In 2013, Lois Treloar saw an ad in Mt. Lebanon Magazine for the Sounds  of Pittsburgh Chorus. The group, now in its 51st year, was in search of new members. In preparation for retirement, Treloar, who has lived on Folkstone Drive for more than 30 years, was in search of community. Her job in sales, marketing and competitive intelligence for Ricoh involved frequent travel, which meant she wasn’t home long enough to make lasting connections.

Treloar sang in her high school choir in Monongahela, as well as in a women’s ensemble when she attended Case Western Reserve University, so the ad piqued her interest. Seven years later, in 2020, she became the president of the Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus, a position she still holds.

“It’s like a sisterhood,” Treloar said. “It’s some of the hardest singing I’ve ever done, and it became something I really enjoyed.” The Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus is an award-winning a capella women’s chorus and a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, an organization dedicated to educating singers and upholding the art of barbershop harmony.

Through the Sweet Adelines organization, the Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus competes in regional to international competitions, where thousands of singers from more than 24 regions across the globe can gather to showcase their voices and bring joy to their listeners. Last year, in honor of its 50th anniversary, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey issued a proclamation declaring the Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus as the “Official Sweet Adelines Chorus of the City of Pittsburgh.”

But more meaningful than the commendations and medals are the lives that the Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus impacts locally, as they perform regularly at nursing homes, fundraisers and local institutions. In November, Treloar and the Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus performed at the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum for SLB Radio. They also rehearse and perform regularly at the Sharon Community Presbyterian Church in Moon Township.

“We put on a show, not a concert,” said Treloar. “Singing brings joy to us, and we bring joy to other people.”

Carol Leary, a member of Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus for more than 50 years, was the group’s president before Treloar took over. The chorus, like many other social groups, experienced a steep decline in membership because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But thanks to Treloar’s leadership, according to Leary, the group has continued to thrive and is looking to grow again.

“Lois is a lovely lady. She could run any kind of business or organization that’s thrown at her,” said Leary, who was a 45-year resident of Dell Avenue and now lives in a Lebo adjacent condominium. “This group means the world to us. You learn to sing with passion and heart, and the goal is to get the audience to feel the music just like you do. We get a chance to please people at nursing homes, for example, and put smiles on their faces.”

Pastor Becky Branch-Trevathan of Sharon Community Presbyterian Church described via email her experiences working with Treloar and the Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus since 2018. “They are a delightful group of ladies who come together, rain/snow or shine, for friendship, laughter, and, of course, singing. Their energy and talent are contagious,” said Branch-Trevathan. “Lois has been their fearless leader and organizer, and has a particular talent for caring for the ladies and inspiring their best.”

Treloar said that the group is always looking for women who sing. For someone who sang when they were younger, and is looking for a chance to perform and have fun, the Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus fuels that need. “People who get into it get hooked,” Treloar said.

Since spotting that fateful advertisement 13 years ago, Treloar has succeeded in finding her community and helping to inspire countless lives through song. “When you work and travel together, you become a close-knit group. Everyone supports everyone else,” said Treloar. “We’re a loving and harmonious group in more ways than one.”