Long-running women’s chorus is still singing

Catch Valley Voices singing throughout the holidays

For over a quarter of a century, women in Moab’s “Valley Voices” have gathered to learn and perform songs for the community—and occasionally compete. The group is making a public appearance this holiday season on December 2 during the holiday craft fair at the Moab Arts and Recreation Center (the craft fair runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the group will perform at 11 a.m.)

Dedicated member Marian Eason joined the group in 1982. She took a minute to recount the history of the group, referencing a binder with documents dating back to 1978 when they became an official charter member of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide organization for women’s barbershop and a cappella music. For five years from 1984-1989, the group competed across the region from Salt Lake to Grand Junction, learning two songs specifically for each competition: one ballad and one uptune (defined by Sweet Adelines as a faster song). During competitions, Valley Voices members would wear matching costumes for entertainment value, and were scored on their looks and choreography, in addition to the accuracy of their singing and balance of voices.

While many singers get their start in high school or church choir, Eason said this type of singing—barbershop and a cappella—is different, with a huge learning curve. The way the music is written is different, and members have to learn their specific parts, from the lead (melody) to the upper harmony (tenor), to the baritone and bass.

“You learn as you go for a while,” Eason said of the effort each member must make to learn their parts.

While the group never made a big splash in the larger competitions, as they were novice when they started, they did receive a “most improved” mention. It’s worthy to note that this small yet mighty sisterhood of women was up against larger groups of up to 200 members. At its largest, the Valley Voices chorus reached 28 members in 1986-87. At one point, the group only had 8 members, which led Eason and others to consider quitting. However, new interests and new members keep the group alive. The group currently has 12 members.

“As long as we can, we’ll get together to sing,” Eason said.

Competition was just one slice of the activity of the group. Around town, they offered Valentine’s Day songs to couples at $10 a song, traveling to perform upwards of 50 times from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Valentine’s day. They’ve gifted the delight of song to Seekhaven, the Canyonlands Care Center, and the Senior Center.

Valley Voices meets every other week to practice; they also get together monthly for a social lunch.

“As a group, we look out for each other,” Eason said.

Recently, members have been meeting more to prepare for holiday gigs. In addition to their performance at the Holiday Craft Fair on Dec. 2, Valley Voices will also perform at Red Cliffs Lodge during the holiday season.