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When Kim Vaughn first walked into a Sweet Adelines rehearsal, she didn’t expect it to change her life. Talked into attending by her mother—under the threat of losing babysitting privileges—she imagined “a bunch of old ladies singing badly in ugly costumes.” What she found instead was music that resonated so deeply that she instantly knew she had found her fit. “I felt like I had come home,” Vaughn remembers. “I thought: This is my place, these are my people.” That moment marked the beginning of a journey now spanning five decades, during which Vaughn has transformed from a reluctant recruit into one of the most celebrated and influential figures in the Sweet Adelines International community.
A Career of Firsts Vaughn’s accomplishments are unmatched in their breadth. She is a three-time International Quartet Champion and Queen of Harmony, having earned gold with High Society (1976), Savvy (1988), and A Cappella Gold (2001). She sang lead when the San Diego Chorus was named International Champions in 1975, and later, as director, led the same chorus to their second International Championship in 2001. Her musical excellence is complemented by her leadership: nearly 30 years as the director of the San Diego Chorus, a Certified Sound Judge, a Master Faculty member, and recipient of the 2014 Sweet Adelines International Lifetime Achievement Award. Vaughn was also named to the Region 21 Hall of Fame and has been designated a Master Director 700, recognizing the highest levels of musical achievement. Finding a Voice, Finding a Calling From the earliest days, Vaughn was drawn to the power of barbershop harmony. “I was one of those altos who was always too loud,” she laughs. “Suddenly, I could be a lead!” She was quickly handed leadership responsibilities as well—first as a section leader, then as a quartet member—discovering a natural aptitude for guiding others. Her early quartet experiences, particularly with High Society, proved pivotal. When the group unexpectedly placed fourth at their first International competition, the medal was more than an accolade. “It’s funny how you step up to it,” Vaughn recalls. “If I’m going to be a fourth-place international medalist, I better know what I’m doing.” From that point forward, she immersed herself in learning—attending every coaching session, every school, every class. “I never missed anything. I just wanted to know everything as fast as I could.” A New Season of Leadership Vaughn never set out to be a director. But when Connie Noble, then interim director of the San Diego Chorus, offered to swap responsibilities, Vaughn realized she had both the skills and passion to lead. Her three decades at the helm were transformative—for the chorus and for her. “I grew so much as a director,” she reflects. “The thing I had to work out the most was the people skills part of it—realizing how much it matters to appreciate the individual, to say thank you, to build confidence. The more confident the singers are, the more confident the director is.” Though she once thought quartets would always be her first love, Vaughn discovered the chorus brought a deeper fulfillment. “The chorus actually took place number one instead of the quartets. It became my primary thing.” A Teacher, a Judge, a Mentor As Vaughn’s experience grew, so did her role as educator and mentor. Coaching choruses and quartets worldwide, she became known for her clarity, encouragement, and ability to prioritize. “The payback is not the money you earn from coaching,” she says. “It’s what happens when the singer gets it. When they come back they're so excited because they understood—and not only that, they realized they could successfully do it.” Her role as a Certified Sound Judge added another layer of influence. “Judging is a different skill set,” she explains. “You have to evaluate, write clearly and succinctly, but kindly. And you have to be helpful—in six minutes, on two songs. It’s an interesting combination of skills.” For Vaughn, judging was never about prestige but about responsibility: “I do it because I think it’s important to advance our art form.”  Sound Judge in Region 1
 Judy Pozsgay, Vickie Mayberry and Kim Vaughn clearly having zero fun. The Power of Mentorship Vaughn is quick to credit those who invested in her—particularly coaches Joni Bescos and Carolyn Butler. Joni was pragmatic and precise; "Carolyn was deeply emotional and singer-focused. “They shaped me in such different ways,” Vaughn reflects. Beyond formal mentors, she also drew inspiration from peers and role models across the Sweet Adelines world, learning leadership, kindness, musicality, and resilience. Her philosophy is simple: Invest in others. “It has always bothered me when people are successful and then walk away,” she says. “You learned all this—why not pay it forward? The only successful pyramid scheme in the world is education. If I know and I teach you, now we both know. Then we both teach. That’s how everybody gets better.”  Kim coaching the Scottsdale Chorus with Aaron Dale.
