“Fun! Flashy! Confident!” is the motto of Petaluma’s very own Pacific Empire Chorus (PEC) and it fits perfectly. The all-women a cappella chorus took its vibrant, playful energy all the way to Las Vegas for the 70th Annual Sweet Adelines International Convention and came back with a 3rd place win from the international midsize competition.
Pacific Empire Chorus originated in Santa Rosa over 50 years ago before migrating down to Petaluma. PEC is a four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style that sings a large variety of music ranging from modern pop to jazz standards. The women of Pacific Empire Chorus come from all over Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties, as well as a few from out of state, in order to be part of a winning show chorus.
But the chorus isn’t just about singing and competitions. As Director Patty Pennycook said, “It is about singing but what keeps you coming back is the friendship and the fun you have singing together every week. It’s sort of like a sorority that sings all the time. And we empower women … I can’t imagine being without this organization. It is something that makes everybody feel good to be part of and singing and dancing it’s just so good for your body.”
Pacific Empire Chorus meets Wednesday nights from 7:00-10:00 and is looking for women of all ages who love to sing. If you are interested in joining, you can find them at the First Presbyterian Church of Petaluma, located at 939 B Street.
Upcoming events for Pacific Empire Chorus include Santa’s Arrival Sing Out on November 28, Festival of Trees Tree Lighting on December 4, and their annual Crab Feed on January 30. The crab feed is also a silent auction, which raises money to fund PEC and bring in top coaches to work with the chorus.
Here is a video Pacific Empire Chorus Carollers singing a song for us last year.
Click here to find out more about hiring Pacific Empire Chorus for a performance.