So, we asked a few of our singers why they joined us. The insta-answer is usually, “Because it makes me happy!” But as it turns out, there’s a lot more to it — it’s not just happiness, it’s community, and friendship, and the adventure of seeing a production come together.

So we put the word out, and started to get interesting posts about why our singers joined VCS, and why they continue to sing with us. We’re going to share these with you through 2013, and we hope you enjoy reading them as much as we did!

Up first, Suellen Evans, Soprano 2, and already indispensable to helping us make things happen behind the scenes: 

I always thought that you were supposed to “start at the beginning” whenever encountering something new, and yet, joining the VCS has opened my eyes to a whole new way of looking at my limited thinking.

I’ve enjoyed singing since I was young (many moons ago) and knew that my voice was better in a “collective” than as a “solo”. On my way home from work one day I was wondering how I could find a place to sing that was fun, with a group of people who were supportive. So when I looked up and noticed a banner across Maple Avenue for open auditions with the Vienna Choral Society, I took it as a sign (pun intended) and called the phone number listed. The “meet and greet” was great fun. Seemed like an energetic group of people who were not judgmental…my kind of people. So I signed up!

Then comes the first rehearsal. Music in hand, I walk in, find a seat with the 2nd Sopranos and open to the requested song…and darn if that cute little conductor (what is her name again…oh yeah, Jen) starts us smack dab in the middle of a song. What’s a girl to do?  So I follow her lead, and sit back and watch the magic.

Perfection was not ours for the first few weeks. Then all of a sudden Jen’s methods were no longer “madness” but “magic”…we sounded so good!!!

I had the absolute time of my life singing A-Train, Route 66, Thriller and our fabulous finale, YMCA. I am a believer in the “Jen School of Singing.” Keep it fun, fresh. Start in the middle and watch the magic happen.

Thanks for the sign, for me to sing.

Suellen Evans
Second Soprano with VCS

So, why do you sing? Email us at info@viennachoralsociety.org if you’d like to tell us in 300 – 500 words. We’d love to hear from you!