The Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus (VHWC), like many choruses in the California Women’s Chorus, Inc. (CWC), began as PTA Mother Singers almost 60 years ago.  They sang under the direction of Betty McGaughy until her retirement in 1999. Since that time, Sharon Schlarb has served as choral director for the VHWC whose membership now totals 35. Women from diverse backgrounds gather together on Monday mornings with a common bond: they love to sing. Members who live in La Crescenta, La Cañada, Pasadena, Altadena, Glendale, Burbank and Sunland-Tujunga rehearse a challenging, fun and enjoyable array of music and perform in many venues in the foothills and surrounding communities with Schlarb wielding the baton and Diana Tyson accompanying on the piano.

The VHWC supports the goals of CWC which are two-fold: to promote choral singing among women and to raise funds for scholarships for students studying vocal music. The VHWC, along with members of the 11 other choruses in CWC, will travel to the Riverside Mission Inn for the CWC’s 45th Annual Convention, being hosted by the Riverside Mission Belles on May 2-4.

Highlights of the weekend will be a banquet on Saturday night. The theme of the evening will reflect Sunday’s afternoon concert, “It’s a Musical World.” Members can dress in costumes representing international countries if they choose.  Entertainment will be provided by the Jurupa Valley High School Treble Choir, a group of 43 young singers directed by Melva Morrison.

The convention will culminate with the 45th annual scholarship concert on Sunday. The public is invited to attend and hear some individual choruses as well as the combined choruses as well as the three winners of the scholarship awards.

Tickets are available for an $18 donation pre-sale by contacting Connie Lynch conniepl@verizon.net. Tickets are also available at the door of the Riverside Convention Center, 3637 Fifth St. in downtown Riverside for a $20 donation.