 The San Diego Chorus presents "ONE IN HARMONY,” on Saturday, September 28th at 7 PM. The show features performances from OC Sound and the San Diego Chorus in addition to featured quartets. The event will be hosted at the MiraCosta College Concert Hall in Oceanside, CA. Two-time International Champions the San Diego Chorus will present a dynamic program of 4-part a cappella harmony, including selections from their current competition and entertainment packages. The chorus, under the direction of Kathleen Hansen, is currently ranked 5th worldwide, and will compete in the Sweet Adelines International (SAI) Semi-Finals later this fall in Kansas City. OC Sound Chorus, under the direction of International Queen of Harmony Bonnie McKibben will also present selections from their competition and entertainment repertoire. The chorus will compete in the International Harmony Classic for small to mid-sized choruses this fall, and was selected as a 2025 Wild Card Competitor. The show, which also includes performances from select guest quartets, also features a silent auction benefitting the nonprofit performing arts organization. Doors open at 6 PM, and the curtain rises at 7 PM. TICKET INFORMATION
EVENT VENUE MiraCosta College Concert Hall 1 Barnard Dr Concert Hall Oceanside, CA 92056 SILENT AUCTION The event includes a Silent Auction, which serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit, performing arts organization. Proceeds help offset the costs associated with competition coaching and preparation. The auction features a wide range of items including art, jewelry and collectibles as well as gift cards and experiences from area merchants and partners. Arrive at 6 PM shop the Auction early and get your bids in on items from these vendors and more:
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The San Diego Chorus is delighted to welcome back coach Ryan Heller to their Fall 2024 Recharge event September 6 - 8th. Ryan is the 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.  Ryan was the Co-Founder, Conductor and Artistic Director of the Portland Vocal Consort, one of Portland, Oregon’s, premier professional choirs, and spent a decade as the Conductor / Artistic Director of the Southwest Washington Symphony; In 2001, he Co-Founded the Columbia Chorale of Oregon, a group he led until 2010. Heller has led ensembles across the United States with appearances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Chicago’s Symphony Hall. He has toured internationally in Italy, Germany, New Zealand, Finland, Estonia, Sweden and, China, where he led combined choirs from Texas at the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing and at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.  Heller holds a Master of Music degree in Conducting from Portland State University and his Bachelor’s of Music degree in Conducting from Chapman University. 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.
August 31, 2024 - The San Diego Chorus was among 10 regional barbershop choruses and 20 quartets from across two states that performed at the 2024 Music on the Porch Day. The event took place on Saturday, August 31st, 2024 from 2 PM to 5 PM at 4th of July Park in Harmony Grove, Escondido. More information is available online. Music on the Porch Day, which is hosted by SoloVoce Quartet, is celebrating it's 5th year in 2024. The quartet is the 2024 Region 21 Golden West third place medalist quartet and was named quartet champions in 2023. Members hail from three regional choruses and include Tenor Kim Alley, Lead Tracey Sandberg, Baritone Jennifer French and Bass Marina Hayden. The original southern California Music on the Porch Day, Barbershop Edition, was launched in 2020 in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. With no shows or performance opportunities for choruses or groups, SoloVoce decided to create their own stage. The foursome delivered performances at two outdoor San Diego locations to small but enthusiastic crowds. From that point, the outdoor festival-style performance has gained momentum each year, with the 5th anniversary landing as the largest lineup to date. 
The 2024 schedule included the following musical organizations and groups: 2024 FEATURED CHORUSES
2024 FEATURED QUARTETS
The event is affiliated with International Play Music on the Porch Day, which connects musicians in 70+ countries and over 1,000 cities worldwide  The San Diego Chorus was among 10 regional a cappella choruses to take the stage at the 2024 Music on the Porch Day on August 31, 2024 in Harmony Grove, California.
 San Diego Chorus double Quartet the Splitsville Sirens was awarded the Golden Banana for their parody set at the 2024 Region 21 Summer Seminar.
 Vista Hills Chorus includes several singers from the San Diego Chorus and is directed by San Diego Chorus member Melanie Jewell.
 Harmony, Inc. Chorus the California NoteCatchers performed at the 2024 Music on the Porch Day. The group is directed by San Diego Chorus member Kayla Rodgers.
