Sweet Adelines Australia Convention 2024 - Fremantle

Our national convention was held in Fremantle this year from 16-20 May and was a lot of fun! Blue Sky Harmony didn't compete this year, but three of our members travelled to Fremantle to soak up the convention experience with approximately 650 other attendees. Julie, Nat and Michelle spent five days in a happy little barbershop bubble with friends from other choruses and quartets.

The event started with the mass sing in Esplanade Park, where hundreds of members sang several regional songs and Julie directed I Am Woman (see main pic, above). Then the opening ceremony was the formal start of the event - MC'd by Michelle, as one of her final tasks on the Sweet Adelines Australia Regional Management Team. The quartet competition followed, with 22 quartets singing their hearts out - including our own Luminous Quartet, which finished in 5th place! A fantastic achievement in a very tight field of competitors. 

 
Left: Michelle MCing the opening ceremony. Right: Luminous Quartet ready to go on stage!

On Friday night, our convention contingent had dinner with the lovely folks from Northern Beaches Chorus and explored downtown Freo. Saturday was the chorus competition, with 13 choruses crossing the stage - so many wonderful performances! Julie and Nat sang in the STAR Chorus while the judges finalised the results, performing Weather With You and Permission to Shine. (STAR stands for Singing Together at Regional - for people not competing in the chorus contest.)

 
Left: The STAR Chorus, directed by Karen Ramirez and Lea Baker.  Right: Sunday Sesh photo by Henrietta Farr

Saturday night was a country-themed party, then on Sunday, the judges ran a masterclass with two ensembles. Luminous was lucky to be selected for this coaching, which was like judge speed dating - 10 min with each judge! 

Luminous in the Masterclass, wearing their medals. Photo by Henrietta Farr

For the rest of Sunday and Monday, Julie, Nat and Michelle attended education classes run by the judges, as well as enjoying social time with Sweet Adelines friends at the Sunday Sesh and a beautiful sunset over the ocean.

Convention is always a whirlwind, but a hugely rewarding experience. It's amazing to spend time with friends, enjoying fantastic harmony singing and gathering new ideas to bring back to our choir. Thank you to the organising committee for putting together a wonderful event!