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The San Diego Chorus was among seven distinguished choral organizations from across the San Diego - Tijuana region invited to participate in the 2023 KPBS Holiday Special. The hour-long program features performances from:
Produced in partnership with the Choral Consortium of San Diego, The Holiday Special will premiere at 8 PM PST on Saturday, November 25th on KPBS. The special will re-aire throughout the holiday season and will be available on-demand through the KPBS App. The offering was inspired by an ongoing commitment by KPBS to support and showcase local performing arts organizations. 
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San Diego, CA, November 7, 2023 – The San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International presents their 2023 Holiday Show, Sparkle Jolly Twinkle Jingley. The show, a yearly favorite of singers and audiences alike, will take place on Wednesday, December 13th at the Madison High School Auditorium. The venue opens at 6 PM for the Silent Auction and the curtain rises on the Holiday performance at 7 PM. Tickets are available online. Early Bird pricing ends on November 30th. Youth and group rates available. Seating is limited, reserve your seats today online. 
The evening showcases a festive blend of timeless holiday classics and newer seasonal music, all performed in award-winning 4-part a cappella harmony. The program features full chorus numbers as well as performances by select area quartets and ensembles. The San Diego Chorus is currently ranked 5th in the world and preparing for competition on the International stage in 2024. Ticket sales as well as proceeds from the silent auction help to offset coaching and travel costs for the organization, which is a nonprofit 501(c)3. 
Bidding opens at 6 PM on the Silent Auction, which features donated experiences and items from area merchants as well as collectible artwork, jewelry and more. Bidding closes during intermission and items are available for pickup at the conclusion of the event. The San Diego Chorus will continue it's long-standing partnership with the Marine Corps' Toys4Tots program this year. Audience members are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate. Toys will be collected at the performance and distributed through Toys4Tots to disadvantaged youth throughout San Diego County.
ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO CHORUS Founded in 1951, the San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International is a highly trained and talented group of women who sing four-part harmony arranged in the barbershop style. Twice named International Chorus Champion of Women’s Barbershop Harmony, the San Diego Chorus strives to entertain 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 entertainment and offering women and other marginalized genders opportunities for musical and personal growth. They welcome all singers regardless of age, race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender expression who share a love of music and dedication to musical growth. The Chorus meets weekly in Room 207 of the Casa del Prado in beautiful Balboa Park. Rehearsals are open and interested singers are always welcome. Additional information can be found online 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 SweetAdelines.com. The San Diego Chorus proudly premieres the video single "Sing With Me." This song was performed in the finale of our annual show LEGACY: Lifting As We Rise on May 7, 2023. The event was a collaboration with the San Diego Women's Chorus. Named the 2022 Song of the Year by World Singing Day. Sung as a round in three parts, the memorable number is set to the tune of Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace). This song is one of many that will be featured in a FREE PUBLIC SING ALONG hosted on Saturday, October 21st, 2023 in celebration of World Singing Day. Hosted by the Choral Consortium of San Diego, the event will take place in Spanish Village in beautiful Balboa Park from 5-6 PM PDT. The event will be led by San Diego Chorus's own Master Director Kathleen Hansen. World Singing Day is a global sing-along held annually on the 3rd Saturday in October. The 2023 Song of the Year features an upbeat version of Lean On Me by Bill Withers, selected to highlight this year's WSD global theme of Mental Health. The 2023 spring show, LEGACY: Lifting as We Climb, featured 160+ combined voices from two choruses in one exclusive live performance. The event took place at the Lincoln High School Auditorium. The program featured a diverse collection of new music as well as old favorites from each chorus, as well as some combined numbers. Both choruses are under the artistic and musical direction of Kathleen Hansen. The event program for this performance is available online. ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO CHORUS
