Hallelujah Quartet: Bringing Harmony to Your World
By Lauren Poster
The Hallelujah Quartet is different from almost anything Myrtle Beach has to offer. The group, members of the worldwide Sweet Adelines singing organization, offer singing telegrams and performances for a variety of occasions. Sweet Adelines, established in 1945, is dedicated to teaching and performing four-part, barbershop-style harmonies. The ladies of the Quartet are happy simply to have listeners, and often perform free of charge for nursing homes and churches.
/media/images/Hallelujah_Quartet_Myrtle_Beach_2_lo.jpgBut what is most astounding about these women is the level of their talent. Few people do what they do, or do it with such vigor. Their performances take you back to the distant happy days of the soda shop, an idle foot swinging off a stool you were too short for, and nothing but hope in your heart. It seems rare to see women performing in this style. Barbershop quartets have long evoked men in candystriped suits and straw hats, but seeing the ladies with their coordinating shawls, apple red lips and all-girl attitude puts a new face on the tradition.
The group consists of Edye Papp (the miniscule bass), Carol Clark (tenor), Diane Kane (baritone, known as “the rock”) and Kim Parks (lead). At a recent performance for a private party at the Dunes Club, Pia Kroes, an adorable Dutchwoman snowbirding from Connecticut, took lead. All members of the Quartet are a part of larger choruses within the Sweet Adelines organization along the Grand Strand.
Diane notes proudly that she has been with Sweet Adelines, in one capacity or another, for 35 years. “And I love singing," she adds. This is obvious - and better yet, it loves her, too.
/media/images/Hallelujah_Quartet_Myrtle_Beach_3_lo.jpgThe energetic Edye Papp is the contact person for the Hallelujah Quartet. To learn more about the ladies, book an event or a singing telegram, visit the Web site at hallelujahquartet.com. You can also call 843-650-0625 or e-mail Edye at hallelujahbass@yahoo.com. Performances are ridiculously reasonable (between $30 and $100), and what you’ll get is more than worth it.
Awesome story about the Sweet Adelines’ all-girl quartet! Wish I could hear them—I’m in the Nashville, TN, music business as a vocal arranger/studio singer and appreciate great harmony—barbershop is very difficult. Congratulations to these gals and to you for bringing them to our attention.
Lea Jane—Nashville, TN
Way to go Grandma Di! I didn’t know she was referred to as the rock. She’s been our rock my whole life.