Marj was born and raised in Concordia, MO.  Coming from a family of singers and musicians,  music soon  became an important part of her life.  Marj made a recording at the tender age of six years old!  As she was growing up, dueting with her mom was one of Marj's favorite things to do.  Later Marj sang in a sextet, did plenty of solo work, and singing in choirs.  Piano and voice lessons also took an important part in her life.

In 1979 Marj joined Sweet Adelines International.  She is a charter member of the Heart of Missouri Chorus and became assistant director and joined her first quartet within her first year of membership.  In 1985 she became a Co-Director and received the Novice Director Award at regional competition.  The following year, as Director of the Heart of Missouri Chorus, Marj began her work of love in bringing the chorus to several small chorus awards.  One of the most thrilling experiences, and one she'd like to experience every year, is to see the chorus win "Most Improved" trophy at regional competition.  It is confirmation that all that hard work has paid off.  2002 was the year for that award!

Other musical things Marj enjoys are singing with Earl, her barbershop husband,  singing tenor with New Design Quartet, directing her church choir, and coaching quartets and choruses as part of the Education Faculty for Region 5 Sweet Adelines.  Marj also acted as Director of Musical Activities for Midwest Gateway - Region 5, for three years.   As a certified director Marj is waiting ( not so patiently) to receive Master Director Status.  

Assistant Director, Twilla Duvall

Twilla would tell you that music has been an important part of her life since early childhood. She considers herself the "typical" Sweet Adeline who, after graduating from school, found a musical void in her life.  When Twilla attended her first Heart of Missouri show, and heard the wonderful harmony of the barbershop art form, she was hooked! 

Having joined the Heart of Missouri Chorus more than 20 years ago, Twilla has served as an assistant director for many of those years.  As part of her duties, she leads chorus warm-ups and aids in overseeing rehearsal and performances in the absence of the director.  Twilla is a co-section leader for the lead, or melody section of the chorus, she is a member of the Visual Team, and also serves in several administrative positions including that of Financial Manager.  

Besides serving at the chorus level, Twilla has previously acted as the Region 5 Communications Technology Coordinator and currently holds the solicitor chair for the Young Singers Foundation.  Twilla is enrolled in the Director's Certification Program and has one final step to complete in order to obtain Certified Director's Status. Twilla also enjoys singing the part of "Lead" in New Design Quartet, participating as an organist for her church, acting as accompanist for the church's adult choir, and director of the children's choir.  She is also the producer of two major drama productions for the church during the Easter and Christmas seasons. Twilla, and her husband Sonny, shoot black powder rifles competitively.  She held the Missouri State Women's Championship for four years running.  They also raise a large garden, and enjoy camping and fishing.

Twilla's personal objective is to continue to learn about the Sweet Adeline art form and share that knowledge wherever she can. 

Lisa Woolridge grew up on barbershop. Born in St.Joseph, Missouri, she was the youngest of six children and all were musically oriented.  She started taking dance classes at the age of 5, and danced in her first Sweet Adeline’s production when she was just 8 years old.  Dance classes continued until she was 13, followed by an active roll and cheerleading in high school. 

Lisa joined Sweet Adelines and competed in her first competition in 1978 with Heartland Chorus in Kansas City.  After a few years off to attend college, moving to Columbia, and other such life callings, Lisa ultimately joined The Heart of Missouri Chorus in 1987.  All told she’s been with Sweet Adelines for over 25 years.