Sugartones, a women’s competitive choir based in Alliston, is bringing The Power of Song to the stage in its first show since 2019 on Oct. 5 at Alliston Pentecostal Church.
Jeannette Martin, founder of Music in Motion Performing Arts (MMPA) in Bradford and more recently in Angus, became the Musical Director of Sugartones in 2023 after the founder director retired.
Martin is a Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) certified teacher. Her students have won multiple RCM gold medals plus local, national and international scholarships and awards.
“Sugartones is excited to be on stage with Jeanette," said president, Tracie Kennedy.
Also on stage at this family-friendly event will be clarinetist extraordinaire, Sean Derraugh, internationally award winning solo soprano Hope Marques and Micah Martin, an international award-winning dancer.
The Power of Song is built around a theme of empowerment. The chorus sings in harmonies without musical accompaniment.
“We wanted to do something very uplifting and encouraging, so we built our song repertoire around a theme along those lines,” said Martin.
Sugartones’ script committee then created a storyline that connects one song to the next and ties the whole show together. Martin said the show is meant to be lighthearted and fun with a message that everyone should encourage and support each other.
Sugartones is a member of Harmony, Inc., a non-profit international organization of barbershop singers with 80 chapters in U.S. and Canada. The Alliston group loves to sing together and to bring their voices out into the community through charity events, local functions, public performances and competitions.
Martin enjoys working with group.
“I look forward to my rehearsal nights because it does something for me," said Martin. "It really helps me. I actually come home elated after being with these people, because they are they are so caring and giving, and they’re funny. And they sing great together, so it's just a really neat experience.”
"There's a lot of fellowship in the group. The style of music is completely different for me, but it's just wonderful music. It's fun. There are of course more melancholy songs as well, but it's the harmonies that are so beautiful," she added.
Prospective new members are encouraged to attend rehearsals.
The Sugartones rehearse every Monday evening at 7 p.m., at Kingsmere Clubhouse, 287 King St S, Alliston, ON.
After the shows on Oct. 5, Sugartones will put out an invitation to those who might be interested in learning Christmas songs with the chorus.
The Oct. 5 shows at Alliston Pentecostal Church (7810 Highway 89) begin at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., with doors opening half an hour before the show. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children aged 12 and under.
For tickets, call 705-250-2404 or email [email protected]
Rosaleen Egan is a freelance writer, storyteller, and playwright. She blogs on her website rosiewrites.com
