San Diego Chorus Member Accepted as Official Applicant in Sweet Adeline’s International Judging Program (IJP)

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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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 SweetAdelines.com.