Family, Harmony, and Joy For Vaughn, Sweet Adelines is more than music—it is family. “I don’t think we have a clue when we join that we are joining a family,” she says. Over the decades, that family has celebrated her triumphs, supported her through hardships, and filled her home with love. Holidays at the Vaughn house often included singers who had nowhere else to go. “It just becomes second nature,” she says. “There’s a place for all of us.” That sense of belonging and joy remains her deepest takeaway. “Joy is what I still feel about Sweet Adelines,” she reflects. “It has brought me enough joy for several lifetimes.”
Looking Ahead Now, as she reflects on her half-century milestone, Vaughn is focused less on her own legacy and more on the future. She delights in the passion and skill of new members, their bravery, and their willingness to push boundaries. “They want everything—and I don’t blame them a bit. Let’s do everything!” Her message to the next generation is equal parts encouragement and challenge: embrace growth, experiment, and give back. “Whatever they can think of that they want to be, they really can. We need new ways of looking at things. That’s why I love to hear what they have to say. If there’s anything I can do to help them, I want to do it.”  Region 11 Judging Panel
A Legacy in Full Voice From reluctant recruit to international champion, from section leader to master director, from student to mentor, Kim Vaughn’s 50 years with Sweet Adelines is a story of transformation—of herself, of her chorus, and of the art form she loves. “I didn’t know when I joined that I was going to change so much,” she says. “But I did. Completely changed. Better than I ever thought I could be.” And that may be Vaughn’s greatest gift to Sweet Adelines: Proof that through harmony, hard work, and community, transformation is possible—for singers, for leaders, and for the organization itself.
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 Diana began her 50-year journey with Sweet Adelines the same year as Kim Vaughn. When Diana Riley first heard the Santa Monica Chorus sing on Valentine’s Day more than five decades ago, something inside her shifted. “I was hooked the first moment I heard them,” she recalls. “I didn’t care what people said — I knew I was going to sing.” That spark ignited a journey spanning 50 years with Sweet Adelines International — a journey filled with harmony, leadership, travel, and friendships that have sustained her life in and out of music.
 Diana Riley was honored at a luncheon to celebrate 50 years of Sweet Adelines Membership in September of 2025. Voice Discovered, Confidence Found Diana didn’t arrive at Sweet Adelines with a confident voice. “All my life, I had been told I couldn’t sing,” she says. “But when I auditioned, they told me, ‘You’re a bass. You can sing — you just weren’t singing what they wanted you to sing.’” It was validation she hadn’t expected. While she experimented with other parts — lead and baritone — bass became her lasting home. Her musical background gave her a foundation to build on: orchestra with an emphasis on cello.
Raised on Rhythm and Rodeo Though she didn’t step onto the risers until adulthood, Diana had been steeped in showmanship since childhood. Her grandparents met while performing with the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show, traveling the country with rope tricks, whips, and stunts. Her parents followed as professional entertainers, touring with the WesternAires. Her father performed with Bob Hope for U.S. troops during World War II. Diana’s father even began as a Western stuntman — his first role was flying off a horse at seven months old. “I was the kid backstage living in a trunk,” she laughs, recalling her upbringing surrounded by costumes and performers. That immersion gave her confidence under bright lights and comfort onstage. As a young woman, she trained and performed on the cello, even performing Aaron Copland’s *Billy the Kid* with the San Jose Philharmonic — while also dancing in the same production. Movement, as much as music, shaped her artistry and later gave her the courage to audition for the front row in several choruses, where choreography is as vital as vocal power. “I miss the movement and dance part,” she admits. “That was always such a joyful piece of performing for me.”   Diana most recently competed internationally with the San Diego Chorus in Kansas City in 2024.  A Village of Song Her Sweet Adelines journey took her through multiple choruses — Santa Monica, Simi Valley, ChannelAires, Verdugo Hills, and San Diego — across both Region 11 and the (then) newly formed Region 21. Wherever she landed, she found more than music: she found community. “The people are so incredible,” Diana says. “They helped me raise my two kids. I’d bring them to chorus, or quartet rehearsal, and everyone just pitched in.” In Simi Valley, her chorus wasn’t just a singing group but a village. “We put on weddings. We had a baker, a lady from Hawaii who did all the flowers, and of course, the entertainment. We sang for everything. It was an incredible chorus.”
