On July 13, 1945, Edna Mae Anderson invited a group of women who wanted to sing barbershop harmony to her Tulsa, OK home. Little more than a week later they kicked-off what would become one of the world's largest singing organizations for women, Sweet Adelines International. The 14 choruses of the Greater New York Region celebrate the founding with Open House rehearsals and other special events all month.

Women of all ages, from all walks of life, with musical experience ranging from singing in the shower to those with advanced music degrees, join Sweet Adelines International for performance, leadership and educational opportunities. Many members say they join for the music but stay for the friendships.

At the October 2012 Sweet Adelines International competition in Denver, CO, the Greater New York Region will be represented by Ridgewood, NJ's Harmony Celebration Chorus and Freehold, NJ's Liberty Oak Chorus. Last year,  Baldwin, NY's Greater Nassau Chorus and Basking Ridge, NJ's Hickory Tree Chorus were both awarded International medals.

Women who want to radiate their passion for singing can locate a chorus in the Greater New York Region of Sweet Adelines International at sairegion15.org, or by contacting Regional Membership Coordinator Dolly Power at 908-307-6367.