Francine Stirling & Cheryl Borthick
These two talented sisters got their start by being born into a musical family. As children, Francine sang and played at "directing" songs on the record player, while Cheryl sang and played the piano from the tender age of 4. Their mother, Nelda, and sister, Jannie, also sang and played piano along with a host of aunts, uncles, and grandparents. They cannot remember a time when music and singing was not a part of their lives. That musical legacy continues to this day with children, grands and great-grands who also sing and play various instruments.
These two musical ladies then became charter members of the Kern Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines in 1972 after moving to Lake Isabella. Seeing a very tiny ad in the local newspaper for "Sweet Adelines," Cheryl tricked her sister, Francine, into coming with her to check out this group which she thought was a singing group. You see, Cheryl was without a car and she needed her sister to drive them both to the rehearsal hall! Francine of course said "yes!"
One year later they were chosen as the new directors for this small Sweet Adeline chorus, which culminated into a 50 year career as the longest co-directors in the history of the organization. During this time Francine went on to complete her Bachelor of Art in Music with an emphasis in band and vocal singing.
When Cheryl semi-retired to take care of family business, it was time for Francine to begin a new adventure as the director of the newly formed Kern River Chorus!
Established 2022, the Kern River Chorus is a co-ed, local, community chorus. Welcoming both men and women, boys and girls, the Kern River Chorus sings a variety of music, both acapella and accompanied. Francine is excited about the possibilities this choral group has to offer it's members as well as the community at large.
With so much raw talent, musical history, and extensive vocal education, both Francine and Cheryl have much wisdom and expertise to impart to the members of Kern River Chorus! We look forward to learning and having fun doing it each and every rehearsal.
Thank you, Francine and Cheryl, for being the heart of the new Kern River Chorus!
