Also in May 2002, the chorus welcomed Sherry Feller as Associate
Director of High Country Chorus. Sherry has a degree in Vocal Music Education and brings a wealth of experience in
both vocal and instrumental music to our chorus. Sherry was introduced to Sweet Adelines by her mother, who was
a member of the Irish Hills Chorus in southeastern Michigan.
In 1974, Sherry and her husband, Kim, and 15-month-old son,
Daniel, moved to California where she “happened” on Sweet Adelines again and became a charter member of Blossom
Hill Chorus as a tenor. Sherry became assistant director, vice president, and regional representative from her chorus
and, of course, sang in a quartet!
In the spring of 1977, Sherry, 4 months pregnant, competed with her quartet and chorus, when they earned the Small
Chorus Award. After her daughter Erica’s birth, Sherry took a break from singing for 2 years and upon returning
to “active” status went to the big chorus in town, Mission Valley. While a member of there, she experienced
the wonderful feeling of winning Regional competitions and the excitement of competing at International both in St. Louis,
1979, and again in Phoenix, 1982, earning a 5th place medal.
In 1984, she and Kim packed up their family and headed to Evergreen, Colorado, where in 1986 she joined High Country
Chorus. Her 27 years with Sweet Adelines have been filled with education, teaching and learning, including 22 years as
Assistant Director, 18 years on the front row, competitor at four International Competitons, placing 5th (Mission Valley)
and 1st (High Country, 1987). She has served as Regional YWIH (Young Women in Harmony) Coordinator and on the Regional
Faculty, as well as attending 85% of all Regional schools held over the past 27 years! In 2001 Sherry was nominated by
the Region 8 Regional Management Team for the MENC award. This award is given to someone who has worked to further
the YWIH program. In addition to serving as the Regional YWIH Coordinator for three years, Sherry worked with young women’s
singing groups ranging in age from 8 -18 for over six years.
Year 2002 was one of Sherry’s best ever--her
husband of 33 years took early retirement, their 1st grandchild, Elizabeth Brooke, was born March 12, 2002 to son, Daniel
and his wife, Jennifer. On May 4th, daughter Erica received her Masters Degree in Counseling from Western Seminary, Seattle,
Washington. And, in May 2002 she became the Associate Director of High Country!
Since then, a grandson, Ryan has been added to the family. The Fellers keep busy with remodeling their mountain
home, hiking, camping, visiting family and friends here and in other states and being with their children and grandchildren.
see also Jackie Reinig, Director