 The contributions of the 2025-26 Chorus Management Team (CMT) were honored. The San Diego Chorus held its annual Awards and Installation Dinner on Wednesday, April 29 at the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park. The event recognizes member contributions and marks the transition of leadership within the member-led nonprofit organization. The evening was emceed by Tracy Popenhagen, co-leader of the chorus DEI committee. Entertainment was provided by chapter quartet Nick of Time, featuring Lori Shelley (tenor), Nicole Knox (lead), Nicole Clement (baritone), and Leah Rippetoe (bass), who performed their 2026 Regional Contest set. Leadership Recognition and Installation Outgoing Chorus Management Team (CMT) members Jennifer French, Andrea Chertkow, and Amy Buck were recognized for their service. The 2026–27 CMT was then installed. Continuing members include Pam Murray, Lisa Ordonez, and Diane Thornewell. Newly elected members are Cecily Taylor, Tracy Popenhagen, and Laurie Bokuniewicz. Newly appointed Musical Director Dr. Dan Wessler will also serve on the CMT. The team provides strategic guidance for the organization’s governance, business, and operational functions.  The 2026-27 San Diego Chorus Management Team was installed. Director's Music Team The Directors Music Team was recognized for its role in supporting musical and performance development across the chorus. The team includes newly appointed Musical Director Dan Wessler, Kim Vaughn, who will transition from Interim Musical Director to Associate Director; 1st and 2nd Assistant Directors Leah Rippetoe and Kayla Rodgers; Visual Coordinator Meg Adams-Kraidman; section leaders Keri Leasure and Lori Shelley (Tenor), Rachel Jones (Lead), and Marina Hayden (Bass); Secretary Julissa Trahan; and CMT representative Pam Murray. The group works collaboratively to bring the director’s artistic vision to life through section leadership, choreography, visual design, and music education.  The San Diego Chorus Director's Musical Team was honored. SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Not Her First Rodeo Kim Vaughn received the “Not Your First Rodeo” Award in recognition of her return as Interim Musical Director during a pivotal transition period for the chorus. Stepping back into the role during a season that included Regional Contest preparation and a Musical Director search, Vaughn provided steady musical leadership and continuity at a critical time. The award also carried a note of levity, acknowledging Vaughn’s extensive list of formal accolades across decades of barbershop leadership. While she has earned some of the organization’s highest honors, this marked the first time she has received this unofficial distinction.
Director’s Award As she transitions from the role of Interim to Associate Director, Vaughn presented the Director’s Award to Lead Section Leader Rachel Jones. Jones was recognized for her leadership within the lead section and her broader contributions to chorus culture and musical development, despite being a relatively recent member. Team Coordinator Award Pam Murray presented the Team Coordinator Award to Shelly McMorrow. McMorrow’s contributions include consecutive terms as show chair and regional contest coordinator, as well as ongoing operational support behind the scenes. She is also an active quartet singer and participant in the Summer Seminar Double Quartet, which has earned multiple Region 21 Golden Banana Awards.
Marie Winfrey Award The Marie Winfrey Award, which recognizes significant behind-the-scenes contributions, was presented to Connie Mitchell. Mitchell leads the chorus riser team and plays a key role in vocal assessment and auditions. Her work focuses on logistics, problem-solving, and operational support that directly impact rehearsal and performance effectiveness. Membership Milestones Longevity awards were presented to members reaching milestone anniversaries:
 2025-26 Singers of Note Recipients Singers of Note The Singers of Note designation recognizes members who demonstrate consistent, active participation across multiple areas of chorus life, including musical preparation, leadership, and organizational support. Recipients include: Kathy Whalen, Pam Murray, Julissa Trahan, Melina Lasley, Nicole Knox, Rachel Jones, Jennifer French, Leah Rippetoe, Marina Hayden, Andrea Chertkow, Laurie Bokuniewicz, Jennifer Irvine, Caressa Jackson, Shelly McMorrow, Lori Shelley, Amy Buck, Keri Leasure, Amanda Pruett, Cindy McAdams, and Erika Abate.