Founded in 1951, the San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International is a highly trained and talented group of women who sing four-part a cappella harmony arranged in the barbershop style. A award-winning San Diego Chorus strives to entertain 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 entertainment and offering women and other marginalized genders opportunities for musical and personal growth. They welcome all singers regardless of age, race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender expression who share a love of music and dedication to musical growth. Learn more at SanDiegoChorus.org. ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO WOMEN'S CHORUS Founded in 1987 by community activist Dr. Cynthia Lawrence, SDWC has grown from a group of 14 lesbians gathered around a piano in a private home to a thriving community with over 125 singers who believe in the power of music, the power of women, and the power of marginalized voices. For 35 years, SDWC has provided a safe space that encourages women’s creativity, celebrates diversity, and inspires social action. San Diego Women’s Chorus is a non-profit community chorus that strives to entertain and inspire audiences with music that speaks to issues as diverse as human rights, love, world peace, religious freedom, environmental harmony, inclusion, and cultural diversity. SDWC welcomes all women and gender non-conforming individuals as singers. SDWC supports and affirms the music of women and LGBTQ+ composers and arrangers. Learn more at sdwc.org. From the sidewalk, you can hear music pouring from the Sandberg home in Harmony Grove, California. Stepping inside, the sound shifts to uproarious laughter and there’s a festive air of excitement in the room that is noteworthy. Music is strewn throughout the space. Microphone placement and quartet standing positions are taped off on the floor and the members of SoloVoce (along with honorary fifth member, baby Benji, assorted spouses and a dog) are reviewing and making notes while watching video of a recent performance. It’s clear that these singers are longtime friends, navigating their conversation with the comfortable ease of those happily married, balancing compliments with feedback for the next run-through. SoloVoce, the Region 21 Golden West 2023 Quartet Champion, is counting the days until they compete in the International Quartet Semifinals in Louisville, Kentucky. The event, which is part of the 75th Annual Convention & Competition of Sweet Adelines International (SAI), will take place October 30th through November 4th. A total of 44 quartets advanced from SAI’s 2023 Regional contests to compete at the International level. Contests are adjudicated by eight judges, each of whom intensively evaluate one of the four categories that comprise the overall score: Sound, Music, Expression and Visual Communication. Of competing quartets in the Semi-Final phase, only 10 will advance to the Finals on November 1st. From this select group, the panel of judges will designate the 2023 SAI Quartet Champion. Along with the coveted honor, quartet members receive the lifelong title of Queen of Harmony and become members of the Coronet Club. Placement anywhere within the top 10 is considered an honor reflective of tremendous skill and musicianship. SoloVoce, first-timers to the International Stage, has their sights set on the Novice Award. 
Since their formation in 2016, SoloVoce has been a staple on the Region 21 stage. Baritone Jennifer French notes that SoloVoce identified competition as a primary goal from the beginning, and it’s been a guiding force for the foursome throughout their time together. “We placed 9th in our first competition,” French recalls. “Region 21 is incredibly competitive, so we were encouraged by that outcome. Of course we immediately looked ahead to how we could improve and what we wanted to work on next in terms of skills and overall sound." Initially the quartet formed with Alysse Turner as Lead, but an unexpected move to the east coast brought about a transition for the group. That change opened the door to welcome Tracey Sandberg. “From the first time we explored the idea of singing together, our group had a connectedness that was just fun,” Sandberg says. “It’s important to be clear about goals, and it really resonated with me that SoloVoce was upfront and focused on what they wanted to accomplish.” Although SoloVoce is new to the International stage, its members share a remarkable breadth of experience between them. Lead Tracey Sandberg is the Chief Technology Officer for the Port of San Diego. Throughout her barbershop career, Sandberg has been part of ten quartets. Among them are award-winners Backstage Pass and Orange Crush (3rd in Region 11 and 5th in Region 21). She is a 24-year member of Sweet Adelines, having sung with the 2023 Region 21 Chorus Champions Harborlites as well as the San Diego Chorus. Sandberg also sings in Pacific Coast Harmony, a mixed Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) chorus under the direction of Bonnie McKibben. As if that wasn’t enough, Tracey sings with husband Bryan Sandberg in mixed quartet MotleyQ. The foursome is the 2022 Far Western District BHS Novice Champions and the 2023 Southeast Division BHS Champion and District 5th Place Quartet.
