San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International Announces Musical Director Search

December 15, 2025 - The San Diego Chorus has officially opened the search for its next Musical Director, marking an important step forward for the award-winning a cappella ensemble as it looks toward an ambitious and exciting future.

A long-standing chapter of Sweet Adelines International, the San Diego Chorus is recognized for its commitment to high-level music education, artistic excellence, and competitive achievement. In recent seasons, the chorus placed 7th at the 2024 Sweet Adelines International Competition, earned 2nd place at the 2025 Region 21 Golden West Contest, and has accepted a Wild Card invitation to compete internationally in 2026.

Interim Leadership and Forward Momentum
During the search and transition period, the San Diego Chorus is pleased to share that former director, Sound Judge, and three-time Queen of Harmony Kim Vaughn will serve as Interim Musical Director. Her depth of experience and longstanding leadership within Sweet Adelines provide continuity and confidence as the chorus continues its musical journey.

Looking ahead to 2026, singers have much to anticipate. The chorus is preparing for evaluation at Region 21 Golden West and will compete as Contestant #6 at the Sweet Adelines International Competition in October in Columbus, Ohio.

The Opportunity
The San Diego Chorus is seeking a Musical Director who is an exceptional music educator, a collaborative leader, and a creative visionary. The ideal candidate brings strong vocal pedagogy, deep understanding of the barbershop genre, experience guiding ensembles toward competitive excellence, and a leadership style that is naturally encouraging and grounded in communication, curiosity, and respect.

The chorus offers a strong foundation for success, including an established Directors’ Musical Team, dedicated section leaders, and ongoing access to top-tier regional and international educators. Members share a genuine appetite for growth and value a culture of coaching, continuous improvement, and artistic innovation.

Selection Process
The Musical Director Search will be guided by a dedicated Search Committee led by Co-Committee Chairs Nicole Knox and Connie Mitchell. The committee is comprised of three appointed member representatives, one alternate, and two Ex-Officio members representing the Chorus Management Team (CMT) and the Directors' Musical Team (DMT).

This committee structure was designed to balance member representation, musical expertise, and governance oversight, ensuring a thoughtful, transparent, and well-informed search process.

The process will include a structured review of applications, interviews, and finalist audition rehearsals. Chorus members will provide feedback through an evaluation process, and the final appointment will be confirmed by a membership vote.

Complete details, including the full job description, application requirements, and timeline, are available online.

Applications will remain open through January 19, 2026.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY

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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. 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
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. ​