San Diego Chorus Names Dr. Dan Wessler as Musical Director in Milestone 75th Anniversary Year
By Nicole Knox, San Diego Chorus
The San Diego Chorus proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Dan Wessler as its new Musical Director, ushering in a dynamic new chapter as the chorus celebrates its 75th anniversary.
A two-time International Champion with Sweet Adelines International, the San Diego Chorus continues its legacy of musical excellence while embracing future-focused artistic leadership.
Dr. Wessler brings a rare blend of academic distinction, international performance experience, and championship-level barbershop expertise. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and Literature from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Western Illinois University.
Dr. Wessler is a choral conductor, educator, arranger, and barbershop musician currently serving as Musical and Artistic Director of the Westminster Chorus, one of the most celebrated ensembles in barbershop history. Under his leadership, Westminster continues its extraordinary legacy as the 2009 “Choir of the World” Pavarotti Trophy winner and a five-time Barbershop Harmony Society International Chorus Champion (2007, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2024).
His barbershop credentials are both extensive and distinctive, rooted in the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). Originally established in 1938, BHS has evolved into a global organization dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of a cappella barbershop singing, with musical education at its core. In 1945, Sweet Adelines International was founded as its sister organization, expanding opportunities for women in the barbershop art form. Since expanding in 2018 to include women’s and mixed ensembles, BHS remains a compelling voice in shaping the future of the art form worldwide.
In addition to his work with Westminster, Dr. Wessler serves as adjunct faculty at Concordia University Irvine, where he directs the Donne di Canto women’s chorus and the Men’s Chorus, and as Director of the Continuing Education Chorus at North Orange County Community College. He has led a wide range of ensembles, including university choirs, community choruses, traveling youth ensembles, and elite competitive barbershop groups.
A certified Music Judge and faculty member with the Barbershop Harmony Society, Dr. Wessler is also an internationally recognized performer and conductor. He sings bass withAfter Hours, the 2018 International Barbershop Quartet Champion, and has performed extensively across the United States and abroad, bringing a performer’s perspective and artistry into every rehearsal room he leads.
Dr. Wessler is also a sought-after coach for choruses and quartets, working with ensembles around the world to prepare and fine-tune their performances for competition. His work as an arranger is widely respected, with compositions performed on major contest stages and published through Hal Leonard.
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.