ABOUT US
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
—Plato
WE ARE A CAPPELLA UNLIMITED
We’re a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, the worlds largest singing organization for treble voices. Although we sing 4-part harmony in the barbershop style, we also love to explore the many styles of a cappella; hence the “unlimited” in our name. Since chartering in 2011, we have continued to perfect our performance, challenging ourselves to be better singers. Our members, from the youngest to the oldest, are constantly striving to be the best at what we do, whether we’re performing in our community, at a nursing home, or on stage competing we are focused on excellence and diversity in music, membership and performance while celebrating our love of a cappella.
Click on the highlighted dates to see what’s coming up
OUR DIRECTOR
Madison Shortes is a self-described barbershop nerd. She came up through the Sweet Adelines ranks. Under the tutelage of the incredible Debbie Cleveland (SAI two-time Queen of Harmony; Showtime -1994, Buzz - 2004) Madison served as her student assistant from 2015 to 2017. She sang in the Toast of Tampa Chorus (2017 – 2020) for the five-time BHS gold medalist Tony DeRosa. Madison earned her Bachelor in Music Education at the Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory, Berea, Ohio and will begin working toward her Masters of Music in Choral Directing in the fall of 2025 at Texas State University, San Marcos, TX.
Her quartet Blaze placed 3rd and 4th in the 2018 and 2019 Rising Star Competitions, and in 2023 her quartet Cosmic won the Rising Star competition. She has sung in numerous choral/barbershop groups and has taught music at the elementary, junior high and high school levels. She was an instructor at the Region 10, 2024 Young Women in Harmony music camp. She’s a member of Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Sweet Adelines International (SAI), Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), Harmony Inc. (HI) and Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) fraternity. Madison recently completed her position as Head Choir Director & Piano Teacher at Cedar Creek High School before entering Texas State in the fall of 2025.
Our Team
Every organization needs leadership to keep it functioning at its best and moving forward. It’s important to have individuals with vision, dedication, purpose and, not least of all, administrative skills. Au is no different. We are proud to introduce our 2025-2026 Management Team
LAURA DeANGELO - TEAM COORDINATOR
Laura joined Au in October of 2022. Although she sang with the Dartmouth Woodwinds a cappella group in college, she is relatively new to barbershop. She joined Au as a tenor but switched to baritone. She sings in the 2025 5th Place Medalist quartet Better Than Befour. Laura is a mental health professional and is fortunate to work out of her home. Hobbies beside music include cooking, walking, cruising and the beach. She also spends time enjoying her children and grandchildren. She will helm the Au ship and attempt to keep our ducks in a row.
Mail to: acappellaunlimitedchorus@gmail.com
MELI VAN NATTA - FINANCE
Meli has been a real estate broker since 1978, a mortgage loan originator since 2004, is a mobile notary public and currently works part-time for Harrell Funeral Home. Meli joined inland Empire chorus in Riverside California in 1998, and joined A Cappella Unlimited in 2017. She is married to Eric and has two Corgi children, Lucy and Roxy, She also has two grown human children and six grandchildren. Meli is a bass in Au. She will be responsible for all things related to income and expenses.
Mail to: acappellaunlimitedchorus@gmail.com
KYONG HEE CHEE – MEMBERSHIP
Kyong Hee joined Au in December of 2024. Born and raised in Korea, Kyong Hee attended high school in Canada and graduate school at Iowa State University. She retired from Texas State University in May 2024 where she directed a master’s degree program in Dementia and Aging Studies. Musically inclined, she’s new to barbershop; however, she began cello lessons in her 50s and now sings lead with Au where she’s a quick study. She will be responsible for recruiting, welcoming and retaining members.
Mail to: acappellaunlimitedchorus@gmail.com
KATHY PILLMORE - MARKETING
Kathy has been with the chorus since 2010. As marketing coordinator she is responsible for branding and imaging for Au and keeping the public aware of the chorus and its performances and accomplish-ments. She manages social media and is the webmaster. After a career in PR and marketing, and having sung all her life with classical and barbershop choruses, she helped to charter Au. Kathy previously served as team leader and marketing coordinator. She is a lead with Au. Mailto:acappellaunlimitedchorus@gmail.com
JOCELYN YANAGISAWA - COMMUNICATIONS
Jocelyn is a lead with Au. She joined the chorus in 2020 as a bass. She is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army and also retired from engineering with the Department of the Army. Currently she gardens, travels, and enjoys time with her husband, 2 dogs, and 3 cats...and all the bees—she is a beekeeper. She has been a jack of all trades with Au. And because she and her husband live in the country with a huge garage/workshop/barn, they have often hosted Au rehearsals and parties. As communications coordinator JY will be responsible for keeping accurate team meeting minutes and other such communications as necessary.
