Here's what to expect when you visit the San Diego Chorus.

The San Diego Chorus welcomes visitors year-round, and encourages full participation in rehearsals from day one. Rehearsals always begin with physical movement, which helps us to shake off the day, 'warm up' our instruments and shift mental focus toward effective rehearsal practices. Please come in comfortable clothing and shoes that allow you to move freely. You'll have guest access to digital music and learning tracks. Following an initial vocal assessment to determine which part best suits your range and voice, you'll be assigned a riser position and participate fully in rehearsal. 

Our New Member Team


​From the first moment you arrive and at every event thereafter, the San Diego Chorus New Member Team is standing by to answer questions and guide you through our rehearsal format and requirements. Section Leaders and our Director keep Guest familiarity levels in mind throughout rehearsals and special events.

​In no time, you'll be well on your way to learning our Chorus repertoire and understanding the foundational aspects of a cappella singing and the barbershop sound. Along the way, we'll offer glimpses of the rich history of Sweet Adelines International and the San Diego Chorus. 

We're Committed to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

The San Diego Chorus believes that every voice matters. We welcome singers of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from varied religions. Learn more about our intentional approach to a creating a diverse, inclusive and welcoming culture.

Our Year-Round, Self-Paced Audition Process

Our year-round, self-paced, "soft" audition process helps you take the next steps toward membership in the San Diego Chorus. Starting with an informal vocal assessment, we'll share some details about the characteristics of each voice part in barbershop music and help you identify the best fit with your range.

  • Prospective members receive digital access to music and learning tracks. On your 3rd or 4th visit, a mentor will begin to help you prepare for your auditions.
  • After about 3 to 4 weeks of attendance, you'll record yourself singing on the risers with the Chorus for evaluation as a Riser Audition.
  • After a qualifying Riser Audition at around 6 weeks of attendance, a private Quartet Audition is the next step: singing live with three other parts for evaluation.
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New singers get two tries for each phase of the audition process. After you've successfully passed both auditions you are eligible for membership in the San Diego Chorus!

Rookie Team

You came, you sang, and you want to join! Now what? Never fear - our amazing Rookie Team has a full year of events and opportunities designed to support and equip you with musical production skills, chorus etiquette, connections and fun social events to help you navigate year one.

Chorus Mentors

New Members of the San Diego Chorus are paired with a personal mentor. You'll have an opportunity to build a personal relationship with a Chorus veteran. This is one more way we ensure that you always have a friendly face, encouragement and someone nearby to guide you.

Making the Move from Guest to Member of the San Diego Chorus


​After you’ve passed your auditions, you’ll submit a completed membership application. The Membership Coordinator presents your application to our Chorus Leadership Teams for review and approval. The Chorus then votes to approve your application for membership in the San Diego Chorus and Sweet Adelines International.

The San Diego Chorus is a dues-based nonprofit organization. We actively fundraise to offset member costs, primarily through grants and performances. Members pay monthly dues of $45 which includes local and international membership fees, coaching and the cost of music. Singers also incur some additional cost, such as costume accessories and individual registration fees and travel expenses associated with competitions and events.

Out of Towner (OOT) Membership

The San Diego Chorus also offers an "Out-Of-Town" (OOT) Membership. This unique tier of membership is subject to approval from our Director's Music Team (DMT). 

We're proud to have members that join us virtually and in person from throughout Southern California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. Weekly rehearsals are live streamed and available for viewing at your convenience.

​Timely submission of qualification recordings to your section leader and visual coordinator as requested are mandatory. Quarterly attendance and real-time participation in Recharge Coaching weekends and other key events are required.