San Diego Chorus Recognized as Live Well San Diego Partner in November 5th Ceremony

San Diego, CA, October 13, 2022 – The San Diego Chorus is one of the initial performing arts organizations to be officially recognized as a Live Well San Diego Partner. On November 5, 2022 Master Director, Kathleen Hansen and Team Coordinator, Pam Murray will receive the designation at a special ceremony in Balboa Park. The event, which will include a chorus performance, will take place between 2-4 PM at 2131 Pan American Plaza – which is located next to the new Comic-Con Museum.

The Chorus originally received notification of the Live Well San Diego designation in early 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic slowed plans for public celebration.

The San Diego Chorus joins over 500 organizations in making a formal commitment to the mission of Live Well San Diego: Building Better Health, Living Safely, and Thriving. Diverse resources and collective impact throughout the County of San Diego aligns with efforts across all sectors to help all 3.3 million San Diego County residents live well.

For more than 70 years and throughout the pandemic the San Diego Chorus continued to share their love of 4-part a cappella music and its unique ability to build community. Founded on a tradition of dynamic performance, high-quality music education and regional / international competition, the Chorus is a two-time International Champion of Women’s Barbershop Harmony.

Master Director Kathleen Hansen is a long-time advocate of the health benefits of singing.

“Most of us know that singing is an important cultural and social expression, but what you may not realize is that singers actually experience an incredible array of health benefits,” Hansen says. “Group singing is scientifically proven to reduce stress, boost immunity and improve social-emotional health. Singing releases endorphins in the brain, a feel-good chemical that helps with stress response. When you sing, you’re actively improving your memory and changing your brain for the better.”

​The cross-generational singers of the San Diego Chorus range in age from early 20s through their 80s and come from all walks of life. One thing they have in common is first-hand experience with the many positive physical and mental health benefits that singing adds to their lives:

​"Singing has been a lifeline to community the last few years. When the world was in chaos, music was a bright light. It kept me sane and brought me joy! Learning to sing through both wonderful and difficult seasons has changed my outlook and helped me become more resilient."   
- Nicole Knox, Lead, 3.5 year member

“Singing with the Sweet Adelines has become a way of life. These singers are my extended family, and have provided me the support, education, and skills to expand my musical knowledge, leadership skills, and work-life opportunities."
- Cherie Peters-Brinkerhoff, Baritone, 31 year member

“Music had always been part of my life. Growing up, I was in music classes and school and community theater programs. In college I took many music classes and was a theater minor. Somewhere along the way, I stopped learning and performing. I've found a family & connection in the San Diego Chorus. Now, I can't imagine life without being a part of some type of musical community.”
- Laurie Bokuniewicz, Bass, 2 year member

“From the moment I walked into a San Diego Chorus rehearsal, I knew I had found a community I could truly belong to. Singing in the chorus makes me feel like I finally found a home, and that has had a huge impact on my mental health. I don't feel lost anymore.”
- Anakaren Santana, Lead, new member

The San Diego Chorus is one of just a few performing arts groups who were invited to join Live Well San Diego’s county wide network of businesses and non-profits devoted to promoting habits for good health in our communities.
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The nonprofit performing arts organization offers a year-round soft audition process and encourages new singers to visit weekly rehearsals anytime. The San Diego Chorus meets on Wednesday nights from 6:45pm – 9:45 pm in Room #207 of the Casa Del Prado building of Balboa Park.

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 other marginalized genders 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.  
 
ABOUT LIVE WELL SAN DIEGO
Live Well San Diego is a vision for a region that is Building Better Health, Living Safely, and Thriving.  Through collective impact and the diverse resources and backbone support of the County of San Diego, the vision aligns efforts across sectors to help all 3.3 million San Diego County residents live well. Over 500 organizations throughout the region have made a formal commitment to the vision so that wherever you live, work, play or pray, an organization or individual is nearby, working to improve your well-being and the health of your community. Together, we can do more than each of us alone. Additional information can be found on their website at https://www.livewellsd.org/

San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International
P.O. Box 33365, San Diego, CA 92163
619-796-5162 –  SanDiegoChorus.org