Celebrations, more often than not, have music. Music touches us, guides us, transforms us, creates emotions and helps us find harmony.

Women who like to sing can find their place in Acappella Xpress, the local Sweet Adelines chapter.

Audra Freeman emphasizes that Acappella Xpress is fun. “Even if you don’t think you can sing, you can sing. Every rehearsal is an educational event. In our barbershop craft, we can teach anyone.

“We don’t give up on people. There is nothing else like it. The sound, the way the music is written, all of it. When we sing, we forget what was in our day and have fun. For me, it’s my me space. Singing nurtures me,” she says.

If you enjoy singing Christmas carols, you have a special invitation to rehearse with Acappella Xpress Thursday, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Christmas concert is Sunday, Dec. 11, at Trinity, 210 7th St. S., Moorhead.

Barbershop singing is from every genre of music – pop, country, jazz, gospel, rock, show tunes, ballads – any music that can be arranged in four parts.

Singing in a show chorus is a chance to be glamorous, wear sparkly costumes, and be something outside of ourselves, Audra notes.

“If you are a rock star in the car, you’re ready for Acappella Xpress,” Audra adds.

They stay tuned singing, serving the community and providing music at many venues.

From singing the national anthem at Redhawks games and other venues, to the dedication of Bearcat Way in Moorhead, to love notes on Valentine’s and Mother’s Day, to fundraisers, and regional and international competitions, Acappella Xpress shares their craft.

Acappella Xpress is part of the community changing experience Sweet Adeline’s promotes internationally. As a musical asset to the community, they created “It’s a Chick Thing” 14 years ago.

This year HOPE Inc. and the F-M American Cancer Society are the main charities to receive funding at the women-only event. Speakers will tell their stories of survival and hope, along with entertainment, door prizes, raffles, silent auction, dinner catered by Concordia College and cash bar by the Dilworth Lions Club. Tickets are $45 and need to be purchased by Oct. 25 for the Saturday, Nov. 5 event at the Dilworth Community Center, 709 1st Ave. NW. Tickets purchased in groups of eight have reserved seating. Contact any member of the group or email Kathy Lee at klee@mnstate.edu for tickets.

Acappella Xpress is a member of Sweet Adelines International and a member of Northern Lights Region 6. Twenty-four choruses and 18 quartets compete during a three-day weekend with groups from Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, Manitoba, Ontario and Minnesota. The best can go on to international competition.

“The competition helps us all be better at what we do,” Audra said, emphasizing the educational and leadership building aspects of the organization.

“We’ll teach you. No one should be afraid to come sing with us on Thursdays. We teach and build confidence. We have a lot of fun,” she emphasizes.

One member of the group, Joann Sipe, has been a member for more than 50 years. Another member was 14 when she began. Women come from small towns and cities to sing in Acappella Xpress, chartered with Sweet Adelines in 1955.

“We’re not just your gramma’s chorus – although grammas are welcome,” Audra says.

“All women are welcome. Come any Thursday at 6:30 p.m.”

The director is Mark McLaurin. Associate director Megan Argall was just certified.

Acappella Xpress has a Facebook page and a website: www.acappellaxpress.com; email is acappellaxpressfm@gmail.com.