Southern Company Chorus Shares Sounds of the Season

Diners at Beef 'O' Brady's of Bloomingdale received something extra with their chicken wings Monday night.

While they ate, members of the Southern Company Chorus serenaded them with Christmas songs as part of a fundraiser for the nonprofit chorus, which meets weekly at Bell Shoals Church of Christ, 2908 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon.

Previously known as the South Shore Sound, the chorus recently changed its name after moving its rehearsals from South Shore to Brandon.

"We're no longer practicing in South Shore so a name change seemed to be in order," said member Heidi Noyes. 

The chorus' barbershop quartet, named Hot 4 Harmony, performed holiday favorites for Beef O' Brady's patrons while membership chairman Sherry Rodriguez sold raffle tickets and collected donations.

"The donations are for our Angel Fund," explained Noyes. "We use the funds to offset costs for women who want to be a member of our chorus but need help paying for music, costumes and other things. Unfortunately, it's not an inexpensive hobby, and we want to make it affordable for everyone."

Currently, the chorus led by director Linda Verzosa of Lithia has 22 members who come from Brandon, Valrico, Lithia, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Sun City Center, Plant City, Mango and Seffner.

Noyes joined the chorus a year ago but has been involved in Sweet Adelines choruses since she was in her 20s and was teaching school in Melbourne.

"I would sing at school functions and someone suggested I join the local Sweet Adelines chorus," she said. "I did and I've been involved ever since."

Heidi Adams of Valrico is new to Sweet Adelines.

"I started looking for a group in the area after my church closed down," said Adams. "I showed up one day to sing and never looked back."

Verzosa has been singing in Sweet Adelines choruses for more than 20 years. She started out with the Toast of Tampa Sweet Adelines in 1989 when her youngest son was 6 years old. Then she switched to the Southern Company Chorus when it was formed five years ago.

Julie Wallis of Lithia said she was encouraged by her mother-in-law to join a Sweet Adelines chorus.

"My mother-in-law has been a member of a chorus in Fort Myers for years and was always trying to get me to join," said Wallis. "So I finally did two years ago when the chorus moved from Sun City Center to Brandon. I've been gung ho ever since."

The Southern Company Chorus rehearses from 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Bell Shoals Church of Christ. Verzosa said members don't need to read music or even know how to sing.

"It's a learning organization," she said. "We teach members how to sing a cappella. It does take a lot of practice, memorizing the music and learning the moves. But it's very fulfilling."

The chorus is available for hire for business and club functions, anniversary parties and other events as well as its pro bono performances for charitable events.

This Valentine's Day, the members will deliver singing telegrams to loved ones. Those interested in hiring the chorus or getting involved can contact Sherry Rodriguez at 813-384-9234.