VISION:
 Empowering voices for joyful a cappella harmony

MISSION STATEMENT:

Singers dedicated to education, performance, and competition
to champion the barbershop craft

Our Story

Grand Rapids Chorus Sweet Adelines (GRSA) is an energetic A Cappella chorus of more than 60 women, who perform 4-part harmony in the barbershop style of music. We have entertained countless audiences with everything from big stage productions to smaller venues at festivals, parks, and senior communities. We have also enjoyed concert tours of the Netherlands, Italy, France, Russia, and most recently represented the State of Michigan at the 80th Commemoration of Pearl Harbor in December 2021 and a four-concert tour of Ireland and Northern Ireland in September 2024.

We have an extensive repertoire from up-tempo songs with choreography to ballads and contemporary music to songs from our youth. We are part of Sweet Adelines International (SAI), which is a world-wide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education, performances, and competition.

GRSA is under the direction of Musiic Director Holli Houtz. She received her undergraduate degree in music education from Western Michigan University (WMU). She is an experienced music educator, director, and performer.

While at WMU, She studied classical voice and was a member and section leader of Gold Company, which won the Monterey Jazz Festival Next Generation award for Top College Vocal Ensembles.

Holli has also won top regional and international barbershop awards, while singing with two quartets.  She is an International Rising Star Champion (Sweet Adelines International ages 25 and under) with Cosmic quartet. She is also a three-time SAI Regional Champion with Girl Talk quartet, which includes her mother. Girl Talk is also the 2023 Pioneer District Champion in the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) and has represented both their Region and District at international competitions in each organization."

Holli is no stranger to chorus singing, having had the privilege of singing and competing with the international top 10 chorus, Motor City Blend (MCB). While singing with MCB, she served as a baritone section leader and occasionally assisted in leading rehearsals.

“I first sang on stage with my family quartet when I was five years old,” she explained.  “For family vacations we went to barbershop events.  My love and passion for barbershop, singing with family members, and community has always been very special for me.”

As for her mission, “I love working with motivated individuals who want to make beautiful and artistic music. There is nothing better than the joy and community created by singing together.  Singing is my passion and supporting and encouraging others on their musical journey is my mission.” 

Holli co-directs an award-winning, gender inclusive chorus in the Pioneer District of BHS named MI-X based in southeast Michigan. She also has her own business producing music learning tracks, arranging, coaching, and giving private voice lessons."

SAI is an independent nonprofit education association. Come Sing with Us or Book Us.