60 Years of the Evergreen Chorus
In 1962 the Evergreen Chorus introduced women’s barbershop to Poughkeepsie and has been singing strong for the last 60 years. This all women’s acapella group is a chapter of the Sweet Adelines International and their main goal is to teach music to all musical levels and ages.
The Sweet Adelines International was founded in 1945 and today has approximately 500 choruses. The Sweet Adelines hold international competitions where the choruses are adjudicated by a panel of judges. In 2016, the Evergreen Chorus placed 3rd for small choruses in Las Vegas.
“What makes a barbershop is the baritone…” says 10-year member Susan Krystek. She explained that the Evergreen Chorus has more than just the typical soprano and alto parts. “There is rubbing, like resolving the chord… A whole bunch of quartets at once.” Krystek is the team coordinator for the chorus and has been thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful group.
She went to an open house for the group when she had ‘empty nest’ syndrome and found a group that took her in right away. “It’s pretty amazing, it’s been ten years.”
The Evergreen chorus proudly has their mission statement and core values displayed on their website. “To provide an enjoyable, supportive, educational community where singers can strive for musical excellence through focused performance, commitment and passion.” Krystek says all 28 members are respectful and committed to learning the tunes at home and during rehearsal. She says their rehearsal ‘motto’ is “Leave your trouble behind at the door, you come to sing.”
As the chorus prepares for their 60-year celebration, they are rehearsing a wide variety of songs for their show. Krystek listed some of the songs you can anticipate for their upcoming shows, “Can you feel the Love Tonight” from the Lion King, “It Had to Be You” by Frank Sinatra, and “Can’t Buy me Love’’ by the Beatles.” No matter what type of music you like, the Evergreen Chorus will always be singing something you can tap your foot too.
Fifteen-year member Pat Miller says, “Evergreen members are very welcoming and the internal warmth with each other is evident, regardless of age or background. We love to welcome our new members and quickly include them in laughing on the risers and helping them feel like they have been members for 20 years.”
The Evergreen Chorus aims to teach music, not just to sing it. “I sang in school choruses from 2nd grade through all four years in college,” Miller said. “I then sang in Church choirs for years until I learned how to be a part of Sweet Adelines and where to join.” Krystek also remarked that while some members can’t read music, veterans like Miller and Krystek help people learn.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, both Miller and Krystek believe the group stayed resilient. They continued rehearsing on Zoom and never gave up on their love for the music. Krystek said at the end of every rehearsal via zoom they would have a show and tell or shorts, every week one member would get to ‘show off’ something in their house. The ladies enjoyed the time they could share even though it was over zoom.
When asked why the Evergreen Chorus lasted 60 years Krystek responded by saying there is still an original member in the group. “It’s hard to find an organization that is just fun,” says Krystek. All the ladies of the chorus share a common love for music and the organization which has been bestowed on every new member throughout the decades.
The Evergreen Chorus has their 60th anniversary show on Sunday, October 30th, 3:00 pm at the Poughkeepsie Elks Club.
