“My vision for SOS remains the same as that first rehearsal in my living room: find every woman who loves to sing in Sonoma County; bring out the singing diva in each singer; promote self confidence in both the group and the individual. Seeing the ‘lights go on’ each week fills me with joy. I see no boundaries or limits to the size of the chorus nor the scope of music it can perform. To reach a contemporary world with our music we need to take risks and see the music through contemporary eyes. SOS has all that, and more!” ~Sharon Carlson
As the charter director of Song of Sonoma Chorus, Sharon brings over 39 years of performing expertise to her repertoire. She excels in interpretive dance and group dynamics and has a passion for the American art form of barbershop singing. Her personal achievements include award-winning quartets and international competitions More importantly, she strives to inspire joy and excellence within the hearts of the chorus members.
Sharon also serves as a member of Region 12’s teaching and coaching Faculty and as a mentor, arranger and coach for directors and quartets across the country. She is a Certified Music Judge, Chair of the international Membership Retention Committee, and Master Director.
With passion and joy in her art, Sharon leads fast-paced rehearsals aimed to motivate chorus members in vocal, choral, theater, music, and showmanship while expecting the gifts of the individual will shine. Her passion for teaching is reflected in the chorus members’ talents as they become refined as a unit to achieve performance excellence. Sharon calls chorus members “professional learners” and takes “utter joy in making music together!” She’s genuinely humbled that so many savvy, exciting women come to “sing their hearts out and allow me to direct them”
Sharon compares Song of Sonoma Chorus to “a beautiful butterfly, always emerging with striking colors” and “flying in formation [to] create strength for the flock,” and where “each and every voice and personality adds so much in every way.”
Under Sharon’s enthusiasm as a coach, Song of Sonoma Chorus won its first regional competition in 2015 and competed at the Sweet Adelines International competition in 2016. With Sharon’s unbounded passion, we foresee an endless future of creative possibilities. #100 voices