Singing erupts in The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Woodlands is about to experience a new and exciting musical entertainment group – The Prospective Woodlands Show Chorus. The group consists of approximately 50 women of all ages from the Woodlands and surrounding communities. Their common bond is a love for singing a capella in 4-part harmony and their desire to work with Betty Clipman, chorus director and renowned Sweet Adelines International coach. Clipman has come out of retirement to make her mark on The Woodlands and reclaim her spot in the Sweet Adeline directing world!

Although Betty’s resume is impressive (including Past President of Sweet Adelines International, Director of International Champion Vienna-Falls Chorus and past Director of Houston Horizon Chorus, who placed as high as third internationally and International Quartet Champion), her motivation in starting a chorus in the Woodlands is much more personal. Betty explains that she has thought about starting a chorus in her own community for a long time, but family obligations took priority over her personal desires. The passing of her husband, Bill, this past year was the catalyst that drove Clipman to get back on the directing bandwagon.

“I know Bill gives me his blessing,” explains Betty, “because he knew how much I missed directing. And I love The Woodlands and want to be a large presence here performing with the chorus at community events and putting on shows.”

Betty plans to start work on an impressive 10 song repertoire ranging from classic ballads to energetic up-tunes. And while all the singing is going on, some of the ladies will do double duty as singer/dancers, adding even more excitement to each performance.

According to Clipman, “The Woodlands Show Chorus name was picked because we really do want to put on shows, not just sing some nice songs. There is an attitude, exuberance and a passion in this type of singing that just can’t be beat.”


Sally Ison, serving as organizer of the chorus, says that women from all over Texas who know Betty are excited about joining and singing for her.

“My phone rings constantly, and I can hardly answer all the emails. I seem to have taken on a full-time job,” says this Cypress homemaker and mother. “That’s not a complaint – it’s pure joy,” beams Sally. “Sweet Adelines provides us unlimited opportunities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that we can get from no other venue.”

The Woodlands Show Chorus will have some work to do to become a full-fledged member of Sweet Adelines International, an organization of over 30,000 women around the world who support music and music education through 4-part harmony. “This is really a learning experience for everyone in the chorus,” says Sally. “We have begun the several month processes to charter, which requires us to establish audition procedures, determine governance and recruit members, all under the guidance and approval of our region. Most singers who join us may have experienced singing in high school or in church but this is a totally different art form.” That is where Betty’s talent and the resources of Sweet Adelines come into play. The entire organization is a support system designed to help “prospective” choruses achieve the skills and attract the membership needed to sustain an impressive chorus.

People interested in seeing what this chorus is all about should visit a rehearsal. According to Ison, “Being a trained singer or being able to read music are great assets for prospective members but are not required. Singers only need to be able to sing in tune and hold their part.” Music education is part of the mission of this driven group of women. The chorus will host an open house at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 30 at The Woodlands Christian Church, 1202 N. Millbend Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380. Interested women can check out the website , or call Sally Ison at 281 373-1424.