Directors

Sandy Cahill - Director

Sandy says there was nothing other than music that she ever wanted to do. Singing and music have always been an important part of her life.

In 1988 she and her new husband left her native New York to return to his hometown - Portland. Sandy knew nothing about Sweet Adelines, but she went to a rehearsal of the Blue Lake Chorus* and immediately fell in love with the music and the director, who was "funny and warm and smart about music" (hmmm, that sounds like Sandy). Sandy says, "Since the day I walked in the door, there hasn't been a day I haven't been involved in the organization. Sweet Adelines is an integral part of who I am."

At regional competitions, Sandy has lead Cascade Harmony Chorus to one second place and two first place medals in the mid-sized chorus division and second, third, and fourth place overall medals.

Marge Mitts - Assistant Director

A cappella music has been part of Marge's life for as long as she can remember. Her church's music was all sung without accompaniment so to her, it was the natural way to sing.

In 1970, she started singing bass with Cascade harmony (then called Barlow Trail.) She has been an enthusiastic member ever since, becoming our assistant director in 1991. To increase her performance opportunities, she also sings in a quartet with two other Cascade Harmony members and one of her daughters-in-law.

Marge has always found time for Sweet Adelines while raising five children, being active in her church, and working at various jobs, including eight years as a pie baker at Shari's! She tells those who say they'd love to join a Sweet Adelines chorus but don't have time, "If you don't have time to sing, you're just too darned busy. You need music in your life to keep yourself balanced."

Charlie Brown - Assistant Director

Charlie Brown has been a Sweet Adeline since 1984. She first sang with Blue Lake Chorus and served as assistant director under Yvonne Whedon. She now sings with Pride of Portland Chorus as well as Cascade Harmony.

Charlie has sung in eight registered quartets and won first place in Region 24 with Indigo Blue in 1991 and Take Note in 2005. She currently sings bass with WKBS.

Charlie, a certified director, directs Gold Country Chorus, which is the chorus made up of past quartet champions.

In her other life, she is a registered nurse at Providence Milwaukie Hospital, where she works in the operating room. She has two children, Lisa and David, and one grandson, Billie, who is the light of her life.

Charlie is so happy to be a member of Cascade Harmony Chorus and thrilled that Sandy has asked her to be an assistant director.

*In 2000, Blue Lake and Willamette Sound choruses became Pride of Portland.