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."
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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."
Every year, member feedback guides the selection of our Sweet Adeline of the Year! Because this award is 100% determined by member feedback - it's really important that ALL members participate. The deadline to submit your choice has been extended to Friday, April `12th. To view a complete list of all members, go to the members only website, log in, and on the menu, click on Members. Keep reading for the Sweet Adeline of the Year Guidelines and a list of past recipients. Please click HERE to make your nomination. AWARD GUIDELINES: Sweet Adeline of the Year There is no minimum number of years of membership required to be eligible for this award (although meeting the requirements in one or more areas does require time). Candidates should be considered outstanding in one or more areas: 1. SERVICE: Participates and volunteers in chorus activities and business beyond attending rehearsals and participating in performances. 2. TEAMWORK: Assists with problem-solving, cooperatively participates in team and group activities and follows through consistently with ideas and assignments. 3. ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS: Accepts committee chairmanships, serves as an officer, serves as a member of committees, and accepts Regional or International appointments. 4. PARTICIPATION: Sings in a quartet, serves as master of ceremonies, teaches, directs as assistant director, is a front-row participant, attends outside Sweet Adeline functions, including International, Regional and Inter-Chapter activities. PAST RECIPIENTS: Sweet Adeline of the Year The following people are past recipients of the San Diego Chorus Sweet Adeline of the Year award and as such, are not eligible:.
If you have questions or are having a a hard time submitting your nomination and reasons, please reach out to 2022 Sweet Adeline of the Year, Nicole Knox. MARVELOUS MEMBERS - thank you for your commitment to our chorus and for providing feedback that will help us celebrate our 2023 Sweet Adeline of the Year!
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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.
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. “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.
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AboutThe San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International is an award-winning chorus performing 4-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. CategoriesArchives
March 2024
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