About the CWC
The California Women’s Chorus, Inc. is a non-profit organization devoted to the encouragement of choral singing among women throughout the state of California. Under its corporate charter, the philanthropic purpose of this organization is to raise funds for vocal scholarships which are presented at the annual CWC Convention Concert.
The California Women’s Chorus is an outgrowth of the Mothersingers, a statewide organization that began in the early 1930s, made up of women who loved music and enjoyed singing. In 1932, the statewide group became the PTA Mothersingers. In the early 1960s, choruses from Bakersfield, Santa Barbara and Riverside joined together to present an annual concert of women’s choruses from all over California. In May 1969, the first Annual Convention and Concert was held with 178 singers from eleven groups joining together in song. The PTA Mothersingers groups were incorporated in 1973 under the name California Women’s Chorus, Inc.
The CWC has nine individual choruses with over 250 members from San Diego in the south to the Bay Area in the north. Some of the choruses present musical programs of varied melodies, from old standards to folk songs, show tunes, rock numbers and seasonal favorites. Other groups incorporate costumes, choreography and comedy into their programs. Some groups have toured and performed while visiting Asia, Europe and Hawaii. The ensembles usually perform in and around their own communities at senior residences, hospitals, local service groups, churches and public concerts. In this way, funds can be raised for the scholarships. Also performing at the concert are the vocalists selected to receive scholarships to pursue their vocal music education.
All CWC members have at least one thing in common:
they love to sing and to share that love with others!