The Prairie Echoes Chorus is led by Master Director, Donna Bates.

Donna has a long-standing history with Sweet Adelines International.  She started singing in Sweet Adelines in high school, and has directed three choruses during her membership with Sweet Adelines International before coming to Prairie Echoes.  In 1999, she achieved the prestigious "Master Director" status. 

Donna is also the tenor in the 1983 Sweet Adeline's International Champion Quartet, Melo-Edge, which makes her a "Queen of Harmony"!

In 2006, Donna rejoined her first ever Sweet Adelines chorus, the Melodeers Chorus, a five-time International Champion Chorus. 

Donna resides in Crystal Lake, Illinois, with her husband, Joe, two daughters, Sarah and Abbie, and two loveable dogs, Cole and Duke.

We are very excited to have Donna's expertise and charisma leading us to new heights in barbershop harmony!