Spotlight: Dave Evans

Posted by alexthio on Jun 7, 2011 in Blog | 1 comment

Alex Thio: It’s my honor to interview one of adult SCSS choir members, Mr Dave Evans! Tell us, Mr Evans: how DID you stumble upon SCSS?

Dave, Abby, Sally & Mary Lou Evans

Dave Evans:   Like many people involved in SCSS, my daughters went through intensive “Gartner training” while students at Sycamore Junior High School.  My oldest daughter Abby traveled and sang with SCSS on one of their earlier trips to Germany and Austria and our entire family, including my wife Mary Lou and youngest daughter Sally, were fortunate enough to travel with the group to Spain in 2009.   Each of us will always be grateful to Linda and her husband Neil, and also Mr. Thio and the many caring teacher chaperones, for the “once in a lifetime” opportunity to participant in these magical trips.

AT: You’ve traveled with SCSS in a past trip to Europe. Tell us a little more about some of your fondest memories on that trip.

DE:   There are just so many memories that stand out from the Spain trip.   I still tremble from that infamous bus ride up the mountain at Montserret…one crazy bus driver speeding along the switchbacks and I was fine (manageable) until someone yelled out he was texting!!   Each concert, and the church venues, were  simply magnificent, from the Basilica at Montserret when our choir sang with their world renowned Boys Choir, to the Valencia Cathedral where we were privileged to view what many experts consider to be the authentic “Holy Grail”.     And how could anyone ever forget the beautiful sight of our Spanish audience swaying to the sound of “De Colores” at the end of our concerts?    However, my fondest memories are, and will continue to be, getting to know all the wonderful people on this these trips.   And, hey, now I’ll know who to call if I ever need brain surgery!

AT: Joining the ranks of the SCSS choir as an adult singer must be exciting. Share with us what you enjoy most about being part of SCSS?

DE:   Participating as a singer has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.   I have had such a fun time, particularly with the ladies in the Alto section doing all that darn choreography!   Let me apologize once again to those hapless individuals (Caroline, Megan and numerous others) who just happened to be on my right during those practices and I am so very sorry for your bruises and smashed toes.   One unexpected pleasure has been the music Mrs. Gartner selected, particularly the religious pieces.  Every piece has a certain power and beauty, you simply cannot sing these movements without feeling respect and reverence.

AT: France, Belgium, England. This trip is going to be a blast for us all! What will you be looking forward to most on this trip to Europe?

DE:  This will be a little bit of a “homecoming” for me.   My Dad was fighter pilot during WWII and had a long and distinguished career in the Air Force.   While I was still a youngster our family was stationed overseas and we lived in Germany and France for a couple of years.  I can still remember many weekends traveling throughout Europe, including Paris.    I can confirm that I am officially a “Geezer” because I attended the World’s Fair in Brussels, Belgium in 1958!   I am sure that some of our stops will provide fond, loving memories of my Mom, Dad and sister.  As the music so aptly says…”From Generation to Generation…”.

Thank you, Mr Evans! You’re a wonderful addition to the SCSS family!