General Info

Sweet Adelines, Inc., was founded in 1945 when a group of women banded together to enjoy singing four-part, barbershop-style harmony, which had previously been sung exclusively by men. In 1990 the organization changed its name to Harmony International, soon returning to the Sweet Adelines title, but as Sweet Adelines International. Today some 27,000 women enjoy working in harmony in 600 choruses and more than 1,200 quartets in most of the fifty United States as well as in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, Sweden, Wales and the Netherlands, and prospective choruses in Denmark, Greece and United Arab Emirates.

Sweet Adelines choruses and quartets perform four-part a cappella harmony, barbershop style. This style of music lends itself to songs from any era including ballads, popular show tunes, even jazz. Sweet Adelines have performed their unique style of music in a number of popular venues from professional sports stadiums, Olympic ceremonies, with major symphonies and even on several national television shows. A PBS special featuring Sweet Adelines International aired nationally to over 80 million households. In August 2006, America chose a Sweet Adelines International quartet from the San Diego area as the New Voice for Oreo.

Tri City Sound Chorus, a brief history

Tri City Sound Chapter of Sweet Adelines International was founded in 1968 by Elaine Kallio under the name Flower Valley Chapter. After much hard work and effort the chapter received its charter in March of 1970. Only one month after chartering the chorus stood on the Regional competition stage to sing under the direction of Betty Fuller, receiving a standing ovation from those in attendance.
In September of 1970 the chorus held its first show entitled “Harmony in Orbit.” Since that time many shows have been presented from a bicentennial theme in 1976, Broadway and Hollywood subjects, shows with a patriotic message, clowns, '50s Rock n' Roll and a full-fledged play presented in 1982, “Annie Oakley, or A One-Gun Salute to Irving Berlin."

Through the years other directors of the group have included Pat Cooper, Elaine Kallio, Gail Miernicki—directors during the '70s; Rick Gulliver, Alice Adams, Paul Van Alstine—directors during the '80s; Barbara Nigh—director during the '80s, '90s and until 2001. Lewis Law directed the chorus from 2001 until his retirement in the spring of 2004. Barbara Nigh came back as director from 2004-2021. Logan Patrick-Miernicki took the reins in August 2021.
Flower Valley Chorus changed its name to Tri City Sound in 1998.

Tri City Sound Chorus enjoys performing for local organizations and convalescent homes during the year. The chorus participated in Regional competition in March of 2004 under the direction of Lewis Law and presented "That '50s Show” in November of 2004. That same year the chorus formed a Christmas Chorus, inviting members of the community to sing along. This was a very successful resulting in several new members. Tri City Sound continues its Christmas Chorus tradition each winter.

In July 2005 the invitation was again extended to the public. A Patriotic Chorus was held in conjunction with Barbershop Music Appreciation Week, which commemorated the 60th anniversary of Sweet Adelines International.

In March 2007, the chorus returned to the Regional stage. And has since made the Regional trek in 2009, 2011 and 2012.