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 in music at both the Junior High and High schools.
RA: Well in Junior High I spent two wonderful years in Concert Choir with the great Debbie O’Rielley. I was also involved in Boy Choir in both 7th and 8th grade and in 8th grade I was a member of SSC. At the High School I spent a year in Mixed Chorus as a freshman and then spent two years in Chamber Choir. This past year I was a member of SHAG as well. All throughout high school I have been taught privately in voice by Paul McCready.
AT: Spain promises to be a memorable SCSS trip. Share with us what you are most excited about for this upcoming trip.
RA: Definitely the food! I am a food nut and can’t wait to experience the famous Spanish cuisine. In my opinion the best way to learn about a culture is through eating what the locals eat. Of course I also can’t wait to perform and spend ten days with all of the great people going.
AT: Congratulations on your recent graduation from Sycamore High School! You’ll be off to yet another academic journey ahead. Tell us where you’ll be headed to for college and what you intend to major in.
RA: Thanks! Next year I will be attending Wright State University and I will be majoring in Musical Theater. I am really excited for the opportunities ahead.
AT: Everyone who has experienced the vocal arts program at Sycamore Junior High has great memories to speak off. What were some of your best memories in the choirs at the Junior High?
RA: How can anyone forget waking up bright and early for Boy Choir and being rewarded with a scrumptious Krispy Kreme donut! And both choir trips were unforgettable! While these memories are great what will always stay with me most is the great teaching I got from Gartner and O’Rielley.
