The Colorado Choir’s members come from all walks of life, united in our love of choral music. For our 50th Anniversary Season, we want to introduce (and re-introduce!) our members to our audience. We also asked them if they would like to share any thoughts on what music and The Colorado Choir mean to them.
We look forward to meeting you at our concerts and events this season!
This month we showcase our 2nd Alto section.
Ann W.
Years with the Choir: 35
Ann’s Thoughts on Music:
I sang with Casey Jones in college and discovered the Bach motets. They make my heart sing. The Colorado Choir brings that joy to me.
Fun Facts about Ann:
- Ann speaks fluent French, co-authored French textbooks for college students, and did a video French course for The Teaching Company several years ago.
- She once worked at a Denny’s.
- She’s now retired and loves to travel.
- She also loves hiking and theater.
Darlene T.
Years with the Choir: 32
Darlene’s Thoughts on Music:
My mother was very instrumental in my pursuing singing and I was thrilled when Casey Jones asked me to audition (32 years ago and I’m still singing!). Not only has singing been rewarding, but the friendships that have grown and endured are priceless.
Fun Facts about Darlene:
- Darlene spent most of her career in the airline industry. She now enjoys the retired life!
- She has traveled and bowled all over the world. Her most interesting trip was to Bangkok, where she participated in a bowling tournament sponsored by Thai Airways.
- She was raised on a farm in northern Minnesota (along with 6 siblings) and still loves to grow all her own fruits and vegetables. If you haven’t tried one of her canned goodies, just ask; she would love to share! 🙂
- Darlene served on the Choir’s Board of Directors for 30 years.
Dee D.
Years with the Choir: 47
Dee’s Thoughts on Music:
Music has always been a part of my life and continues to fill my soul. I have the bonus of making many friends through the Colorado Choir.
Fun Facts about Dee:
- Dee is tall and frequently causes a problem in terms of the Tenors seeing.
- Of all her careers, retirement is her favorite!
- Dee is out of sorts if she misses a swim in the day.
Judi C.
Years with the Choir: This is her first season
Judi’s Thoughts on Music:
I look forward to singing with the choir and getting to know the members. I have always loved to sing since childhood–in church, in college, and with my family. Music speaks to and from my soul.
Fun Facts about Judi:
- Judi loves to organize stuff.
- She sleeps with 5 pillows.
- She has lived in three countries.
Mindee F.
Years with the Choir: 13
Position on the Choir’s Board of Directors: Technology Coordinator
Mindee’s Thoughts on Music:
Singing makes my soul happy. I can change any kind of mood simply by changing whatever song I’m listening to. Singing with The Colorado Choir has not only brought me joy through music, but a community of people I consider family.
Fun Facts about Mindee:
- Mindee is a first-degree black belt in taekwondo and hopes to test for her second-degree in March.
- She and her family love to travel and even lived abroad for a few years. Her son was born in Costa Rica!
- She used to work in TV/film production in LA and once played a dead person’s foot on the original CSI.
Penny M.
Years with the Choir: 25
Penny’s Thoughts on Music:
Music has always been a special and major part of my life. My earliest and also my most impactful memories have been of music and the emotions that accompanied the events. Music is all-encompassing.
Singing with The Colorado Choir provides a break from life’s challenges, daily tasks, and routines. It is a time for me that absorbs my total focus: physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is also a time to connect with other amazing musicians and friends!
Fun Facts about Penny:
- Penny enjoys nature and its beauty and quietness. She enjoys daily walks with her pup, mountain hikes, skiing, and long walks on a beach when she can get to one.
- She uses music at work to calm infants and promote language development with toddlers. And sometimes just to be silly and have fun.
- She sang in a choir that performed in several European countries. The vocalists were from colleges in North Dakota and Texas, and people couldn’t believe we were from the same country because our accents were so different.
Sherri L.
Years with the Choir: 14
Sherri’s Thoughts on Music:
Music is the part of my life that’s peaceful, joyful, and takes my mind off everything else. I look forward to rehearsals and especially performances so we can share our gifts with others.
Fun Facts about Sherri:
- Sherri has run 3 marathons since turning 50
- She has 3 grandchildren in 3 different colleges.
- She got married when she was 20.
- Sherri is the best listener anyone has met.
- She has ridden the MS 150 bike ride 3 times.
Susan B.
Years with the Choir: Almost 10 years with a 20-year break in the middle
Susan’s Thoughts on Music:
I could not live my life without music, any music. It touches every emotion in my life. The Colorado Choir has introduced me to a world of beautiful musical works and a way to share the joy music gives me.
Fun Facts about Susan:
- Susan was born and raised in the Bronx (and still loves and misses NY), but moving to Colorado was the best choice ever made.
- She was an athlete and studied voice when she moved to Colorado to be louder on the field and learn to breathe better with the altitude change. She was fortunate to take voice lessons from a church choir director who chose mostly classical choir music and introduced the woman from the Bronx to a new sound.
- She loves to travel, mostly to cities by the ocean.
Vanessa M.
Years with the Choir: 5
Vanessa’s Thoughts on Music:
To me, music is the universal language. It connects us to one another no matter our background or experiences. It is primal, powerful, and at times humbling. The physical act of singing is healing and therapeutic. If I’ve had a rough week, I can always count on feeling better after a good rehearsal. I feel very fortunate to be in this group with those who share a similar thoughts and passions.
Fun Facts about Vanessa:
- Vanessa has been in choral groups since the age of fourteen.
- She was born in Puerto Rico and can cook (some) traditional Puerto Rican dishes.
- She’s an art major currently learning jewelry and metalsmithing.
