The Delmarva Chapter was organized in August 2001 as the Delmarva Womens' Barbershop Chorus by Sweet Adeline members Carol Ludwig, Barb Preece and Peggy Rogers. They had recently moved to the Berlin area, leaving choruses in PA, NJ and MD and wanted to start a local chorus. Meetings were planned every other week throughout June and July to discuss different ways to publicize the formation of the chorus and to invite prospective members to attend.
On Aug 10, 2001, Carol Ludwig's boat was decorated with banners and posters and audio music advertising the chorus, and an open house was planned for Aug 20, 2001. The first official singout was Oct 12, 2001, in Whitehorse Park for a 9-11 benefit.
After meeting the requirements for membership in Sweet Adelines International, the chorus received its charter in September 2003. Requirements include having a minimum of twenty members, the ability to do a fifteen minute quality performance of barbershop style songs, and having chapter governance and officers in place. Delmarva chartered with twenty-six members and chose a team management style of governance.
Our current Management Team is:
Director: Carol Ludwig
Team Coordinator: Carol Kastner
Education Coordinator: Ginny Stannard
Finance Coordinator: Terri Frey
Membership Coordinator: Sharon Hunt
Performance Coordinator: Jeannette Latzo
Chorus Events Coordinator: Dot Ruth
Secretary: Barb Shields
We currently have thirty-four members from Ocean Pines, Ocean City, Berlin, MD, and Sussex County, DE. Funds have been raised from local performances, and donations have been given to the American Breast Cancer Society, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Worcester G.O.L.D., and Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines. The chorus donated and erected the flagpole and the flag at the Ocean Pines Community Center. Volunteer performances have been given at Gull Creek, Berlin Nursing and Rehab Center, The Holly Center, and several others.
We meet weekly on Monday evenings from 7pm-9pm at the Ocean Pines Community Center.
