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For generations, the words Sweet Adelines have meant more than the mere name of an organization. They've represented lifelong friendships, musical excellence, unforgettable performances, and a shared commitment to preserving and advancing the uniquely American art form of barbershop harmony. Now, after more than 80 years, our parent organization is entering an exciting new chapter. Sweet Adelines International is now SingUnited International. Founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1945, Sweet Adelines International began as a small group of women brought together by a love of singing. Over eight decades, that vision has grown into the world's largest international barbershop and a cappella organization for women, connecting thousands of singers across the globe through education, performance, competition, and community. While the name is changing, the heart of the organization is not. The new name reflects a vision for the future—one that welcomes the next generation of singers while honoring the traditions and values that have defined the organization since its founding. "We spent a lot of time and effort asking our members what they wanted from this organization," said International President JD Crowe. "Their feedback tells us they value our core principles—musical excellence, education, and community—while also wanting a bolder image for the next generation of singers." The name SingUnited International was intentionally chosen to reflect both the worldwide reach of the organization and the extraordinary unity that happens when voices come together in harmony. It captures what members have always known: our greatest strength has never been our name alone—it has been the people standing beside us on the risers. For members, very little is changing. We will continue to proudly call ourselves Sweet Adelines. The friendships remain. The education remains. The competitions remain. The ringing chords, the laughter, the coaching weekends, the standing ovations, and the lifelong memories remain. As the organization shared with members:  New Name. Same Harmony. Same Heart. Behind the scenes, SingUnited International has equipped choruses around the world with updated branding resources, messaging guides, creative assets, FAQs, and logos to help ensure a thoughtful and unified transition. Over the coming months, members will begin seeing the new name appear on websites, social media, printed materials, educational resources, and event signage. Here in San Diego, we're looking to the future with excitement. As we celebrate our own 75th Anniversary this year, the timing couldn't be more fitting. Our chorus has always embraced both tradition and innovation—honoring the remarkable women who built this organization while continually investing in musical growth, education, and creating a welcoming community for future generations of singers. Whether you've known us for decades or are discovering barbershop harmony for the very first time, our invitation remains exactly the same. Come experience the joy of ringing chords, meaningful friendships, exceptional musical education, and a community united through song. Because while the name on the sign may be new ... the harmony, the heart, and the people behind it have never been stronger. We are singers united—bringing connection, friendship, and music to the world.  SingUnited International equipped chapter choruses with an updated Brand Kit and a wide array of resources to support the transition.
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 Dr. Dan Wessler's first performance with the San Diego Chorus was at the 2026 Summer Seminar. The San Diego Chorus has accepted a wild card for this fall's International Contest in Columbus, Ohio.
More than a dozen members of the San Diego Chorus joined over 110 singers from across the Southwest June 12-14, 2026, for the annual Region 21 Golden West Summer Seminar in Ontario, California. The two-day educational event brought together members of SingUnited International for a weekend dedicated to musical growth, leadership development, and the joy of four-part harmony.
Beyond the main sessions, members selected from a variety of specialized breakout classes led by respected educators from throughout Region 21. San Diego Chorus was proud to have two of its own leaders among the faculty. Kayla Rodgers presented Music Theory, while Cindy McAdams led Marking Your Music & More. Additional sessions included Cultivating a Chorus Culture of Positivity and Belonging with Becky Clowers and Leslie Yancoski of Scottsdale Chorus, How to Mark Your Music with Kirby Cass of Scottsdale Chorus, and Smart Leadership with Marcia Bosma. Club 21 members also offered personalized PVI (Personal Vocal Instruction) sessions throughout the weekend.  Retail Therapy from the San Diego Chorus was awarded 1st Place in the Double Quartet contest for The Sound of Online Shopping (parody version of The Sound of Silence).
The learning continued Saturday evening as education gave way to celebration during the annual Summer Seminar Show. Audiences enjoyed performances by the San Diego Chorus, OC Sound, and Harborlites, along with quartet performances by youth quartet Two by Two, novice quartet Sunset Sound, and current Region 21 Champion quartet Uproar. The evening also featured the always-entertaining Double Quartet Contest. The good-spirited competition was judged by Bonnie McKibben, Ryan Heller, and Dr. Dan Wessler. Three ensembles took the stage: 5, 6, 7, 8 from Inland Empire Chorus, Retail Therapy from the San Diego Chorus, and The Golden Girls representing OC Sound. San Diego Chorus's own Retail Therapy earned First Place honors for their clever and entertaining performance, while The Golden Girls received the coveted Golden Banana Award, recognizing the contest's best musical parody.
