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Buffalo, NY – October 2025 – The Buffalo Gateway Sweet Adeline Chorus proudly returned home from the Sweet Adelines International Competition in Columbus, Ohio, earning a prestigious 10th place medal on the world stage.

This global competition brought together the finest women’s barbershop choruses from around the world, and Buffalo Gateway rose to the top with a powerful semifinal performance that deeply moved the audience with its emotional ballad, followed by a joy-filled, high-energy uptune that celebrated the essence of a “Wonderful Day.”

After advancing to the Finals – a milestone achievement in itself – the chorus wowed the crowd once again with a theatrical and creative performance as a deck of playing cards, complete with a dramatic twist: the long-lost Queen of Hearts was finally found and reunited with her King! The audience responded with laughter, cheers, and applause as the chorus brought their story – and their harmony – to life.

“We’re incredibly proud to represent our region and the Sweet Adelines organization at such a high level,” said Angie Spencer, Communications Director, “To be ranked among the top ten choruses in the world is an honor that reflects the passion, talent, and dedication of every member of Buffalo Gateway.”

Buffalo Gateway Chorus has long been recognized for its rich musicality, innovative storytelling, and deep commitment to the art of barbershop harmony. With over 80 members, the chorus continues to thrive as a competitive ensemble and a vibrant musical community in Western New York.

As proud ambassadors of the Sweet Adelines International organization, Buffalo Gateway Chorus celebrates this milestone with gratitude, harmony, and a joyful spirit — and looks ahead to the music and memories still to come.

About Buffalo Gateway Chorus
Buffalo Gateway Chorus is a dynamic, award-winning women’s barbershop chorus based in Western New York and a proud member of Sweet Adelines International. Known for their musical excellence, creativity, and camaraderie, the chorus performs locally and competes internationally. New members are always welcome.

BUFFALO, NY – The Buffalo Gateway Chorus is proud to announce that we are headed to Columbus, Ohio in October 2025 to compete in the Sweet Adelines International Competition as the Region 17 Chorus Champions!

Under the masterful direction of Diane Porsch, our members are working diligently to perfect our performance—making sure every chord rings, every face smiles, and every lyric tells a story. It’s not just about singing; it’s about connecting with our audience and each other through the power of barbershop harmony.

We recently had the honor of performing our contest package as outgoing champions at the Region 17 Quartet and Chorus Competition. It was a special moment to take the stage and share what we've been working on as we pass the regional torch—and prepare to represent Region 17 on the international stage.

Buffalo Gateway was proudly represented by five outstanding chapter quartets at the regional event:

• 🎤 AfterGlow

• 🎤 Starlight – Congratulations on receiving the “Most Improved Quartet” award!

• 🎤 Ladies First

• 🎤 Sunny Side Up

• 🎤 Silver Belles

Each of these quartets brought energy, passion, and incredible talent to the stage, showing the strength and depth of our chorus community.

As we continue on this exciting journey toward Columbus 2025, we extend heartfelt thanks to our families, friends, and supporters. Your encouragement fuels our passion and keeps us inspired every step of the way.

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to share our sound, our story, and our spirit with the world!

#BuffaloGatewayChorus #SweetAdelinesInternational #Columbus2025 #Region17Champs #HarmonyFromTheHeart

BUFFALO GATEWAY CHORUS TRIUMPHS AT GREAT LAKES HARMONY REGION 17 CONTEST AND CONVENTION
BUFFALO, NY, JUNE 2024

THE BUFFALO GATEWAY CHORUS IS THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THEIR RECENT VICTORY AT THE GREAT LAKES HARMONY REGION 17 CONTEST AND CONVENTION, HELD IN CLEVELAND, OHIO, IN MAY 2024.THE CHORUS, CELEBRATING ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR, SECURED FIRST PLACE IN THE REGION WITH AN IMPRESSIVE SCORE OF 635. THIS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT HAS RANKED THEM TENTH INTERNATIONALLY ACCORDING TO THE WORLDWIDE RESULTS RELEASED BY SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL. THE SCORE HAS EARNED THE CHORUS A COVETED INVITATION TO COMPETE INTERNATIONALLY IN OCTOBER 2025 IN COLUMBUS, OHIO.

