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OUR
QUARTETS
Quartet singing is encouraged among our
membership. Our local coaches help quartets form and
select music. Pam Dorsey and Allen Hatton teach valuable
skills and motivate our quartets to achieve a higher
level of vocal and performance technique. These skills
in turn enhance Derby City’s performance level. Our
quartets perform at local venues and compete regionally
and internationally with great success.
Amethyst
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L-R: Diane
Browning - Bass, Kathy McDaniel (top) -
Baritone, Connie Kinsella (lower) - Lead,
Mary Thomas - Tenor
Contact: Kathy McDaniel at
mcdan74@yahoo.com
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Amethyst was formed when two members, Kathy McDaniel
(baritone) and Diane Browning (bass) began having quartet
withdrawal symptoms and had to get back into the groove.
Kathy sang with Diamond Girls for 12 years and Diane sang
with Take That! for five years. Kathy persuaded Mary Thomas
(tenor) to give quartetting a try and she was soon hooked.
Connie Kinsella (lead) joined shortly after. Connie sang
with Take That! for five years, too. Amethyst placed 8th in
their first Harmony International contest in 2003, improved
to 6th place in the 2004 and placed 5th in the 2006
International competition. Amethyst will once again be
competing on the International stage in London, Ontario
November 2007.
Mary Thomas is a neurophysiologist and does brain
monitoring in the operating room for routine and high risk
heart procedures. Connie Kinsella is an office manager for
a construction supply firm. Diane Browning works for the
Boy Scouts of America. Kathy McDaniel is a registered nurse
and works for an outpatient endoscopy clinic.
Amethyst fondly calls themselves the "Grandma Quartet" and
they are very grateful for their “support” team and biggest
cheerleaders. Thank you, Tim, Tac, and Sal.
to top
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Grace Wooding -
Bass, Pam Ludke - Tenor, Dr. Jean Swigert
- Lead, Michelle Evans - Baritone
Contact: Michelle Evans at
mevans1@jefferson.k12.ky.us |
Topaz Topaz
(sometimes known as the Fiesty 4) was formed in January of
2003 when four women with a interesting blend of
personalities and voices decided to learn the art and craft
of quartet singing. Short on quartet experience but long on
desire, Topaz took stage for the first time in March 2004.
As Fiesty 4, the quartet achieved the SAI Region 4 “Ruth
Doll Novice Quartet Award” for 2005. Topaz is also very
proud to have been invited to International competition in
both 2005 and 2006. In November 2007, Topaz will again be on
stage, this time in London, Ontario, having earned a place
in that International competition.
Dr. Jean Swigert, lead, joined Topaz in 2006. Jean played
saxophone for eight years in grade and high school, and has
sung most of her life in church choirs. When she joined
Derby City Chorus she experienced a new kind of singing and
performing and soon became a member of a quartet. She sings
lead and baritone in the chorus. Usually quiet and soft
spoken, she is an indispensable member of the
Board/Management Team. As owner of Derby City Animal
Hospital, she is a compassionate and efficient veterinarian,
and business person.
Pam Ludke, our tenor, joined Derby City Chorus in
2001.Pam sings baritone and tenor in the chorus. A former
professional violinist with orchestras from Missouri to New
York, “the arts” is her second love; her husband Dave is
number one. Pam is loves retirement because it gives her
time for oil painting, playing with her horses and chickens,
and of course singing. Pam serves as website and Public
Relations Coordinator for the chorus. She brings the group
determination and fresh eggs.
Michelle, a baritone and member of DCC since 1990, works
for the Board of Education doing clerical work in the
General Maintenance Department. She brings her ever ready
pitch pipe and gentle harmony to the group. Michelle serves
as Assistant Treasurer of the Derby City Board/Management
Team. When she is not singing, Michelle enjoys crocheting,
occasional knitting and cross-stitching projects, is a
frequent ribbon winner at State Fair, and enjoys a good
book.
Our bass, Grace Wooding, joined Derby City ten years ago
and enjoys being the root of the chord. Retired director of
several childcare centers and Director of Admissions and
Activities at various health care centers, Grace adores
singing with her granddaughter during the weekdays. She has
three children, and four perfect grandchildren. She also
likes to watch birds, butterflies and movies when not
developing her bass tones. Grace is a member of the Derby
City Membership Team.
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