The Acapella Express, a prominent women’s chorus based in Fargo-Moorhead, is set to celebrate its 70th anniversary on December 6, 2025. The milestone will be marked with a special concert at the Trinity Lutheran Church, showcasing the group’s rich history and enduring camaraderie.
The journey of Acapella Express began in 1955, inspired by the local men’s barbershop chorus. As the wives of these singers sought their own creative outlet, they formed a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, established in 1945. According to current member Audra Freeman, the formation was a response to their husbands’ musical pursuits. “Their wives thought, ‘Our husbands are out having fun singing, we want to do it, too’,” Freeman explained.
Over the decades, Acapella Express has evolved in both style and name. Originally known as the Sweet Adelines of Fargo-Moorhead, the group rebranded itself to appeal to a younger audience. The new name, Acapella Express, was chosen partly for easier online searches, incorporating an “E” to distinguish it.
Honoring Tradition and Community
The chorus has long been an integral part of the local community, performing at various events and competitions. They are affiliated with the Northern Lights Region 6 of Sweet Adelines, which includes choruses across North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The group has earned numerous accolades, including a #2 Small Chorus ranking internationally and multiple top-five finishes at regional competitions.
Director Megan Argall, who took the helm in 2018 after joining the chorus as a high school senior in 1998, emphasized the importance of the group’s legacy. “For everybody, it’s so much more than singing,” she stated. The upcoming anniversary concert will feature a blend of music, storytelling, and a look back at the chorus’s history, including its community service efforts like the breast cancer fundraiser, “It’s a Chick Thing.”
Freeman highlighted the chorus as a space for personal growth and empowerment. “The education beyond the musical and the skill building and the confidence it builds in women is amazing,” she said. Members often join for various reasons, such as seeking friendship or stress relief from their daily lives.
A Sisterhood Through Music
The bonds formed within Acapella Express are profound. Longtime member Diane Wicklund joined in 1990, seeking companionship after relocating to the area. For her, weekly rehearsals became a cherished opportunity for personal time. “It was the only thing I really did for myself,” she noted.
Newer members, like Brittany Schwebach, who had no prior choir experience, have also found a welcoming environment. Despite initial self-doubt about her singing abilities, Schwebach embraced the encouragement from her fellow members. “I just know we’re going to be laughing all night,” she said, expressing her excitement for rehearsals.
The Acapella Express continues to thrive, thanks to its members’ dedication and the supportive community surrounding them. With around 30,000 members globally, Sweet Adelines International fosters a sense of belonging that transcends geographic boundaries. “You can go anywhere in the world, and if they have a Sweet Adelines chorus and go to their rehearsal, you’re like family,” Freeman remarked.
The 70th-anniversary concert promises to be a joyful celebration of music, friendship, and the legacy of Acapella Express. As Freeman put it, “This is my forever thing,” reflecting the sentiments of many who find their home among the harmonies of this enduring chorus.
The concert will take place at 3 p.m. on December 6 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 213 Eighth St. S., Moorhead. Admission is free, with attendees encouraged to make a voluntary offering. Former members are invited to join in on select songs, ensuring a warm welcome for all.
