On December 6, 2025, the Acapella Express will celebrate its 70th anniversary with a concert at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead. This milestone highlights the enduring legacy of a chorus that has brought together women through the power of music since its inception in 1955. Originally named the Sweet Adelines of Fargo-Moorhead, the group has evolved while maintaining its commitment to harmony and community.
From Humble Beginnings to a Global Network
The origins of Acapella Express can be traced back to a vibrant men’s barbershop chorus in Fargo-Moorhead. As their husbands enjoyed singing, the women decided they wanted to join in the fun. According to current member Audra Freeman, “Their wives thought, ‘Our husbands are out having fun singing, we want to do it, too.’” This desire led to the formation of a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, an organization established in 1945 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Over the years, the chorus has seen hundreds of women come and go, contributing to a tight-knit network of approximately 30,000 members worldwide. Freeman notes, “You can go anywhere in the world, and if they have a Sweet Adelines chorus and go to their rehearsal, you’re like family.”
To appeal to a younger audience and improve online visibility, the group rebranded as Acapella Express. They have since become part of the Northern Lights Region 6, which includes twelve choruses across North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The chorus has earned numerous accolades, including top-five finishes in regional competitions and a #2 ranking for small choruses internationally.
A Celebration of Music and Community
Under the direction of Megan Argall, who took over in 2018 after joining as a high school senior in 1998, the chorus continues to thrive. Argall emphasizes the importance of the group’s legacy: “I know there is a rich tradition of history. For everybody, it’s so much more than singing.” The anniversary concert will feature a blend of music, storytelling, and archival photos, alongside a recognition of their long-standing community service initiatives.
One notable program is “It’s a Chick Thing,” a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. Members of Acapella Express come from various backgrounds, with some joining through personal recommendations or community connections. Freeman herself was introduced to the chorus by a stranger who expressed a shared love for singing.
For many, Acapella Express provides not only musical enjoyment but also personal fulfillment. Member Diane Wicklund, who joined in 1990, describes her experience as transformational. “It was the only thing I really did for myself,” she recalls. Even decades later, singing with the chorus remains a vital part of her life, offering a reprieve from daily challenges. “When I get up on the risers, I forget all about my bad day.”
Newer members, such as Brittany Schwebach, an accountant for the Fargo Diocese, have also found a welcoming environment. Schwebach, who had never sung in a choir before, initially felt apprehensive about her abilities. “I’ve been told I’m terrible at singing,” she admits, but was encouraged by fellow members. “They said, ‘Come! We’ll teach you.’” Now, she eagerly anticipates weekly rehearsals, appreciating the laughter and camaraderie.
As Acapella Express prepares for its 70th anniversary celebration, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of music, friendship, and community. The chorus invites everyone to join in the festivities, emphasizing that “all are welcome” to experience the joy of harmony.
For more information about the concert, which begins at 3 p.m. on December 6, attendees are encouraged to make a freewill offering, and former members are welcome to join in on select songs.