“I come from a Barbershop family so I’ve been around this my whole life,” Sandberg notes. “I learned early on that you don’t do this to win … that’s not the WHY. The WHY is that our quartet is a family. We love each other’s spouses and babies and pets. We cheer each other on! Plus, when we’re singing we don’t have responsibilities or a mortgage, you know. We are just four people who love singing together. Singing in a quartet is the best thing that you can do!” Baritone Jennifer French has sung with the San Diego Chorus for more than 12 years. During that time, she has held multiple leadership roles on the Chorus Management Team and Director’s Music Team and provided event support to Region 21. French’s first quartet, Chordial, won the Novice award in 2012. Following Chordial, a brief stint with Silver Linings preceded her involvement in SoloVoce. French is a Judicial Secretary supporting Family Law judges in the Superior Court of San Diego. She is also the public face of SoloVoce, serving as booking and contest contact. “Jennifer is so much fun!” Marina Hayden says with a warm smile. “She’s genuine and not afraid to speak her mind, but she is loving about it. Jennifer supports SoloVoce in countless ways to keep us moving forward.” Tenor Rebecca “Bex” Smith sang with the San Diego Chorus for six years. During that time she was Tenor section leader, a member of the Front Row, and even served as Assistant Director for a year. Smith now sings with the 2023 Region 21 Chorus Champions Harborlites, where she is Assistant Tenor Section Leader and a member of the Front Row. She was part of the performance quartet Moonshine with Tracey Sandberg prior to joining SoloVoce. Rebecca grew up singing in choirs and is a music educator, teaching PreK - 6th grade music in Orange County, California. “The reason that I Iove barbershop is because it’s so technical,” says Bex. “It feeds my theory brain and my perfection brain.” Other members of SoloVoce are quick to point out that Smith’s masterful grasp of music theory, rhythm and chord structure has helped all of them grow. “I’m also the ‘Keeper of Fun,’” Smith says, laughing. “I make sure we take regular ‘union’ breaks. I love playing games, so that factors into our rehearsal time.” Smith is also mom to SoloVoce’s honorary 5th voice, 4-month-old baby Benji and wife to Matt Smith, drummer of Phat Cat Swinger. Bex brings a lighthearted, joyful spirit to SoloVoce.
Bass Marina Hayden began her SAI career in the Orland Junction Chorus. Since relocating to the West Coast, Marina Hayden has been a member of the San Diego Chorus for nearly 30 years. Hayden has been a Front Row member for the entirety of her time in San Diego. Over the years, Hayden has served in multiple leadership capacities, including Membership Coordinator, Front Row Coordinator and Coaching Coordinator for the CMT and DMT. Hayden also holds the titles of Operations Manager and Sensei at Freestyle Martial Arts in San Diego and Administrative Review Editor for the Journal of Emergency Medicine. “I’m the only member of SoloVoce who had not explored quartetting, so I’m late to the party.” Hayden says. “When it came to SoloVoce, the timing and the people just felt right.” Hayden has earned the nickname of the “hardest working bass in Sweet Adelines,” based on her tireless dedication to improving her vocal technique and sound. “I never wanted to be the person to hold SoloVoce back,” she says. “I’m always thinking about how I can improve and bring my best to every rehearsal and performance.” That same level of dedication shines in all four members of SoloVoce. “We are grateful for every opportunity to put ourselves out there,” Bex says adamantly. “Private coaching, coaching under glass, whatever it is, we say yes! We took every gig - even some really unusual ones - to get as much ‘rug time’ as possible.” The singers recall focusing intently on developing their unique sound a few years ago, which began with in-depth work on unison singing with the goal of defining one collective voice for the quartet. They see this season along with adherence to a detailed practice matrix as significant turning points. After earning their first 4th place Region 21 medal in 2019, SoloVoce experienced a noticeable, sustained improvement in their resonance and matched unit sound. The group attributes their growth trajectory to vocal and performance coaching from pillars within the Sweet Adelines International community. Among them, Kim Vaughn, Patti Cobb Baker and Lynn Smith. “Kim’s been with us from the very beginning. She’s offered input on our music selections, and was willing to ‘get real’ with us about what she likes and doesn’t like about our sound. That kind of honest feedback is invaluable,” says Tracey. “It’s hard to put into words the impact that Kim has had on our sound,” adds Jennifer. “We’re very grateful to all of our coaches.” French remembers bringing champagne and sparkling cider to the hotel to celebrate the outcome of the 2023 Regional Contest, something the foursome had never done before.  SoloVoce toasts their Region 21 1st Place Medals “I decided to change my thinking about the whole thing. I said to the group ‘Why couldn’t WE win it?’” says Baritone Jennifer French. “I really believe that you can have that ‘Why not us?’ mindset with humility and gratitude. It’s important to believe in what is possible if you want to bring your best to the stage.” “Her question got my attention,” Sandberg says. “It wasn’t how I was used to thinking about things, so I had to shift my lens. The thing is, we really couldn’t come up with any good reasons why we couldn’t make it a reality!” SoloVoce is passionate about encouraging singers of all ages to quartet. Members have volunteered their time in support of the next generation of a cappella, participating in Harborlites’ Diva Days and SD Youth Harmony Days. They also recently hosted their fourth annual Music on the Porch Day, showcasing barbershop quartets and choruses from across the region. “Even if you are brand new to barbershop, the bottom line is being in a quartet will help you become a better singer. Plus you’ll make lifelong friends in the process,” says French. “There is no downside!” Looking ahead, SoloVoce sees endless possibilities. The quartet is already refining a “Swan Song” package and identifying new milestones for the next regional contest they are eligible for in 2024. As the quartet talks excitedly about the future, Tracey recalls a past Region 21 Breakfast with the Judges event. “Renée Porzel said something that stood out to me,” Sandberg remembers. “She said that the biggest mistake quartets make is not staying together long enough to allow their sound to evolve. When I think about how much our sound has changed over the last 7 years - why would we ever give up on that? I’m glad we didn’t ... and I hope other people won't, either.” SoloVoce is Contestant #29, currently scheduled to take the stage at approximately 5:15 PM (EDT) / 2:15 (PDT). A live webcast of the event is available through Sweet Adelines International.
