- Member Spotlight: Valerie Delboy
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Date Posted: Fri, Aug 29 2025
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This month, we're getting to know Valerie Delboy as she celebrates one year with GRC! Valerie rocks out in the rafters as a tenor, sings in the Pitch Craft quartet, and works with the Fun Committee to make sure GRC always has something to look forward to.
How did you come to GRC?
When I just moved here, someone in a restaurant had said they were in a chorus. I looked into that chorus but they weren’t accepting new members. Luckily, I didn’t stop looking and found GRC.
What's one of your best memories with the chorus?
One of my favorite memories with the chorus was when we sang the National Anthem at the Kickers game. It was my first performance with GRC and a huge rush to sing for a crowd with everyone.
What is something surprising or interesting you've learned as a Sweet Adeline?
There have been a lot of surprises with Sweet Adeline’s, mostly what a huge network it is. For me personally, I’m surprised how well being a sweet Adeline has taken the place of singing in cover bands. I’m enjoying not having to deal with the whole technical stage setup and having to compete with loud instruments on stage. Just getting up to sing with only voices is heavenly!
How has being a member of GRC changed your life?
Being a member of GRC has brought an immense amount of joy and companionship to my life. I’ve made such wonderful friends. I’ve also enjoyed singing different music styles and ranges that I haven’t explored in a long time.
What's your favorite song in GRC's repertoire? Least favorite?
My favorite song at the moment might be "Trashin The Camp," but I remember being blown away by how beautiful "Seven Bridges Road" sounded on my first night as a guest. So that song always holds a special place for me. My least favorite is probably "The Music That Brings Us Together."
What do you do outside GRC?
Outside of GRC I work part-time in New York as a freelance hairstylist and also as a support companion for an awesome young man with spectrum disorder. I’m also an animal rights advocate and was previously a weekly volunteer at an animal sanctuary for almost 20 years.
- Member Spotlight: Corinne McLees
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Date Posted: Fri, Jul 11 2025
This month, we're celebrating Corinne McLees as she marks 2 years with GRC. Corinne sings baritone and serves as our member support coordinator. She was also the first recipient of the Heart of GRC Award.
How did you come to GRC?
A previous member, Adrianne, invited me! She and I sang together in high school. I remember the first GRC rehearsal I attended, I was absolutely amazed by the quality of the chorus' sound and also by the very evident closeness of the group I was hooked from Day 1!
What's one of your best memories with the chorus?
I loved being a part of our 2023 Fall Show - I had only been in GRC for a few months and felt SO PROUD to stand on stage with such incredible, kind, and talented singers.
What is something surprising or interesting you've learned as a Sweet Adeline?
When your pitch pipe won't blow a certain pitch because of dust inside, you have to quickly suck it out then the pitch plays well lol!
How has being a member of GRC changed your life?
GRC has brought an unbelievable amount of joy to my life. It's more than just the singing (although...LET'S BE REAL... the amount of excellence and accountability this group practices is life-changing in itself!!). For me, it's our community. You all are my chosen family. The amount of love and acceptance I have experienced since joining GRC feels unreal. I certainly have never been a part of a group of such incredible folks.
What's your favorite song in GRC's repertoire? Least favorite? Favorite: This changes a lot lol, but currently it's Trashin' the Camp. Least favorite: Let Freedom Ring
What do you do outside GRC?
I'm a mama to 3 incredible kiddos ages 7, 6, and 4 I'm also a business owner - I own a mobile hand therapy clinic here in Richmond I love being active - you can regularly find me swimming, walking, or dancin' to Vera's Zumba tunes!
- Get Your GRC Gear!
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Date Posted: Mon, Jun 30 2025
Show your GRC pride with a limited-edition rainbow tee or tank, and rep your house with special gear!
Visit the GRC Bonfire store to customize your spirit wear. A portion of the proceeds of every sale comes back to GRC, so you look fly, and we raise funds!
If you've never used Bonfire before, here's how:
1. Select your design. This time around, we have the rainbow logo along with two design options for each house: one with a light background (marked Light BG) and one with a dark background (marked Dark BG).
2. Select your style. For every design, you can choose between a crew neck tee, v-neck tee, or tank top.
3. Select your color. Note that different colors are available depending on the style of shirt you've chosen.
From there, you know how to do the rest! Select your size, add it to the cart, and check out. Bonfire will print your shirt and ship it to you within a few days. If you need a different size, info about returns & exchanges is here.
- Member Spotlight: Laura Brown
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Date Posted: Tue, May 27 2025
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This month, we're celebrating Laura Brown as she marks 21 years as a Sweet Adeline! Laura sings lead and helps create our looks for contests and performances, and her warm presence and truly wonderful laugh are a gift to every member of GRC.
How did you come to GRC?
