The Diamond State Chorus was chartered on December 7, 1978, a consolidation of Wilmington's Blue Hen Chapter and Newark's Colonial Triangle Chapter. As of 2012, there are three original members still singing with this chapter - Marilyn Ferguson, Pamela Nichols and Claire Pratzner.
It was thought that Steve Jamison was the first director of Diamond State, however, that wasn't the case. Steve resigned as director of the Blue Hen chorus to direct the Wilmington Men's chorus in 1977. Marykay Morgan was the assistant director of Blue Hen chorus when Steve resigned. Marykay then became director of Blue Hen. She then became Diamond State's director in the spring of 1979. Diamond State chorus competed that year with 43 on stage. Marykay resigned in the spring of 1989. Laurie Wood, now Laurie Smith, took over the directorship for the next 10 years. Pamela Nichols became interim director in 2001. The chorus came in 8th overall and 3rd place Small Chorus in 2011. Diamond State continued its director search and found Kathy McDonald in 2002. Kathy and her family moved back to Canada. Rick Serpico stepped in as interim director for competition in 2003 where Diamond State placed 1st in Small Chorus and 6th place overall. Anne Bureau became director from 2004 to 2005. Pamela Nichols became Diamond State's director in 2005. Her first official contest was in 2006. Pamela is the current director of Diamond State and has led the chorus to its 1st Place Small Chorus Championship in 2011.
Membership has been as many as 60 and as low as 20. According to Pamela, our small size hasn't stopped us from growing and developing.
Diamond State currently rehearses on Tuesdays from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM at the Limestone Presbyterian Church at 3201 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Delaware downstairs in Klair Hall.