San Diego Chorus member Cherie Peters-Brinkerhoff has been accepted as a Candidate for Sweet Adeline’s International Judging Program (IJP). The intensive multi-year track requires recommendations from established judges for consideration. Professionally, Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff is a An Associate Professor and Program Director for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Musically, she holds dual membership, singing with both the San Diego and Vista Hills Choruses. In the past she has also participated in choruses in Panama City, Florida and the Inland Empire. Cherie has been part of four quartets throughout her musical career. During her 30+ year tenure with the San Diego Chorus, Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff has sung both Lead and Baritone. She has served on the Director’s Music Team and Chorus Management Team, holding key roles including Assistant Section Leader, Vice President, President, Team Coordinator and Education Coordinator. Cherie received the President’s Award in 2001 and was designated Sweet Adeline of the Year in 2006. She currently serves Region 21 Golden West Management Team (RMT) as the Events Coordinator and has been part of the Regional Convention Steering Committee in years past. Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff will pursue judging in the Sound category, one of four categories adjudicated in Sweet Adelines chorus and quartet competitions at the Regional and International level. The category primarily focuses on vocal production skills and the core tenets of the barbershop art form as well as accuracy and tuning. Other categories include Music, Expression and Visual Communication. Judging applicants must pass General Knowledge and Category Tests for advancement. They are also expected to trial score a regional chorus and quartet competition during the next contest cycle for evaluation. The second phase of the process includes attending Approved Candidate Judging workshops, trial scoring at the Regional level and International levels for evaluation, Training, and Official Panel Judging Service. After satisfactory completion of the Panel Judging Service, candidates submit a category essay. All facets of this phase are considered for advancement to Approved Judge Category. Approved Judges must satisfactorily trial score an international competition or an official international panel. Service on an international panel, whether serving as official panel or as trial scorer, is by invitation only. After successful completion of all phases, approved Candidates are eligible to be designated as a Certified Judge. The performance of Certified Judges is reviewed annually and attendance at educational events mandatory to reaffirm Judging status. There is no set timeline for completion of the program and candidates are able to self-pace through the various stages of evaluation. Cherie is excited about advancing in the program and looks forward to deepening her knowledge in the Sound judging category.
The San Diego Chorus is delighted to welcome coach Ryan Heller to their Fall 2023 Recharge event. Ryan recently assumed the role of Director of Alamo Metro Chorus in San Antonio, Texas, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International. With his trademark exuberance, Ryan is as energy-driven as the sound and performances that he inspires from each musician! A "barbershop brat," Ryan joined the Barbershop Harmony Society as a high school freshman, singing with then Evergreen District champs, Vocal Gentry. Under Ryan's past leadership, the Pride of Portland Chorus won regional championships each cycle of competitions, making six appearances on the international stage with five top ten finishes. In April of 2013, Ryan received his Master Director 700 award when Pride of Portland Chorus took first place at our regional contest, with a record-breaking score of 701 points. Heller also holds the title of the Artistic Director and Conductor of Chorus Austin in Austin, TX. Chorus Austin has been honored with numerous awards, including the 2018 Austin Critic’s Table Award for Best Classical Performance, and the 2017 Dale Warland Singers Commission Award from Chorus America. Past positions include Music Director / Conductor of the Southwest Washington Symphony, and Co-founder / Conductor of Portland Vocal Consort and the Columbia Chorale of Oregon. Ryan's vibrant career also includes frequent engagements as Musical Director / Chorusmaster of musical theater productions throughout the West Coast, including Sweeney Todd, Annie, Brigadoon, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, The Magic Flute and La Cenerentola. In 2016 Heller served as Conductor for the world premiere opera The Canticle of the Black Madonna; He has appeared or recorded with numerous groups, including the Austin Symphony, Portland Opera, Rose City Chamber Orchestra, William Hall Master Chorale, Capella Romana, Astoria Music Festival, and Broadway Rose Theater Company. He has had the pleasure of touring with several ensembles throughout the USA, Europe, New Zealand, and China.
