After months of intense preparation and rehearsals, 12 members of Vernon Kalamalka Chorus, with interim director Joey Minshall, travelled to Surrey in May to the Sweet Adelines International Region 26 (all-Canadian region) annual convention and competition.

This year’s theme was “Hooked On Harmony” and involved quartets and choruses from B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Performing in the category Open Division, VKC was required to present a 10-minute package of songs — complete with emceeing — before a panel of internationally-trained judges. The results were outstanding and they were awarded scores higher than any of their previous appearances. They moved their audience to tears, sounding more like 40 singers on stage with their big sound, and received a thunderous, spontaneous, standing ovation!

As they came offstage into the audience, the ovation continued, and comments such as “genuine”, “heartwarming,” “magical”, “wanted it to go on and on,” greeted them.

However, the most meaningful was “huge congrats to you (director Joey) and your ‘mighty dozen’….the amazing women of VKC.”

The Mighty Dozen are now taking a well-earned break until Aug. 19, when they will resume rehearsals at the Halina Centre. This year marks Vernon Kalamalka Chorus’s 35th anniversary of singing a cappella, barbershop-style in the North Okanagan. They enjoy performing and contributing to their community.

They are planning to host a Valley Inter-Chapter gathering in September, and preparations are going forward for a special 35th anniversary celebration as a Chapter of Sweet Adelines International.

VKC’s biggest priority at present is actively pursuing a search for a director who would love to continue the journey with us. If you know of anyone in, or moving to Vernon or the Okanagan area who might be searching for just such an opportunity to become involved in our art form, please let us know, or contact Margaret at mamasangbass@hotmail.com.