Interview: A Moment with Riley Able
While I don’t have kids of my own, it’s hard not to feel the ‘pride’ Dads feel when they see their sons grow up. Riley was a wee little fellow in the junior high choirs back in the day. Forward to June 9, 2009: suffice to say, he isn’t ‘wee’ anymore. In fact, he towers over us all! Here’s an interview with SCSS member Riley Able: AT: Riley, it has been a pleasure watching you ‘grow up’ since your years at the Sycamore Junior High choirs. Tell us a little more about your involvement...
read moreInterview: A Moment with Dr Tony Birckhead
Article by Alex Thio It all started with a roller coaster ride. The rest is history. Here’s an interview with Dr Oliver “Tony” Birckhead of the SCSS: AT: SCSS is thrilled to have you on board, Dr Birckhead! Tell us a little more about how you came to the decision to travel with the SCSS as a singer. TB: Years ago, my son Ollie asked me if I would be a chaperone for his choir’s trip to Chicago. I barely looked up from the newspaper as I told him he must be out of his mind. Of course, he eventually persuaded me (hey,...
read moreIn Print: SCSS Spain Concert Program
FRESH OFF THE PRESS! Grab your copy of the SCSS Spain Concert Program (in PDF form)! 500 copies of this program will be traveling with us to our various performance events in Spain. It includes: SCSS concert repertoire (sacred and secular selections) Article about SCSS Article about Cincinnati, Ohio SCSS Member List Biographies of Linda Gartner and Alex Thio SPECIAL: Article about SCSS and Biography of Linda Gartner IN SPANISH for our friends in Spain! The 6-page concert program (including insert) was designed by SCSS accompanist Alex Thio...
read moreInterview: A Moment with Mary Margaret Platz
Article by Alex Thio We have some amazing students in the SCSS. Mrs Gartner can attest to this! These are kids with quality personalities and characters, and some incredible vocal talent thrown in for good measure. It’s my pleasure to interview one of these wonderful SCSS student members: Mary Margaret Platz, from St Ursula Academy. AT: We’re so glad you chose to be a part of the SCSS, Mary Margaret! Tell us how you got involved with the choir. MMP: My junior year in high school, while I was in Moeller‘s spring musical...
read moreInterview: A Moment with Neil Gartner
Article by Alex Thio Behind every great woman, a great man. Wait. Or is it the other way around? Among the brave few who have joined the ranks of the SCSS is Neil Gartner. Tenor extraordinaire and husband to SCSS’s director Linda Gartner, Mr Gartner is no stranger to the choral group. Here’s an interview with the man himself: AT: As always, it’s great to have you on this SCSS trip, Neil! Linda has always spoken of you and your vocal skills as a tenor in the most complimentary terms. Share with us a little more about your...
read moreCovering the Bases: SCSS Staff Chaperones Meet
By now, you ought to know that our fearless leader we all know dearly as “Mrs Gartner” is one who covers the bases. Details, details – and more details. It’s the ONLY way you secure a successful choir trip, especially one involving 87 individuals! Tonight, Mrs Gartner met with all the SCSS Staff Chaperones (less Mrs Pittman, who is out-of-state at the time of writing) to discuss last-minute details before the group meets at CVG on Tuesday morning for our trip to Spain. Hosted by Mr & Mrs Kevin Kreiner at their...
read moreInterview: A Moment with Dr Hugh McKinnon
Article by Alex Thio Dr. Hoo. The moniker by which we fondly know Dr. Hugh McKinnon. Who wouldn’t love this guy? He’s the life of the party. And SCSS is lucky to have him on board. AT: Dr Hoo, it’s a treat to have you in the SCSS family! Your commitment to the group is amazing. This is your second time traveling with the SCSS not only as an adult chaperone, but a valued member of the choir. Tell us a little more about why you chose to tour with SCSS again. HM: When our daughter Josie was invited to SCSS in 2006-07, Linda...
read moreInterview: A Moment with Dr Bob Werner
Article by Alex Thio SCSS is thrilled to have Dr Bob Werner on this trip to Spain! How many ophthalmologists do you know who’d take time off busy schedules to perform with a teen choral group to Spain? Here’s a brief interview with Dr Werner (who, at the time of writing, is battling a sore throat! Get well soon, Sir!) AT: I’m sure I can speak for Mrs Gartner when I express how thankful we are that you are part of the SCSS! Tell us why you chose to be a part of the SCSS experience to Spain this year. BW: Ever since we...
read moreInterview: A Moment with Paul Alexander
Article by Alex Thio I’ve always counted it a joy and privilege to be part of the Sycamore Schools family. A little more than 10 years ago, I stepped into the Sycamore Junior High school as a ‘gig pianist’ for a holiday concert Linda Gartner was conducting. Who would have known that 10 years later I would still be a pianist for the choirs, and loving it? I’ve come to know many wonderful people at Sycamore Schools, and one individual who never fails to amaze me is Paul Alexander. Paul has been part of the SCSS since...
read moreWind Beneath My Wings: Dr Ivan Trusler
Linda Gartner would like to dedicate this year’s Sycamore Community Summer Singer’s tour to her mentor, Dr. Ivan Trusler. Dr. Trusler was the Director of the Bowling Green State University Collegiate Chorale in 1979 when Mrs. Gartner first had the opportunity to experience first hand the excitement and thrill of traveling to Europe to perform in some of the finest venues the country had to offer. If it had not been for the outstanding leadership and inspiration of Dr. Trulser, SCSS would not exist today. Dr. Trusler passed away...
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