Sweet Adelines International set the Guinness World Record for Largest Singing Lesson on Oct. 24, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. The record-setting event coincided with the 63rd annual International Convention and Competition held at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tenn. The Nashville-based TuneTown Show Chorus was among those who took part, with the voices of 92 of its members from Green Hills, Madison, West Meade, Franklin and many other parts of Middle Tennessee joining in.

Music professional and past Sweet Adelines International Quartet Champion Peggy Gram led the lesson by demonstrating inspiring techniques for integrating the voice into the a cappella art form. The venue was filled with immense sound as 6,651 singers practiced the demonstrated techniques and sang simultaneously for the duration of the 10-minute lesson.

Guinness World Records official adjudicator Danny Girton, Jr., presided over the certificate ceremony to validate the record and confirm that the achievement met the criteria set forth by the organization. “We welcome Sweet Adelines International into the Guinness World Records family for its inspirational and fun achievement,” said Girton, Jr. while presenting the award.

Robin Rosch, a resident of Hendersonville said, " "It was such an awesome experience to sing with over 6,000 other voices. It sounded like even more than that by the end of the music lesson." Ellen Beckham, a resident of Cookeville said, "How awesome to be part of a Guinness World Book record AND to be part of a world wide organization of women and harmony. Someone said Sweet Adelines is one of the best kept secrets - we need to change that and spread the harmony!" “What an amazing sound,” said TuneTown member Millie Camp of Green Hills, with a laugh. “We practically lifted the roof off the Sommet Center.” Gram called the experience of teaching the Largest Singing lesson exhilarating.

“It was inspiring to demonstrate our unique style of music to thousands of singers from around the globe. While obtaining the world record is terrific, what’s even more important is that it allowed us the opportunity to show how rewarding it is to sing barbershop harmony,“ said Gram after accepting the certificate for World’s Largest Singing Lesson.

The women of the TuneTown Show Chorus share a love for music and singing four-part barbershop harmony. The chorus holds weekly rehearsals on Mondays at 441 Myatt Drive, Madison, Tennessee near Rivergate Mall. To learn more about how to become a member of TuneTown Show Chorus call 360-6375 or email tunetown@tunetownshowchorus.org.

TuneTown now meets at 441 Myatt Drive in Madison, TN. This location provides a wonderful space solely for TuneTown rehearsals and activities. The rehearsal hall is just north of Nashville in the general vicinity of the Rivergate Mall. For an interactive map and detailed directions to the rehearsal hall from your location, please click on this Contact link.