I grew up in a musical home. My early memories are of mom playing the organ and singing the latest hits, while I tried to harmonize. As a child, I was a member of The Singing Angels, a non-profit in Cleveland, Ohio dedicated to youth development through artistic achievement in the performing arts. Growing up, I sang with my school and church choirs but as an adult, I had no outlet for my passion for singing. Then in the early 2000s, I was introduced through a family member to The Rich-Tone Chorus, a dynamic women’s four-part Barber shop -style singing group. I auditioned and joined in 2009 and have been very active in the group since that time.
The Rich-tones are celebrating our 50th anniversary this year. Organized in October 1967 with 24 members, the Richardson-based chorus received its charter from the Sweet Adelines International (SAI) organization on February 13,1968. Today, the thriving chorus includes more than 100 dedicated, fun-loving women who love to perform and have a great time doing it. Honors and achievements during our 50-year history include 15 Regional Competition 1st Place medals, 5 International Competition 1st Place medals and 5 International silver medals.
Our group is known internationally for pushing the limits of barbershop music. We were the first in our five-state region to earn the title of
International Champion and the first chorus in the history of the SAI organization to win three consecutive first place medals. In 1992, The Rich-Tone Chorus became the first SAI chorus to achieve a score of 700 for a single performance, giving our director the first ‘Master Director 700’ title. At the 2012 international competition in Denver, Rich-Tones were honored to win the silver medal and the first Celebrity Award, presented by celebrity judge Cynthia Hessin, executive producer of Rocky Mountain PBS. The award recognized the chorus most likely to appeal to a non-barbershop audience. We also have shared the stage and recorded with legendary vocalist Maureen McGovern and performed with Street Corner Symphony of “The Sing-Off” fame.
The heart and soul of the Rich-Tone Chorus is Master Director Dale Syverson, twice International Quartet Champion, who be came our director in 1976. With over 40 years of training, judging and directing experience in SAI, Dale’s unique artistic talents are in such high demand that she travels the world coaching quartets and choruses. Always focused on education, she has participated in workshops, seminars and music schools. In more than 43 years as a Sweet Adeline, Dale has garnered an impressive list of achievements, among them:
- Master Director
- Rich – Tone Chorus Director (1976 to present)
- Certified Expression Judge; Certified Sound Judge International and Regional Faculty Member
- Previously served on the SAI Education Direction Committee Elected to SAI International Board of Directors
- Recipient of the 2004 SAI President’s Lifetime Achievement Award
- 5-time international gold medal-winning chorus director 2-time international gold medal -winning
The Rich-Tone Chorus’ mission is to entertain, educate and enrich lives through musical excellence while advancing the unique American art form of barbershop harmony. More than a renowned show chorus, we offer members a musical escape from the stress and problems of everyday life and a place to socialize and form supportive friendships while sharing the bond of music. Members come from all over Texas (and as far as Arkansas) to sing and enjoy the lasting friendships made here. We are doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, pastors, veterinarians, IT professionals, engineers, music teachers, real estate brokers, homemakers and students, and come from all musical backgrounds. Each rehearsal is a lesson in vocal and performance skills. Along with musical development, the Rich-Tone Chorus offers creative opportunities in choreography, costume design, scripting and more. Leadership opportunities are available for any member.
Each summer, the Rich-Tones bring our incomparable four- part harmonies and high-energy choreography to Richardson’s Eisemann Center for Performing Arts. We love to “wow” audiences with our energetic song-and-dance numbers, comedy and eye-catching costumes, and to present entertainment the whole family can enjoy. Our musical repertoire includes contemporary hits, big band, Broadway and American classics. We are inspired by everything from the ear ly days of barbershop harmony to today’s global acappella craze, blues to be-bop, barbershop to hip-hop. Our repertoire includes vocal standards like Berkeley Square, rhythmic Drift Away, energetic Lady Gaga, iconic Michael Jackson, soulful Adele, rocker Pat Benatar, jazzy Basia and rock diva, Bonnie Raitt. We have been featured on NewsFix, KDAF TV and The CW33 news show, have been the subject of a Women’s Barbershop documentary and have been endorsed by Deke Sharon of “Pitch-Perfect” fame and Ben Zander, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Rich-Tone Chorus is chartered by Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide organization of female singers, established in 1945 to advance the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performances . This independent, nonprofit music education association is one of the world’s largest singing organizations for women, with a current global membership of 24,000.
Guests are welcome to visit a Rich-Tone rehearsal on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. at 2740 Valwood Parkway, Suite 124, Farmers Branch 75234 . Spend time with a wonderful group of women, learn some amazing songs, and join us on the risers to perform and experience the music, friendship and fun for which the Rich-Tone Chorus is known!
Women of all ages are invited to audition. If you’re a woman who loves to sing, we’d love to meet you. To quote one of our members, “It’s the love of singing that brought me to the Rich-Tones. It’s the enthusiasm, fun and lasting friendships that keep me returning week after week:’
For performance schedule and additional information, visit the Rich-Tone website at www.richtones.org. For more information about joining us, contact us at membership@richtones .org.