Vallee de Croix

Photo: Jon Petersen

The award-winning Vallee de Croix chorus, directed by Derek Glenna.

Forty women dolled up in swanky black gowns take the stage. They arrange themselves on risers and calmly wait for their cue, eyes trained on their director. An infinitesimal gesture from him is all it takes, and the ladies burst into song. Shaking their hips in synchronized choreography, the group moves and sings together as one—making an a cappella chorus look like a whole lot of fun.

Based in Stillwater, the Vallee de Croix ladies have been gracing listeners with their four-part harmonies since 1983. The chorus, whose members hail from Woodbury to St. Croix Falls, is one of 600 chapters of Sweet Adelines International, an organization of more than 30,000 women all over the world who sing textured a cappella chords in unison. The Sweet Adelines began in 1945 when barbershop quartets were all the rage, bringing to the 40s what boy bands brought to radio waves in the 90s.

Singing in the barbershop style means that the chorus divides itself into four parts: sopranos, altos, tenors and baritones (striped vests and Dapper Dan straw hats not required). Together, the Vallee de Croix ladies sing a variety of songs, ranging from classics like “Happy Together” to soul songs like, “When I Lift Up My Head.” To bring these songs to life, the chorus embellishes the art of performance with costuming, makeup and choreography. They enjoy performing in community concerts, but they also contend for international recognition.

Last year, the ladies traveled to Rochester, Minn. and competed in a regional contest for mid-sized choruses, winning second place medals. The awards added more collateral to the already-expanding trophy case, victories that ought to be attributed to the camaraderie and friendship these women share.

“You come for the music, you stay for the people,” says Marlys Bronson of Woodbury, who’s been singing with Vallee de Croix since 1986. “It’s like a sisterhood.”

Vallee de Croix has earned the reputation of an award-winning chorus ever since its debut, traveling to cities like Phoenix and Detroit to represent its region and compete for international recognition. In 2000, the group was selected as one of four choruses to represent the U.S., competing at the Austrian Alps Performing Arts Festival in Kitzbuhel and Innsbruck, Austria.

“This group of women is like no other,” says Vallee de Croix director, Derek Glenna, who’s been leading the group since June of 2010 when former director, Patricia Rygg, stepped down. “Their passion for music and love for one another is alive and well. They are a team, and no member is left behind.”       

Woodbury resident Sheryl Dentinger, public relations director and member of Vallee de Croix, agrees with the observations of her director. “The women in this group are music lovers, and when they sing together, you can see them grow,” she says.

Dentinger recalls her first Monday night rehearsal with the chorus at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stillwater. Every ounce of her stress evaporated, her shoulders relaxed, and her breaths between chords came easier. To this day, Dentinger considers her participation in Vallee de Croix a chance to accomplish two things: connect with friends and sing as a form of therapy.

“I can’t imagine not singing with this group,” says Kristi Kelly of Woodbury, who’s been participating in the chorus for the past five years. Kelly discovered Vallee de Croix in a newspaper ad, auditioned for a place among the women, and hasn’t looked back. “The barbershop harmony, the education and the relationships—those qualities are something I can’t live without now.”

&

Vallee de Croix encourages women of any age to audition for a place in its chorus. The group also offers six-week community education courses for those who simply want a tutorial on barbershop-style singing and choreography. More information about auditioning and education, as well as an events calendar, can be found on the Vallee de Croix website.

Share this Article

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•