History

Pacific Empire Chorus is affiliated with the international women's singing organization Sweet Adelines International.  We are a part of Pacific Shores Region 12, which covers Northern California, Northern Nevada, Southern Oregon and Hawaii.

Formerly the Santa Rosa Chorus, which was chartered in 1964, Pacific Empire Chorus moved to Petaluma in 1990. Ranging from 40 to 120 members over the years, this all-women a cappella group has adjusted to different rehearsal sites, different directors, and different membership rosters over its 50 year history. In the 1990s, under the direction of Jan Gervais, the chorus achieved regional status by winning several second- and first-place medals. This led to the opportunity to compete at the International level, and becoming one of the top five choruses in the world. The chorus has performed in International competitions held in Indianapolis' Hoosier Dome twice, in Nashville, Orlando, New Orleans' Super Dome, Seattle, Denver's Pepsi Center, Denver, and Hawaii.  

Currently, PEC consists of about 40 members under the direction of  Patty Pennycook, and rehearses at the First Presbyterian Church Hall at 939 B Street in Petaluma, California. Our recent achievements as a Division AA (mid-size) chorus – PEC won second place in the world at Denver International 2012, and is currently ranked as the Region 12 Chorus Champions!