Sweet Adelines International Reveals New Name and Reimagined Brand in 80th Year

For generations, the words Sweet Adelines have meant more than the mere name of an organization. They've represented lifelong friendships, musical excellence, unforgettable performances, and a shared commitment to preserving and advancing the uniquely American art form of barbershop harmony.

Now, after more than 80 years, our parent organization is entering an exciting new chapter.
Sweet Adelines International is now SingUnited International.

Founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1945, Sweet Adelines International began as a small group of women brought together by a love of singing. Over eight decades, that vision has grown into the world's largest international barbershop and a cappella organization for women, connecting thousands of singers across the globe through education, performance, competition, and community.

While the name is changing, the heart of the organization is not.

The new name reflects a vision for the future—one that welcomes the next generation of singers while honoring the traditions and values that have defined the organization since its founding.
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"We spent a lot of time and effort asking our members what they wanted from this organization," said International President JD Crowe. "Their feedback tells us they value our core principles—musical excellence, education, and community—while also wanting a bolder image for the next generation of singers."

The name SingUnited International was intentionally chosen to reflect both the worldwide reach of the organization and the extraordinary unity that happens when voices come together in harmony. It captures what members have always known: our greatest strength has never been our name alone—it has been the people standing beside us on the risers.
For members, very little is changing.

We will continue to proudly call ourselves Sweet Adelines. The friendships remain. The education remains. The competitions remain. The ringing chords, the laughter, the coaching weekends, the standing ovations, and the lifelong memories remain.
As the organization shared with members:

New Name. Same Harmony. Same Heart.
Behind the scenes, SingUnited International has equipped choruses around the world with updated branding resources, messaging guides, creative assets, FAQs, and logos to help ensure a thoughtful and unified transition. Over the coming months, members will begin seeing the new name appear on websites, social media, printed materials, educational resources, and event signage.

Here in San Diego, we're looking to the future with excitement.

As we celebrate our own 75th Anniversary this year, the timing couldn't be more fitting. Our chorus has always embraced both tradition and innovation—honoring the remarkable women who built this organization while continually investing in musical growth, education, and creating a welcoming community for future generations of singers.

Whether you've known us for decades or are discovering barbershop harmony for the very first time, our invitation remains exactly the same.

Come experience the joy of ringing chords, meaningful friendships, exceptional musical education, and a community united through song.

Because while the name on the sign may be new ... the harmony, the heart, and the people behind it have never been stronger.
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We are singers united—bringing connection, friendship, and music to the world.

SingUnited International equipped chapter choruses with an updated Brand Kit and a wide array of resources to support the transition.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicole Knox sings with Nick of Time A Cappella Quartet and is a member of the San Diego Chorus, where she was named the 2023 Sweet Adeline of the Year. A fractional Chief Marketing Officer, she supports organizations and singers by sharing her expertise in brand, marketing, and communications.

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ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO CHORUS

Founded in 1951, the San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International performs award-winning four-part barbershop harmony. A two-time International Chorus Champion, the nonprofit performing arts organization is dedicated to education, entertainment, and competition and welcomes women and non-binary treble singers committed to musical excellence and growth.

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ABOUT SINGUNITED INTERNATIONAL

SingUnited International is a global nonprofit music education organization founded in 1945 and headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Originally established as Sweet Adelines International, the organization is one of the world’s largest singing organizations for women, SUI includes more than 15,000 members, 1,200 quartets, and 600 choruses across multiple countries worldwide.