Andrea Hutchings is third from left in photo and Amanda Hutchings is second from right front. Director of the Minor Chords is Renae Misner (floor) of Waterville.

Teens take spotlight in Jacksonville, Fla.

GARDINER – Andrea and Amanda Hutchings of Gardiner were selected to perform with the Minor Chords, a youth chorus of a cappella barbershop singers drawn from all over the country and Canada, during an international convention held in Jacksonville, Fla., last November.

The girls attend Gardiner High School and meet at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday with Maine-ly Harmony chorus in the band room of Gardiner Middle School.

Maine-ly Harmony was invited to compete internationally after scoring well in its area competition in Burlington, Vt., last April. The 22 members who competed were happy to place 19th in Jacksonville, while attending classes. Andrea, who sings lead, and Amanda, who sings bass, are dedicated to barbershop harmony. Their mother, Ann, sings tenor with the chorus.

Maine-ly Harmony members spent time in December performing their holiday program at nursing and rehab facilities and for church and senior groups. Now they are planning their Singing Valentines fundraiser.

For more information on joining the chorus, having them perform or booking a Singing Valentine, call Lea at 622-1273 or Donna at 582-5523.