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Sweet Adelines International Inc
Derby, NY · EIN 166061478 · Form 990 · FY2023 · Small ($100K-$1M) · buffalogatewaychorus.com
revenue
$211K
expenses
$199K
net assets
$229K
employees
0
program ratio
100%
mission · from form 990

Promote musical education for women

profile · synthesized from sources

Sweet Adelines International is a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing the musical education and performance of women in barbershop harmony. It supports a network of choruses and quartets through competitions, coaching, and educational programs. Founded in 1945, it fosters musical excellence, camaraderie, and community engagement among its members.

named programs · 4 · from sources

What they call their work

Community Performances
Public concerts and appearances at events like Shakespeare in Delaware Park to promote barbershop harmony and engage local audiences
International Competition
Annual global event where choruses and quartets compete in barbershop harmony performance across categories including sound, music, expression, and visual communication
Music Education and Coaching
Provides training, sectional rehearsals, and mentorship to develop vocal and performance skills among members
Regional Contests
Region-level competitions such as the Region 17 Chorus Competition that serve as qualifiers for international events
activities · 4 groups

What they do

  • Community Choral Rehearsals & Performances 3 activities
    • Operates a women's barbershop chorus
      Conducts weekly rehearsals and performs 4-part a cappella barbershop harmony at public events, annual shows, and community engagements. The chorus includes over 80 to 90 women singers and rehearses regularly in Western New York.
    • Participates in regional and international barbershop competitions
      Competes annually in Sweet Adelines International and Region 17 contests, achieving top placements including multiple Regional Championships and Top 10 finishes at International Competitions. The chorus has participated in finals and semi-finals in cities including Las Vegas, St. Louis, and Baltimore.
    • Supports barbershop quartets
      Provides organizational and performance support to multiple female barbershop quartets, including Ladies First, Silver Belles, and Starlight, all composed of chorus members.
  • Music Education and Training Programs 2 activities
    • Provides coaching and educational leadership in barbershop music
      Delivers coaching, teaching, and judging services to choruses and quartets internationally; leads educational initiatives such as symposia and seminars; and serves in leadership roles within Sweet Adelines’ education and faculty coordination structures.
    • Provides music education in barbershop harmony
      Offers music education focused on the 4-part a cappella barbershop harmony art form through coaching, rehearsals, and educational events. Supports a global network dedicated to preserving this musical tradition.
  • Free Outdoor & Community Theater Productions 1 activity
    • Hosts public performances and community events
      Organizes and performs in public concerts and community events such as Shakespeare in the Park and Shakespeare in Delaware Park, as well as hosting fundraising events to support chorus operations.
  • Organized Member Social Events 1 activity
    • Organizes chapter activities including social and fundraising events
      Plans and executes a range of chapter activities including regular rehearsals, coaching sessions, performances, contests, meetings, fundraisers, and social events.
financials · form 990 · fy2023
revenue
Total revenue$211K
Contributions & grants$193K91%
Program service revenue$19K9%
Investment income$910%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$199K
Program expenses100%
Admin / overhead0%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineOther
balance sheet
Total assets$229K
Cash$83K
Investments$0
Liabilities$0
Net assets$229K
Liquid reserves5.0 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2023 · YoY revenue +16.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2023

Who runs it

board members · 1
  • Burnadette Gaffney — Recording Secretary
relationships · 18

Who they work with

  • Buffalo Gateway Chorus Network — Local chorus affiliated with Sweet Adelines International that carries forward the organization's tradition of women's barbershop singing.
  • Buffalo Gateway Chorus Network — Member chorus of Sweet Adelines International participating in regional and international competitions.
  • Buffalo Gateway Show Chorus Partner — Hosts a chorus that is part of the Sweet Adelines International network.
  • HarmonySite Partner — Technology partner providing website and operational support.
  • HarmonySite Partner — Technology partner providing website platform services.
  • Ladies First Partner — Female barbershop quartet composed of members from Buffalo Gateway Show Chorus, supported and endorsed by the chorus.
  • Sacred Heart School Partner — Provides rehearsal space for the chorus.
  • Silver Belles Partner — Female barbershop quartet composed of members from Buffalo Gateway Show Chorus, supported and endorsed by the chorus.
  • Starlight Partner — Female barbershop quartet composed of members from Buffalo Gateway Show Chorus, supported and endorsed by the chorus.
  • Sweet Adelines International Network — Buffalo Gateway Chorus is a member chorus of Sweet Adelines International.
  • Sweet Adelines International Network — Buffalo Gateway Show Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International.
  • Sweet Adelines International Network — Member chorus of Sweet Adelines International, participating in its international competitions and regional events.
  • Sweet Adelines International Network — Member chorus participating in Sweet Adelines International competitions and events.
  • Sweet Adelines International Inc Network — Buffalo Gateway Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, Inc., receiving coaching and organizational affiliation.
  • Sweet Adelines International Inc Network — Buffalo Gateway Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, participating in its regional and organizational events.
  • Sweet Adelines International Inc Network — Buffalo Gateway Chorus is a chapter within the Sweet Adelines International network.
  • The East Aurora Friends of Harmony BHS Chorus Partner — Hosts a chorus associated with the Barbershop Harmony Society and connected to Sweet Adelines through shared leadership.
  • The Riverport Chorus Partner — Hosts a chorus affiliated with Sweet Adelines International.
strategies · 3

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Artistic Preservation through Networked Ensembles and Performance
    methodology: networked_artistic_preservation
    By organizing a global network of choruses and quartets and combining traditional harmony with contemporary arrangements, we sustain and evolve barbershop music, because innovation within tradition increases cultural relevance and audience engagement.
  • Community-Centered Choral Engagement for Personal Growth
    methodology: community_based_choir
    By engaging women in group singing within a supportive ensemble, we foster personal growth, confidence, and lasting social connections, because participation in communal music builds self-efficacy and belonging.
  • Music Education and Leadership Development through Peer Coaching
    methodology: peer_coaching_model
    By using faculty-led education, on-site coaching, and leadership development, we advance musical skill and organizational capacity, because structured peer-supported learning increases vocal proficiency and member retention.