My husband saw an ad in the newspaper for voice lessons and thought I would be interested. I was hooked right away.
What's one of your best memories with the chorus?
My first competition, we won first place, it was surreal.
What is something surprising or interesting you've learned as a Sweet Adeline?
Ha! How to pour beer from a beer truck. Didn't anticipate that at all.
How has being a member of GRC changed your life?
So many wonderful friendships. GRC brings me joy in so many ways.
What's your favorite song in GRC's repertoire? Least favorite? My favorite is "Somewhere." Least favorite: "We are Family," though I'd probably like a different arrangement.
What do you do outside GRC?
I recently retired after 43 years of pediatric nursing but am going back a shift or two a month. I also sing with my church choir and assist with the church elementary school children's choir. And. love to spend time with my grandchildren and other family. Looking forward to traveling next year to Greece and a Disney cruise.
- Celebrating Our Sweet Adeline of the Year!
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Date Posted: Wed, May 14 2025
Sweet Adeline of the Year
The Sweet Adeline of the Year (SAY) award is a recognition given by individual Sweet Adelines International chapters to a member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, participation, and contributions to the chorus. The award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to make a positive impact on their chorus. Winners are typically selected based on qualities like leadership, service, creativity, and cooperation, as well as active participation in chorus activities and functions.
GRC's 2025 Sweet Adeline of the Year is the incomparable Pat Wall. Pat has just concluded seven (!) years of service as management team coordinator. She helped guide the chorus through all the challenges of covid, played an integral role in creating our core values, and is always willing to step up to support members and chorus leadership. Pat holds down the bass section, has been a member of multiple award-winning quartets, and never misses an opportunity to keep us on our toes. She leads by example, and what a powerful example it is.
- Celebrating the Heart of GRC
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Date Posted: Sun, May 11 2025
Introducing the Heart of GRC Award
Established in 2025, the Heart of GRC is awarded annually to recognize the extraordinary commitment of a member to their chorus. With this award, we honor the memory of our friend, Amanda Johnson, who worked tirelessly to promote the diversity of our chorus, ensured equity across our membership, and made everyone feel included and welcome in our chorus community. Recipients of this award have demonstrated a consistent commitment to the well-being of chorus members and the chorus community. They have lovingly embodied GRC’s core values of joy, education, unity, connection, and excellence.
We're delighted to announced that Corinne McLees has received the inaugural Heart of GRC Award. Corinne sings baritone and performs in the Pitch Craft quartet. In her work as the leader of GRC's member support team, she strives to cultivate connection with all members, coordinates outreach during difficult times, and never misses an opportunity to celebrate members' successes, whether big or small. Corinne's bright smile, warm presence, and nurturing spirit are a gift to us all.
- Member Spotlight: Emily Saller
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Date Posted: Thu, May 1 2025
This month, we're celebrating Emily Saller, who is marking 42 years as a Sweet Adeline! Emily sings lead, heads up our member longevity program, and creates delightful themed nights that always give us a great excuse to bust out our favorite costumes.
How did you come to GRC?
I joined Cold Harbor Lites/Richmond Encore in 1983 and CAL a few years. In 2005, I saw GRC perform at the Mosque (now the Altria Theatre), and the rest is history.
What's one of your best memories with the chorus?
Traveling to International Competitions and performing on stage.
What is something surprising or interesting you've learned as a Sweet Adeline?
The many vocal techniques that differ from each coach over the years.
How has being a member of GRC changed your life?
I've made longtime friendships with people who accept me for the wild and crazy person I am.
What's your favorite song in GRC's repertoire? Least favorite?
Favorite: "I Feel the Earth Move"
Least Favorite: "The Longest Time"
What do you do outside GRC?
I've been a rural mail carrier for 29 years and a church cantor/choir member for 47 years. U kove to go to community theater and the movies. I still have a VCR(80 tapes) and a DVD player (150), Halloween and Christmas are my favorite holidays for decorating.
And here's Emily preparing to be a pumpkin in a performance many years ago!
- April 10 Friends & Family Night!
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Date Posted: Mon, Apr 7 2025
GRC is in the home stretch of rehearsals before our regional competition later this month! Join us for Friends & Family night this Thursday, April 10 and 7:30pm at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church to get a sneak peek at our regional set.
- Member Spotlight: Kris Costa
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Date Posted: Mon, Mar 31 2025
For April's member spotlight, we're getting to know Kris Costa, who is celebrating 19 years as a Sweet Adeline! Kris sings bass, never misses a chance to boogie, and will represent GRC in the Rose Gold Quartet on the regional competition stage later this month.
How did you come to GRC?
