Kathleen Ware's blog

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Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! – Oi, Oi, Oi!

The cheer squads from down under were in overdrive at the Greater Columbus Convention Centre (Ohio USA) for this year’s Sweet Adelines International competition. They may have been massively outnumbered by the North American audience members, but they more than made up for that minor impediment with their Olympic-sports-stadium-style welcomes to each of the Aussie performances that graced the stage. And why not? After all, this is indeed the world championships in the extreme sport of women’s barbershop singing. 

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Circular Keys Chorus in Columbus for Sweet Adelines International 2025!

Twenty members of Circular Keys Chorus and six OOTERS (Out of Towners) have arrived in Columbus, Ohio, to attend the Sweet Adelines International 2025 Convention this week. The chorus will compete in the Chorus Semifinals on Thursday, 23 October, while Alouette Quartet will take the stage in the Quartet Semifinals on Wednesday.

Excitement is high, even with a touch of jet lag after the long journey from Australia. Rehearsals are already in full swing as everyone prepares for the big performances at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in downtown Columbus, where more than 8,000 attendees are expected.

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Quartets Shine at Barbershop Harmony Australia Competition

Two quartets from Circular Keys Chorus recently showcased their talent at the Barbershop Harmony Australia Eastern Region Competition, held on 24 May at the Cherrybrook Community Centre.

Alouette delivered an outstanding performance, earning 1st place in the Women’s Divisionand taking home 1st place overall in the quartet category. Meanwhile, Kephi also impressed the judges and audience alike, securing a strong 2nd place in the Women’s Division.

Both quartets are celebrating their success and proud to represent Circular Keys Chorus on the BHA stage.

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Gold in Hobart!

Take a bow – Vicki, Kaity, Diane and Crystal. We knew you were going to wow the judges in Hobart when you gave us a preview performance before setting off for this year’s national competition. We held our breath then as you cast a musical spell over us at a recent rehearsal, and we held our breath again when we watched the live stream of your stunning performance on stage in Hobart.

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On course for Ohio

Sweet Adelines choruses from all over the world are now in full preparation mode as this year’s international competition looms large, and Circular Keys Chorus is one of them! The 2025 International Convention and Competition will be held on 20-25 October in Columbus, Ohio, USA. CKC will be competing as a ‘wildcard’ entry, after finishing second in last year’s Region 34 (Australian) competition. Redland Rhapsody, from Queensland, will also be there as the 2024 Region 34 overall winner.

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Ohio Here We Go

It’s official! Circular Keys Chorus is going to Ohio USA to compete in the 2025 Sweet Adelines International Convention. The Chorus will hit the stage in Columbus, Ohio October 20 - 25 to compete against other Sweet Adelines choruses from around the globe. We are very excited to start work on two brand new songs, especially arranged for us to present in Ohio. There will be many hours of preparation and rehearsal between now and next October, but we are up for the challenge.

Fund raising is about to begin with a Sausage Sizzle at Castle Hill Bunnings on Saturday 2 November. So come down and see us for a delicious sausage sandwich and a drink from our stall and help us on our journey to Ohio.

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It must be spring!

Blossoms on trees, warmth in the breeze, love in the air, delights everywhere. Spring is always an invigorating time of year and this year it started earlier than ever.

There was no better way to kick off the season of new beginnings than with the wedding of Kaity and Courtney. They tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony on 16th August. CKC was there to serenade the gathering with two songs, and the married couple of barely 5 minutes stepped back into the chorus for the performances.  

We also welcomed Lea Beverley in August for an evening of coaching. Lea is an international expression judge and Sweet Adelines International coach, based in Seattle.

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‘All the colours of the rainbow’ at Fremantle 2024

‘It was like all the colours of the rainbow had come together in the most shimmering, electrifying sound’. That was how one audience member described our rendition of ‘Don’t rain on my parade’ at the close of this year’s Sweet Adelines Australia competition. 

And why wouldn’t we have sung this big, fabulous song with all the exuberance and attitude of Barbara Streisand as she steams across New York Harbour with total conviction in her purpose? That was us on Saturday night in the Parade of Champions. We came – we sang – we competed. And we rocked after our second place in the AA division, and second overall position in Australia!

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NEWS

30 October, 2025 - 00:35
The cheer squads from down under were in overdrive at the Greater Columbus Convention Centre (Ohio USA) for... more
20 October, 2025 - 12:43
Twenty members of Circular Keys Chorus and six OOTERS (Out of Towners) have arrived in Columbus, Ohio, to... more
4 June, 2025 - 16:41
Two quartets from Circular Keys Chorus recently showcased their talent at the Barbershop Harmony Australia... more