POMEROY — Three area singers were a part of the Scioto Valley Chorus of Dublin which took international medals at the Sweet Adelines International Harmony Classic competition held last week in Nashville, Tenn.

All three, Suzy Parker of Syracuse, Mary Madsen of Huntington, W.Va., and Susan Russell of Gallipolis, have been traveling back and forth from Dublin for several weeks to practice with the Scioto Valley Chorus which was selected as the top performing group in competition with other small and midsize Sweet Adeline choruses in the world.

Several thousand women and guests from Sweet Adelines International gathered in Nashville for the 63rd annual contest as competitors and spectators. Competing in the competition singing four-part acapella harmony were over 50 quartets and 42 choruses ranging in size from less than 40 to 130 singer.

Groups were scored by a panel of eight specially certified judges, accruing points in categories of sound, music, expression, and showmanship.

As winner in the chorus competition, the Scioto Valley Chorus was presented the Harmony Classic traveling trophy with each member receiving blue ribbon gold medals.

According to Parker, the group received several standing ovations during their performance. She also noted that as champions they had the honor of performing a second time two days later to open the semifinals of the competition for large choruses.

All three local winners are charter members of The French Colony Chorus, chapter of Sweet Adelines International. Parker is publicity director and visual/costume chair and also performs with the River City Players and as baritone for The French Chorders quartet. She also performs with the Cincinnati Sound Chorus.

Russell is French Colony’s founder and director, and has been a Sweet Adeline for over 16 years, serving as choreographer with River Magic Chorus in Huntington, and as Touch of Magic quartet’s Lead.

Madsen has sung for 25 years in SAI choruses in Maryland, Florida, and West Virginia. She is bass in Touch of Magic quartet in Huntington, while also a member of the chorus there. Besides Parker, Madsen and Russell, other French Colony Chorus members attending the convention were Donna Patrick of Hurricane, Nancy Stevens of Point Pleasant, and Dianne Dawkins of Parkersburg, W.Va., and Amy Sprague, Malora Brown, Sharon McNabb, Dorothy Musgrove, and Marti Edelmann all of the Gallipolis area.

While there some of the singers attended a class taught by the 2009 World Champion Chorus, Melodeers, enjoyed a show featuring quartets who have won championships over the years, and attended a concert by country singer, Kathy Mattea.

A surprise pizza party was held honoring the three French Colony singers at Tuesday’s rehearsal. Each one was presented a crown denoting them as Queens of Harmony, flowers, and a musical theme print scarf.