Stages Across the World Diana competed internationally numerous times, including multiple trips to Hawaii and performances with choruses that reached the top ten. International travel became one of the hallmarks of her barbershop career. She toured Scotland and Wales, with her mother by her side. “We’d get in, and within an hour we’d have to be ready for a gig. My mom was handing me costumes and makeup. I don’t know how people managed without their mothers,” she laughs. Trips to Japan and China followed, expanding her circle of friends worldwide. “I’ve met so many people internationally. Even if you only see them for a few days, those friendships last. It gives you a broader sense of people and the world.”  Quartets, Sisters, Lifelong Bonds Diana has sung in many quartets, but “Girls’ Night Out” remains the dearest. “We were all brand new - we even won the novice quartet award,” she recalls. “We had so much fun together," she says. Decades later, they still meet regularly. Other quartets came and went, sometimes formed around mother and daughter duos, but what mattered most were the bonds created. “They’re lifelong friends. Those connections never fade.”
 Leading With Purpose Beyond singing, Diana’s leadership has left an enduring mark at every level of Sweet Adelines. In her choruses, she served in nearly every imaginable role — from Board President and Membership to Business Development, Fundraising, Events, Front Row Choreography, Makeup, and Costuming. “The only jobs I never touched were finance and secretary,” she laughs. “Those skills definitely weren’t in my wheelhouse.” At the regional level, she coordinated transportation for conferences and oversaw videotaping of educational sessions, turning them into valuable resources for choruses. “I really enjoyed the regional work,” she says. “It made me feel like I was contributing to something bigger than myself.” For Diana, leadership is about more than titles or tasks — it’s about ensuring the vitality of the organization she loves. “It takes all of us being willing to contribute beyond the singing,” she emphasizes. “That’s how our organization continues to be diverse, dynamic, and growing.”  From Rigid Rules to New Rhythms Over 50 years, Diana has seen the organization transform. “It was more rigid back then,” she reflects. “Now we’re more fluid, more accepting. The changes in culture, costuming, and makeup have been good for us. The growth has been very educational.” She also believes the pandemic, though difficult, sparked innovation. “COVID actually helped us learn to use the internet to recruit and connect,” she explains. “Now we’re bringing in younger members, even people in their twenties. That wasn’t happening when I started.” Still, she sees room to grow. “I’m an advocate of seeing all choruses do more sing-outs — small groups in public spaces. That type of visibility connects us to people and opportunities. We need to be out there, exposing people to our art form and community.”  The Joy That Keeps Her Coming Back Even after decades of late-night rehearsals and long drives, Diana finds renewed joy in singing. “I always feel better after rehearsal,” she says. “Even when I’m tired, the chorus lifts you up.” She acknowledges the challenges — her commute is over an hour — but the music and community make it worthwhile. “The support is fantastic. I try to invite as many people into Sweet Adelines as possible. I just wish my home chorus were a bit closer these days.” When she looks back, it’s clear what Sweet Adelines has given her: a life rich in harmony, friendship, and purpose. “It’s made my life bigger,” she reflects. “I have friends around the world, confidence in myself, and memories I wouldn’t trade for anything.” Fifty years may seem like a long time, but for Diana Riley, it’s simply been life lived in four-part harmony.
