The story of the Valkyries began in 2016 during their Sophomore year of High School. The girls all sang in the same choir, but in different voice parts... funny isn't it? At the time, their choir teacher was on maternity leave so they had a substitute. Who could've known that their choir substitute was going to be someone who would change their lives for the better? Janice Kueppers was their choir substitute and barbershop mastermind for the remaining time. She invited the choir to a barbershop workshop she was hosting and it happened to be that the four of them went! With the girls being different parts, they decided to form a quartet that same day!
After graduating High School, their lead at the time, Kelly Gravo, found it was best to focus on her studies. Gracie, Sarah, and Kayla created a goal to compete in the next Rising Star International Competition which was set to take place in Manchester, United Kingdom. In search of a new lead, Kayla offered one of her closest and most talented friends, Therese Masangcay, to be the new lead. With an offer to go to the UK, she accepted within seconds and is singing with the Valkyries to this day!
The Valkyries wouldn't be who they are without their wonderful director Janice Kueppers. Janice Kueppers is a retired music educator and has been a Sweet Adelines Member for 40+ years. Janice is the Verdugo Hills Chorus Associate Director in California and is known for creating the best puns!
The Valkyries would also like to extend their gratitude to Verdugo Hills Chorus from Region 11! From giving the Valkyries extra comfort and hospitality in the barbershop community to more confidence performing in front of an audience, The Valkyries thank you and love you!
Where did "Valkyries" come from?
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When the quartet first started, the girls didn't realize they needed a name to compete in upcoming competitions, considering their first performance was at their choir concert in High School. They liked the idea of combining their school mascot, a Viking, with their name. The Valkyries' talented bass, Sarah, was taking a mythology class that year and discovered who the Valkyries were! In Viking mythology, the Valkyries were known to carry fallen soldiers to Valhalla while singing their praises! The Valkyries loved how different the name was and being named after brave singing warrior angels!
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What does the logo mean to the Valkyries?
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The logo represents The Valkyries in several ways. The sun represents sunny California which is where Grace, Therese, Sarah, and Kayla were born and raised. The sun also resembles the Filipino flag, which Kayla and Therese take much pride in!
Nominations:
1st Place - International Rising Star Quartet Contest in San Antonio, TX 2022
Audience Choice Quartet - Region 11 Quartet Contest 2022
4th Place - Region 11 Quartet Contest 2022
1st Place - Region 11 YWIH Rising Star Quartet Contest (Fall Festival) 2019
3rd Place - International Rising Star Quartet Contest in Manchester, UK 2019
1st Place - Region 21 YWIH Rising Star Quartet Contest 2019
1st Place - Region 11 YWIH Rising Star Quartet Contest 2019
8th Place - International Rising Star Quartet Contest in Tulsa, OK 2018