Meet Our CWC Member Choruses
Burbank Singers – Burbank
Diana Tyson
dianatyson1955@gmail.com
Burbank Singers began the fall of 1950 as PTA Mothersingers. Some of the original members sang with the Burbank group for over 30 years. Around the same time, the Burbank Singers became affiliated with an Adult Education class in the city of Burbank, which has been available as a class culminating in two annual performances for students, one during the holidays and one “International Day,” celebrating the wide variety of students attending the school.
As we gear up for our Spring semester, it is nice to reflect on some of those precious memories we created singing together last year. Invited to sing at Burbank Adult School’s International Day in April, we were surprised (emphasis on surprised) and thrilled to have a Thai student rise from the audience and dance during our performance of a Thai folk song “Shining Moon.”
Diana Tyson has been the director of the Burbank Singers for fourteen years. With a perfect sense of pitch, she has a keen talent to monitor several different sections. Additionally, she works full time and directs another of the choruses in the CWC member choirs. Our accompanist, Seth Bowser, is a very talented young man becoming known for his musical abilities including being an excellent pianist, singer and song writer working on production development.
We are excited to start the current season with more than 30 members. In Spring and during the Holidays we enjoy performing all types of music for senior groups, retirement homes and various organizations. We also look forward to the annual state California Women’s Chorus Convention at the end of April.
Harbor Singers – Costa Mesa
Lisa Morris
charliesquirrel04@gmail.com
The Harbor Singers, based in Huntington Beach, were originally associated with the PTA Mothersingers. Since 1952, they have been entertaining audiences throughout California including Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland, Orange County Fair, retirement communities and many business and social organizations. A few members performed for the USO, entertaining troops in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia. Members have varied career backgrounds and hobbies, but are united by their common love of music, singing and performing. This is truly a group with “PIZZAZ.” Proceeds from performances go towards helping to fund vocal scholarships. They hosted the 2003, 2010 and 2019 Conventions and Concerts.
Lake Wildwood Women’s Chorus – Penn Valley
Vicki Goss
vickigoss1@comcast.net
Founded by Ginny McIntyre in the mid-1980s within a small community near Grass Valley, this chorus has evolved into a vibrant musical entity. Currently guided by Vicki Goss and accompanied by Janet Rossman on piano, the chorus has experienced a notable influx of new singers, bringing the total membership to a harmonious ensemble of 35 women. Their collective passion for music extends beyond mere performance, as they actively engage with retirement centers, civic groups, and various organizations, spreading the joy of song throughout the community.
The chorus showcases its musical prowess through two annual concerts—a lively spring performance and a heartwarming winter/holiday concert. Adding a delightful layer to their repertoire, the chorus features two subgroups. “Chordially Yours,” a 12-member ensemble, captivates audiences with a diverse selection of four-part a cappella and accompanied music. Meanwhile, the “Chimers,” another enchanting subgroup, adds a unique melodic dimension to the chorus’s musical tapestry by performing arrangements such as The Entertainer, Rhapsody in Blue and Clare De Lune with hand chimes.
Both subgroups are skillfully directed by Mary Scovel, whose musical talent extends beyond the conductor’s podium as she also lends her voice to the chorus.
With a commitment to musical excellence and community enrichment, this chorus, under the dynamic leadership of Vicki Goss and Mary Scovel, continues to be a source of inspiration and delight for audiences near and far.
Monday@JoJo’s – La Crescenta
Diana Tyson
dianatyson1955@gmail.com
Monday@Jojo’s is a women’s vocal group dedicated to sharing our love of music with the community. Our repertoire includes standards, pop, and jazz, both a capella and accompanied. Monday@Jojo’s have a set and songs for every occasion. The ladies have performed at a variety of events: musical worship services, fundraisers, holiday parties, outdoor festivals, weddings and receptions. You can find out more at our website.
New Century Singers Whittier – Whittier
Judy Kertes
kertesjudy@gmail.com
Our chorus began about 55 years ago as PTA Mothersingers, and we changed our name at the millennium. The membership includes multi-generational women who love to sing and serve the community. We present three concerts annually: Fall, Christmas and Spring. Local performances help raise funds to support our scholarship fund. The scholarship seekers audition from community colleges and 4-year colleges and universities. We are proud to feature them at our Spring Concert. Under the dynamic leadership of our director, Judy Kertes, and our accompanists, Scarlet Brais and Russ Litchfield, we continue to grow in musical ability and in membership.
Riverside Mission Belles – Riverside
Sandy Tarmo
gmasandy4@gmail.com
It’s truly remarkable to see the enduring legacy of the Riverside Mission Belles spanning over 70 years! Starting as the PTA Mothersingers and evolving through different names, they’ve remained a pillar of musical harmony in the community. With their venues expanding to include various local settings and events, they continue to spread joy and connection through their music. A special shoutout to Sandy Tarmo for her dedicated leadership as the musical director, guiding the group’s journey with passion and talent. Here’s to many more years of beautiful melodies and community involvement for the Riverside Mission Belles under Sandy’s direction!
Santa Barbara Treble Clef Chorus – Santa Barbara
Katherine (Katie) Saxon
310-433-4712
katherine.saxon@gmail.com
A charter member of CWC, this group originated as the PTA Mothersingers in 1957. The chorus has entertained the Santa Barbara community for over 60 years, performing a wide variety of music and dance. This 30+ member group perform concerts for retirement communities, clubs and organizations, at Christmas and in the spring. They traditionally perform at the annual CWC convention concert and hosted the CWC Conventions in 1990 and 2002. Net proceeds from performances are donated for music and performing arts scholarships through CWC and the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara.
Sweet Harmony – San Diego
Sweet Harmony (formerly the Monettes) is based in San Diego. They have been in existence for about 60 years, and perform for many events in the San Diego area. In the past, they have performed at the San Diego County Fair and in Europe and Hawaii. They meet once a week as a class through the San Diego Community College Emeritus Program and welcome any woman who has a love of singing to join them. With a current membership of 29, they perform for groups, clubs, and organizations in their surrounding communities and perform a Public Fundraising Concert in the Spring and at Christmas time. The most recent Conventions hosted by Sweet Harmony were for the Ruby Jubilee in 2009, in 2016, and for CWC’s return after COVID in 2023.
Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus – La Crescenta
Ki Young Park
kiparkvhwc2018@gmail.com
Experience the rich history and harmony of Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus (VHWC), a musical journey that began in the 1950s with PTA Mothersingers. As a proud original member of the California Women’s Chorus, VHWC, founded by the visionary Betty McGaughey, continues to captivate audiences in La Crescenta and nearby Foothills communities. VHWC spreads musical joy at local service clubs, church gatherings, and retirement homes every fall and spring.
Under the baton of Director Ki Park, the third maestro in VHWC’s storied history, the chorus remains committed to fostering choral singing among women. Beyond enchanting performances, VHWC actively supports aspiring young singers through the CWC Music Scholarship program. Join us on a melodious journey, where the legacy of directors like Betty McGaughey and Sharon Schlarb lives on. Together with the Burbank Singers, VHWC co-hosted memorable conventions like “A Song in Our Hearts” in 2011 and the 2017 spectacle, “California Dreamin’.” Embrace the music, history, and community spirit with Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus.