San Diego Chorus Welcomes Guest Coach Sandy Marron for International Competition Preparation

The San Diego Chorus was delighted to welcome internationally renowned coach Sandy Marron to San Diego on June 20-21 for a weekend of musical refinement, education, and inspiration as the chorus continues its preparation for the 2026 SingUnited International Chorus Competition in Columbus, Ohio.

Marron, Musical Director of the internationally acclaimed Lions Gate Chorus in Vancouver, British Columbia, is one of the most respected coaches in the barbershop world. A Master 700 Director, Certified Sound Judge, International Faculty member, and International Champion Director, she has spent decades helping singers and choruses unlock higher levels of artistry, performance, and vocal excellence.

Throughout the weekend, Marron partnered with San Diego Chorus Musical Director Dr. Dan Wessler, who also directs the Westminster Chorus, the 2024 Barbershop Harmony Society International Champions. Drawing on their combined decades of experience at the highest levels of the art form, Marron and Wessler guided singers through detailed musical and performance refinement, helping strengthen both the chorus's Semi-Finals and Finals repertoire. The coaching intensive marks another important milestone as the San Diego Chorus prepares to take the international stage for competition in Columbus, Ohio this October.

"Having Sandy in the room is a gift," said Dr. Dan Wessler. "Her ability to combine musical excellence with genuine encouragement helps singers discover new possibilities in both the music and themselves. Sandy brings a rare perspective shaped by decades of experience as a champion director, certified judge, educator, coach, and quartet singer. She has a remarkable ability to meet singers where they are, helping them grow in confidence while challenging them to reach for the next level of artistry."

The coaching weekend was one of several educational opportunities the San Diego Chorus provides exclusively to its members throughout the year. As part of SingUnited International, formerly known as Sweet Adelines International, the chorus is rooted in a long-standing commitment to preserving, celebrating, and advancing the uniquely American art form of barbershop harmony. While audiences often experience the polished, ringing harmonies that are the hallmark of each performance, the organization's foundation is education.

In addition to weekly rehearsals, sectionals, duet and small-group learning opportunities, and regional and international educational conferences, San Diego Chorus members participate in three to four intensive coaching weekends annually. Each immersive event features a different world-renowned educator, coach, judge, or champion performer, offering singers the opportunity to explore new perspectives and deepen their skills in areas such as vocal technique, artistry, performance, musicality, interpretation, and ensemble singing.

These coaching intensives are designed not only to prepare the chorus for competition, but also to support the personal growth of every singer, regardless of experience level. By bringing some of the barbershop world's most respected educators directly to San Diego, the chorus continues to invest in a culture of lifelong learning, musical excellence, and shared achievement.

For many members, these weekends are among the most impactful educational experiences of the year, combining expert instruction, hands-on application, and the camaraderie that comes from growing alongside fellow singers who share a passion for four-part harmony.

Marron's accomplishments in the barbershop community are extensive. She has served as Musical Director of Lions Gate Chorus since 1991 and led the chorus to the pinnacle of Sweet Adelines competition when they earned the title of International Champion Chorus in 2023. She is also a member of Brava!, the 2004 International Quartet Champions, making her one of a select few individuals to have achieved international championship success as both a director and quartet singer.

For the San Diego Chorus, the weekend served as another important milestone on the road to Columbus. After placing 7th Internationally in 2024 and welcoming Dr. Wessler as Musical Director earlier this year, the chorus is continuing to build momentum during its 75th Anniversary season.
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As October approaches, the singers remain focused on growth, connection, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.  The San Diego Chorus will represent Southern California at the 2026 SingUnited International Chorus Competition in Columbus, Ohio, where choruses from around the globe will gather to celebrate the art of four-part a cappella harmony and compete for international honors.

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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 SINGUNITED INTERNATIONAL

SingUnited International is a global nonprofit music education organization founded in 1945 and headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Originally established as Sweet Adelines International, the organization is one of the world’s largest singing organizations for women, SUI includes more than 15,000 members, 1,200 quartets, and 600 choruses across multiple countries worldwide.