San Diego Chorus Advances to International Competition in 2024

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 San Diego Chorus rehearsing the night before competition in Albuquerque, NM.

The San Diego Chorus preparing to take the stage as competitor #8 in the Region 21 contest.

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."
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"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.​​

The San Diego Chorus celebrates the first competition of their 2022 Rookie Class at Region 21 Contest in Albuquerque.

San Diego Chorus Team Coordinator Pam Murray with Director Kathleen Hansen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nicole Knox sings with Nick of Time A Cappella Quartet and is a member of the San Diego Chorus, where she was named the 2023 Sweet Adeline of the Year. A fractional Chief Marketing Officer by trade, she encourages organizations and singers by sharing her time and expertise in support of best-in-class brand, marketing and communications.

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​ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO CHORUS
Founded in 1951, the San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International performs award-winning, four-part harmony in the barbershop style. Twice named International Chorus Champion of Women’s Barbershop Harmony, the nonprofit performing arts organization entertains 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 education, entertainment and competition. The Chorus welcomes women and non-binary treble singers who share a love of music and dedication to personal and musical growth regardless of age, race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender expression. Rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesday evenings in Room 207 of the Casa del Prado building in Balboa Park. Additional information can be found on their website at SanDiegoChorus.org.  ​

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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, http://www.sweetadelineintl.org. ​