12 Reasons to Sing with the San Diego Chorus

“Once you’ve heard the ‘ring’ of a four-part barbershop chord, you’ll never forget the experience,” says San Diego Chorus Director Kathleen Hansen, a Sweet Adelines International member for more than two decades. “A cappella singing is an art form that helps musicians develop a complex skillset that often starts with enjoying the rich sound of vocal harmony.” 

​The San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International celebrates a 70+ year history that includes two international championship titles and a multitude of regional competition medals.  At first glance, its 80+ singers reflect a broad demographic spectrum in terms of musical background, education and age. The deep bonds within the chorus are immediately evident, and a closer look reveals many compelling reasons that membership has been growing steadily in recent years.

Beyond the documented wellness benefits of choral singing, many musicians describe a cappella singing as a transformational art form and a lifelong journey.

Twelve Fantastic Reasons to Sing with the San Diego Chorus

1. We are connected.
Togetherness is everything for us: building friendships and sharing laughter, music, and experiences.

2. We are always changing.
Development is ongoing for personal musical growth, from the technical to the artistic.

3. We get creative.
Creativity is innate to our self-expression through innovative costuming, choreography, and scripts.

4. We all belong.
With everyone included, belonging and diversity are respected and encouraged.

5. We love the spotlight.
Performances and community outreach help us share our joy and music with all kinds of audiences.

6. We feel good.
The health benefits abound, with emotional and physical outlets that help lower stress and promote overall well-being.

7.  We are continuous learners.
Each rehearsal or personal practice is an exploration in education; our director, chorus, and regional and international organizations provide special workshops, vocal instruction, and educational events.

8. We are going places.
Adventures always await us, with annual activities, both local and with regional, national, and international travel.

9. We use “quartet” as a verb.
We sing four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, either individually or in a section, including opportunities to participate in quartets in regional and international competitions.

10. We span decades.
Not only is our chorus 70+ years old, we enjoy and benefit from a multigenerational influence among our members.

11. We lead the way.
Leadership opportunities - building confidence and skills - are available for every member, and the chorus enjoys bringing new ideas to the Sweet Adelines International organization.
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12. We support each other.
​Generous support at all stages of membership, from our Rookie Team to Emeritus status, is key, as well as our contributions as a non-profit organization benefitting musical education for young singers. ​

​ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO CHORUS
Founded in 1951, the San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International is a highly trained and talented group of women who sing four-part harmony arranged in the barbershop style. Twice named International Chorus Champion of Women’s Barbershop Harmony, the San Diego Chorus strives to entertain in many musical genres along with its signature vibrant choreography. Led by Master Director and Sweet Adelines International Faculty, Kathleen Hansen, the San Diego Chorus is dedicated to local entertainment and offering women of all ages opportunities for musical and personal growth. The Chorus welcomes singers of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from varied religions. The San Diego Chorus hosts weekly rehearsals on Wednesday evenings at the Casa Del Prado, Room #207, located in beautiful Balboa Park. Additional information can be found on their website at www.sandiegochorus.org.
 
ABOUT SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
Sweet Adelines International is a musical force in the United States and around the world. The organization is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma where it was founded in 1945. This nonprofit music education organization is one of the world's largest singing organizations for women, encompassing more than 25,000 members, 1,200 registered quartets, and 600 choruses in the United States, Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Scotland, Sweden, The Netherlands, and Wales. More information is available on the International Web site by visiting www.sweetadelines.org.