Watch excerpts from Pat Luebbers' 50th Anniversary Celebration and Acknowledgement at the San Diego Chorus Recharge Event “The San Diego Chorus won that year, Marvin Yerkey was their director,” Pat says warmly. “At the end of the night he led the audience in singing "Harmonize the World." The whole ballroom was singing, and I just about levitated. I was in heaven!” That evening, Marvin invited anyone who wanted to sing to visit the chorus. The next week Pat was sitting in her car outside of the rehearsal space, 20 minutes early, anxiously waiting for someone to open the doors. “They welcomed me with open arms,” recalls Pat of her first visit. “It was as though we were a long-lost family. I knew right away it was for me. But soon after my first visit, my youngest child became very ill and was hospitalized. When I was finally able to return to chorus - and trust me, I was counting the days - I remember several of the members cried, they were so happy to see me return!”
Pat remembers that within a few months of joining the chorus, Chuck noticed a change. “‘You are a totally different person to live with,’ he told me. He said it changed how I saw the world and that joy made a difference that was palpable in all areas of life.”
Over her 50 years of membership, Pat has served in almost every leadership position for the San Diego Chorus, including Chorus President. She was serving in this capacity when the organization received the devastating news that their celebrated director, Marvin Yerkey, was diagnosed with cancer. Yerkey passed away just a few short months later. “Marv was determined that our chorus would not only continue, but would thrive and grow after he was gone,” said Pat. “He would call from the hospital and I would take endless pages of notes as we talked about the things he had learned during his tenure, his vision for the future and his thoughts on how to find our next director.”
“It made me realize that not only is this chorus something that I want to do right now, but I look at Pat and I think, this is a lifelong journey, a family. I just know that in 50 years, I want to be like her!” Barker beams at the realization. Pat has no intention of fading away. “Singing with the San Diego Chorus has been a such an important part of my life. I cannot imagine my world without singing! I know there may come a time - and I will fight it like hell - because I won’t be ready to leave this earth until I can’t come to chorus anymore.” Pat Luebbers' 50 year milestone was celebrated at a surprise luncheon in early 2023. She received her 50 Year pin from Sweet Adelines International and was gifted an art glass treble clef from the San Diego Chorus in recognition of her many contributions. Pat was officially recognized by the San Diego Chorus at their Winter Recharge event, as well as at the Region 21 Golden West Contest and Competition in March of 2022 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO CHORUS Founded in 1951, the San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International performs award-winning, four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. Twice named International Chorus Champion of Women’s Barbershop Harmony, the nonprofit performing arts organization entertains 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 education, entertainment and competition. The Chorus welcomes women and non-binary treble singers who share a love of music and dedication to personal and musical growth regardless of age, race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender expression. Rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesday evenings in Room 207 of the Casa del Prado building in Balboa Park. Additional information can be found on their website at 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 online at SweetAdelines.com.
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MAY 8th, 2023 - The award-winning San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International will host open auditions on Wednesday, May 24th from 6:45 PM - 9:45 PM. The chorus performs 4-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. The event, which will be hosted in Room #207 of the Casa Del Prado Building in Balboa Park, offers an overview of the vocal assessment and audition process. Women and non-binary treble singers of all musical backgrounds are welcome. Interested singers are encouraged to RSVP to reserve a spot.  Guests are encouraged to participate immediately in the Chorus warmup and rehearsal process. The evening also includes a private vocal assessment, a brief performance and an educational breakout session. Visitors receive details about the year-round soft audition process, membership, and history about the San Diego Chorus and Sweet Adelines International. Singers who successfully complete the audition process are paired with a chorus mentor and have the support of a year-long Rookie program designed to help singers build relationships and navigate their first year of membership. "The San Diego Chorus provides musical education, coaching and skill development that helps singers grow as musicians, performers and competitors," says Musical Director Kathleen Hansen. "We continuously strive to improve our contest program and expand our repertoire in preparation for upcoming performances." The organization is received a score of 674 in the Region 21 Contest. This score earned them 2nd place and merited a Wild Card Invitation from parent organization Sweet Adelines International. and accepted a Wild Card invitation to compete internationally in Kansas City in 2024. recently awarded a score of 674 in the Region 21 Golden West 2023 Contest, which took place in Albuquerque, NM. This noteworthy score earned them Second Place within the Region. The San Diego Chorus now awaits the outcome of Sweet Adeline's Regional competitions worldwide in hopes that this score will merit an invitation to compete internationally in the Spring of 2024, "Right now is the ideal time to begin our audition and membership process," says Hansen. "Doing so ensures your involvement in our next cycle of vocal and performance coaching, shows and competition." The San Diego Chorus recently celebrated it's 70th anniversary. The organization is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Membership is open to women and non-binary treble singers of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people of varied religions. Marina Hayden serves as Membership Chair for the Chorus. As a 29-year member of the San Diego Chorus and bass of SoloVoce, the 2023 Region 21 Quartet Champion, Hayden brings both history and heart to her role. "Guests arrive so excited about singing and learning more about our unique musical genre - something that we love to see," says Hayden. "What often surprises them are the life-changing relationships that naturally evolve with Chorus membership. Our musical family is like no other! We go out of our way to help each other succeed ... musically and in life. People come for the singing and stay for the friendships." If you would like to learn more about singing with the award-winning San Diego Chorus, RSVP for the May 24th Open House to learn more and begin your audition process. ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO CHORUS Founded in 1951, the San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International performs award-winning, four-part harmony in the barbershop style. Twice named International Chorus Champion of Women’s Barbershop Harmony, the nonprofit performing arts organization entertains 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 education, entertainment and competition. The Chorus welcomes women and non-binary treble singers who share a love of music and dedication to personal and musical growth regardless of age, race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender expression. Rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesday evenings in Room 207 of the Casa del Prado building in Balboa Park. Additional information can be found on their website at 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, http://www.sweetadelineintl.org. |
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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 © 2023 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 SINGING HOLIDAY GRAMS 45 |
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