Musical Director Remarks Dr. Dan Wessler addressed the chorus and noted the level of preparation, focus, and engagement demonstrated by members, citing it as a strong foundation for the work ahead. He also acknowledged the passion, commitment, and investment in organizational culture already evident within the membership, describing it as a key indicator of a high-impact organization. Wessler shared that this alignment resonates with him at both a personal and professional level and contributes to his enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. He expressed appreciation for a culture where both musical excellence and member engagement are clearly prioritized. Wessler will officially begin his role on May 6 and will immediately lead preparations for the Sweet Adelines International competition in Columbus, Ohio this October. His remarks emphasized both continuity and forward momentum as the chorus enters its next phase of musical development.  Sweet Adeline of the Year The Sweet Adeline of the Year award was presented by outgoing recipient Kayla Rodgers to Andrea Chertkow. The award is based on member nominations and input from past recipients. Chertkow was recognized for her contributions across multiple areas of the organization, including service on the Chorus Management Team, leadership in grant writing initiatives, involvement in the Song Assessment process, and participation on both the Contract Committee and Standing Rules Committee. Her impact spans multiple years and reflects a sustained operational and strategic contribution to the chorus. The evening concluded with group singing, trivia activities, and a choreographed “Shake It Off” segment led by emcee Tracy Popenhagen.
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San Diego Chorus Names Dr. Dan Wessler as Musical Director in Milestone 75th Anniversary Year4/15/2026  MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 15, 2026, San Diego, CA — The San Diego Chorus proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Dan Wessler as its new Musical Director, ushering in a dynamic new chapter as the chorus celebrates its 75th anniversary. A two-time International Champion with Sweet Adelines International, the San Diego Chorus continues its legacy of musical excellence while embracing future-focused artistic leadership. Dr. Wessler brings a rare blend of academic distinction, international performance experience, and championship-level barbershop expertise. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and Literature from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Western Illinois University. Dr. Wessler is a choral conductor, educator, arranger, and barbershop musician currently serving as Musical and Artistic Director of the Westminster Chorus, one of the most celebrated ensembles in barbershop history. Under his leadership, Westminster continues its extraordinary legacy as the 2009 “Choir of the World” Pavarotti Trophy winner and a five-time Barbershop Harmony Society International Chorus Champion (2007, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2024). His barbershop credentials are both extensive and distinctive, rooted in the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). Originally established in 1938, BHS has evolved into a global organization dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of a cappella barbershop singing, with musical education at its core. In 1945, Sweet Adelines International was founded as its sister organization, expanding opportunities for women in the barbershop art form. Since expanding in 2018 to include women’s and mixed ensembles, BHS remains a compelling voice in shaping the future of the art form worldwide. In addition to his work with Westminster, Dr. Wessler serves as adjunct faculty at Concordia University Irvine, where he directs the Donne di Canto women’s chorus and the Men’s Chorus, and as Director of the Continuing Education Chorus at North Orange County Community College. He has led a wide range of ensembles, including university choirs, community choruses, traveling youth ensembles, and elite competitive barbershop groups. A certified Music Judge and faculty member with the Barbershop Harmony Society, Dr. Wessler is also an internationally recognized performer and conductor. He sings bass with After Hours, the 2018 International Barbershop Quartet Champion, and has performed extensively across the United States and abroad, bringing a performer’s perspective and artistry into every rehearsal room he leads. Dr. Wessler is also a sought-after coach for choruses and quartets, working with ensembles around the world to prepare and fine-tune their performances for competition. His work as an arranger is widely respected, with compositions performed on major contest stages and published through Hal Leonard.  Dr. Wessler’s leadership philosophy centers on belonging, positivity, ownership, and growth. He is known for cultivating rehearsal environments where singers feel both supported and challenged, building not only musical excellence but a strong sense of community. The announcement follows the chorus’s recent return from Regional Competition in Phoenix, where they performed for evaluation as part of their preparation for the Sweet Adelines International Competition this October in Columbus, Ohio. The San Diego Chorus has accepted a Wild Card invitation and will compete among the world’s top choruses. “There’s something powerful about a chorus that already knows who it is and continues to prioritize growth,” said Dr. Wessler. “I’m honored to be part of what comes next.” Wessler assumes the role as of May 1, 2026. “This is a moment of both celebration and momentum for our chorus,” said Interim Musical Director Kim Vaughn. “As we honor 75 years of harmony, we are equally focused on the future. Our organization is poised for growth and excited to begin a new season. Dr. Wessler brings the musical depth, leadership vision, and human-centered approach that will help guide us forward.” Vaughn, a 50-year member of the San Diego Chorus, holds the rare distinction of being a three-time International Quartet Champion and Queen of Harmony, with championship quartets including High Society, Savvy, and A Cappella Gold. A Master Director, Judge Emerita in the Sound Category, Sweet Adelines International Faculty member, and Region 21 Hall of Fame inductee, she also received the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award and achieved the prestigious Master Director 700 designation. Vaughn served as Musical Director of the San Diego Chorus from 1985 to 2014, leading the chorus to its 2001 International Championship after having sung lead in its first championship win in 1975. Founded in 1951, the San Diego Chorus is one of the premier performing ensembles in the Sweet Adelines organization. The chorus performs award-winning, four-part barbershop harmony, blending musical excellence with vibrant performance and choreography. As a nonprofit performing arts organization, the chorus is dedicated to education, entertainment, and competition. It welcomes women and non-binary treble singers of all backgrounds who share a passion for music and personal growth. Experienced vocalists are welcome to attend casual weekly rehearsals, held on Wednesdays in Room 207 of the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park. With Dr. Wessler at the helm, the chorus looks ahead to its next era with clarity, confidence, and renewed passion and purpose.