 If you’re craving an evening filled with power, precision, and goosebump-worthy harmony, mark your calendar now: the award-winning San Diego Chorus invites you to Just Add Harmony, a one-night-only showcase happening Saturday, September 27th at the Lincoln High Performing Arts Center. Whether you’re a longtime fan or brand new to the world of 4-part barbershop a cappella, this event promises something special for everyone. A MUSICAL EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER The San Diego Chorus is internationally recognized for its rich blend, expressive artistry, and electric stage presence. At Just Add Harmony, you'll enjoy an unforgettable lineup featuring the full chorus as well as guest performances from SoloVoce, the 2025 Second Place Quartet in Region 21 Golden West, along with other featured quartets and ensembles. Expect bold vocals, heartfelt ballads, toe-tapping uptunes, and the kind of musical storytelling that only barbershop can deliver. “This show is a celebration of everything we love about this art form—community, connection, and powerful harmony,” says Kathleen Hansen, Master Director of the San Diego Chorus. “We can’t wait to share it with you.” ARRIVE EARLY AND SHOP THE SILENT AUCTION Doors open at 6:00 PM, and you're invited to arrive early to browse a curated Silent Auction featuring unique items, local treasures, and perfect giftables—all in support of the San Diego Chorus’s mission to educate, entertain, and elevate the art of a cappella. The show begins at 7:00 PM sharp, so be sure to grab your seat early and settle in for an evening of musical magic. TICKET DETAILS Tickets are expected to sell quickly—this is one performance you won’t want to miss!
WHY IT MATTERS As a local, 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, the San Diego Chorus relies on the generosity of audiences, donors, and community partners to continue its award-winning work. Events like Just Add Harmony not only showcase the extraordinary talent within the Chorus—they also help sustain it. Funds raised support vocal education, competition travel, community outreach, and continued efforts to keep 4-part harmony accessible for singers of all backgrounds. COME EXPERIENCE THE HARMONY So, whether you’re a music lover, a barbershop enthusiast, or simply looking for a joyful night out, we hope you’ll join us on September 27th for an evening that’s sure to lift your spirits and leave your heart singing. Because sometimes, the only thing missing … is to Just Add Harmony. EVENT SUMMARY 📅 Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 🕕 Time: 6:00 PM Silent Auction | 7:00 PM Showtime 📍 Location: Lincoln High Performing Arts Center | Find a Map Here 🎟️ Tickets: $30 Early Bird (thru 9/15) | $35 General | $25 Student | Order Online 🎤 Featuring: San Diego Chorus + SoloVoce & special guests 🎁 Extras: Silent Auction before the show
San Diego Chorus Awarded OSP Grant from the City of San Diego's Commission for Arts and Culture7/11/2025  JULY 2025 - The San Diego Chorus is proud to announce the award of a Fiscal Year 2026 Organizational Support Program Grant, provided by the City of San Diego’s Commission for Arts and Culture through the Office of Cultural Affairs. As a local nonprofit performing arts organization, this critical support helps keep four-part a cappella harmony vibrant, visible, and accessible to singers across the region. The San Diego Chorus has long distinguished itself as a passionate, award-winning advocate for music, education, and community engagement. Each year, the San Diego Chorus reaches more than 30,000 audience members through local, regional, national, and international performances and competitions. Grants and other financial support help offset the rising costs associated with world-class music education, performance programming, and competitive excellence. Founded in 1951, the San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International is known for its award-winning performances of four-part harmony in the barbershop style. A two-time International Chorus Champion, the ensemble entertains audiences with a broad range of musical genres enhanced by its signature vibrant choreography. Under the leadership of Master Director and Sweet Adelines International Faculty member Kathleen Hansen, the Chorus remains committed to local education, entertainment, and competition. The Chorus welcomes women and non-binary treble singers who share a love of music and a commitment to personal and musical growth—regardless of age, race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender expression. Weekly rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings in Room 207 of the Casa del Prado building in Balboa Park. Additional information is available at SanDiegoChorus.org. The San Diego Chorus is deeply grateful for the ongoing support of the City of San Diego and looks forward to continuing its mission to spread harmony throughout the city and region through community events and performances at every opportunity.
