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1. What years were you active in SLCC?
I sang with the Choirs from 2011 to 2019.
2. What is your best memory of being a part of SLCC?
In 2014, I went on the tour to New Orleans. I had so much fun sightseeing and getting to sing in the St. Louis Cathedral! While we were touring the garden district, we ran into John Goodman, and we sang We Gather Here Together for him. He was a big fan and talked about how he grew up in St. Louis. It was so cool being able to make that connection to home through music!
3. How do you think being a part of SLCC has impacted you?
Singing in SLCC built the foundation of my musicianship. I learned how to read music, basic and intermediate music theory, and I built so many professional musicianship habits! Singing in the Choirs fostered my passion for choral music and challenged me to keep building my skills and knowledge.
4. What is an important lesson you learned during your time at SLCC?
I learned that hard work is its own reward. I fell in love with the process of learning new music and digging into the artistry within it. The feeling when we would work on a section repeatedly until it sounded just right was such a gratifying experience. The performance is a great way to showcase what we’ve accomplished, but the journey of the rehearsal process is what makes the performance that much more meaningful.
5. What do you think the community should know about SLCC?
Singing in the Children’s Choirs builds so many skills that carry over into every part of your life. From a young age, you are imbued with a sense of professionalism and acumen that sticks with you even if you only sing with the Choirs for a short time. A space like the Children’s Choirs lights a spark. No matter what path you take after your time in the Choirs, you’ll always have that experience and that love within you, and you’ll always have a connection back to this community.
6. What do you do now?I am a barbershopper! Singing in the St. Louis area connected me to the Ambassadors of Harmony and to the larger barbershop sphere. I sing with my friends in barbershop quartets and choruses, and I am currently the Co-Director of the River Blenders Chorus. I’ve found my way to stay connected to music while keeping a day job, and I have friends in the barbershop community that are also SLCC alums!
