– by Jill Topham

One of my favorite aspects of being a Sweet Adeline is the camaraderie that I feel with the women in Berkshire Hills Chorus. We all share a common love of music and singing, so our rehearsals are jam-packed with hard work and laughter. Our concerts are a joyful opportunity to share our talents with the community. Our contests are an exciting chance to proudly showcase our best singing and choreography. One might EXPECT that chorus members would enjoy their time together in rehearsals, concerts, and contests…but one of the best things about Berkshire Hills Chorus is that we are invested in each other’s lives outside of chorus as well.

When a member has a baby, we shower her with gifts and love. When another member is ill, we are right there with support and perhaps even chicken noodle soup. We attend our fellow members’ children’s high school musicals, and we cry at the funerals of each other’s loved ones. Recently one of our members, Lara Tupper, was part of an event in which a number of us were able to celebrate and show our support. Lara’s fiance’, Bobby Sweet is a well-known local musician. He recently released his latest CD, All These Changes (which is fabulous, by the way), and had a celebratory concert at the Colonial Theater. Several of us Sweet Adelines and our husbands enjoyed a lovely dinner at Patrick’s Pub before the concert and then walked to the Colonial for a wonderful evening of music. Lara sang beautiful harmonies as a back-up singer for Bobby Sweet and his band. It was exciting to cheer for Lara and Bobby as they continue to share their musical talents with Berkshire County and beyond.

So, the Sweet Adelines, and specifically the Berkshire Hills Chorus, are a group of women full of teamwork, camaraderie, and friendships. You may just find us next on the lawn in Lenox on July 19th, once again cheering for Lara Tupper and Bobby Sweet as they sing a mix of Bobby’s originals and Lara’s folk/pop favorites at the Concerts at Lilac Park. Or you may find us when they sing at Gateways, or Starving Artist Cafe, or Lee Farmer’s Market. Sweet Adeline friendship… how SWEET it is!!!!