San Diego Chorus Accepts Wild Card Invitation as Competitor #6 in 2026 SAI Chorus SemiFinals7/11/2025  June 2025 – Based on the outcome of a random draw, the San Diego Chorus will take the stage as Competitor #6 in the SAI 2026 Chorus Semifinals in Columbus, Ohio. The organization recently accepted a Wild Card invitation to compete in the 2026 Sweet Adelines International Competition, following a strong performance at the 2025 Region 21 Golden West Contest and Convention, which was held in April 2025 in Redondo Beach, California. Established in 1952, the San Diego Chorus earned second place in the region with a score of 659, placing them fifth internationally based on global results released by Sweet Adelines International. This outstanding achievement secured the chorus one of a limited number of Wild Card invitations to the international stage in Columbus, Ohio, in October 2026. The San Diego Chorus is no stranger to international success, having placed 7th in the world at the 2024 competition in Kansas City, and having twice earned the title of International Champion in 1975 and 2001. Preparing for international competition is an extensive undertaking, with choruses typically investing 12 to 24 months of preparation. This includes personal practice, weekly rehearsals, sectionals, and intensive vocal and visual coaching. As a member-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the San Diego Chorus relies on thousands of volunteer hours from its members, along with financial support from fundraising, performances, and grants. The chorus is a proud multi-year recipient of the Creative Communities San Diego Funding Award, granted through the City of San Diego’s Cultural Affairs Division. In 2026, 32 choruses from around the world will compete at the international level. Performances are adjudicated by four judges, each specializing in one of the following categories: Sound, Music, Expression, and Visual Communication. Each category allows for a maximum of 100 points per song, with a total possible score of 800 points per performance. In addition to chorus competitions, the event includes quartet contests, culminating in the International Women’s Quartet Finals, which crowns each year’s Queens of Harmony. Founded in 1945, Sweet Adelines International is dedicated to preserving and advancing the American art form of four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. With over 25,000 members, 1,200 registered quartets, and 600 choruses worldwide, it is one of the largest singing organizations in the world, focused on musical excellence and education. The San Diego Chorus welcomes treble singers year-round through a self-paced “soft” audition process. Interested singers are invited to begin their audition journey at any time. Rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6:45 PM to 9:45 PM in Room 207 of the Casa del Prado, located in beautiful Balboa Park.
July 2025 — The San Diego Chorus is delighted to welcome back acclaimed performance coach Cy Wood. A respected figure in the barbershop world, Cy serves as a judge in the Performance Category for the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). Cy is the past Executive Director of the Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC) and a versatile creative artist and coach. Cy’s journey has taken him across the country—from performing and producing in New York City for nearly a decade, to teaching music and theatre for seven years at Butler Tech School of the Arts in Ohio. His professional portfolio includes Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, special events, national tours, and more. Most recently, Cy and his husband relocated to Palm Springs, California, beginning a new chapter in his artistic career. A third-generation barbershopper, Cy began his barbershop journey at age 15 with the Idaho Gateway Chorus. While in college, he sang baritone with High Flight, a collegiate quartet that won the Rocky Mountain District contest and placed 12th at the 2006 International Competition. In 2012, Cy joined Voices of Gotham (VoG) in New York City, where he quickly rose to leadership as baritone section leader, board member at large, and eventually the chorus’s Choreographer and Presentation Leader. His creative work has been showcased on the international stage and in venues such as Carnegie Hall. After moving to Ohio, Cy sang with Southern Gateway Chorus, a BHS Top Ten chorus, where he also contributed as a music team member and Performance Director. Cy’s quartet experience includes singing baritone with baritone with MixTape, the 2024 Johnny Appleseed District champion quartet based in Ohio. Previously, he sang with On Tap, which won the Mid-Atlantic District Northern Division contest in 2014 and placed 7th at the MAD District contest. The quartet entertained audiences until disbanding in 2015. 
