Sweet harmony in Covington

They've just won the Sweet Adelines International Regional Competition. What will the Cincinnati Sound Chorus do now?

Answer: They're going to Hawaii.

The 85-member strong Cincinnati Sound Chorus, directed by Lynn Hartmuth (pictured), won first place in the Sweet Adelines East Central Region No.4 Competition held at Covington's Northern Kentucky Convention Center over the weekend. Competing against 1,000 singers from four states, the chorus, which sings barbershop harmony, earned first place in all four categories: sound, music, expression and showmanship.

"It's nice for Cincinnati that we won," says new member Robyn Allgeyer, whose day job is communications director for Princeton City Schools. "We did a cheer that ends with 'aloha' onstage when we were medaled Sunday."

The win will qualify the chorus to compete in the 2008 International Competition in Honolulu. Judges' comments ranged from "Great vocal skills" to "Lovely costumes and makeup," says Price Hill singer Beverly Cunningham, who also serves on the choreography team.

Cincinnati Sound Chorus formed in January, when the Queen City and Seven Hills choruses merged. The chorus welcomes new members as it prepares to go to Hawaii. Upcoming performances include Summerfair, a Cincinnati Reds performance in June and other appearances. The chorus rehearses weekly at the Valley Temple, Wyoming. For information, visit www.cincinnatisound.org.