Connie Gamage
Thanks and Appreciation to the 2020-21 UUMC Quartet
April 28, 2021
As the MSU semester wraps up this week with final examinations, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our four chancel choir scholarship students for their amazing contributions this year. This group of students did NOT sign on for virtual recordings, solos, masked singing, etc. They have been flexible, willing, and very able to provide the UUMC congregation with a variety of high quality selections throughout the year. They recorded in their apartments, the Memorial Garden, the sanctuary, and even on Susan’s front porch!
We want to thank Cole Harvey, tenor, for recording solos and anthems from home and sending them faithfully. Hailey Cunningham, alto, frequently came in on Thursdays to record the hymns for the traditional service. Both will return in the fall.
Nora Shaffer, soprano, has been singing with the choir for the past 3+ years. She graduates from MSU this week with a degree in Vocal Performance. Her soaring voice and affinity for spirituals will long be remembered. Nora has contributed solos and hymn singing, both virtually and in person, for the past year. She also worked closely with Connie on the Broadway Revues, recruiting fellow students to sing (for free!).
Nora is currently living with her family in the Battle Creek area, considering her future plans post-graduation. We hope she will not be a stranger at UUMC!
Ian Brinklow, baritone, is completing his Music Education degree at MSU and will student teach in the fall. Ian provided several solos and duets this year, sang hymns, and joined the quartet and virtual choir recordings. His senior recital is available on YouTube at “Ian Brinklow Senior Recital MSU.” Ian plans to move to New York City following his student teaching.
It’s hard to imagine what we would have done for worship music week after week without this great group of young people. I know that I speak for the UUMC congregation when I offer my deep thanks and appreciation for the gifts this group shared with us.
Connie Gamage
UUMC Director of Music
At University United Methodist Church, we affirm that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we are an open and inclusive congregation and welcome all persons into full participation regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic situation, age, ability, education, background and whether single or partnered.