September 14, 2024 - The San Diego Chorus is delighted to welcome coach Dan Wessler to our upcoming rehearsal on August 14th. Dan is a barbershop arranger, singer, and chorus director who currently resides in Long Beach, California. Wessler has been arranging for barbershop quartets and choruses since 2011. Dan’s songs are frequently performed on the Barbershop Harmony Society contest stage at both the district and international level, to high acclaim. He writes contestable and performance arrangements for various groups around the world, a number of which have been published by Hal Leonard. Dan Wessler holds a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Choral Conducting and Literature from University of Colorado Boulder (2023) and a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from Western Illinois University (2012). He is currently the Musical and Artistic Director of the Los Angeles based Westminster Chorus, four-time International Barbershop Chorus Champion and 2009 Choir of the World Champion. Dan also sings with After Hours, the 2018 International Barbershop Quartet Champion, with whom he travels and sings frequently, inside and outside of the United States. He is a frequent clinician at barbershop chorus festivals, and teaches courses internationally at barbershop educational events. Dan also currently serves on the adjunct faculty of Concordia University Irvine, teaching undergraduate choral methods. Before moving to Southern California, he served as Director of Choral Activities at Freeport High School in Freeport, Illinois from 2012-2020.
 With an average score of 95.6%, Westminster Chorus was recently awarded the 2024 BHS International Chorus Champions The San Diego Chorus hosts member-only Coaching Events for singers multiple times a year, particularly when preparing for competition. The chorus is currently ranked 5th Internationally and has accepted a Wild Card invitation from parent organization Sweet Adelines International. The Chorus will take the stage as contestant #1 in the 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.
San Diego Chorus Among Performers to Take the Stage in HARMONY ROAD on Sunday, September 8th8/12/2024 
Monday, August 12, 2024 – San Diego Chorus is among a cappella performance groups invited to take the stage on Sunday, September 8th at 3PM in Sun Harbor’s “HARMONY ROAD.” Hosted at Balboa Park’s historic Casa del Prado Theater in San Diego, California, the exclusive afternoon performance features three award-winning barbershop choruses and two quartets in one exclusive show that you won’t want to miss! Nine-time international Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) Chorus Champions Masters of Harmony will present musical selections from their recent performances with the Normandy Freedom Chorus at the 80th Anniversary of D-Day in France. Two-time Sweet Adelines International Chorus Champions the San Diego Chorus is currently ranked 5th worldwide. The singers will present selections from their upcoming competition and entertainment packages, which will debut on the international stage in Kansas City later this fall. Special guest quartet performances include Region 21 Golden West's 2023 Quartet Champion and current third-place medalist SoloVoce, and 2023 Southeast Division Quartet Champions Motley Q. Seating is limited, reserve your tickets online today! Ticket Information:
 Hosts San Diego Sun Harbor Chorus
MARCH 2024 - The San Diego Chorus is thrilled to welcome coach Cy Wood. Cy is a judge in the Performance Category for the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). Currently, he sings baritone in MixTape, a BHS quartet based in Ohio that is the current champion for the Johnny Appleseed district. He also serves as Executive Director for the Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC) as well as a creative artist and coach. He moved to Ohio to teach music and theatre at Butler Tech School of the Arts, which he lovingly did so for 7 wonderful years. Before that, Cy worked in New York City for nearly a decade as a professional actor, producer, special events coordinator, and creative director. Some shows that he has been involved with include current and past Broadway, Off-Broadway, Special Events and National Tours. Cy is a third-generation barbershopper. He joined the Idaho Gateway Chorus when he was just 15 years old. While studying in college, Cy joined High Flight singing baritone, a competitive collegiate quartet. Though they were together only a few months, they won the Rocky Mountain District collegiate contest, and later went on to place 12th at the 2006 International Competition. Wood joined NYC's acclaimed chorus Voices of Gotham in 2012 and quickly became the baritone section leader as well as a board member at large. In 2013, Cy was asked to be VoG's Choreographer and Presentation Leader. He has had his work performed on the international stage as well as many stages in North America including Carnegie Hall. Since moving to Ohio, Cy has performed with a BHS Top Ten Chorus, Southern Gateway Chorus where he also served on the music team and was the Performance Director.
In addition to his active coaching and chorus lifestyle, Cy was the baritone of On Tap. This quartet won the Mid-Atlantic District Northern Division Contest in 2014 and 7th place at the MAD District competition. On Tap entertained their audiences until their disbandment in 2015 due to two of the members moving away from NYC. The San Diego Chorus hosts member-only Coaching Events for Chorus Members multiple times a year, particularly during competition preparation cycles. The chorus is currently ranked 5th Internationally and has 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. Wood 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 notes that the organization is preparing to perform on the Region 21 Golden West Stage for evaluation in April. "There are so many facets of musicality and performance that we fine-tune concurrently in preparation for competition," Hansen says. "Multi-dimensional coaches like Cy bring valuable insight and guidance to our singers as we refine our contest and entertainment packages for the International stage."
