Montauk Pioneer - August 29, 2008

Cari Salvadori Of Montauk And The Singing Group Sweet Adelines Charm Long Island

Cari Salvadori is known as one of the most knowledgeable, professional, astute and organized realtors in Montauk. Her customers of many years, colleagues, and professionals will agree. It is no wonder then that Cari was the recipient of the 2007 Realtor of the Year Award from the Hampton's and North Fork Realtor's Association.

What some do not know is that Cari Salvadori is a thirty-year member of the Long Island Sound Chorus of Sweet Adelines. In fact, she will be a part of this amazing organization's 50th Anniversary on January 20, 2009.

Sweet Adelines is an international organization of women committed to advancing the musical art of barbershop harmony and assures its members many opportunities to continue learning this remarkable art while enriching the lives of the singers and those of the audiences for which they sing. With a membership of approximately 30,000 women, singing four-part a cappella barbershop harmony, it has spanned into 1,500 member chapters all over the globe.

Long Island Sound Chorus of Sweet Adelines is in Region 15, which is the greater New York Region and consists of 15 choruses. Cari Salvadori's Chorus performs at various summer festivals in Riverhead and Southhold, as well as various local nursing and senior homes across Eastern Suffolk County. This year, the thirty-five member LI Sound Chorus won 1st place in the regional competition.

Constantly singing because "we love to sing and bring smiles and joy to others" these accomplished, enthusiastic women, bonded by music, friendship and a love of humanity are always striving to perfect their performances. As the delightful Long Island Sound Chorus marketing and publicity coordinator, Pat Miller explained, "Our group is the most inviting, nurturing, and friendly group anyone could want to belong to," and echoed by Cari Salvadori who remembers how supportive her ensemble was during the difficult and sad time when she lost her dear husband.

Competing annually in the Region's Competition in Philadelphia in the spring and planning for their annual late September Concert, the singers practice all year round at Mercy High School in Riverhead every Wednesday evening from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Talented LI Sound Team Coordinator, Cari Salvadori, also was the catalyst and developer of the Team Leadership method, allowing all group "coordinators" equal status in decision making.

Cari is also the Bass Section Leader. The gal with "many hats" always smiling and positive, is admired and respected as someone who commands perfection, yet offers help with genuine consideration for all. There is no doubt that Cari, the tall, attractive, charming, blond Montauk member is a role model and one of LI Sound Chorus top leaders. Pat Miller put it most succinctly, "In everything she does, Cari epitomizes our core values of fairness, integrity and respect."

Costumes are a big part of each show. Cari recalls "the dynamite red fringed dress," worn at a big performance. Often the girls wear black tunics over black pants to which they either add a rhinestone collar or colorful scarf. During the summer a solid colored blouse with snow-white perfectly tailored pants is the usual attire. Costumes and only black or tan Capezio shoes are worn more than once. Of course, make-up, nail and hair play a major part for all performances. Fortunately, one of the members is a hairdresser; another a make-up artist. Who can really put on false eyelashes by themselves? The "girlie-actitivties" before a concert is a happy, fun and spirited occasion.

With each Region competing to win in order to go to the International Competition, continual efforts to be the best are paramount. Director, Peggy Di Sunno, has created a happy, healthy, and loving climate for her members together with an environment in which her members can grow. Remarkably talented, Peggy is also the Regional Team Coordinator. Bringing a wealth of experience, and never ending energy she couldn't be prouder when in 2006 her LI Sound Chorus scored an impressive 99 points over the previous year's scores. As a member for 35 years, Peggy has continually promoted a high educational level and commitment for herself and her loving chorus. Dedicated and devoted to all she does, it is no wonder that Peggy has been married to her high school sweetheart for over 40 years, and has children and grandchildren who love music.

On September 3rd The Membership Drive held at Mercy High School at Riverhead from 7PM-10PM invites all interested women singers to attend, watch and listen to the rehearsal in hopes that they will join. In fact, their flyer reads: WANTED: A FEW GOOD SINGERS. Those that qualify will be given free lessons and the opportunity to participate in a six week program until they are ready to audition. Since the once a year Membership Drive encourages new members The LI Sound Chorus is eagerly awaiting new voices and friends. The annual performance to be held at Hampton Bays High School on Sunday, September 28th at 3:00 p.m. is titled "The Best of Times." It will be a chance for everyone to see this stunning group of women and listen to their marvelous melodious selections.