MADISON SHORTES - DIRECTOR
Madison is the new musical leader of Au joining us in May 2025. She is responsible for education and the musical performance of the chorus. Madison earned her barbershop chops under the tutelage of barbershop icons such as Debbie Cleveland and Tony DeRosa. She has a Bachelors of Music Education from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music in Berea, OH. She is a member of Texas Music Educators Association, Sweet Adelines International, Barbershop Harmony Society, Harmony Inc and Zeta Tau Alpha. Madison is enrolled at Texas State. University where she is working toward her Masters in Choral Conducting.
Mail to: acappellaunlimitedchorus@gmail.com
“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”
Our Members
Sandy Blevins • Renee Chang • Kyong Hee Chee • Kadi Conklin • Katy Dane • Laura DeAngelo • Cheyenne Gonzalez • Kate Hungerford • Roz Jones • Christy Libby • Marché Marquis • Melonie Mills • Michelle Mitchell • Kathy Pillmore • Madison Shortes • Stephanie Sarvis. • Jocelyn Vallee • Meli VanNatta • Marie White • Kathy Wilson • Bonnie Wolfe • Jocelyn Yanagisawa
OUR HISTORY
CHARTERED: December 2011
2012 Region 10 Competition • Division A 5th Place • Overall 8th Place
2013 Region 10 Competition • Division A 1st Place • Overall 5th Place • Most Improved
2014 Region 10 Competition • Division A 1st Place • Overall 5th Place
2015 Region 10 Competition • Division A 1st Place • Overall 5th Place
2016 Region 10 Competition • Division A 2nd Place • Overall 4th Place
2017 Region 10 Competition • Division A 1st Place • Overall 4th Place
2018 Region 10 Competition • Division A 1st Place • Overall 3rd Place • Audience Favorite • Qualified for 2019 Harmony Classic
2019 Region 10 Competition • Division A 1st Place • Overall 3rd Place
2019 International Harmony Classic 2nd Place • 600 Master Singer
2020 & 2021 Competition cancelled due to pandemic.
2022 Region 10 Competition • Division A 4th Place • Overall 6th Place
2023 Region 10 Competition • Division A 1st Place • Overall 3rd Place • Most Improved (70 points) and Audience Favorite!
2024 Region 10 Competition º Division A 2nd Place • Overall 4th Place
2025 Region 10 Competition • Division A 1st Place • Overall 3rd Place
What’s in a name?
A Cappella Unlimited (Au) is the Periodic Table symbol for Gold! Gold has always been recognized as the standard for the best, the pinnacle of any achievement. Au reflects our desire to be the best at what we do.
Unlimited represents our commitment to step outside our genre to experience the full range of a cappella music.
Bee One with Au!
SING WITH US: Mondays, 7 pm - 10 pm (Check Calendar for changes, coaches or special events)
Texas State University Music Building, Room 222
101 Pleasant Street, San Marcos, TX • $5 Parking available in the Pleasant Street garage. Use the “AMP Park” app on your phone.
CALL OR EMAIL US: 737.242.6453 • acappellaunlimitedchorus@gmail.com
MAIL US: 12701 Crystal Creek Dr., Buda, TX 78610
FOLLOW US: On Facebook • Instagram • Meet Up • X (Formerly Twitter)
HIRE US!
Hire Au for your next corporate event, holiday party or just for fun
2025 Regional Competition
The award-winning A Cappella Unlimited chorus is available to perform at your event. You may hire the full chorus, a quartet or double quartet. Availability depends on date, time and location of the event. Au’s talented women will delight and entertain your audience whatever the occasion. Contact us about details…737-242-6453 or email acappellaunlimitedchorus@gmail.com.
Au 2025 Regional Competition Official Photo