We
would like to congratulate the Seattle
Girls’ Choir Class of 2007.
Excerpts from the graduates’ Senior Essays...
Hilary Johnson – Joined in 1996 – Entering USC Thorton School of Music – Vocal Jazz Studies
"I’ve acquired the understanding of self-discipline. Internal motivation cultivated during my experience in SGC has manifested itself in all other aspects of my life. The individual accountability the Seattle Girls’ Choir preaches has expressed itself in my academic life, relationships and activity in music. While the expectations to meet demands as an individual and a choral group is high, higher yet, however is the expectation that these aspirations will not only be met, but will be revised upward and even be exceeded. My deep love of jazz has combined with my choral experience to form the new concept that I, alone, was capable of creating music. The personal experiences and emotions I’ve had were given meaning in this vocal expression. By expressing them, I was forced to recognize them and examine parts of myself.”
Melody Hirsch – Joined in 1997 – Entering Long Island University/ Global College in Costa Rica
”The Summer of Choir, our tour of Germany and France, and the recording of Mosaic were the highlights of my life in choir. Where else could I get the opportunity to sing over Bach's Tomb and travel in a wonderful group of girls whom I can't imagine ever losing contact with. The summer was both exhausting and rewarding. Intensive rehearsals in the heat were paid off by a wonderful tour and a CD that reaches SGC standards. These enriched experiences were a great way to start my last year in choir.””… For Dr Wright who has truly put his heart and soul into this program, we should all be so blessed to inspire as many people, and accomplish half as much as he has.”
Holly Ainslie – Joined in 1998 – To begin an apprenticeship with harpsichord builder Jack Peters
One of the greatest experiences of my life was the tour to Germany in 2006. Singing in huge cathedrals with amazing acoustics was unlike anything I had ever done before. The sightseeing was fun, but interacting with the people of Germany was incredible. Seeing the excitement that we brought to the people of Armsheim was something I will never forget.
Lydia Avery – Joined in 2003 – Entering Bellevue Community College
“…It was the encouragement from fellow choristers and mentors that made realize that I should never give up. So what? --- if I am not a music theory prodigy. So what? -- if I am not the perfect singer. Not being perfect, does not mean that I will not keep trying to be so. I am thankful for being a part of the Seattle Girls Choir. I cannot really picture myself if I had not joined. I would have never grown into the person I am today”
Elise Baldwin – Joined in 2005 – Entering the University of Washington
“Through the past two years I’ve learned that I truly enjoy singing and all other aspects of music. Unlike my earlier choir experiences, the music Seattle Girls’ Choir performs is challenging, interesting and demanding which makes performing all the more rewarding and satisfying – especially if we perform well. I am now sure that I will continue singing and performing musically for as long as I can as well as continuing to look for groups and songs that challenge me.”
Prime Voci Graduates 2007
Selected excerpts from 2006 graduate essays:
Ekaterina Kalfov – Joined SGC in 1997, entering Cornish College of Arts
”Each new song, each new girl, each concert or tour has been a learning and life event. When all of these elements were combined in front of an audience, the reward was their appreciation, acknowledgement and applause. The real reward, however, is the internal one where I have been one voice amongst many and that I was part of the acknowledgement to the team of girls and the director that made that successful concert.”
Kate Macfarlane – Joined SGC in 1998, entering Middlebury College, in Vermont
”… because choir is so much more than just singing, or even just music. When I think over my years in choir, I remember much more than the time that I've spent practicing my intervals, memorizing lyrics in Estonian, Welsh, and German, and learning the modes. How could I forget flying kites with my 'little sister' at choir camp, singing for the Patriarch of Romania, or laughing myself sick doing Hungarian water aerobics with friends I've known since I was ten?”
Ellen Tatarsky – Joined SGC in 1997, entering Scripps College in Claremont CA
“I don’t think there are many things I can say have truly shaped my life, but choir is without question one of them. I’m not necessarily going to be an English major just because I love reading, and I’m not likely to be a professional musician even though I’ve spent the last nine years of my life singing with this choir. I do know, however, that whatever I become, the music and the lessons I’ve learned in making that music, will always be a part of my life.”
Selected excerpts from 2005 graduate essays:
Parvaneh Michelle Angus – Joined SGC in 1994, entering Brandeis University
“ What many people don’t realize is these same principles of letting the self go and forgetting the ego, enjoying the moment instead of thinking about what might happen in the future, and being unafraid to make mistakes affect all aspects of life. I feel that I have become a much more balanced person because of this.”
Veronica Davila – Joined SGC in 1994, entering University of Redlands Conservatory
“The Seattle Girls’ Choir has helped to make me into the person I am today. For the last 11 years, I have gladly dedicated a large part of my time and effort to this program, and, in return, it has given me many invaluable skills and experiences.”
Danni Hughes – Joined SGC in 1996, entering Evergreen State College
"
When I first stepped into the Seattle Girls’ Choir building, I was a timid thirteen-year-old who would not make eye contact with adults and barely spoke above a whisper. I soon learned that for a choir to be successful, every girl must be a leader. As Dr. Wright often reminded us, “a group can only be as strong as its weakest member.” I was forced to rise above my insecurities and gain the confidence I needed to survive in the choir.”
Katherine McNaughton Parent – Joined SGC in 2000, entering St. Olaf College
“One of the greatest things that SGC has taught me is that to create art, one has to give oneself up. Unless music or writing or painting or any other creative activity is given as an offering of the heart, it can have no great power or beauty.”
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