As part of its ongoing commitment to artistic excellence, the San Diego Chorus regularly hosts member-exclusive coaching sessions, especially in the lead-up to competition season. Currently ranked 2nd in Region 21 Golden West, the Chorus has accepted a Wild Card invitation from Sweet Adelines International to compete in the International Chorus Semi-Finals in Columbus, Ohio in October. of 2026. The San Diego Chorus will be one of 32 choruses performing on the international stage, presenting a barbershop ballad and uptune. Each performance is scored by four judges across the categories of Sound, Music, Expression, and Visual Communication, with a maximum of 800 points available. Choruses that place in the top 10 will advance to the Finals, where they will perform a 15-minute entertainment package blending traditional barbershop with contemporary a cappella. Cy is one of several world-class coaches working with the San Diego Chorus this year as the group sharpens its contest and entertainment packages. Master Director Kathleen Hansen emphasizes the value of working with multifaceted coaches during this critical phase of preparation: “There are endless facets of musicality and performance that we fine-tune concurrently in preparation for competition,” says Hansen. “Multi-dimensional coaches like Cy bring valuable insight and guidance to our singers as we continue to raise the bar on musical excellence in preparation for performance and competition."
The San Diego Chorus is delighted to welcome coach Sandy Marron to their 2025 Winter Recharge. Sandy has served as the Musical Director of Lions Gate Chorus in Vancouver, British Columbia since 1991. She is a Certified Sound Judge and Faculty Member of Sweet Adelines International. Under Sandy's direction, the Lions Gate Chorus is known for creative, high-energy performances that are relatable, humorous, and heartfelt. Marron's extensive training in classical piano (Grade X Royal Conservatory of Music, University of Toronto), Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Music Education from the University of Victoria (British Columbia, Canada), and vocal jazz & classical choral singing and conducting have all contributed to her success as a dynamic leader in the choral world. In November 2023, Sandy led her chorus to achieve the highest honor in Sweet Adelines International when they won the title of 2024 WORLD CHAMPIONS - a dream she has held for 32 years. Sandy is a Master 700 Director in the Director Certification Program, the highest designation possible in Sweet Adelines. In addition to her role as the Musical Director of Lions Gate Chorus, Sandy is a professional choral coach, traveling the world to help groups prepare for competitions.
Sandy sang tenor with Brava!, 2004 International Quartet Champions, Canada's very first “Queens of Harmony”. The singers of Brava are active members and leaders in Lions Gate Chorus. With Lions Gate’s recent world championship, Sandy became one of a select group of musical leaders who share the title of international chorus champion director and international quartet champion singer. Prior to singing with Brava, Sandy sang with Glow quartet, the 2016 International 9th Place Medalist. Sandy is married to Tim Marron, a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, an active singing coach and stage & screen actor. Sandy and Tim live in White Rock with their kitties, Robert & Cora. Their older son Connor lives in Phoenix, Arizona and their younger son Austin lives in White Rock with girlfriend Sophia. Both young men are also barbershop singers. The San Diego Chorus hosts Recharge weekends for Chorus Members bi-annually. Recharge weekends are part of ongoing investments to develop musical and performance excellence. The 3-day events are coaching intensives, featuring Guest coaches from across the U.S. and internationally. The San Diego Chorus was recently awarded the 7th place International Medal at the 2024 Sweet Adelines International Chorus Competition in Kansas City. The chorus is now preparing to take the stage in April of 2025 for regional competition.
The singers of the San Diego Chorus will be harmonizing throughout the San Diego region this Valentine's Day to deliver Singing Valentines. The offering is a favorite with audiences and singers alike, presenting a memorable, heartwarming way to send a musical greeting to loved ones. Each Singing Gram includes a choice of two songs performed in four-part a cappella harmony. Delivery is available via live performance (which includes Valentine's Candy and a card!) or across the U.S. by phone. All Singing Valentine's include a personal message from the sender. Orders are processed securely online, making it easy to provide delivery details.  Senders may choose two songs from three timeless favorites: Let Me Call You Sweetheart, It Had to Be You, and You Are So Beautiful. Although most senders prefer a live a cappella performance, phone delivery is a great alternative for loved ones who live further away. "Singing Valentines give us a unique opportunity to share our music with the community," says San Diego Chorus Team Coordinator Pam Murray. "Our singers enjoy every moment and really have fun with it! We've been part of many special moments like proposals, anniversaries, and military families being reunited." As a nonprofit performing arts organization, Murray says that Singing Grams are one of many efforts year-round to offset rising costs. "We're always looking for valuable ways to fundraise. which helps us continually raise the bar on the level of musical education, performance, and competition that we're known for," Singing Valentine Grams are delivered to a diverse range of locations. Among them are residences, businesses, restaurants, senior communities, schools, and events. The two-song mini-performances may be scheduled for delivery between 9 AM - 9 PM PST. It is recommended to book your Singing Gram early, as capacity and time slots are limited.