THE BUFFALO GATEWAY CHORUS'S SUCCESS IS THE RESULT OF 12 TO 24 MONTHS OF FOCUSED PREPARATION, WHICH INCLUDES WEEKLY REHEARSALS, SECTIONAL REHEARSALS, PERSONAL PRACTICE, AND VOCAL AND VISUAL COACHING. THE DEDICATED EFFORTS OF ALL MEMBERS HAVE CULMINATED IN THIS REMARKABLE ACCOMPLISHMENT.

"WE ARE TREMENDOUSLY PROUD OF OUR CHORUS'S PERFORMANCE AND EAGERLY ANTICIPATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPETE ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE IN 2025," SAID A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE BUFFALO GATEWAY CHORUS. "OUR EXCITEMENT AND ANTICIPATION ARE PALPABLE AS WE CONTINUE TO PREPARE FOR THIS PRESTIGIOUS EVENT."

CONTESTS ARE ADJUDICATED BY FOUR JUDGES, EACH SPECIALIZING IN ONE OF THE FOUR CATEGORIES THAT COMPRISE THE OVERALL SCORE: SOUND, MUSIC, EXPRESSION, AND VISUAL COMMUNICATION. EACH COMPETING ORGANIZATION HAS THE POTENTIAL TO EARN 100 POINTS PER CATEGORY PER SONG, WITH A TOTAL POSSIBLE SCORE OF 800 POINTS FOR A PERFORMANCE.

SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL, FOUNDED IN 1945, IS DEDICATED TO PRESERVING AND ELEVATING THE AMERICAN ART FORM OF 4-PART A CAPPELLA HARMONY IN THE BARBERSHOP STYLE. THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, COMMITTED TO MUSIC EDUCATION, IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST SINGING ORGANIZATIONS, ENCOMPASSING MORE THAN 25,000 MEMBERS, 1,200 REGISTERED QUARTETS, AND 600 CHORUSES GLOBALLY. 

THE BUFFALO GATEWAY CHORUS IS A VOLUNTEER-LED, MEMBERSHIP-BASED CHORAL ORGANIZATION OFFERING A YEAR-ROUND SELF-PACED "SOFT" AUDITION PROCESS. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN SINGING WITH THE AWARD-WINNING BUFFALO GATEWAY CHORUS ARE INVITED TO RSVP FOR THEIR UPCOMING GUEST OPEN HOUSE ON OCTOBER 2ND TO LEARN MORE. THE CHORUS IS CURRENTLY AUDITIONING WOMEN FOR ALL VOICE PARTS, WELCOMING ALL LEVELS OF MUSICAL EXPERIENCE.

Buffalo Gateway Chorus Celebrates 60 Years of Harmony and Excellence

BUFFALO, NY – In 2024, the Buffalo Gateway Chorus proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of musical excellence, camaraderie, and community impact. Chartered in 1964, this award-winning nonprofit organization has become a cornerstone of the Western New York arts scene, bringing together over 90 talented women singers who share a passion for barbershop harmony.

Throughout its illustrious history, the Buffalo Gateway Chorus has been a beacon of creativity and dedication, consistently achieving high honors in regional and international competitions. Their commitment to preserving and advancing the art of a cappella singing has not only earned them numerous accolades but also a special place in the hearts of audiences across the region.

This milestone year is not just a celebration of past achievements but also a look forward to the future. The Buffalo Gateway Chorus continues to inspire and empower women through music, providing a space for members to hone their skills, form lasting friendships, and share the joy of singing with the community.

"Our 60th anniversary is a testament to the enduring spirit and dedication of every member, past and present," said Angie Spencer, PR Coordinator for the chorus.. "We are excited to celebrate this milestone with the community that has supported us for so many years and look forward to many more years of making beautiful music together."

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the chorus will host a series of special events, including performances, workshops, and community outreach initiatives designed to engage both long-time fans and newcomers alike. These events will culminate in a grand anniversary concert, showcasing the chorus’s rich history and vibrant future.

The Buffalo Gateway Chorus invites everyone to join them in celebrating 60 years of harmony, sisterhood, and service to the Western New York community. 

About Buffalo Gateway Chorus

Founded in 1964, the Buffalo Gateway Chorus is a premier women's a cappella ensemble based in Western New York. With a membership of over 90 women, the chorus is dedicated to excellence in barbershop harmony and has earned numerous awards for its performances. The Buffalo Gateway Chorus is a proud member of Sweet Adelines International, an organization committed to advancing the art form of barbershop harmony through education, competition, and performance.