San Diego Chorus Offers Valentine's Day Singing Grams that Make It Easy to "Say It With a Song"1/10/2024  The singers of the San Diego Chorus will be out and about throughout the San Diego region this Valentine's Day delivering Singing Valentines. The offering is a favorite within the community, presenting a unique and heartwarming way to send love to partners, family members and friends. 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!) or by phone. All Singing Valentine's include a personal message from the sender. Orders are processed securely online and make it easy to provide details about each recipient. Senders may select two songs from three classic numbers that are timeless favorites: Let Me Call You Sweetheart, It Had to Be You and You Are My Sunshine. Although most senders opt for a live a cappella performance, phone delivery is a great alternative for loved ones who live further away. "The San Diego Chorus has been delivering Singing Grams for many years throughout the San Diego region," says Business Development Coordinator Andrea Chertkow. "We've been part of some very special moments like proposals, anniversaries and military families being reunited. We've also been part of some fun and unexpected moments. That's one of many reasons our singers look forward to February 14th every year." As a nonprofit performing arts organization, Chertkow notes that Singing Grams are one of many efforts year-round to help the San Diego Chorus fundraise. "We're always looking for opportunities to offset costs, which helps us continue to provide an incredible caliber of musical education," she says. "It's one of the way we strive to keep competitive, 4-part a cappella harmony accessible to singers and audiences alike. In addition to Singing Valentine's, the Chorus is also Yum-Raising with See's Candies this month. Supporters can take advantage of sweet deals from the chocolatier and a percentage of every purchase benefits the Chorus. Orders must be placed by January 26th and will be delivered to your door in time for Valentine's Day. The Chorus is currently ranked 5th worldwide and 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. The San Diego Chorus, A two-time past International Champion Chorus, has their sights set on the top ten.
JANUARY 10, 2024 - The award-winning San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International will host open auditions on Wednesday, January 31st 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 audition and membership pathway. Women and non-binary treble singers of all musical backgrounds are welcome. Interested singers are encouraged to RSVP to reserve a spot. Guests are invited to participate immediately in the Chorus warmup and rehearsal process. The interactive evening sometimes 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. Watch this video to know what to expect when you visit during an Open House.
"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 is currently ranked 5th worldwide and 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. "Qualified singers will enter our competitive cycle with enough time to join us on the International Stage. Moreover, they will benefit from valuable vocal production and performance coaching as part of our preparation." The San Diego Chorus will soon celebrate it's 75 year 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 29-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 tremendous opportunities for growth, both musically and personally," says Cannon. "What people may not immediately realize 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 community 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 January 31st Open House to learn more and begin your audition process.
 Westcoast Harmony Chorus was named the best mid-sized chorus in the world in 2013. In September 2022, they placed 6th in the International Championship. The San Diego Chorus is delighted to welcome coach Anne Downton to their Winter 2024 Recharge event. Anne serves as Director of Westcoast Harmony Chorus in Vancouver, Canada, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International. With her unique blend of enthusiasm, expertise and attention to detail, Anne's guidance is both actionable and effective for singers. Anne's barbershop career began in 2000, when she found her way to Westcoast Harmony Chorus. She was instantly hooked and hasn't looked back since. Anne became a co-director of Westcoast in 2005, and stepped into the role of Director in 2011. She earned the title Master Director at the age of 24, making her the youngest person to attain this designation. Under Anne's direction, Westcoast has won the Region 26 Chorus Competition multiple times, and also earned the title of 2013 International Harmony Classic Champions. Anne is a member of the Sweet Adelines International Faculty, having established herself as a trusted vocal coach for individuals, quartets and choruses around the world. She is also the chair of the Director Resource Toolkit Task Force. In the past, she has served as the Region 26 Education Coordinator, on the Region 26 Regional Education Faculty, and the International Music Sales & Marketability Committee.  Anne Downton is the Baritone of the 2017 Quartet Champions, Frenzy. The quartet also received the 2017 Most Entertaining Award. Anne sings baritone with the 2017 International Quartet Champions, Frenzy. She also sang baritone with the Young Women in Harmony quartet, Stir It Up, winning a 2nd place medal at the International Rising Star Contest. Anne lives in the Greater Vancouver area, and in her “other life”, works at a law firm as a senior corporate legal assistant. In 2010, Anne completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Criminology from Simon Fraser University. Anne's teaching specialties include vocal production, left-brain techniques to achieve artistry, practical applications to achieve unity, identifying ensemble strengths/needs and building plans and teams to support growth and success. 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. Downton 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. Our singers have chosen to have a championship mindset, which sets the tone for all that we do as an organization."
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.
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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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