Watch this video to know what to expect when you visit during an Open House. JANUARY 15, 2025 - The award-winning San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International will host open auditions on Wednesday, January 29th from 6:45 PM - 9:45 PM. The chorus is currently ranked 7th worldwide, and performs 4-part barbershop harmony and contemporary a cappella music. The local, nonprofit performing arts organization is seeking singers of all voice parts with some level of musical background. Although not a prerequisite, members often have backgrounds in choral or solo singing, ensembles and musical theater. Performances incorporate both music and movement, with select members earning a position on the front row, an exciting spotlight opportunity for musicians who love to sing and dance. The event will be hosted in Room #207 of the Casa Del Prado Building in Balboa Park. Women and non-binary treble harmony singers are encouraged to attend. Interested singers should RSVP to reserve a spot. Guest singers are invited to be active participants in rehearsal throughout the evening, beginning with physical and vocal warmups. Informal vocal assessments are incorporated to help visitors identify their ideal voice part. The event also includes an educational breakout session offering answers to frequently asked questions and insight to the choral group's rich and award-winning 70+ year history. Visitors receive details about the year-round soft audition process, membership, and history of the San Diego Chorus and Sweet Adelines International. Guests 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. A glimpse behind the curtain of the San Diego Chorus's recent travels to Kansas City for International Competition.
"The San Diego Chorus provides high level musical education that helps our singers grow as musicians, performers and competitors," says Musical Director Kathleen Hansen. "We continuously strive to refine our skills and expand repertoire to ensure that we are a dynamic and cutting-edge choral organization within performing arts spaces at the local, regional and international level." The organization recently placed 7th internationally in October of 2024 at the Sweet Adelines 76th Annual Convention & Competition. Contestants must first rank regionally to qualify for the international stage, preparing unique semi-finals and finals packages for competition. "It's an exciting time to join the San Diego Chorus," says Hansen. "We are currently focused on this spring's Region 21 Competition. It's an ideal event to help new singers contextualize the competitive facet of our organization. Our intentional approach to musical excellence integrates valuable vocal production and performance coaching at all stages of preparation. It's one of many ways we invest in helping our members grow and develop as musicians." A fun, "fast-forward" look at a year in the life of a chorus member. Nicole Knox sings lead with the San Diego Chorus. In January of 2019 she attended a Guest Open House, without any expectations. "It had been a while since I last sang with a choral organization, and at the time I wasn't even sure what all was involved. I just knew that when I entered rehearsal, there was such tangible, positive energy there," Knox recalls. "Then they began singing! It was all over for me at that point - I loved every note and dove headfirst into membership and have never looked back. My life is so much richer for being part of this organization." The San Diego Chorus will soon celebrate it's 75th 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. If you would like to learn more about singing with the award-winning San Diego Chorus, RSVP for the January 29th Open House and the Chorus New Member Team will be standing by to greet and guide you every step of the way.
The San Diego Chorus welcomes interested women and non-binary singers to visit and participate in our open weekly rehearsals anytime, year-round. Several times a year, we host a Singer Open House, a special evening designed to help prospective members experience the joy of singing 4-part a cappella harmony and learn more about our vocal assessment and self-paced, "soft" audition and membership pathway. If you plan to visit during a Singer Open House or any other rehearsal, please RSVP to let our team know so we can be standing by to greet you. Here are some helpful answers to frequently asked questions from guests and prospective members. Our goal is to provide a welcoming, inclusive experience that makes you feel right at home from start to finish. If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please reach out so we can ensure your visit is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Frequently Asked Questions
 ENJOY A SHORT PERFORMANCE If you visit during a Guest Open House, we'll invite you to take a seat in the audience so that our singers may perform a few of our favorite numbers for you to enjoy. This is a great way to get a sense of our overall sound and how music and movement work together for our chorus.
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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 45 |
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