About Us
Formed in the fall semester of 2000, the Vanguard University Women’s Chorus studies and performs choral literature representative of all periods of music, including standard classics, spirituals, hymn/anthem arrangements, and Contemporary Christian music. In May of 2003 and 2006, the Women's Chorus traveled to New York City where they joined the University Concert Choir under the direction of guest conductor, Dr. James L. Melton, at Carnegie Hall.
Members of the Women’s Chorus are selected through an audition and interview process, from the over 2200-member university student body, hailing from most of the fifty states of the United States, and are representative of the over 40 academic majors offered at Vanguard University.
The Director
The Vanguard University Women’s Chorus has been under the direction of Mrs. Joni Prado, Assistant Professor of Music at Vanguard University, since 2002. Mrs. Prado earned her Master of Music degree in vocal performance from California State University, Fullerton, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and Psychology from California Baptist University where she taught from 1998-2002. Mrs. Prado is currently in the doctoral program at the University of Southern California pursuing her Doctorate of Musical Arts degree (D.M.A.) with her emphasis in vocal performance and conducting. Mrs. Prado continues to perform professionally throughout the Southern California area. (More Detailed Faculty Bio...)
The Tours
The Vanguard University Women’s Chorus tours yearly, outside of local, monthly bookings. In summer of 2005, the University Women’s Chorus toured Oregon and parts of Northern California where they ministered in churches and local community outreach. Traveling to different churches gave the choir unique opportunities to interact with people from a variety of places. One of the community concerts in which the Women’s Chorus participated was a Swedish Festival in Kingsburg, California. The concert was given outdoors in the middle of town where they performed a variety of pieces from classical to contemporary worship. The Choir was able to minister to many people including those who were only present for the fun of the festival. It opened opportunities to share the love of Christ with people from all backgrounds. “One of the most memorable moments of tour was being able to talk with people and listen to their stories - where they have been and where they are going,” recalls one young lady from the Choir. In the words of Joni Prado, the director of Women’s Chorus, “If we can touch just one person through our ministry, then it is well worth it.”
Booking
The Vanguard University Women’s Chorus is available for booking October through April, often taking longer regional tours in March and/or May. Please contact the Music Events Office at 714.556.3610 x3012 or concerts@vanguard.edu to request the group for your specific event, church, or school.