San Diego Chorus Names Dr. Dan Wessler as Musical Director in Milestone 75th Anniversary Year

MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 15, 2026, San Diego, CA — The San Diego Chorus proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Dan Wessler as its new Musical Director, ushering in a dynamic new chapter as the chorus celebrates its 75th anniversary.

A two-time International Champion with Sweet Adelines International, the San Diego Chorus continues its legacy of musical excellence while embracing future-focused artistic leadership.

Dr. Wessler brings a rare blend of academic distinction, international performance experience, and championship-level barbershop expertise. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and Literature from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Western Illinois University.

Dr. Wessler is a choral conductor, educator, arranger, and barbershop musician currently serving as Musical and Artistic Director of the Westminster Chorus, one of the most celebrated ensembles in barbershop history. Under his leadership, Westminster continues its extraordinary legacy as the 2009 “Choir of the World” Pavarotti Trophy winner and a five-time Barbershop Harmony Society International Chorus Champion (2007, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2024).

His barbershop credentials are both extensive and distinctive, rooted in the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). Originally established in 1938, BHS has evolved into a global organization dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of a cappella barbershop singing, with musical education at its core. In 1945, Sweet Adelines International was founded as its sister organization, expanding opportunities for women in the barbershop art form. Since expanding in 2018 to include women’s and mixed ensembles, BHS remains a compelling voice in shaping the future of the art form worldwide.

In addition to his work with Westminster, Dr. Wessler serves as adjunct faculty at Concordia University Irvine, where he directs the Donne di Canto women’s chorus and the Men’s Chorus, and as Director of the Continuing Education Chorus at North Orange County Community College. He has led a wide range of ensembles, including university choirs, community choruses, traveling youth ensembles, and elite competitive barbershop groups.

A certified Music Judge and faculty member with the Barbershop Harmony Society, Dr. Wessler is also an internationally recognized performer and conductor. He sings bass with After Hours, the 2018 International Barbershop Quartet Champion, and has performed extensively across the United States and abroad, bringing a performer’s perspective and artistry into every rehearsal room he leads.

Dr. Wessler is also a sought-after coach for choruses and quartets, working with ensembles around the world to prepare and fine-tune their performances for competition. His work as an arranger is widely respected, with compositions performed on major contest stages and published through Hal Leonard.

Dr. Wessler’s leadership philosophy centers on belonging, positivity, ownership, and growth. He is known for cultivating rehearsal environments where singers feel both supported and challenged, building not only musical excellence but a strong sense of community.

The announcement follows the chorus’s recent return from Regional Competition in Phoenix, where they performed for evaluation as part of their preparation for the Sweet Adelines International Competition this October in Columbus, Ohio. The San Diego Chorus has accepted a Wild Card invitation and will compete among the world’s top choruses.

“There’s something powerful about a chorus that already knows who it is and continues to prioritize growth,” said Dr. Wessler. “I’m honored to be part of what comes next.” Wessler assumes the role as of May 1, 2026.

“This is a moment of both celebration and momentum for our chorus,” said Interim Musical Director Kim Vaughn. “As we honor 75 years of harmony, we are equally focused on the future. Our organization is poised for growth and excited to begin a new season. Dr. Wessler brings the musical depth, leadership vision, and human-centered approach that will help guide us forward.” 

Vaughn, a 50-year member of the San Diego Chorus, holds the rare distinction of being a three-time International Quartet Champion and Queen of Harmony, with championship quartets including High Society, Savvy, and A Cappella Gold. A Master Director, Judge Emerita in the Sound Category, Sweet Adelines International Faculty member, and Region 21 Hall of Fame inductee, she also received the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award and achieved the prestigious Master Director 700 designation. Vaughn served as Musical Director of the San Diego Chorus from 1985 to 2014, leading the chorus to its 2001 International Championship after having sung lead in its first championship win in 1975.

Founded in 1951, the San Diego Chorus is one of the premier performing ensembles in the Sweet Adelines organization. The chorus performs award-winning, four-part barbershop harmony, blending musical excellence with vibrant performance and choreography.

​As a nonprofit performing arts organization, the chorus is dedicated to education, entertainment, and competition. It welcomes women and non-binary treble singers of all backgrounds who share a passion for music and personal growth. Experienced vocalists are welcome to attend casual weekly rehearsals, held on Wednesdays in Room 207 of the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park. 

With Dr. Wessler at the helm, the chorus looks ahead to its next era with clarity, confidence, and renewed passion and purpose.

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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.