Photo courtesy of Bill George
Steph Mattie
As I mentioned in my last article, this is the 25th year for the SaddleBrooke Singers. Each season we have been fortunate to add new voices to our 60-member group and there are some of us who have only been with the choir for a few shows. But we also have a large number of singers who have participated for at least 15 years and several who have been involved in the club for at least 20 years! I’d like to introduce you to a few of these veteran members, including Marilyn Mitchell, who has been with the SaddleBrooke Singers since the beginning.
Music has always been a big part of Marilyn’s life, regardless of whether she was performing or just enjoying. In high school she was a member of the senior choir, sang in a trio and octet, where she performed with these groups at various Portland, Oregon venues. Her singing continued in college, but then took a long break until moving to SaddleBrooke. In Marilyn’s own words, “I am still a proud member of the SaddleBrooke Singers, one of the finest organizations I have ever been a part of. The Singers have been very fortunate indeed to have had wonderful directors over the years. We have learned so much from each one and continue to do so with Tanya. Belonging to the Singers is like being part of a large family, one which is very close and would do anything to help each other out. I also enjoy being a part of the Variety Shows and continue to sing with a trio called Harmony 3.”
As members for about 15 years, Flo and Dave Schlesinger shared with me that they have enjoyed the SaddleBrooke Singer experience. They join the group in the spring every year, adding, “Tanya is an inspirational director and we certainly hope she continues to be with us for many years.” Another one of our veteran members, Wayne Williams, reflected on his delight to still be singing in retirement, saying, “I spent seven years as a public school band and choir director. Unfortunately, forty years ago I walked away from it to become a salesman. As I am now retired I can once again pursue my interest in music.”
I have been fortunate to get to know and share the stage with all of these fine performers and I look forward to continuing to learn from them in future seasons. Look for more of my “Meet the SaddleBrooke Singers” articles during the summer, and don’t forget that if you like to sing, you can join the fun this fall! Our rehearsals will kick off in early September. The SaddleBrooke Singers Organization is comprised of SaddleBrooke residents and has been presenting programs to the community for almost 25 years. For more information about the SB Singers, please contact Jay Hansen at 520-271-8542.