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 Sopranos.
Becky M.
Years with the Choir: 37
Becky’s Thoughts on Music:
Growing up in a musical family, music has always been incredibly important to me. After finishing college as a Music Ed. major, I went many years without singing in a formal group until I found The Colorado Choir in 1988. It was exactly what I needed to get back on track musically and vocally. The friends we have made over the years are also an important part of why we keep coming back.
Fun Facts about Becky:
- Becky loves the Christmas season as she “moonlights” as Mrs. Santa! She and her husband have done many community outreach engagements as Santa and Mrs. Claus over the past decade.
- She spends most of her summer in Iowa, where she lives in the family boathouse and enjoys boating and beaching on the Cedar River.
- After retiring in 2021 from 40 years as a music educator, she now works part-time as a substitute teacher in her former school. She just couldn’t stay away!
Courtney G.
Years with the Choir: 8
Courtney’s Thoughts on Music:
Music is my world. It’s my escape. It’s my connection. It’s what helps ground me and allows to soul to heal.
Fun Facts about Courtney:
- Courtney has been a musician for over 30 years and spends her days teaching music to children.
- She is a salsa dancer and met her husband out dancing.
- Courtney is originally from Wisconsin. She always says, “You can take the girl out of Wisconsin, but you can’t take the Wisconsin out of the girl!”
Emily H.
Years with the Choir: 8
Position on the Choir’s Board of Directors: Grants and Fundraising Coordinator
Emily’s Thoughts on Music:
Music has always been a constant in my life, and has carried me through deep sorrow and great joy. It bridges gaps where language fails, and is the constant companion throughout all life journeys.
Fun Facts about Emily:
- Emily has sung for a presidential inauguration.
- She is horrible at basketball despite being over 6 feet tall.
- Emily has been singing in choirs since the age of 3 and hit a high F (F6) once when she was in high school.
- She lives in a multigenerational house with her mom, husband, and daughter.
Jackie L.
Years with the Choir: 2
Jackie’s Thoughts on Music:
Singing is a creative outlet for me. Whether I listen or sing, music evokes an emotional reaction. The best thing about participating in a choir is being a part of that collective emotional experience – audience and singer reminded of our shared humanity.
Fun Facts about Jackie:
- Jackie made a career switch in her 60s after finishing grad school.
- She used to own a corn snake.
- Jackie hiked her first Colorado 14ers this past summer – five of them!
Jessica A.
Years with the Choir: 13
Jessica’s Thoughts on Music:
Music has been a huge part of my life since childhood. Singing makes me feel on top of the world. Music is important to me because I get to share my talent with others. The Colorado Choir has changed my life tremendously. I have made new friends and new memories that I will forever cherish. The Colorado Choir is my saving grace!
Fun Facts about Jessica:
- Jessica is a bird mom of 2 parakeets, Casper and Liza. 🥰
- Jessica loves to travel. She was lucky to have traveled throughout her schooling years, but has always wanted to go to Australia!
- She’s not scared of heights and would love to go skydiving at some point in her life.
Julia K.
Years with the Choir: 2
Julia’s Thoughts on Music:
Music feeds my soul. It is necessary for my survival in this world.
Fun Facts about Julia:
- Julia has been in 7 choirs throughout her life.
- She is a professional artist – she paints and draws, particularly with charcoal.
- She is currently in law school for her Masters of Legal Studies.
Katie H.
Years with the Choir: 3
Fun Facts about Katie:
- Katie takes Irish dance classes (and competes and performs).
- She studied abroad in Barcelona during college.
- She was an inaugural member of the Rocky Mountain Children’s Choir (now called the Denver Children’s Choir).
Kevne S.
Years with the Choir: 10
Position on the Choir’s Board of Directors: Advertising and Promotions Coordinator
Kevne’s Thoughts on Music:
When singing, I can’t think about anything else. I can’t stew over work tasks and various life worries. It’s freeing! Rehearsing and performing are my great escapes, plus I love making such beautiful music alongside so many talented singers.
Fun Facts about Kevne:
- Kevne used to be afraid of just swimming in the ocean as she felt like shark bait, so she took up SCUBA diving. At least now she can see what wants to eat her!
- She has been singing most of her life, beginning as a 4-year-old in church children’s choir, all through school, including with the Univ of Oregon “Singers” and “Vocal Jazz Ensemble,” then on to a rock band (yep, even made a vinyl record!). For years, she sang with Portland’s Choral Arts Ensemble and was part of the Worship Team at her church.
- She is a dog lover, hiker, and camper by night and weekends.
Kristen P.
Years with the Choir: 27
Kristen’s Thoughts on Music:
Music is fun, challenging, exciting, uplifting, soothing. It brought me to The Colorado Choir and many new friends.
Fun Facts about Kristen:
- Kristen has played piano & sung since she was 3 years old.
- She’s also a nationally ranked tennis player.
- She grew up in Arkansas, the only state with diamonds!!
Rebecca L.
Years with the Choir: 2
Rebecca’s Thoughts on Music:
Music is a universal language that can speak to you. It helps you bond with those around you.
Fun Facts about Rebecca:
- Rebecca is good at the pogo stick.
- She’s obsessed with soup!
Sharon N.
Years with the Choir: 16
Sharon’s Thoughts on Music:
It brings peace and joy to my heart.
Fun Facts about Sharon:
- Sharon was the first female Missile Maintenance Officer in the Air Force.
- She loves to bake and often donates baked goods for craft and bake sales.
- She enjoys walking and would like to walk the entire Highline Canal Trail this next year. In several increments, of course, as it is 76 miles.
