What years were you active in SLCC as a singer?
I joined the choirs in 1980 and graduated in 1989. When I started, Diane Finley (founder of SLCC) worked at a small school that I attended that was just around the corner from the current choir office (it is now a subdivision). I started in Boys and Girls Choir and moved up to Concert Choir after a year. When I got to high school, SLCC started a high school choir that included tenors and basses. I spent one year in both that ensemble (originally named Concert Chorale and later re-named Chamber Singers) and Concert Choir before finishing in just Chamber Singers.
What is your best memory of being a part of SLCC?
My most favorite memories have to be from the tours. Back then, most of our tours went from town to town. We typically stayed in homestays with a local host choir. It was a chance to meet some interesting people and see more than just the touristy places in each town.
How do you think being a part of SLCC has impacted you?
Being a part of the Choirs allowed me to find what I was passionate about. Having two great leaders as Diane Finley and Ethelyn Sparfeld, I learned that I too wanted to be a teacher. The skills I learned, from discipline to teamwork and leadership, have served me well as a teacher myself. I’ve been teaching middle school choir for over 30 years.
What part of your work is most fulfilling? What is the best thing about working with young performers?
Seeing the growth in the young singers. Working with Cantus (current tenor-bass ensemble) allows me to see some students for much of their middle and high school years as they grow and find their own voices. I also enjoy seeing 2nd generation students come through the program.
What do you think the community should know about SLCC?
SLCC is a place where young musicians can find their voice. They provide a safe space for students to find their means of self-expression and connect them with others who share the same goals. The finest staff make this organization one of the best of its kind.
