 15500 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77062.

Tickets are on sale at www.houstonhorizon.org.