| Soprano Section Page |
News from the Soprano Section Leader: There is no news at this time.
Barb Klimala is the current Soprano Section Leader.
"Born in Chicago, raised in "Little Bohemia, USA" (Berwyn, IL--houby captial of the world). Started singing in Children's Choir at church in 3rd grade, doing 1- and 2-part memorized music. Sang weekly at church services in Aeolian Choir (girls 2- and 3-part music) through junior and senior high school. Was Alto member of the Madrigals (12-voice girls acapella group) during Junior High. Taught myself to play baritone ukelele in response to the hippy movement in the sixties (can still do PP&M with the best!). Took organ lessons from 8th grade through high school and served as Chapel organist occasionally. At the Chicago Circle campus of University of Illinois, took four quarters of concert choir (audition required), where I was exposed to Benjamin Britten for the first time.
"Got married during the Vietnam conflict and followed husband Tom through various Air Force assignments until he was sent to the Philippines (under Marcos at the time). Stayed home to finish college. Got the B.A. in Biology and again followed Tom until he got out of the military. During our church apostasy, we did a great deal of canoeing and attended many historical pagents. At one of these we obtained a hammered dulcimer, which I taught myself to play, albeit badly. After we bought our first home and began our family, we returned to church and I resumed singing with the First Methodist choir in Cary, IL. After moving to Rockford, IL and another child later, we both started attending a fairly large Methodist church. I sang with the choir there also, but resumed playing organ as well. I started taking classical pipe organ lessons from our church organist and became the permanent substitute organist for the church, probably playing half-a dozen Sundays a year (with lots of practice!).
"We moved to Cary, NC in 1986 and joined White Plains UMC. Again, I joined the Chancel Choir. Interestingly, I was in the choir when Larry Speakman auditioned for the Music Minister position, so have known him probably longer than almost anyone in Concert Singers! My work commitments (technical-writing road warrior) did not allow me to join Concert Singers initially, but when my circumstances changed, I auditioned for the 1995 season as a 2nd Soprano and I'm still here! My first year, I served on the Public Relations Committee and started doing the concert programs. I prepared 20 program booklets in six years, and then assumed the role of Soprano Section Leader mid-2000 season. I auditioned for the Chamber Choir under Steve Mulder and have sung both Soprano and Alto in four Chamber concerts since.
"During my spare time, I ring handbells with White Plains Wesley Ringers and teach Bible studies. Both of my children are grown, and I have two beautiful grandchildren--and I am still following Tom!"
Updated 13 August 2006 |
