Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself and your family.
I grew up in Philadelphia and am a proud graduate of the Philadelphia High School for Girls (aka Girls’ High). I met my husband Gary, also a musician, at Westminster Choir College in Princeton and we married in 1981 and moved to Bucks County. We’ve lived in Holland since 1987. We are both freelance musicians and enjoy making a living in a variety of musical endeavors. I am also a part-time writer and have penned two children’s books and write for numerous websites. My husband and I have two grown children. Our daughter Emily is an exercise physiologist and dancer in NYC. Our son Ryan is married and is the dad of our two grandbabies. He is a self-employed financial advisor in Albuquerque, NM.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I began my career by teaching in both private and public schools and taught private piano lessons for many years. I was also a church musician for 42 years before retiring in 2018. I consider my greatest musical accomplishment to be the formation of the Bucks County Women’s Chorus, a nearly 100-voice female choral experience for women of all ages and skill levels. I was inspired to create the women’s choir because there were no secular women’s choirs in the area, and I wanted to create one that was inclusive of anyone who wanted to participate so we don’t do auditions. The choir performs about 10 concerts per year and travels internationally every two years. We’ve sung at The White House twice, sang in the Philly Thanksgiving Day Parade, appeared twice with the 70s rock band Foreigner, and have performed at many other amazing venues in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love forming “communities” and believe that Bucks County Women’s Chorus has become much more than a place to sing. I believe in women helping women and the choir has truly become a place of love and support in addition to great music.
Q: What is a “Must do” for someone visiting our community?
Visitors should try out some of our many eateries. Holland and the surrounding areas have become a great place for food and foodies. We have everything from delis and pizza joints to restaurants that serve excellent upscale food.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Australia and New Zealand have long been on my bucket list but cost and distance has kept me from going. I’m awed by the scenery of both places and would love to explore the cities, the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef, and everything else they have to offer.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie of all times is Dirty Dancing. I love Patrick Swayze! As for TV shows, I’m a forever fan of M*A*S*H, but I also like today’s medical dramas like The Good Doctor and Chicago Med. I prefer not to watch anything too violent or gory.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
So many people are concerned that doing what they love won’t make them the money they need to live. A wise person once told me “Do what you love, and the money will follow”. We’re not millionaires but make a comfortable living making music every day. What could be better!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’d like to do a world cruise, something that lasts 6 months or more.
Q: What is your favorite band or music genre?
I’ve always been a huge Billy Joel fan. I also have a soft spot for any bands from the 70s like Foreigner, Journey, Queen, Chicago, etc.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’d like to have lunch with Yannick Nezet-Seguin, conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He’s an incredible musician but also a super cool guy and someone I think has his finger on the pulse of what speaks to people as far as classical-style music. He’s not stuffy! I think I’d take him to Peddler’s Village for lunch with a stop at Nina’s for ice cream.
Q: What are some of your favorite things about our community?
I love that there are great scenic places to walk or just sit and relax when the weather is nice. I also like the selection of restaurants in the area and the close proximity to cultural opportunities, like Bucks County Playhouse, museums, and more.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’ll probably have to retire one of these days but have no intention of doing that in 5 years. Maybe 10. Then we’ll likely move to a warmer climate or closer to our grandchildren, who currently live in New Mexico.
Q: What is something interesting that even your friends or family may not know about you?
I’ve been on two nationally televised game shows. (Most of my extended family knows but not all my friends know.) I was on Wheel of Fortune in 1985 (came in 2nd, back when you got prizes not money) and Weakest Link in 2003 (won the game!).
You can actually find the Wheel episode on YouTube!
Q: What is your favorite holiday and why?
I love 4th of July because it not only celebrates the country, I love but is the true epitome of summer and being with friends in the warm Bucks County sun.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Our daughter. She ran across the country (relay-style) in 2018, which I think is awesome and amazing. She’s a risk taker, which I’m not. She’s also a great lover of people and is loved in return by many. Her skills at forming communities are admirable. She’s also made an amazing life for herself in NYC, a place she’s wanted to live since she was 8 years old. I admire her strength and tenacity and aspire to be like her!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven and the smell of the ocean as you drive close to the beach.
Q: What words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Security, peace, and warmth.
Q: Where can people find you or your business?
You can find Bucks County Women’s Chorus at www.buckscountywomenschorus.com or on Facebook.