About The Arranger

Carolyn has been an enthusiastic member of Sweet Adelines and the Hickory Tree Chorus since 1974. Although her formal education includes degrees in mathematics and computer science, Carolyn’s passion for music has woven its never-ending thread throughout her life. She has honed musical talents through years of piano lessons, an unofficial music minor in college and extensive musical instruction in vocal techniques, arranging and directing through Sweet Adelines International.

An avid quartet singer with two Region 15 Champion Quartets — Sound Express (1978) and City Lights (1985), she sang baritone with Brocade for many years. In 2010, she made her debut as a bass singing with The Four Baris, placing fourth in Regional Competition. In addition, she served as Region 15’s Director of Musical Activities from 1987-1990.

In 1990, Carolyn was accepted in the International Music Arrangers Program, where she continued to develop her arranging skills by providing arrangements for both adult and young women’s voices. Since that time, she has published nearly 30 arrangements, served on the International Music Arrangers Coordinators and review teams,  and participated in numerous arranging workshops. In 2012, she was advanced to the level of Master Music Arranger, the highest honor bestowed upon arrangers in Sweet Adelines International.

In 2003, 2005 and April 2007, Carolyn added the title “Championship Director” to her resume when Hickory Tree Chorus won first place medals in the Greater New York Region 15 Competitions. In April of 2000 Carolyn achieved the level of Master Director in SAI’s Director Certification Program. Carolyn is proud to have contributed to Hickory Tree’s 36 year record of top-3 finishes and their unique repertoire of entertaining music in the barbershop style. In 2011, Carolyn and the Hickory Tree Chorus earned the title of Second Place Mid-Size Chorus in SAI’s Harmony Classic Competition.

Beyond her role as musical director for Hickory Tree Chorus, Carolyn now serves as an Approved Music Category Judge in Sweet Adelines’ International Judging Program.


Recent Posts
  • Cleared arrangements distri… by carolyn

    Due to a new contract between SAI and major music publishers, all arrangements which have previously been cleared through SAI must be distributed by SAI headquarters, and additional arranger fees are not permitted for those arrangements. Instead, arrangers will obtain a percentage of the per copy revenues. In many cases, this represents a huge financial[…]

  • ‘For Good’ R… by carolyn

    I’ve made a few updates to my arrangement of ‘For Good,’ and Shayna has just recorded beautiful new learning tracks for this version.  Check my arrangements page for her contact info.   Carolyn  

  • New intro for contestable … by carolyn

    I’ve just completed a new intro for ‘When I Fall in Love’ which includes lyrics and provides a stronger beginning for this song, especially in contest. Please contact me to obtain a copy. Carolyn  

  • ‘Chances Are’ &… by carolyn

    I recently revisited my arrangement of ‘Chances Are’ with my chorus, and our learning track mistress, Shayna, made some beautiful tracks to help us imprint good musicality from the start. The song was a great hit on our recent show, and I know audiences in upcoming performances will enjoy it as well!

  • When I Fall in Love – UPDATE by carolyn

    I’ve just adjusted my arrangement of ‘When I Fall in Love’ to create a more climatic ending.  Please feel free to contact me to receive the latest version. Carolyn

  • Two more arrangements updat… by carolyn

    I’ve just updated two of my arrangements which are now contest-worthy.  My arrangement of ‘Smile,’ a beautiful ballad, has learning tracks available through Joanne Oosterhoff.  The other song, ‘Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,’ is a rhythmic and fun Gerswhin standard.  For learning tracks of this uptune, please contact me via email.

  • Atlantic City Medley –… by carolyn

    Check out my arrangement of ‘Atlantic City’ (from Ragtime) combined with ‘On a Sunday by the Sea’ (Jule Styne).  These spirited songs lend themselves well to the barbershop style and are ready for a fun-filled performance.

  • Beatles arrangements just cleared! by carolyn

    Many of my Beatles arrangements are now cleared and available either through me or SAI Sales department. Check out these titles: All You Need is Love If I Fell Magical Mystery Tour (with Your Mother Should Know) We Can Work it Out Learning tracks available for most of these titles….contact me for further info!

  • Contestable ‘When I F… by carolyn

    I’ve just updated my arrangement of ‘When I Fall in Love’ to make it more suitable for contest.

  • Update – The More I See You by carolyn

    I’ve just updated my arrangement of ‘The More I See You’ so it can be performed in ‘swing’ much like the style of Michael Buble, Johnny Hartman, and other jazz singers. Check it out!

Welcome , today is Thursday, November 21, 2024