Female Barbershop Quartet

Lead: Connie Garcia. Tenor: Jarmela Speta. Baritone: Christine Huebschen. Bass: Carol Schoenning.

The Rarities included a sister team, Connie and Christine, as well as the first Sweet Adeline to win two international quartet gold medals - Jarmela Speta, of the 1955 champion Nota-Belles. Even prior to the 1970 international contest, The Rarities had performance bookings well into 1972.

The quartet originally formed in 1965 and had tenor and bass personnel changes before winning a regional contest in 1967. Unable to compete internationally that year, they continued working and took second place medals in 1968. Shortly before the 1969 international contest, their tenor found it necessary to retire; but coach Jarmela Speta knew "almost" all the tenor parts and joined the quartet taking second place once again. One year later The Rarities realized their dream of international gold medals.

Performances during their championship year included an appearance on the television show "To Tell the Truth," with panel members Bill Cullen, Anita Gillette, Kitty Carlisle and Gene Rayburn. The show's host was Garry Moore. Jarmela represented the quartet as the panel tried to guess who was telling the truth; then the quartet performed.

A Cappella.  

1970 - Sweet Adelines Queens of Harmony