Laguna Beach Chamber Singers

The Laguna Beach Chambers Singers’ mission is to serve as a conduit of joy, enriching the lives of our community through artistic excellence and creative programming. We engage and inspire a broad audience through captivating and impactful choral performances.

Founded in 2008 by conductor Christin Cornell, the Laguna Beach Chamber Singers (LBCS) started as a dedicated group of musicians with a shared passion for choral music. As we grew in talent and numbers, we officially became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2014, governed by a committed board of directors. Under the leadership of past directors Cory Winter and Victor De La Cruz, we expanded our reach and repertoire.

With Dr. Ryan R. Brown as our Artistic Director, LBCS is thriving, bringing together a diverse membership from Orange and Los Angeles counties. We continue to deliver eclectic and engaging performances, aiming to connect with a wider audience and enrich our community through the power of music.

The Laguna Beach Chamber Singers (LBCS) was founded with a passionate commitment to bring inspiring choral chamber music to our community, performed with excellence and artistry. We aim to provide opportunities for those who seek to participate in a high-level musical ensemble and engage with the rich traditions of choral music.

Impact on Performers:
LBCS offers a disciplined and energetic environment with a positive rehearsal atmosphere that fosters both artistic growth and camaraderie. For our singers, the process of rehearsing together is as significant and fulfilling as the performances themselves, emphasizing the journey of musical and personal development.

Impact on the Community:
LBCS enhances Laguna Beach’s identity as a “music city,” complementing its historical reputation for excellence in the visual arts. In a landscape often dominated by pop music, our performances demonstrate that Laguna Beach embraces a diverse music scene that includes the nuanced art of choral chamber music. Our work, performed without electronic amplification or enhancement, showcases true vocal artistry and contributes significantly to the cultural richness of both Laguna Beach and Orange County.

For those who believe they are not fans of choral chamber music, we invite you to experience the Laguna Beach Chamber Singers—you might just change your mind!

We may be a small group, but our dedication and passion allow us to deliver high-quality, professional performances that have earned respect and recognition for our art form.

Our immediate goal is to continue to improve our vocal performance and musicianship; to attract quality talent; to grow our audience; to be competitive at a professional quality level; and foremost, to contribute to the depth, breadth and quality of music in Orange County community.

Our goals are to move to the next level of growth in ways that will bring the most visibility and interest to our craft, and the most enrichment to our members and the community. We have relied greatly on dedicated volunteers; however, to move to the next level, to attract quality talent, it is necessary to pay for services. Specifically, that includes:

Program Development:
Commission new music from noted composers: $2000-$5000.
Bring in guest artists and soloist of renown: $2000-$5000.
Perform major choral works with orchestra: $30000.

Outreach:
Develop outreach into our community, with performances at public events, for local organizations: $1500-$2000.
Performances and demonstrations in the local schools: $500-$1500.
Internships and scholarships for high school students: $250-$500.
Internships at university level for aspiring choral conductors: $750-$1500.

Production:
Audio/video engineers for recording, editing, and publishing concert performances: $5000.
Effective promotion and advertising for concerts and to attract quality talent: $1500-$2000.
Paid section leaders to anchor the sections over 9 months: $9000-$11000.
Business manager, part time, 9 months per year: $4500-$6000.
Implement organizational management software for effective group management: $1200-$1800.

Orange County

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary and embark on the 2023/2024 season, we are thrilled to share the exciting developments at the Laguna Beach Chamber Singers.

We are proud to introduce Ryan as our new Artistic Director. With his visionary approach and extensive experience, Ryan is poised to lead us to new heights in our musical journey. His leadership promises to inspire and elevate our performances, and we look forward to his innovative direction.

Our choir continues to thrive and grow, having welcomed several new members who bring fresh talent and enthusiasm. We are committed to expanding our ranks through an audition-based process, enriching our repertoire, and refining our vocal skills.

With my background in software engineering and a lifelong passion for choral music that began in high school, I am dedicated to blending technology and artistry with the timeless beauty of our voices. My mission remains to share the joy and power of choral music with our community.

Warm regards,

Jacoby Hickerson
President
Laguna Beach Chamber Singers