2020 Region 13 Convention

SANDY GREENLIEF: When someone asked this new Cedar Rapids, IA, resident with three children, “Does anybody here like to sing?,” the rest is history! Sandy sang for 10 years with Cedar Rhapsody which eventually competed in the first ever International Chorus Competition in Washington, DC, taking home a third-place medal; she also sang in the winning quartet, New Trends.

After moving to Salt Lake City, she joined Bountiful Chapter (later Mountain Jubilee), where she sang for 30 years. After a stint in Texas, Sandy moved to Port Angeles in 2012, where she then joined Grand Olympics Chorus. Sandy says, “It almost seems impossible that 50 years have gone by. I’m moving a little slower, but I’m game for another 50.”

DIANE HOLLIFIELD: The oldest of six sisters, Diane started harmonizing while washing dishes together. Later, in 1970, with four daughters of my own, she joined what is now Boise’s Capital City Sound Chorus. Diane says, “It was all so exciting and just what I needed as a busy mother. I also joined a quartet, and we sang for many events and chorus shows in our community.”

Capital City Sound is the only chorus Diane has belonged to, through name and director changes, and all its ups and downs. She says, “Sweet Adelines has given me many lifelong friends and has brought me both joy and sadness. The joy comes from singing with my friends, the sadness from when I lose my dear friends. Thank you for the past fifty years. I’m looking forward to the years to come.”

MARLENE LIENAU: In 1967, Marlene and her family moved to Missoula, MT for her husband’s job. Two years later, in church choir, the director asked if any of the women could hit a low B-flat; when Marlene arrived at church the next week, it was a done deal and she soon became a member of Five Valley Chorus.

Marlene’s 50 years in Sweet Adelines have held many memories, including 8 regional championships and subsequent International competitions. She’s also performed at Carnegie Hall with Five Valley! Marlene has been chorus Secretary, Vice President, President, and Marketing and Communications Manager. Marlene says, “The joy of learning and sharing the music with others, the lifelong friendships, the travel, and the places Sweet Adelines has taken me are immeasurable and I’m still learning. I’m hoping for much more to come.”

JAN McKEE: Jan was introduced to Jet Cities Chorus in 1970 by a friend she met in a music class in college. Knowing nothing about Sweet Adelines but hooked by the second rehearsal, she quickly learned several songs so she could sing on a show with them. Five months later, her friend introduced Jan to a cousin; soon after that they were engaged and in June of 2020, they will celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary!

Jan was on the Jet Cities Board for many years, as well as assisting on committees, projects, performances, and shows. Her oldest granddaughter, Alexia McKee, is a 7-year member of Jet Cities also; starting when she was 14. Jan says, “I have had my ups and downs while in Jet Cities, but for the most part it has been a wonderful journey. In the past 50 years there have been changes in local, regional, and international policies, but as a whole, Sweet Adelines just keeps getting better and better. I hope I can continue to be a part of it for several more years.”