San Diego Chorus Returns from Region 21 Competition with Strong Momentum Toward International Competition

The San Diego Chorus returned from the 2026 Region 21 Golden West Quartet and Chorus Competition, held April 9–12 in Phoenix, Arizona, with strong results and clear momentum as it prepares for the Sweet Adelines International Competition this October in Columbus, Ohio.

​Two quartets representing the chorus competed in Phoenix. SoloVoce earned second place in the Region 21 Quartet Contest, continuing a consistent record of top placements that includes a regional championship in 2023, third place in 2024, and second place in 2025. Nick of Time also represented the chorus, contributing to a strong overall showing from San Diego–area performers.

The San Diego Chorus performed for evaluation, using the regional stage as a key element of International preparation. The chorus received high scores along with detailed adjudicator feedback intended to support continued refinement of sound, musicality, and performance design ahead of the international contest.

A notable moment during the weekend was the return of Interim Musical Director and former longtime director Kim Vaughn, who led the chorus on the contest stage for the first time in more than a decade. Vaughn previously served as Musical Director from 1985 to 2014 and led the chorus to an International Championship in 2001.

The chorus also opened the Harmony Showcase on Saturday evening, part of the convention’s closing events, featuring select performances from across the region.

Looking ahead, the San Diego Chorus will appear as Competitor #6 in the 2026 Sweet Adelines International Chorus Semifinals, following a random draw. The chorus accepted a Wild Card invitation to compete internationally after a strong showing at the 2025 Region 21 Golden West Competition in Redondo Beach, California.

Preparation for international competition typically spans 12 to 24 months and includes weekly rehearsals, sectional work, and specialized coaching in both vocal and visual performance. As a member-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the San Diego Chorus relies on volunteer contributions from its members, as well as funding from performances, fundraising efforts, and grants. The organization is a multi-year recipient of the Organizational Support Program Grant, provided by the City of San Diego's Commission for Arts and Culture through the Office of Cultural Affairs.

The 2026 Sweet Adelines International Competition will feature 40 choruses from around the world. Performances are evaluated across four categories: Sound, Music, Expression, and Visual Communication, with a maximum possible score of 800 points per performance. The event also includes quartet competitions, culminating in the International Quartet Finals.

Founded in 1945, Sweet Adelines International is one of the world’s largest singing organizations, with more than 25,000 members, 1,200 quartets, and 600 choruses worldwide.

The San Diego Chorus, established in 1952, continues its preparation for the international stage in Columbus this fall.

Full results of the Region 21 Quartet and Chorus Contest are also available online.

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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 Dr. Dan Wessler, 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.