Choir goes camping
Twenty members of “Take Note” spent an October weekend in the treehouses at Camp Agnes Arnold. While at camp the choir members enjoyed the usual camping activities like making s’mores, but threw in several rehearsal sessions as well. Special thanks to the adult volunteers who came along to help: Becky Speller, Tiffany Parkin, Pat Hardin, and Houston Horizon Chorus members Sally Ison, Karla Fenton, and Mary Ellen Weberline.

Choir members are now looking forward to the Young Women In Harmony quartet contest, attending the Sweet Adelines International Winter Regional Meeting in Houston, singing the national anthem at a University of Houston women’s basketball game, several singing opportunities, as well as summer music camp.

Girl Scout choir holding auditions
The GSSJC choir, will hold spring auditions beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 11. “Take Note” is an audition-only choir made up of Cadettes and Seniors from throughout the Council. The choir meets at 3 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month at the Girl Scout Center. The choir sings at community events as well as for special Girl Scout events throughout the year. Choir members are teen Girl Scouts who enjoy singing the more involved Girl Scout songs as well as taking on the challenge of learning the skill of singing four-part a cappella harmony. Girls do not need to be in a school or other choir to be a member of Take Note, but some musical knowledge is helpful.

Spring auditions will include girls who will be bridging to Cadettes in the spring. To schedule an audition contact Take Note Director Beth Watkins at texsings@houston.rr.com. Take Note is a joint musical effort of GSSJC and the Sweet Adelines International Young Women in Harmony program.

Choir names section leaders
As the Council choir grows, leadership positions have evolved. Recently the position of section leaders became necessary and the leadership position was created. Serving as 2003-04 section leaders are Senior Girl Scouts: Jacalyn, tenor section leader; Nikole, lead section leader; Kathleen baritone section leader; and Jessie, bass section leader. Their job is to be well prepared with their music so that they can make sure their entire section can sing their part.

Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts and their mothers celebrated GSSJC’s fifth Mother/Daughter Breast Cancer Awareness Event, “Daisies In Bloom: A Celebration of Life” October 25. The Daisies in Bloom event began in 1998 due to the efforts of GSSJC volunteer Tisha Bell and Vice President of Membership Carolyn Johnson. In 1998, Aruna Chandrasekhar’s Gold Award Project became the “In The Pink” Our Own Council’s Interest Project Patch, the core of the event’s program. In the past five years, the event has grown into an annual event for mothers and daughters to learn more about breast cancer together.

The 2003 event allowed girls and adults to enjoy a wide variety of workshops presented by local professionals. The girls earned the interest project patch by attending six workshops and participating in a service project. Several boxes full of heart pillows, baby wipes, canned food, spray deodorant, and baseball caps were collected at the event to be donated to such organizations as M.D. Anderson, Women Working for Women, and The Rose Diagnostic Center. Girls saw a mammogram machine, learned about ways to reduce cancer risks, and explored health careers. Participants also watched a performance by the Pink Ribbons Project, Dancers in Motion Against Breast Cancer. A grand reception with informational booths followed the program.