Master Director Dale Syverson is the heart and soul of the Rich-Tone Chorus. As the daughter of a barbershopper, Dale has been a part of the Sweet Adelines organization since she was a child. Since Dale became the Rich-Tone's Director in 1976, the chorus has grown from 18 members to over 150.

Like Rembrandt or Picasso, Dale is a master artist who paints music with her hands. Dale's creative and musical expertise comes from over 30 years of training and experience in the Sweet Adelines organization. Dale is a Certified Expression Judge as well as a member of the Sweet Adelines International and Regional Music Faculties.

Dale was recently presented with the President's Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor has been awarded annually by the President of Sweet Adelines International since 1998 to a member whose contributions to and achievements within the organization are truly exceptional. Dale's many years of coaching, teaching, performing and directing garnered her this high honor within the organization.

Dale has also been appointed to serve on an International Committee of Sweet Adelines International - the 2004-2005 EDC - Education Direction Committee. This is a 5-person committee, tasked with setting the musical and educational direction of the international organization. The EDC plans, supervises and evaluates the work of the committees that are responsible for our educational development, including all of the International Programs (Arrangers, Directors, Faculty, Judges and Regional Leadership). The committee oversees all internationally sponsored educational events and official chorus and quartet competitions.

Dale's unique artistic talents are in such high demand that she travels the world coaching quartets and choruses, and educating members through her continual participation in workshops, seminars and music schools. In her personal quest for excellence, Dale was twice crowned Queen of Harmony in quartet competition, the highest honor awarded. Her first crown was achieved with The Tiffanys in 1973, and her latest with Rumors in 1998.

She has directed the Rich-Tones to three International Gold Medal Championships. The Rich-Tones hold the distinction of being the organization's first chorus to win three consecutive International Championships. Dale is also one of only two directors to win a quartet championship and a chorus director gold medal at the same International contest, which occurred in Nashville in 1998.