My husband, John, retired from the Air Force in 2013 in Hawaii. We were looking for a place to retire. I wanted Maine or Alaska, he wanted Florida. Virginia was our compromise, plus Williamsburg is close to both sides of the family (D.C. and Cambridge, MD.). I also had some must-haves, and the big one was an internationally competitive S.A. Chorus. That’s why we chose Williamsburg, and GRC.
What's one of your best memories with the chorus?
One of my best memories would have to be when my daughter Brittany joined us, after moving here from Los Angeles.
What is something surprising or interesting you've learned as a Sweet Adeline?
Probably just how much there IS to learn! I came to GRC as a decent bass, but I have learned so much more about my voice, especially taking voice lessons with Vera. I’m in my 60s! I should know everything! But I found out I don’t; I’m always learning something new.
How has being a member of GRC changed your life?
I have an extended, wonderful family of sisters through GRC. Coming to rehearsal is a highlight of my week! I’ve been in five choruses, and GRC is by far my favorite.
What's your favorite song in GRC's repertoire? Least favorite?
Everyone who knows me would think I’m going to say “Popular”. I do love that song, but my favorite is “Seven Bridges Road”. My least favorite would be “It’s The Music that Brings Us Together.” An absolute dirge.
What do you do outside GRC?
I’m retired. As a military spouse I did a lot of volunteer work. I’ve held almost every position on the Officers' Spouses board.
I’m a big-time crafter: jewelry designer, sewer, embroidery artist, gingerbread house maker, ornaments, panoramic sugar eggs, etc. I have a binder full of new stuff to try. I need to live to about 150 to try everything!
Anything else you want to share?
As much as I love the chorus, my absolute favorite thing to do is quarteting. I’ve learned so much doing that, and I just love performing as a quartet.
- Generations: Free Concert April 5th!
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Date Posted: Mon, Mar 10 2025
Join us for Generations: A Concert Celebrating Treble Choirs!
GRC will join VCU's Vox Concordia, Richmond Allied Voices Treble Chorus, and Orchard House Middle School Chorus for a free public concert on Saturday, April 5th at 4pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Each ensemble will sing several selections of their own repertoire and then join in a final piece with all choirs. You know what they say: quadruple the treble, quadruple the fun! We hope to see you there.
Attachment: 
For more information, see: https://arts.vcu.edu/event/generations-a-concert-celebrating-treble-choirs/
- Meet the Members: Karen Grier
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Date Posted: Mon, Mar 3 2025
This month, we're kicking off a new series to celebrate the people that make GRC what it is. Karen Grier (pictured right) has been a Sweet Adeline since March 2002. Twenty-three years of harmony and fun! She sings lead, serves as GRC's events coordinator, and has a spreadsheet and a smile for every occasion.
How did you come to GRC?
I was driving to work and heard a commercial on the radio from Jan Owen's quartet about a Valentine's program, "Send Your Love," which is also a song, and a number to call to join the chorus. I called and spoke to Carolyn Belgrad and then attended the performance.
What's one of your best memories with the chorus?
This one is not easy but, I think my favorite moment was stepping out on stage, 2005, with a brand new director, Roger Tarpy, brand new costume, created by Diane Beckon, two new songs, and new choreography that put us back in first place. We were heading to Las Vegas and that in itself was memorable!
What is something surprising or interesting you've learned as a Sweet Adeline?
How much I love harmony. I love learning the other parts and how they fit in and how this craft works. I love Vera getting geeky with us, and numbers, and colors and the baritone section and Vera allowing us to experiment in other parts!
How has being a member of GRC changed your life?
Definitely for better. I'm older, so that helps too, but I'm leaning into change instead of fighting change and allowing it to fit me.
What's your favorite song in GRC's repertoire? Least favorite?
HAHA there are so many!!! For both. I absolutely do not like "Sweet Dreams" or "Sentimental Journey." YUK! I love the old stuff. I'm a Sweet Adeline and I love singing the old ballads. Right now, I would say "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is my favorite because when I sing it, I see the squares of us singing through COVID "together" on Zoom.
What do you do outside GRC?
I lead my women's group at my church. I have been blessed to do this. I was moderator in 2017-2019, 98 members, and then asked again for 2023-2025, 40 members. This time was a little different, maybe my age, but I feel that I grew a little more this time. To appreciate that I am human and have made mistakes but to know that I can fix them now.
Anything else you want to share?
I am 70 years old this year. I traveled to compete in the Diamond Division quartet contest last year and married the sweetest man in the world in November. I am still growing, learning, and loving life.
- Our Core Values: Joy, Education, Unity, Connection, Excellence
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Date Posted: Thu, Jan 2 2025
_(42_x_30_in).png "Our Core Values: Joy, Education, Unity, Connection, Excellence")
Our core values drive everything we do as a chorus and as individual singers. The acronym JEUCE helps remind us of each component. For more information, see: https://www.grcsings.com/dbpage.php?pg=about
