A chorus of laughter and sweet harmonies filled the Redlands United Methodist Church as women of all ages gathered to sing — and left with a little more community than they arrived with.

Singing for Free, Singing for Joy

This wasn’t just any Saturday. It was the Grand Mesa A Cappella Chorus’ second annual A Cappella Junction Harmony Festival, and according to Colette Mayers, they couldn’t wait to do it again. “Everybody needs a little harmony in their lives these days,” she said, watching women file in with smiles and music folders.

Thanks to grant money from Sweet Adelines International, this musical day didn’t cost attendees a dime. They showed up, got a T-shirt, a music bag, and even lunch — all covered.

One short line says enough: the only price was showing up ready to sing.

A Place for Every Voice, Every Age

Step inside and you’d see a circle of chairs, women perched on the edge, learning two songs they’d perform together before the day was done. Some couldn’t read music. Some have been singing barbershop harmonies for decades.

Colette loved pointing out the age range: from 12-year-olds to singers in their 90s. “It’s exactly what I always wanted,” she said, her voice catching for a second. “People coming together, even if it’s just for a day.”

One grandma told a girl next to her that the alto part always saves the day. They both giggled through the next chord.

Harmony, But So Much More

For the Grand Mesa A Cappella Chorus, music is just the start. The real magic is the connection. Attendees sat together at lunch swapping stories about kids, careers, and favorite songs.

A young woman who’d never sung in a choir before said she left feeling like she’d made five new friends. Another group exchanged phone numbers, promising to meet up at next week’s chorus rehearsal.

In the middle of it all, a table full of colorful T-shirts waited to be claimed. Next to it, a pile of new sheet music, dog-eared by the end of the day.

One line: harmony does more than make music — it makes people feel like they belong.

Sweet Adelines International: Big Support for Small Communities

Behind the scenes, Sweet Adelines International keeps events like this alive. The organization awards grants to choruses who want to reach out and grow the barbershop tradition.

The goal is simple: open the doors, drop the ticket price to zero, and invite anyone with a heartbeat and a voice.

Here’s what one singer said:

• “I wouldn’t have come if it cost anything. I’ve always wanted to try this, but money’s tight.”

These grants mean that the Grand Mesa group can keep doing this year after year.

A Little Music Bag, A Lot of Heart

At the end of the day, every participant got to keep their new songs, a T-shirt, and a bright pink music bag to hold it all. Small things, maybe, but for some, they’re a reminder they’re part of something bigger than themselves.

Colette Mayers said she hopes more people find their way to the festival next year. “We’re here for anyone. You don’t have to read music. You don’t have to be perfect. Just come as you are.”

One last line: turns out, it really does take just a little harmony to make people feel at home.