The San Diego Chorus hosts Recharge weekends for Chorus Members bi-annually. The 3-day events are coaching intensives, featuring Guest coaches from across the U.S. and internationally. The San Diego Chorus is currently ranked 5th Internationally and recently accepted a Wild Card invitation from parent organization Sweet Adelines International. The Chorus will take the stage as contestant #1 in the Quartet and Chorus Semi Finals in Kansas City in October of 2024. The San Diego Chorus will be one of 32 competitors performing in the International Semi Finals, presenting a barbershop ballad and up tune. Contests are adjudicated by four judges, each of whom intensively evaluate one of the four categories that comprise the overall score: Sound, Music, Expression and Visual Communication. Every competing organization has the potential to earn 100 points per category per song. The total possible points available for a performance is 800. Choruses that rank within the top 10 earn a chance to present a second entertainment package in the finals for the championship title. The 15 minute finals package blends a barbershop number with contemporary a cappella numbers. Heller is one of several world-class coaches the San Diego Chorus will work over the next year as they prepare for competition. Master Director Kathleen Hansen expects big things from the Chorus, and is looking forward to competing. "The singers of the San Diego Chorus bring a high level of musical excellence to our organization," Hansen says. "Working with individuals with our unique blend of talent and dedication is a rare opportunity. We're already leaning into the heavy lifting of preparing for competition and I see us as being well positioned for international advancement."
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, which is 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 special needs in regards to accessibility, please reach out so we can ensure you 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.
AUGUST 20, 2023 - The San Diego Chorus recently competed in the Region 21 Golden West Contest and Convention, which was hosted in Albuquerque, New Mexico in March of 2023. The Chorus, which was established in 1952, won second place in the Region with a score of 674, ranking them fifth internationally based on worldwide results released from parent organization Sweet Adelines International. The score earned the chorus a coveted Wild Card invitation to compete internationally in October 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Wild Card invitation was accepted by Master Director Kathleen Hansen. On August 18th, Sweet Adelines International announced the official Order of Appearance for the upcoming contest, which confirms that the San Diego Chorus will take the stage as contestant #1. The Chorus has a winning track record, and is a two-time International Champion of Barbershop Harmony, having earned the coveted title in 1975 and 2001. Hansen notes that each competitive performance is supported by 12 to 24 months of focused preparation that includes weekly rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, personal practice, vocal and visual coaching. "We are particularly pleased with our 2023 Regional Score, as this was our first live competition since before the pandemic," Master Director Hansen notes. "Over the last several years, many musical organizations have experienced significant setbacks as rehearsals and performances were limited or cancelled altogether. Our singers were determined, continuing to meet virtually and practice individually to preserve and elevate our level of musical excellence. This score affirms that we were successful in accomplishing this goal. We are tremendously proud, and look forward to competing in 2024 with excitement and anticipation." "We are tremendously proud, and look forward to competing in 2024 with excitement and anticipation." Thirty-two choruses will advance to international competition in 2024. Contests are adjudicated by four judges, each of whom intensively evaluate one of the four categories that comprise the overall score: Sound, Music, Expression and Visual Communication. Every competing organization has the potential to earn 100 points per category per song. The total possible points available for a performance is 800. Sweet Adelines International was founded in 1945, and exists to preserve and elevate the American art-form of 4-part a cappella harmony in the Barbershop style. The nonprofit organization, dedicated to music education, is one of the world's largest singing organizations, encompassing more than 25,000 members, 1,200 registered quartets, and 600 choruses in the United States and the world. The San Diego Chorus is a volunteer-led, membership-based choral organization offering a year-round self-paced "soft" audition process. Individuals interested in singing with the award-winning San Diego Chorus are invited to RSVP for their upcoming Guest Open House on September 13th to learn more. The Chorus is currently auditioning women and non-binary singers for all voice parts. All levels of musical experience are welcome.
AUGUST 19th, 2023 - The award-winning San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International will host open auditions on Wednesday, September 13th 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.  The San Diego Chorus offers a year-round, self-paced "soft" audition process.
