Dear Sweet Adelines International Members,

We are pleased to announce that we have upgraded the Song Assessment Tool (SAT) and Song Evaluation Database (SED)!

These upgrades provide an easier, more efficient experience when using the SAT and enhance the educational value of the SED by helping members select songs that foster a culture of belonging, diversity and inclusion in keeping with Sweet Adelines Guiding Principles and the overall image our organization presents to our membership, audiences, and communities. 

There are NO changes to SAT questions, nor to the admissibility rating requirements or rules.

As always, it is expected that all songs in an ensemble's repertoire are submitted through the SAT. Songs sung in contest must be admissible and adhere to any requirements noted in Yes-Lyrics or Yes-Caution rating.

We have moved the SAT from a spreadsheet-based system to a database platform called Airtable, with a more user-friendly interface and a new feature that provides non-race DEI information in the SED.

The SED identifies and provides an admissibility rating for songs with racially problematic lyrics, message and/or history. The SAT originated as a component of the Chorus Toolkit, with its primary goal to provide members with resources and education that will promote consideration of the factors affecting all dimensions of our diverse membership and audiences.

To this end, the new SED includes a column notating non-race DEI factors, when they are present in a song. Details regarding the categories indicated are found in the Additional Questions section of the research document. This data is gathered via the non-race DEI question that has always been present in the SAT, regarding age, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and visible physical differences. For an overview of non-race DEI considerations, see the Chapter Choices section of the Chorus Toolkit.

The presence or absence of notations in this column does not in any way affect the admissibility rating, nor do these notations indicate a value judgement.



• The details provided in the research document are objective and for informational purposes only.
• Each ensemble is in the best position to evaluate this information with regard to their members and audiences.
• The information is provided so members may have informed conversations within their ensemble and make their own decisions on how—or whether or not—to act on the details provided.

While the SAT questionnaire is not changing in any way, the answers for the non-race DEI portion of the SAT that are shared in the research document posted in the SED will be vetted and standardized to provide information that is pertinent on an organizational level, rather than specific to the submitting member’s ensemble. Song Assessment Work Groups have been provided training and documentation to ensure accuracy, consistency, and clarity of the details provided in the non-race DEI section.

As always, the Song Assessment Tool Subcommittee and SAT volunteers are available to answer questions, walk you through the SAT process, and offer any insight or guidance you may need. Contact us at songassessment@sweetadelines.com.

Thank you all for your continued support of the efforts of Sweet Adelines International to assure each member that they are welcome and valued in our organization.

In the spirit of belonging & inclusion,

The Song Assessment Tool Subcommittee

Adelina Zottola, Chair

Jessie Caynon

Jennifer Palus

June Lenk

Sher Taylor