Karen Johns has been a cherished member of the Sweet Adelines family for over 42 years. Her musical journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the art of vocal harmony. Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, specializing in Music Therapy, from the University of Dayton. In her professional life, she shares her knowledge as a dedicated teacher for students learning English as a Second Language.

Karen’s barbershop adventure began in 1982 when she joined the Columbus Chorus alongside her mom and sister. She later transferred her talents to Gem City when she moved to Dayton for college, and she’s been an integral part of our chorus ever since. Karen’s musical journey includes a brief stint with the Scioto Valley Chorus in Dublin, Ohio, but her heart always belonged to Gem City.

Throughout the years, Karen has demonstrated her vocal talent by participating in various quartets. Her remarkable achievements include winning the regional quartet competition twice, once as a baritone with “The Rolling Tones” in Region 4 in 1999, and again as a bass with “Paper Dolls” in Region 24 in 2009. Her quartet, “Limelight,” had the privilege of traveling to Wales for a competition, where they secured a remarkable 2nd place in the Small Vocal Ensemble division in the Eisteddfod. This trip also brought the unique opportunity to visit a Sweet Adeline Chorus in Aberdeen, Scotland.

In May of 2023 Karen became a member of the Internationally acclaimed “Tenacious” quartet, and then went on to place 5^th in the Sweet Adelines International Competition in the fall of that year.

Karen’s love for music extends beyond the stage. She’s been married to her husband, Dave, since 1995, and together they’ve raised three adult children, along with three cats, and an assortment of other small animals throughout the years.

Karen’s passion for Sweet Adelines is boundless, and she’s excited to continue learning, directing, singing, and arranging, sharing her deep-rooted enthusiasm with Gem City Chorus.