Mission Statement
Sacramento Women’s Chorus builds community through song.
We sing to honor peace, justice and social equality, and to celebrate the lives of all women.
We strive for musical excellence as we give voice to women’s hopes and dreams,
opening hearts and minds through harmony.
We Love to Sing!
History
With a humble beginning of less than a dozen singers, the SWC has grown to an over 75 voice, all inclusive, 501c3 nonprofit organization. We strive for musical excellence while giving voice to women’s hopes and dreams, opening hearts and minds through harmony.
Since its first performance in 1987 at a fundraiser for a women’s wheelchair basketball team, the SWC has become recognized as an important part of the Sacramento art and activist community. The SWC sings at events that focus on equality, peace, justice, women’s issues, and LGBTQ pride. In January 2017, SWC had the honor of singing from the steps of the Capitol in the Sacramento Women’s March.
Women searching for a musical home join the SWC to sing pieces that blend meaning with fun, only to find that they have become part of a remarkable, welcoming community. The SWC attracts a diverse community by combining compelling social issues with inspiring and entertaining performances. The women of the SWC are kindred souls singing in a warm, safe, and inviting environment.
ABOUT US
ROBIN RICHIE
Artistic Director
Robin brings a lifetime of musical experience to the Sacramento Women’s Chorus. She is known as a performer, educator, vocal coach and creative leader whose imagination has lifted the profile and expertise of SWC. She challenges each singer in the chorus to expect the best from themselves and to continually grow in technical ability and performance skills.
With a B.A. in Music Education from Mt. St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, OH, and a Master of Music in Music Education from University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, Robin actively contributes to the Sacramento region’s musical future as an elementary school music teacher for band and orchestra in Rocklin.
MERRI SUE BROWN
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Assistant Director/Accompanist
Merri Sue is a retired K-8 music teacher. She earned a single subject music credential and a multiple
subject credential from the state of California. Merri sue says retirement is grand, especially if you can
still contribute your skills to something you love.
CINDY L CHAFFEE, ED.D.
Associate Director
Cindy is a retired educator, having taught and coordinated both choral and instrumental music programs from Vermont to Southern California. Dr. Chaffee holds a California Music credential, and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree from the University of Vermont. Cindy also holds a master’s degree from CSULB and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of La Verne.
Dr. Chaffee has directed and marched high school bands in competitions from the International Festival of Music in Montreal to the televised Chinese New Year’s Parade in San Francisco. She has coordinated district music programs from the GATE music program for Garden Grove School district, to the choral music program for the Centralia School district.
In addition to Cindy’s 40+ years in education, she is a veteran, having served in the Vermont National Guard 40th Army Band, and then as Assistant Conductor of the Los Angeles 300th Army Reserve Band.
Cindy joined the Sacramento Women’s Chorus after relocating from Long Beach to the Sacramento area in 2022. When asked about her passion for music, she refers to her singing experiences as a young child in church, as well as professional opportunities like being the children’s lead in “The King and I” when she was ten years old. Basically, Cindy says, “Music feeds my soul.”
VUTU NGUYEN
Piano Accompanist
Vutu is an award winning collaborative pianist and piano pedagogue. Joining the Sacramento Women’s Chorus in 2020, he is inspired to deliver compelling performances and contribute to the empowerment of community through music. Vutu has performed internationally as a classical pianist, including solo concerts at Salle Cortot in Paris, Old First Concerts in San Francisco, and the Music at Noon Series in Sacramento. Other notable performances include choral concerts at the World AIDS Day, Fresh Meat Festival, and the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
A Bay Area native, Vutu attended San Francisco State University where he established himself as an award winning piano teacher, and earned both his MM and BM in Piano Performance with an emphasis in Chamber Music. He is now nearing completion of his PhD in Musicology from the Claremont Graduate University in Pomona, California, and is finishing his dissertation on 19th century piano methods. Vutu continues to teach private piano lessons at his home in Sacramento and at the San Francisco Community Music Center. In addition to his musical pursuits, Vutu enjoys spending time with family and is a dedicated soccer coach.
