Member-Powered Leadership

One of many factors that distinguishes Sweet Adelines International from other musical organizations is that each Chorus is  member-led. The Chorus Management Team, Director's Music Team and other key Project Chair and Task Force roles are essential components of organizational success, and provide our members with rich volunteer-based opportunities for personal and professional growth at a local, regional and international level.

Chorus Management Team

The Chorus Management Team provides strategic guidance in support of Chorus governance, business and operational functions. 

Director's Music ​Team

The Director's Music Team plays an essential role in bringing the Director's musical and creative vision to life in all aspects of Chorus life.
Musical Director Dr. Dan Wessler
Dr. Dan Wessler is a sought-after barbershop arranger, performer, and choral conductor based in Long Beach, California. Since 2011, he has created arrangements for quartets and choruses that have been performed on Barbershop Harmony Society contest stages at both district and international levels, earning widespread recognition for their musicality and impact. His work spans both competitive and general performance repertoire and is written for a wide range of ensembles, including men’s and women’s barbershop groups.

Dr. Wessler holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and Literature from the University of Colorado Boulder, a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Western Illinois University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bradley University. He currently serves as adjunct faculty at Concordia University Irvine.
An active performer, Dan sings bass with After Hours, the 2018 Barbershop Harmony Society International Quartet Champion, for whom he frequently arranges. The quartet has performed across the United States, sharing a mission to bring joy to audiences through dynamic and engaging musical experiences.
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In addition to his arranging and performance work, Dr. Wessler serves as the Musical and Artistic Director of the Westminster Chorus, one of the most celebrated ensembles in barbershop. Under his leadership, the chorus continues its tradition of excellence while advancing a mission centered on musical achievement, education, and fostering an inclusive, lifelong singing community.

Assistant Director Kim Vaughn

Former director, Sound Judge, and three-time Queen of Harmony Kim Vaughn serves as Assistant Musical Director of the San Diego Chorus. Her depth of experience and longstanding leadership within Sweet Adelines provide continuity and confidence as the chorus continues its musical journey.

Kim Vaughn served as musical director of the San Diego Chorus from 1985 - 2014. She led the chorus to International Championships in 1978 and 2001. She is a Sweet Adelines Master Faculty Member, a Champion Director and Region 21 Hall of Fame winner. Kim's renowned accomplishments in competitive Barbershop include receiving the 2014 Sweet Adelines International Lifetime Achievement Award and a Master Director 700 designation. As 3-Time International Quartet Champion, she has performed with High Society, Savvy and most recently A Cappella Gold.
​Kim is a Master Faculty Member of Sweet Adelines International and recently retired as Certified Sound Judge. She holds a Masters' degree in Vocal Pedagogy from San Diego State University and is available for coaching and judging. She recently celebrated  50 years of Membership with Sweet Adelines International. 

​Awards, Honors and Accomplishments

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2001 International Chorus Champions

SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

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2018 Golden West Region 21 Champions

SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL GOLDEN WEST REGION 21

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1975 International Chorus Champions

SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

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2016 Golden West Region 21 Champions

SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL GOLDEN WEST REGION 21

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Leah Rippetoe, Assistant Director
Leah Rippetoe is the Assistant Director of the San Diego Chorus. She was recently honored as the Sweet Adeline of the Year in 2019. Leah has been a Certified Director since 2009 and recently served on the 75th Anniversary Task Force for Sweet Adelines International. Leah joined the San Diego Chorus in 2016 and has been a  Sweet Adelines International member for 21 years. Leah has been a member of SAI in Regions 8, 11 and 4.

Leah sings bass in the Region 21 Golden West quartet Nick of Time, and has been a participant in multiple quartets throughout her chorus career. Singing and performing have always been a big part of Leah’s life, and she has a strong background in musical theater, dance and choreography.  When she is not singing with the San Diego Chorus, you will find Leah singing with her praise band at church.

Member Awards

The San Diego Chorus honors the efforts of our Membership with annual Member Awards. With awards spanning all types of service, growth and accomplishments, it's a great opportunity to celebrate the tremendous talent, commitment and hard work that our Members put forth at each and every interaction. 

As member of Sweet Adelines International, The San Diego Chorus is also eligible as a chorus for regional and international awards, and our quartets compete annually. In addition to serving our own chorus, Members often serve the larger membership in a variety of appointments.

Region 21
​Golden West

The San Diego Chorus is part of the Golden West Region 21 of Sweet Adelines International. The Regional Management Team oversees events and management for choruses in Region 21, including Spring Convention, Competition, education events and workshops.

SingUnited
​International

The San Diego Chorus​ is an award-winning chapter of SingUnited International. Originally established as Sweet Adelines, the organization was founded in 1945 and is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the unique sound of a cappella barbershop harmony and empowering women.