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 was awarded 2nd place in March of 2023 at the Region 21 Contest. This score earned them 2nd place and merited a Wild Card Invitation from parent organization Sweet Adelines International. The Chorus will compete on the International Stage in October of 2024. The event will be hosted in Kansas City, and features an adjudicated contest for both quartets and choruses. A recent order of performance announcement from Sweet Adelines International revealed that the San Diego Chorus will be the first chorus to take the stage in the 2024 competition. "It's an exciting time to begin our audition and membership process," says Hansen. "New singers will enter at an ideal point in our competitive cycle, ensuring they receive the full benefit of valuable vocal and performance coaching as we prepare for our 2024 contest." 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. Claudia Cannon is a 28-year member of Sweet Adelines International. She has been a member of the San Chorus since 2006 and serves as Membership Chair for the Chorus. Previously, Cannon was a member of the Greater Auckland Chorus and the Na Leo Lani Chorus, which she directed from 2004-2007. Cannon also serves as the Marketing Coordinator of the Region 21 Management Team. "The San Diego Chorus offers incredible opportunities for growth, both musically and personally," says Cannon. "What people may not immediately grasp is that there is much more happening here than just high-level singing! There's leadership development, community service and competitive accomplishment. But at the heart of it all is deep relationship among our members that often spans a lifetime." If you would like to learn more about singing with the award-winning San Diego Chorus, RSVP for the September 13th Open House to learn more and begin your audition process.
August 18, 2023 - The San Diego Chorus proudly premieres the video single, "We Rise Again." This song was the closing number of the annual show LEGACY: Lifting As We Rise show on May 7, 2023. The event was a joint production with the San Diego Women's Chorus and features special guest musicians from the San Diego Children's Choir. Both organizations are under the direction of Kathleen Hansen. The song soars with the message that the children of today are our hope for the future, and was an immediate favorite of singers and audience members alike. The 2023 spring show, LEGACY: Lifting as We Climb, featured 160+ combined voices from two choruses in one exclusive live performance. The event took place at the Lincoln High School Auditorium. The program featured a diverse collection of new music as well as old favorites from each chorus, as well as some combined numbers. Both choruses are under the artistic and musical direction of Kathleen Hansen. The event program for this performance is available online. The two choruses jointly performed "We Rise Again" along with special guest performers from the San Diego Children's Choir as the finale of LEGACY. The song “We Rise Again” was originally written for a 1984 stage musical, The Rise and Follies of Cape Breton, as an anthem of resilience and hope at a time when Cape Breton Island was going through an economic crisis. According to composer Leon Dubinsky, the song is about the cycles of immigration, the economic insecurity of living in Cape Breton, the power of the ocean, the meaning of children, and the strength of home given to us by our families, our friends, and our music. The song was later recorded by The Rankin Family and went on to become a hit. This choral anthem soars with the message that the children of today are our hope for the future. ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO CHORUS
Founded in 1951, the San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International is a highly trained and talented group of women who sing four-part a cappella harmony arranged in the barbershop style. A award-winning San Diego Chorus strives to entertain 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 entertainment and offering women and other marginalized genders opportunities for musical and personal growth. They welcome all singers regardless of age, race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender expression who share a love of music and dedication to musical growth. Learn more at SanDiegoChorus.org. ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO WOMEN'S CHORUS Founded in 1987 by community activist Dr. Cynthia Lawrence, SDWC has grown from a group of 14 lesbians gathered around a piano in a private home to a thriving community with over 125 singers who believe in the power of music, the power of women, and the power of marginalized voices. For 35 years, SDWC has provided a safe space that encourages women’s creativity, celebrates diversity, and inspires social action. San Diego Women’s Chorus is a non-profit community chorus that strives to entertain and inspire audiences with music that speaks to issues as diverse as human rights, love, world peace, religious freedom, environmental harmony, inclusion, and cultural diversity. SDWC welcomes all women and gender non-conforming individuals as singers. SDWC supports and affirms the music of women and LGBTQ+ composers and arrangers. Learn more at sdwc.org. ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO CHILDREN'S CHOIR Founded in 1990, the San Diego Children's Choir is the area's oldest and largest choral training program serving children ages 1–18 at locations throughout San Diego County. The San Diego Children's Choir teaches music education through creative rehearsal techniques that engage the whole child in healthy vocal production and music literacy as well as encouraging self confidence and a sense of community and belonging. Learn more at https://www.sdcchoir.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 45 |
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