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BUFFALO GATEWAY CHORUS TRIUMPHS AT GREAT LAKES HARMONY REGION 17 CONTEST AND CONVENTION
BUFFALO, NY, JUNE 2024

THE BUFFALO GATEWAY CHORUS IS THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THEIR RECENT VICTORY AT THE GREAT LAKES HARMONY REGION 17 CONTEST AND CONVENTION, HELD IN CLEVELAND, OHIO, IN MAY 2024.THE CHORUS, CELEBRATING ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR, SECURED FIRST PLACE IN THE REGION WITH AN IMPRESSIVE SCORE OF 635. THIS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT HAS RANKED THEM TENTH INTERNATIONALLY ACCORDING TO THE WORLDWIDE RESULTS RELEASED BY SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL. THE SCORE HAS EARNED THE CHORUS A COVETED INVITATION TO COMPETE INTERNATIONALLY IN OCTOBER 2025 IN COLUMBUS, OHIO.

THE BUFFALO GATEWAY CHORUS'S SUCCESS IS THE RESULT OF 12 TO 24 MONTHS OF FOCUSED PREPARATION, WHICH INCLUDES WEEKLY REHEARSALS, SECTIONAL REHEARSALS, PERSONAL PRACTICE, AND VOCAL AND VISUAL COACHING. THE DEDICATED EFFORTS OF ALL MEMBERS HAVE CULMINATED IN THIS REMARKABLE ACCOMPLISHMENT.

"WE ARE TREMENDOUSLY PROUD OF OUR CHORUS'S PERFORMANCE AND EAGERLY ANTICIPATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPETE ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE IN 2025," SAID A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE BUFFALO GATEWAY CHORUS. "OUR EXCITEMENT AND ANTICIPATION ARE PALPABLE AS WE CONTINUE TO PREPARE FOR THIS PRESTIGIOUS EVENT."

CONTESTS ARE ADJUDICATED BY FOUR JUDGES, EACH SPECIALIZING IN ONE OF THE FOUR CATEGORIES THAT COMPRISE THE OVERALL SCORE: SOUND, MUSIC, EXPRESSION, AND VISUAL COMMUNICATION. EACH COMPETING ORGANIZATION HAS THE POTENTIAL TO EARN 100 POINTS PER CATEGORY PER SONG, WITH A TOTAL POSSIBLE SCORE OF 800 POINTS FOR A PERFORMANCE.

SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL, FOUNDED IN 1945, IS DEDICATED TO PRESERVING AND ELEVATING THE AMERICAN ART FORM OF 4-PART A CAPPELLA HARMONY IN THE BARBERSHOP STYLE. THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, COMMITTED TO MUSIC EDUCATION, IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST SINGING ORGANIZATIONS, ENCOMPASSING MORE THAN 25,000 MEMBERS, 1,200 REGISTERED QUARTETS, AND 600 CHORUSES GLOBALLY. 

THE BUFFALO GATEWAY CHORUS IS A VOLUNTEER-LED, MEMBERSHIP-BASED CHORAL ORGANIZATION OFFERING A YEAR-ROUND SELF-PACED "SOFT" AUDITION PROCESS. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN SINGING WITH THE AWARD-WINNING BUFFALO GATEWAY CHORUS ARE INVITED TO RSVP FOR THEIR UPCOMING GUEST OPEN HOUSE ON OCTOBER 2ND TO LEARN MORE. THE CHORUS IS CURRENTLY AUDITIONING WOMEN FOR ALL VOICE PARTS, WELCOMING ALL LEVELS OF MUSICAL EXPERIENCE.

Buffalo Gateway Chorus Celebrates 60 Years of Harmony and Excellence

BUFFALO, NY – In 2024, the Buffalo Gateway Chorus proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of musical excellence, camaraderie, and community impact. Chartered in 1964, this award-winning nonprofit organization has become a cornerstone of the Western New York arts scene, bringing together over 90 talented women singers who share a passion for barbershop harmony.

Throughout its illustrious history, the Buffalo Gateway Chorus has been a beacon of creativity and dedication, consistently achieving high honors in regional and international competitions. Their commitment to preserving and advancing the art of a cappella singing has not only earned them numerous accolades but also a special place in the hearts of audiences across the region.

This milestone year is not just a celebration of past achievements but also a look forward to the future. The Buffalo Gateway Chorus continues to inspire and empower women through music, providing a space for members to hone their skills, form lasting friendships, and share the joy of singing with the community.

"Our 60th anniversary is a testament to the enduring spirit and dedication of every member, past and present," said Angie Spencer, PR Coordinator for the chorus.. "We are excited to celebrate this milestone with the community that has supported us for so many years and look forward to many more years of making beautiful music together."

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the chorus will host a series of special events, including performances, workshops, and community outreach initiatives designed to engage both long-time fans and newcomers alike. These events will culminate in a grand anniversary concert, showcasing the chorus’s rich history and vibrant future.

The Buffalo Gateway Chorus invites everyone to join them in celebrating 60 years of harmony, sisterhood, and service to the Western New York community. 

About Buffalo Gateway Chorus

Founded in 1964, the Buffalo Gateway Chorus is a premier women's a cappella ensemble based in Western New York. With a membership of over 90 women, the chorus is dedicated to excellence in barbershop harmony and has earned numerous awards for its performances. The Buffalo Gateway Chorus is a proud member of Sweet Adelines International, an organization committed to advancing the art form of barbershop harmony through education, competition, and performance.

Buffalo Gateway Chorus Announces Beth Anderson Balmer as the 2024 Gateway Gal

BUFFALO, NY – The Buffalo Gateway Chorus is proud to announce that Beth Anderson Balmer has been voted as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Gateway Gal award. This honor is a testament to Beth's exceptional dedication, spirit, and contributions to the chorus.

The Gateway Gal award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the Buffalo Gateway Chorus, recognizing a member who embodies the values and heart of the chorus. The characteristics of a Gateway Gal reflect the qualities that make our chorus thrive:

• Gives of herself towards BGC
• Actively works on our craft
• Tenaciously driven by the heart and soul of our chorus and goals
• Everyone matters (shows that...)
• Wants the best for BGC and is welcoming of ALL members
• Apparent in their commitment to the chorus
• Young at heart like a Sweet Adeline (ageless)
• Goes above and beyond chorus expectations
• Actively practices NO negativity at rehearsals and chorus events
• Loveable and positively influences other BGC sisters

Beth Anderson Balmer exemplifies each of these characteristics, making her a natural choice for this year’s award. Her unwavering commitment to the chorus, tireless efforts to improve our craft, and positive influence on fellow members have made a significant impact on the Buffalo Gateway Chorus. Beth’s welcoming nature and her ability to bring out the best in others are just a few of the many reasons why she is so beloved within our chorus.

"We are thrilled to honor Beth with the 2024 Gateway Gal award," said Ruth Dembinski, recipient of the award in 2023.. "She truly represents the spirit of our chorus, and her contributions have helped shape the BGC into the vibrant, supportive community that it is today. We are so fortunate to have her as a part of our chorus family."