About

The Gold Standard Chorus was organized in October, 1989, shortly after the Loma Prieta Earthquake. We are a chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, an international singing society for male and female voices dedicated to preserving the art of the barbershop-style singing.

Originally an “all men’s” barbershop chorus, GSC performed at District Competitions and many local Santa Cruz events. In 2005, GSC became a mixed-voice chorus. We currently sing at local events, and we host a yearly Cabaret show in June, a sing-out performance at New Brighton State Beach in the summer, and a Holiday show in December.

During the 2000’s, support for many school programs, including music, were being cut. In response, GSC created Sing For Your Life which was a fundraising event to raise money for high school choral programs. Local high school choruses performed for the greater Santa Cruz Community, and each other, and sold tickets through their schools. From 2003 to 2015 we raised over $90,000 for the schools.

GSC also visited local high school music classes to teach students about the fun and harmony of Barbershop singing.