Chorus Leaders

The Management Team Leader, as head of the Management Team, is generally responsible for the overall adminiistrative function of the chorus as well as ensuring the chorus By-Laws are kept current to reflect actual chorus operations and are implemented as written.  This requires a comprehensive understanding of how the chorus operates both independently as a chapter and in concert with the rules and policies of both Region 19 and Sweet Adelines International. Some specific duties include: preparing agendas for and leading each Team Business Meeting, generally held on a monthly basis; preparing a draft budget for each fiscal year; ensuring chorus business can be effectively and efficiently carried out by designated committees; and overseeing tasks needed to be accomplished  to ensure the chorus can compete in the annual regional competition.

The Treasurer is an officer of the Management Team and is responsible for invoicing members for dues and fees, collecting income from dues, performances and other fund raising events, maintaining an accurate account of all income and expenses paid, and managing the chorus bank accounts.

Since 2004, Robin Blythe has directed the Clustered Spires Chorus. Under her leadership, the chorus is growing and enjoying every minute of it.

Robin began singing with the Tokyo Sweet Adelines Chorus in the early '80s while her husband was stationed in Japan. Later, she sang bass with the Metro Nashville Chorus in Region 23 and competed with them at International in Salt Lake City. During Robin's time in Nashville, she also qualified as a Certified Director in the Sweet Adelines organization.

After a move to the Virginia Beach area, she directed the Virginia Coast Chorus (Region 14) for three years. Her husband's retirement brought the Blythes to Montgomery County, Maryland, where Robin taught K-8 Music, 5th grade social studies, and K-2 computer at St. Martin's School in Gaithersburg. She also joined the Maryland Harmony Chorus (Region 19). Upon the retirement of the legendary Fred King, Robin was selected to direct the Dundalk Chorus, leading that group for the next three years.

When the opportunity arose to direct the Hometowne, USA Chorus of the men's Barbershop Harmony Society, she was ready for the challenge. Under her leadership and direction, the chorus returned to the competition stage and won "Most Improved." Robin is one of the few female Certified Directors in the men's organization.

In September 2011, she began directing the Catoctone Chorus, the Frederick Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

Robin's goals for the Clustered Spires Chorus are to sing well, perform often, compete yearly, increase the size of chorus, and most of all, to have fun. Whenever possible, she attends educational opportunities provided by the Region or by International, and she strongly encourages the chorus membership to do likewise. She says, "You can't grow if you don't know."

The Assistant Director is appointed by the Director to provide opportunities for training and assistance in preparation for serving in the capacity of Director in the Director's absence..  This person is generally musically literate, has experieince in womens' barbershop, and may be interested in someday becoming a Director.

The Treasurer is an officer of the Management Team and is responsible for invoicing members for dues and fees, collecting income from dues, performances and other fund raising events, maintaining an accurate account of all income and expenses paid, and managing the chorus bank accounts.