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February 2026


The Quarter Note is your one-stop source for news and links to events and info from the Sweet Adelines world. Scroll through to find the latest and greatest happenings!

Very, Very Important Dates!


February: Celebrate Black History Month with featured Sweet Adelines on our social media channels!


March 1: In Honor of Program begins and runs through March 31.


March 31: Quartet Registration Closes.


June 1: Rising Star and Diamond Division contest entry closes.


June 10: Registration closes for A Cappella Academy & Queens' College.


June 28: Early Bird Registration closes for International Convention and Competition.

Upcoming Events


July 9–11: Sweet Adelines International's A Cappella Academy & Queens' College with The Coronet Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma (USA)


July 9: Diamond Division Quartet Contest in Tulsa, Oklahoma (USA)


July 10: Rising Star Quartet Contest in Tulsa, Oklahoma (USA)


Oct. 26–31: 78th Annual International Convention and Competition in Columbus, Ohio (USA)


July 22–24, 2027: Directors and Visual Leaders Seminar (DVLS) in Louisville, Kentucky (USA)


Oct. 25–30, 2027: 79th Annual International Convention and Competition in Seattle, Washington (USA)


Oct. 23–28, 2028: 80th Annual International Convention and Competition in Seattle, Washington (USA)

Early Bird Registration is Now Open!


Save $50 and secure your spot at the 78th Annual International Convention & Competition in Columbus, Ohio (USA), October 26-31, 2026.


Register now to take advantage of early bird rates!

Join us for Sweet Adelines International’s A Cappella Academy and Queens’ College with the Coronet Club, where barbershop tradition meets transformation and champions inspire singers of every level.


Registration includes three days of education and three nights of barbershop singing: audience access to the Diamond Division Quartet Contest (Thursday), Rising Star Quartet Contest (Friday), and the closing Strut Your Stuff Celebration with The Coronet Club (a beloved tradition).

Quartets and singers are welcome in any class... and there are so many to choose from: find class descriptions, meet the faculty, and register on our website!

We are on the Road to Regionals!

Here's how to stay in the know and cheer on every singer throughout our 2026 Regional Contest Season.

Competition Order of Appearance (OAP) draws and Results will be published on Mondays. Follow our social media channels for the publishing announcement.


Contact the region directly for questions related to event registration, schedule, contest venue, webcast, etc.

REGIONAL CONTEST UPDATES: www.sweetadelines.com/regionals

Contest entry is now open!


Diamond Division: Thursday, July 9

Rising Star: Friday, July 10


Both contests will be held in conjunction with Sweet Adelines International's A Cappella Academy & Queens' College with The Coronet Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma (USA).


Submit your entry form to Sweet Adelines International Headquarters ASAP to secure your spot.

Something new just for Sweet Adelines members!


Use our exclusive discount code SDPLUSSA10 to receive 10% off your entire purchase with So Danca. You must enter the code at checkout to activate the discount!

Watch for more details coming in March on how you can honor someone who helped shape your unique story with a gift.

Save the Date for a Planned Giving Virtual Event!

Thursday, March 26 at 4 p.m. CT / 10 p.m. UTC

Join guest speakers Barbara A. Nielsen and Amanda Ferrari to learn more about how you can be part of creating a legacy for the organization you love.


To secure your spot for this virtual event, contact philanthropy@sweetadelines.com.

This is a momentous occasion for Sweet Adelines International, and we are thrilled to welcome such passionate and talented individuals into these pivotal roles.


Their leadership promises to inspire and empower our community as we continue our journey towards musical excellence!

Great Idea for a barbershop event?

Apply for a Grant!


Applications accepted March 1 through June 1.


Funding for events from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2027.

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Grant Cycle 2 Awardees!

 

A Cappella Junction Harmony Festival

Grand Mesa A Cappella Chorus, Region 8

Coming off two very successful festivals in 2024 and 2025, Grand Mesa A Cappella Chorus will once again host the A Cappella Junction Harmony Festival. Youth aged 12+ will enjoy a one-day event dedicated to learning about four-part barbershop harmony, the history of Sweet Adelines International, healthy vocal production, and other musical topics.

 

A Cappella Xpress Youth Festival

Helena Xpress Singers, Region 13

With each A Cappella Xpress Youth Festival gaining more attendees, Helena Xpress expects another great year! Shelly Pardis, Rachel Pack, and Rhapsody A Cappella of Montana State University will immerse over 50 students in physical and vocal warmups and small-group coaching. Attendees will learn two contrasting barbershop arrangements that they will perform in a public evening showcase.

 

Windsong Chorus Youth Festival

Windsong Chorus, Region 8

Windsong Chorus will host a free educational festival for local junior high and high school students to experience hands-on vocal training in the barbershop style. Any Girl Scouts who attend may also earn their music badge in conjunction with the Youth Outreach Program. Attendees will learn age-appropriate vocal techniques in addition to the history of Sweet Adelines International.

 

Idaho Falls Young Women In Harmony Festival

Idaho Falls A Cappella Chorus, Region 8

Alana Butikofer, Anna-Lisa Glad, and Nothin’ But Treble Quartet aim to engage 65 participants in this year's Young Women in Harmony Festival. Showcasing their newfound skills and enthusiasm for barbershop singing, attendees will perform two barbershop-style songs taught by these experienced clinicians, directors, and singers.


Youth Harmony Fest

Scottsdale Chorus, Region 21

Scottsdale Chorus will host Youth Harmony Fest with the help of their Community Outreach Team, Sweet Adelines International President’s Lifetime Achievement Award-winning director Lori Lyford, and International Music Judge Specialist Jana Gutenson. This festival will provide high school and college students across Arizona with a unique opportunity to learn, rehearse, and perform barbershop-style music for a one-day, jam-packed event.

Does your school choir, show chorus, a cappella group, or other ensemble sing barbershop music... or want to learn how?


Become a Sweet Adelines International Youth Affiliate Chorus!

Learn more about the musical journeys of our 2026 international champions through The Story Behind The Music video series!

New year, new issue of The Pitch Pipe!


In the January issue, find out more about our new international champions and award winners. Read about a new quartet scholarship and funding for judge training. Learn from exciting educational articles by experienced barbershop educators. And, as always, keep up with what’s going on in the Sweet Adelines world! 

In early 2020, Sweet Adelines International made the decision to stop publishing hard copies of The Pitch Pipe magazine. The rising cost of printing and postage has made printing and mailing the magazine unsustainable. A digital-only format helps the organization continue investing in programs, education, and musical experiences. A digital-only format also acknowledges the need to be environmentally responsible by reducing paper use, waste, and the impact of shipping.


We understand that reading on a screen isn’t everyone’s preference, and we want you to know that we hear you. Every issue is available on our digital platform, ISSUU, where you can read online or download a full PDF to save or print for your own use. We’re also actively exploring a print-on-demand option, and we’ll share updates as we have them.

Save the Date for DVLS!


Directors and Visual Leaders Seminar (DVLS) is heading to Louisville, Kentucky, July 22–24, 2027.


We’ll gather at the historic Seelbach Hotel by Hilton for three days of inspiration, education, and connection.


This signature educational event returns with expanded offerings for directors, visual leaders, and singers at every level. Whether you’ve been directing for 12 years or 12 months, DVLS is designed to meet you where you are... and elevate you further!


Set the stage for your next chapter.

Mark your calendar now for July 22–24, 2027.

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

Sweet Adelines International

9110 S. Toledo Ave. Tulsa, OK 74137

1.918.622.1444 | Toll Free 1.800.992.SING (7464)

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