"Summer Seminar is a highlight in our educational calendar," said Dr. Dan Wessler, Musical Director of the San Diego Chorus. "Weekends like this remind us that excellence isn't built in isolation. Learning alongside singers from throughout our region inspires us, challenges us, and strengthens the relationships that make our organization so unique." As the San Diego Chorus prepares for SingUnited International this fall, weekends like Summer Seminar show our commitment to lifelong musical education, artistic excellence, and a culture where every singer can continue to grow.
San Diego Chorus Welcomes Guest Coach Sandy Marron for International Competition Preparation6/22/2026  The San Diego Chorus was delighted to welcome internationally renowned coach Sandy Marron to San Diego on June 20-21 for a weekend of musical refinement, education, and inspiration as the chorus continues its preparation for the 2026 SingUnited International Chorus Competition in Columbus, Ohio. Marron, Musical Director of the internationally acclaimed Lions Gate Chorus in Vancouver, British Columbia, is one of the most respected coaches in the barbershop world. A Master 700 Director, Certified Sound Judge, International Faculty member, and International Champion Director, she has spent decades helping singers and choruses unlock higher levels of artistry, performance, and vocal excellence.  Throughout the weekend, Marron partnered with San Diego Chorus Musical Director Dr. Dan Wessler, who also directs the Westminster Chorus, the 2024 Barbershop Harmony Society International Champions. Drawing on their combined decades of experience at the highest levels of the art form, Marron and Wessler guided singers through detailed musical and performance refinement, helping strengthen both the chorus's Semi-Finals and Finals repertoire. The coaching intensive marks another important milestone as the San Diego Chorus prepares to take the international stage for competition in Columbus, Ohio this October. "Having Sandy in the room is a gift," said Dr. Dan Wessler. "Her ability to combine musical excellence with genuine encouragement helps singers discover new possibilities in both the music and themselves. Sandy brings a rare perspective shaped by decades of experience as a champion director, certified judge, educator, coach, and quartet singer. She has a remarkable ability to meet singers where they are, helping them grow in confidence while challenging them to reach for the next level of artistry." The coaching weekend was one of several educational opportunities the San Diego Chorus provides exclusively to its members throughout the year. As part of SingUnited International, formerly known as Sweet Adelines International, the chorus is rooted in a long-standing commitment to preserving, celebrating, and advancing the uniquely American art form of barbershop harmony. While audiences often experience the polished, ringing harmonies that are the hallmark of each performance, the organization's foundation is education. In addition to weekly rehearsals, sectionals, duet and small-group learning opportunities, and regional and international educational conferences, San Diego Chorus members participate in three to four intensive coaching weekends annually. Each immersive event features a different world-renowned educator, coach, judge, or champion performer, offering singers the opportunity to explore new perspectives and deepen their skills in areas such as vocal technique, artistry, performance, musicality, interpretation, and ensemble singing. These coaching intensives are designed not only to prepare the chorus for competition, but also to support the personal growth of every singer, regardless of experience level. By bringing some of the barbershop world's most respected educators directly to San Diego, the chorus continues to invest in a culture of lifelong learning, musical excellence, and shared achievement. For many members, these weekends are among the most impactful educational experiences of the year, combining expert instruction, hands-on application, and the camaraderie that comes from growing alongside fellow singers who share a passion for four-part harmony.
Marron's accomplishments in the barbershop community are extensive. She has served as Musical Director of Lions Gate Chorus since 1991 and led the chorus to the pinnacle of Sweet Adelines competition when they earned the title of International Champion Chorus in 2023. She is also a member of Brava!, the 2004 International Quartet Champions, making her one of a select few individuals to have achieved international championship success as both a director and quartet singer. For the San Diego Chorus, the weekend served as another important milestone on the road to Columbus. After placing 7th Internationally in 2024 and welcoming Dr. Wessler as Musical Director earlier this year, the chorus is continuing to build momentum during its 75th Anniversary season. As October approaches, the singers remain focused on growth, connection, and the pursuit of artistic excellence. The San Diego Chorus will represent Southern California at the 2026 SingUnited International Chorus Competition in Columbus, Ohio, where choruses from around the globe will gather to celebrate the art of four-part a cappella harmony and compete for international honors.
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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 SingUnited 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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