Director - Terry Ludwig

Terry majored in Music Education at Quincy University with an emphasis in Voice and a minor in Trombone. Terry’s barbershop experience dates from 1987 when he joined the Quincy chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. He became their front-line director in 1989 and led the chorus for 13 years, taking them to two Small Chorus championships, and a fifth place in the Illinois District in 2001. In 2002 Terry joined the Sound of Illinois men’s chorus in Bloomington, Illinois as their front-line director. Since taking the reins of SOI, they have won three District championships and qualified to perform at the BHS International Competition eleven consecutive years, placing as high as 12th place. 

Terry has been active in several quartets over the years, most recently as the baritone in a mixed quartet called Mixology. Mixology was named Mixed Quartet champion in the Illinois District in 2021 and 2023. Terry also arranges music for both barbershop and band groups. He’s a founding member of the Brass Band of Central Illinois based in Bloomington.  

Terry became the front-line director of Sound Celebration Chorus in 2015, while continuing to direct SOI. At his first regional competition, the chorus earned Small Chorus champion and their score qualified them to compete in Sweet Adelines International’s Harmony Classic contest in the fall of 2016. Sound Celebration consistently places in the top five overall at Region 5 Contest, frequently scoring higher than larger choruses. 

Terry and his wife, Tina, have one son, David. “It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since I started this journey with these ladies. They continue to inspire me every week. I can’t wait to see what the future brings!”

 

Assistant Director - Gena Sommer

Gena has over 45 years of Sweet Adelines experience. She has sung in two Regional championship quartets - Crossroads and Main Attraction - and has competed six times on the International stage. She was formerly the front-line director for the Heart of Illinois women’s barbershop chorus in Peoria, and took them to one Sweet Adelines International contest. She then came to Sound Celebration as our director. After two years, she stepped back to take care of family obligations, namely the arrival of triplet grandchildren. She enjoys helping out as Assistant Director, Section Leader, and several other roles as needed, but her favorite thing is to just SING!