Why I Sing
By: Cammi MacKinlay
Why do I sing? Because it makes me happy! Why do I sing acapella in the barbershop style? Because it makes me happy to sing four-part close harmony! Why do I sing with Sweet Adelines? Because it makes me happy to sing harmony with lots of my close friends! Why do I stay? Because I can’t imagine not doing this – it is firmly embedded in my DNA!
I have been with Lions Gate Chorus in Vancouver BC Canada for thirty years. I had seen a group of women singing in a market at Christmas time, and someone handed me a flyer that said, “Love to sing? Come join us.” Having sung in choirs all through my childhood, but not having done anything formal since coming to Canada in 1975, I found that I really missed it. These women in their beautiful long red dresses singing Christmas music (always a favourite of mine anyway) made me realize that I really needed to do it again. So with my husband’s encouragement, I went to the rehearsal hall the first Tuesday in January, and was immediately hooked – not just on the music, but on the friendly warm welcome I received when I walked through the door. And I can honestly say I have not willingly missed a rehearsal since! I definitely joined for the music, but I also joined because of the people. And I have stayed because I have been able to soak up the education I have received and use it in my everyday life. I am a better teacher and leader because of the opportunities that have been afforded me through my affiliation with Sweet Adelines, and I certainly would never have envisioned myself being the President of an International organization without the mentoring and encouragement of other leaders who saw potential in me that I did not see myself.
Joining Sweet Adelines has changed my life and I can’t imagine what my life would be like without it!
If you’re reading this and you are not a Sweet Adeline already, check us out. Your life will never be the same! And if you are a Sweet Adeline, go out and find others to join us. We ARE Sweet Adelines!
