Today we’d like to introduce you to Marsha Adelson.
Hi Marsha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Clustered Spires Chorus was chartered in 1996 as a chapter of Sweet Adelines International (now known as Sing United International), a women’s educational organization for performing and promoting the art of a cappella singing in the barbershop style. Over the years, our small chorus has had as few as 12 members and as many as 28, our current size.
We have performed at numerous locations and for different organizations in Frederick County, Maryland, and the surrounding area. In addition, we compete annually against other Sing United International (SUI) choruses in our region, which includes Maryland, Delaware and parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. At the 2025 competition, Clustered Spires Chorus received a medal for the 3rd Place Small Chorus (12-25 members), the first medal earned in the history of our group.
Some of our favorite performances are for local nursing homes, senior centers, libraries, etc. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas each year, we walk through the streets of downtown Frederick and sing to the passing shoppers, residents and businesses. Every few years we also produce a longer show that is open to the public as part of our commitment to educating people about barbershop singing and to recruit new members.
We are a very welcoming group of women and are delighted to have others come and join us.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As with most volunteer choruses, we have struggled with falling and rising membership throughout the years. Since we are an educational nonprofit, we have often had times of financial concerns, but the community has always been supportive of our group through attending performances, making donations and providing grants. And, of course, our members are asked to pay dues to help cover costs, as well as registration with our parent organization.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The Clustered Spires Chorus is primarily about singing and sharing our love of music with others. Barbershop harmony is an American music genre that began in the late 1800’s. Even today, many people are unfamiliar with the unique sound and harmony of the style.
We are known for being a very welcoming group and are open to women of all ages, races, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, etc. If you sing in the treble clef, we would love to have you come visit and see if you want to join us! But we are also more than just a chorus. We are friends, a sisterhood, and a support system for other women.
We are proud to be a part of Sing United International, an organization with chapters/choruses all over the world, from Australia to Scandinavia, the United Kingdom to Japan, and more.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Frederick is a wonderful city for many reasons: its historical significance, diversity, great music and arts scene, retail and dining opportunities, and its beauty!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clusteredspires.org
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100059757865141
