San Diego Chorus Hosts 2026 Awards and Installation Dinner

The contributions of the 2025-26 Chorus Management Team (CMT) were honored.

The San Diego Chorus held its annual Awards and Installation Dinner on Wednesday, April 29 at the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park. The event recognizes member contributions and marks the transition of leadership within the member-led nonprofit organization.

The evening was emceed by Tracy Popenhagen, co-leader of the chorus DEI committee. Entertainment was provided by chapter quartet Nick of Time, featuring Lori Shelley (tenor), Nicole Knox (lead), Nicole Clement (baritone), and Leah Rippetoe (bass), who performed their 2026 Regional Contest set.

Leadership Recognition and Installation
Outgoing Chorus Management Team (CMT) members Jennifer French, Andrea Chertkow, and Amy Buck were recognized for their service.

The 2026–27 CMT was then installed. Continuing members include Pam Murray, Lisa Ordonez, and Diane Thornewell. Newly elected members are Cecily Taylor, Tracy Popenhagen, and Laurie Bokuniewicz. Newly appointed Musical Director Dr. Dan Wessler will also serve on the CMT. The team provides strategic guidance for the organization’s governance, business, and operational functions.

The 2026-27 San Diego Chorus Management Team was installed.

Director's Music Team
The Directors Music Team was recognized for its role in supporting musical and performance development across the chorus. The team includes newly appointed Musical Director Dan Wessler, Kim Vaughn, who will transition from Interim Musical Director to Associate Director; 1st and 2nd Assistant Directors Leah Rippetoe and Kayla Rodgers; Visual Coordinator Meg Adams-Kraidman; section leaders Keri Leasure and Lori Shelley (Tenor), Rachel Jones (Lead), and Marina Hayden (Bass); Secretary Julissa Trahan; and CMT representative Pam Murray. The group works collaboratively to bring the director’s artistic vision to life through section leadership, choreography, visual design, and music education.

The San Diego Chorus Director's Musical Team was honored.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Not Her First Rodeo 
Kim Vaughn received the “Not Your First Rodeo” Award in recognition of her return as Interim Musical Director during a pivotal transition period for the chorus. Stepping back into the role during a season that included Regional Contest preparation and a Musical Director search, Vaughn provided steady musical leadership and continuity at a critical time.

The award also carried a note of levity, acknowledging Vaughn’s extensive list of formal accolades across decades of barbershop leadership. While she has earned some of the organization’s highest honors, this marked the first time she has received this unofficial distinction.

Kim Vaughn Accepts the First-Ever Not Her First Rodeo Award

Kim Vaughn presents Rachel Jones with the Director's Role

Director’s Award
As she transitions from the role of Interim to Associate Director, Vaughn presented the Director’s Award to Lead Section Leader Rachel Jones. Jones was recognized for her leadership within the lead section and her broader contributions to chorus culture and musical development, despite being a relatively recent member.

Team Coordinator Award
Pam Murray presented the Team Coordinator Award to Shelly McMorrow. McMorrow’s contributions include consecutive terms as show chair and regional contest coordinator, as well as ongoing operational support behind the scenes. She is also an active quartet singer and participant in the Summer Seminar Double Quartet, which has earned multiple Region 21 Golden Banana Awards.

Shelly McMorrow was presented with the Team Coordinator Award

Connie Mitchell was presented with the Marie Winfrey Award

Marie Winfrey Award
The Marie Winfrey Award, which recognizes significant behind-the-scenes contributions, was presented to Connie Mitchell. Mitchell leads the chorus riser team and plays a key role in vocal assessment and auditions. Her work focuses on logistics, problem-solving, and operational support that directly impact rehearsal and performance effectiveness.

Membership Milestones
Longevity awards were presented to members reaching milestone anniversaries:

• 5 Years: Kennette Bryant
• 10 Years: Pam Murray, Amy Buck, Veda Palmer
• 15 Years: Jennifer French
• 25 Years: Denise Brinkerhoff
• 35 Years: Vivian Mayes, Cherie Peters-Brinkerhoff
• 40 Years: Joyce Lang

2025-26 Singers of Note Recipients

Singers of Note
The Singers of Note designation recognizes members who demonstrate consistent, active participation across multiple areas of chorus life, including musical preparation, leadership, and organizational support.

Recipients include:
Kathy Whalen, Pam Murray, Julissa Trahan, Melina Lasley, Nicole Knox, Rachel Jones, Jennifer French, Leah Rippetoe, Marina Hayden, Andrea Chertkow, Laurie Bokuniewicz, Jennifer Irvine, Caressa Jackson, Shelly McMorrow, Lori Shelley, Amy Buck, Keri Leasure, Amanda Pruett, Cindy McAdams, and Erika Abate.

Kim Vaughn will transition to Associate Director as Dan Wessler steps up as Musical Director.

Dan Wessler, PhD, will assume his role as Musical Director on May 9th.

Musical Director Remarks
Dr. Dan Wessler addressed the chorus and noted the level of preparation, focus, and engagement demonstrated by members, citing it as a strong foundation for the work ahead. He also acknowledged the passion, commitment, and investment in organizational culture already evident within the membership, describing it as a key indicator of a high-impact organization.

Wessler shared that this alignment resonates with him at both a personal and professional level and contributes to his enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. He expressed appreciation for a culture where both musical excellence and member engagement are clearly prioritized.

Wessler will officially begin his role on May 6 and will immediately lead preparations for the Sweet Adelines International competition in Columbus, Ohio this October. His remarks emphasized both continuity and forward momentum as the chorus enters its next phase of musical development.

Sweet Adeline of the Year
The Sweet Adeline of the Year award was presented by outgoing recipient Kayla Rodgers to Andrea Chertkow. The award is based on member nominations and input from past recipients.

Chertkow was recognized for her contributions across multiple areas of the organization, including service on the Chorus Management Team, leadership in grant writing initiatives, involvement in the Song Assessment process, and participation on both the Contract Committee and Standing Rules Committee. Her impact spans multiple years and reflects a sustained operational and strategic contribution to the chorus.

The evening concluded with group singing, trivia activities, and a choreographed “Shake It Off” segment led by emcee Tracy Popenhagen.

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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, she supports organizations and singers by sharing her expertise in 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 barbershop harmony. A two-time International Chorus Champion, the nonprofit performing arts organization is dedicated to education, entertainment, and competition, and welcomes women and non-binary treble singers committed to musical excellence and growth.

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ABOUT SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
Sweet Adelines International is a global nonprofit music education organization founded in 1945 and headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. One of the world’s largest singing organizations for women, Sweet Adelines International includes more than 25,000 members, 1,200 quartets, and 600 choruses across multiple countries worldwide.