We in Surrey Harmony have been fortunate to have two wonderful Sweet Adeline coaches this year – and it’s only April. This time it’s been Åse Hagerman from Sweden.

A Master Director, Åse took her former Chorus Sunlight to the silver medal position at International in 1999. She’s now enjoying a new Chorus - Alba Show Chorus, as well as a new quartet Tango, so as always she’s a very busy Adeline!

We love Åse’s style of coaching – as one member put it – “infectious enthusiasm” On our second day with her Åse did voice placement with the Surrey Harmony group travelling to the World Championships in Las Vegas in October. It was just fascinating to watch and listen.

“I’ve tried all the theories” Åse told us. “Now I just listen with my ear”. She started with our Bass section. It was amazing to see how Åse took the various voices and put them in different positions to make the sound blend and strengthen at the same time. “Do you hear what I hear?” she asked the rest of us. Well in truth not always. Her ear is obviously so much more sensitive than some of ours. But on those occasions when we could hear the difference, it was simply amazing.

Next it was the Baritones. Deborah was told she simply radiated energy around the section, and there was a surprise for Emma who was asked to join the front row. For once shocked into silence, she managed to squeak “I’ll try”, and then showed what a true Diva she is! Our tenors were next. Our SH-ooter Ann Chambers found herself on one side of the Chorus then the other as Åse worked to get the right balance. But when she did our Tenors “shimmered beautifully”.

Finally it was the lead section which is the biggest of course. Our President Sarah were asked to stand at the end of a row because of her ’beautiful face’. “I like beautiful faces on the outside” Åse told us, prompting some wag to ask “are we the ugly ones in the middle”?

How does Åse do manage to hear all our unique voices and make them blend to get the best result? Well it’s a gift and when we all sang together in our new formation for the first time we all realised just what a gift it is. We could all appreciate how much bigger and better we sounded. We got goose pimples and the hair on the backs of necks stood up. It was a wonderful confidence boost for Las Vegas. So thanks for a wonderful two days Åse, please come back soon.