 December 15, 2025 - The San Diego Chorus has officially opened the search for its next Musical Director, marking an important step forward for the award-winning a cappella ensemble as it looks toward an ambitious and exciting future. A long-standing chapter of Sweet Adelines International, the San Diego Chorus is recognized for its commitment to high-level music education, artistic excellence, and competitive achievement. In recent seasons, the chorus placed 7th at the 2024 Sweet Adelines International Competition, earned 2nd place at the 2025 Region 21 Golden West Contest, and has accepted a Wild Card invitation to compete internationally in 2026. Interim Leadership and Forward Momentum During the search and transition period, the San Diego Chorus is pleased to share that former director, Sound Judge, and three-time Queen of Harmony Kim Vaughn will serve as Interim Musical Director. Her depth of experience and longstanding leadership within Sweet Adelines provide continuity and confidence as the chorus continues its musical journey. Looking ahead to 2026, singers have much to anticipate. The chorus is preparing for evaluation at Region 21 Golden West and will compete as Contestant #6 at the Sweet Adelines International Competition in October in Columbus, Ohio. The Opportunity The San Diego Chorus is seeking a Musical Director who is an exceptional music educator, a collaborative leader, and a creative visionary. The ideal candidate brings strong vocal pedagogy, deep understanding of the barbershop genre, experience guiding ensembles toward competitive excellence, and a leadership style that is naturally encouraging and grounded in communication, curiosity, and respect. The chorus offers a strong foundation for success, including an established Directors’ Musical Team, dedicated section leaders, and ongoing access to top-tier regional and international educators. Members share a genuine appetite for growth and value a culture of coaching, continuous improvement, and artistic innovation. Selection Process The Musical Director Search will be guided by a dedicated Search Committee led by Co-Committee Chairs Nicole Knox and Connie Mitchell. The committee is comprised of three appointed member representatives, one alternate, and two Ex-Officio members representing the Chorus Management Team (CMT) and the Directors' Musical Team (DMT). This committee structure was designed to balance member representation, musical expertise, and governance oversight, ensuring a thoughtful, transparent, and well-informed search process. The process will include a structured review of applications, interviews, and finalist audition rehearsals. Chorus members will provide feedback through an evaluation process, and the final appointment will be confirmed by a membership vote. Complete details, including the full job description, application requirements, and timeline, are available online. Applications will remain open through January 19, 2026.
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 As the San Diego Chorus enters an important season of transition, the organization is proud to welcome Kim Vaughn as Interim Musical Director, providing experienced leadership, artistic continuity, and a steady hand as the chorus conducts a search for their next long-term musical director. The appointment follows a significant milestone for Vaughn, who recently celebrated 50 years of membership with Sweet Adelines International - a legacy defined by excellence, mentorship, and a deep love for the art of four-part a cappella harmony. Now, she steps once again to the front of the room she knows so well.
A Leader with Deep Roots Vaughn previously served as musical director of the San Diego Chorus from 1985 to 2015, guiding the ensemble through nearly three decades of artistic growth and competitive success. Under her leadership, the chorus earned its second International Championship in 2001, building on its earlier International title from 1975, when Vaughn herself sang lead. Her influence extends far beyond the podium. Vaughn is a three-time International Quartet Champion and Queen of Harmony, a Certified Sound Judge, a Master Sweet Adelines International Faculty member, and a Region 21 Hall of Fame inductee. In 2014, she received the Sweet Adelines International Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her extraordinary impact on singers, directors, and choruses around the world. Confidence and Continuity in a Season of Transition Vaughn’s approach in this vital interim role is to fine-tune chorus Semi-Finals and Finals packages with reinvigorated artistry, competitive clarity, and performance freedom, sharpening musical intent while preserving the ensemble’s authentic voice. Her return brings focus and momentum during a season of transition, ensuring the chorus enters each rehearsal and performance with purpose, confidence, and a clear competitive trajectory. Kim’s leadership provides confidence and continuity at a pivotal moment for the organization. Her deep understanding of the chorus’s culture, the Sweet Adelines community, and the international competitive landscape allows singers to concentrate on execution, consistency, and growth while the search for the next musical director moves forward in parallel.  Preparing for the Road Ahead The timing of Vaughn’s appointment aligns with an ambitious and exciting performance calendar. The San Diego Chorus is already preparing for the Golden West Region 21 Chorus Competition this April in Phoenix, a key milestone in the competitive season. Looking further ahead, the chorus will take the International stage in late October, appearing as Competitor #6 at the SAI Chorus Competition in Columbus, Ohio. With Vaughn at the helm, singers are focusing on musical clarity, confidence, and joy - all hallmarks of her leadership style and a defining thread throughout her five decades of service. A Homecoming in Harmony For Vaughn, this interim role is both professional and deeply personal. After 50 years shaped by Sweet Adelines, and by the San Diego Chorus in particular, her return to the director’s podium feels like a natural extension of a lifelong commitment to the art form and its people. As the chorus looks toward the future, this season represents a bridge: honoring a rich legacy while creating space for what comes next. With Kim Vaughn leading the way, that bridge is grounded in experience, trust, and harmony. The San Diego Chorus looks forward to singing into this next chapter, together.
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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 |
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