 The San Diego Chorus returned from the 2026 Region 21 Golden West Quartet and Chorus Competition, held April 9–12 in Phoenix, Arizona, with strong results and clear momentum as it prepares for the Sweet Adelines International Competition this October in Columbus, Ohio. Two quartets representing the chorus competed in Phoenix. SoloVoce earned second place in the Region 21 Quartet Contest, continuing a consistent record of top placements that includes a regional championship in 2023, third place in 2024, and second place in 2025. Nick of Time also represented the chorus, contributing to a strong overall showing from San Diego–area performers.
The San Diego Chorus performed for evaluation, using the regional stage as a key element of International preparation. The chorus received high scores along with detailed adjudicator feedback intended to support continued refinement of sound, musicality, and performance design ahead of the international contest. A notable moment during the weekend was the return of Interim Musical Director and former longtime director Kim Vaughn, who led the chorus on the contest stage for the first time in more than a decade. Vaughn previously served as Musical Director from 1985 to 2014 and led the chorus to an International Championship in 2001.
The chorus also opened the Harmony Showcase on Saturday evening, part of the convention’s closing events, featuring select performances from across the region. Looking ahead, the San Diego Chorus will appear as Competitor #6 in the 2026 Sweet Adelines International Chorus Semifinals, following a random draw. The chorus accepted a Wild Card invitation to compete internationally after a strong showing at the 2025 Region 21 Golden West Competition in Redondo Beach, California. Preparation for international competition typically spans 12 to 24 months and includes weekly rehearsals, sectional work, and specialized coaching in both vocal and visual performance. As a member-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the San Diego Chorus relies on volunteer contributions from its members, as well as funding from performances, fundraising efforts, and grants. The organization is a multi-year recipient of the Organizational Support Program Grant, provided by the City of San Diego's Commission for Arts and Culture through the Office of Cultural Affairs. 
The 2026 Sweet Adelines International Competition will feature 40 choruses from around the world. Performances are evaluated across four categories: Sound, Music, Expression, and Visual Communication, with a maximum possible score of 800 points per performance. The event also includes quartet competitions, culminating in the International Quartet Finals. Founded in 1945, Sweet Adelines International is one of the world’s largest singing organizations, with more than 25,000 members, 1,200 quartets, and 600 choruses worldwide. The San Diego Chorus, established in 1952, continues its preparation for the international stage in Columbus this fall. Full results of the Region 21 Quartet and Chorus Contest are also available online. 
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CONTACT
619-796-5162 MAILING PO Box 33365 San Diego, CA 92163 NONPROFIT EIN 501c3 95-6095457 AFFILIATIONS Region 21 Golden West Sweet Adelines International COPYRIGHT San Diego Chorus © 2026 All Rights Reserved TERMS & CONDITIONS |
OPEN REHEARSALS
Weekly on Wednesdays 6:45 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. Plan a Visit REHEARSAL LOCATION Casa Del Prado, Room 207 Balboa Park San Diego, CA 92101 Detailed Location Information 45 |
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