Our Judges for 2012
Shirley
Kout
Sound Judge and Panel Chair
|
Shirley Kout joined Sweet Adelines
in 1961 and since that time has continued to participate in
the organization at every level. She received her 50 year
pin and lifetime membership at the 2011 Houston International
contest. She is a Master Director of two international choruses.
She “retired” from directing large international
competitive choruses 2003. She came out of retirement to direct
the Modesto’s River Lights chorus, a small chorus in
Region 12, and since that time has led them to AA Championships
and regional medals.
Shirley is a dynamic, talented musical leader and world renowned
as a musical educator and vocal coach. She is a Certified
Sound Judge receiving her certification in 1971 and has served
as Panel Chair and Judge Analyst in that program. In her judging
career she has judged many international chorus and quartet
contests and has had the privilege of judging in every region.
She has also served on the Sweet Adeline’s International
Faculty for 40 years. Her teaching and organizational skill
building techniques are widely sought after by barbershop
quartets, choruses and individuals. During her career she
has competed regionally and internationally both as chorus
member, chorus director, and quartet performer.
In 1985 the Greater Dallas Chorus (International Medalists)
and her Star Attraction Quartet toured New Zealand, Australia
and Hawaii bringing top level performances and educational
assistance to the newly formed choruses in those areas. Since
that time she has been an annual traveler to New Zealand coaching
and teaching and accepting the position of coach in residence,
visiting every chorus in the country. She has been involved
with the New Zealand Young Women in Harmony program, judging
area and national contests and visiting many schools to encourage
barbershop youth programs.
Shirley is a private vocal teacher with studios in several
northern California cities. She is a consummate student—attending
workshops and seminars to hone her musical skills and then
sharing that knowledge with others. She is the mother of three
adult married sons, grandmother of 12, great grandmother of
1 and friend to many.
|
Jana
Gutenson
Music Judge
|
Jana
Gutenson has been a member of Sweet Adelines since 1984, but
barbershop has been in her life since birth! Her mother received
her 60-yr. membership pin with SAI in Seattle, and father
was a 3-time International Chorus Champion with the Pekin
Chorus of SPEBSQSA (now BHS).
Jana joined the Scottsdale Chorus in 1987, and has served
as baritone section leader and member of the Music Team under
both Bev Sellers and Lori Lyford, directors. She is a front
row dancer, Certified Assistant Director and in-house coach
for Scottsdale, winning 3 International Chorus Championships
with the chorus in 1989, 2005 and 2010. Jana has sung baritone
in Internationally competitive quartets, placing in the top
ten with Affinity in 2008.
Jana has been a member of the International Judging Program
since 2005 and is currently serving as Education Coordinator
for Region 21. She serves as a member of the International
Regional Leadership Committee for 2011-2012.
Jana has a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, bachelor
degrees in Marketing and Music Education, and “the best
job on earth” teaching elementary general music in the
Chandler Unified School District in Chandler, AZ! Jana has
four grown sons, two cats and a wonderful life in her beautiful
desert home in Arizona!
|
Char
Gurney
Expression Judge |
Though
Char grew up in a family that travelled around Texas singing
southern gospel music, her first exposure to barbershop harmony
was singing in a high school ensemble called "The BeautyShoppers"
that sang mostly Chordettes songs. It wasn't until the late
60's that her barbershop husband convinced her to attend a
rehearsal with the Sweet Adelines in Rochester, NY.; she was
hooked immediately! When the family moved to Ohio in the 70's,
she sang with Columbus Chorus until helping form Scioto Valley
Chorus in 1988. During those years she served Region #4 as
Regent and DMA and worked on many international committees,
was an International Faculty member and now a Certified Expression
Judge.
She is currently the co-director, with daughter Kerry Denino
(baritone of the 2006 Queens of Harmony, Spotlight) of the
Scioto Valley Chorus, 2011 International Fourth Place Medalists.
Son-in-law Steve was a two-time 2nd place medalist with Uptown
Sound and sings with 10-year old Nick in The Alliance Chorus.
Granddaughter Amanda attends everything with her mom (another
one who soaks up everything) but is spending her spare time
in an award-winning high school band. When Char is not with
her family, she is enjoying her new retirement years coaching
quartets and choruses.
|
Sue
Beck
Showmanship Judge |
A Monday
night in September 1972 changed my life forever – that’s
when I found Sweet Adelines International! I joined the Sound
Cities Chorus in Everett, WA; 7 years later I transferred
to Lakeside, and 9 years later founded Pacific Sound Chorus.
In 2005 discussion started with some close friends around
building a new chorus Everett (again) and so I became a founder
again - of Voices Northwest and this time I decided to try
my hand at directing as well.
I’ve been blessed to sing in several quartets with good
friends – Seattle Times (1986 – 1994), Legacy
(1995-96), and SoundDesign (1999 – 2004). What a great
ride!!! My involvement with the organization spans all levels
of governance starting at the chorus level, the going to regional,
then to international. I’ve served on the international
board of directors twice, as certified faculty member, as
certified Showmanship judge, as a member of the Education
Direction Committee (EDC), as International Membership Chair,
and one of my favorites – the “CompuJudge Task
Force” with Beth Smith and Lea Beverley.
I have two grown and married children one of whom has 3 PERFECT
children making me “Mamma Sue”. Daughter Erin
and husband live in Seattle, son Erik and family live in Kirkland.
I’m VERY lucky and blessed to have them so close by!
Monday through Friday (and sometimes more) I work as the internal
communicator for the KC-46 Tanker program at the Boeing Company.
This particular program is based in Harbour Pointe (Mukilteo)
right on the water. A beautiful site and a fabulous job that
I love!
What a treat to be “right here at home” in Spokane
for Region 24’s contest! Thanks for your fabulous hospitality
and sisterhood!!!
|
Kate
Veeder
Panel Secretary |
Kate Veeder resides
in Motuoapa, New Zealand and travels 2 1/2 hours each way
to chorus rehearsal each week. She sings in the Waikato Rivertones
Chorus. Born, raised and educated in New Zealand, Kate spent
decades living overseas, mostly in third world countries.
Kate is married to Joe who hails from Iowa. They spend six
months each year in New Zealand and six months split between
North Carolina and Florida. The Veeders have 2 adult children
and 3 grandchildren.
Kate is the appointed chair of the Young Singers Foundation,
one of two charitable arms of Sweet Adelines International.
The passion of the Veeders in their retired lives is volunteering
their time to benefit young people, extensive travel, the
beach, swimming and reading. Kate is thrilled to be coming
to Region 24 as your Panel Secretary.
|
|
|
