Singer Spotlight: C. Brian Crane

What is/was your occupation?

By day, I work as an attorney and am the principal partner at the law offices of Luchas, Naparsteck, & Crane, LLP in Bloomsburg. Our practice areas focus on estate planning, wealth preservation, and Medicaid planning. 

Hmm…”By day”…I feel like there’s a secret superhero alter ego that comes out after business hours…am I right? Don’t get me wrong, that’s a very impressive profession, but just curious…what other trouble do you like to get into?

Well…I’m involved in a number of musical projects in addition to singing with the SVC. I’m the Senior Choir director at Grove Presbyterian Church in Danville. I’m also a member of the acoustic project “Old Friends” …a Simon & Garfunkel tribute duo I formed with my high school friend, Fred Krug several years ago. Fun fact:  Fred, a graduate of the Eastman Music Conservatory, played guitar for the 2019 SVC Candlelight Christmas concert and was slated to play guitar for the SVC’s Dylan Oratorio which was unfortunately sidelined due to the COVID pandemic. I also sing in the acoustic duo “Bergin & Brian” (www.berginandbrian.com) along with Bergin O’Malley, another friend from my high school years. Together, we write original music with intricate harmonies arranged for piano and guitar. “Bergin & Brian” recently opened for Dar Williams at the Odeum Theater in Rhode Island. 

OK…I take it back…now THAT’S impressive.  Although, I truly have no idea how you manage everything…like, when do you sleep?…haha! And yes, Fred is a phenomenal guitarist, and we can’t wait to bring him back for the Dylan.

But I digress…so, how many years have you been singing with the SVC?

I’ve been singing in the Bass 2 section of the Susquehanna Valley Chorale since 2015 and have sung in every concert, save one, ever since. One of the perks of singing with the Bass 2’s is that it’s easy to find my part in the music…it’s always the bottom (lowest) notes of the score! Another perk of being in the chorale, in my opinion, is that I always get the best seat in the house during performances. 

I get to hear the greatest choral works ever composed live and in surround sound with an orchestra directly in front of me and up to 110 auditioned voices around me…and there I am directly in the middle of it. I really wish I could share that experience with everyone.

I totally agree…we certainly have the advantage during our performances…the power of music in those moments can be almost overwhelming. And I can personally attest that one of the perks of singing in the Tenor section is that we get to sit in front on the Basses at rehearsal…always great to hear that robust, anchoring sound. 

Last question…Do you have any other family members involved with SVC or SVYC?

Yes!  I’m the father of 2 boys, Owen and Ben (as seen in the photo), each of whom have sung with the Susquehanna Valley Youth Chorale. The SVC has filled their home, life, and hearts with music, harmony, and memories that will live with them forever.

And to that end, I must say…what a wonderful gift it is to be part of something that adds beauty to this world. The world needs more organizations and people dedicated to producing something that, at its core, is gorgeously reverent. The world is better because of the SVC. I am proud to be a part of this organization.

Amen. Music knows no age…we can carry it with us no matter where life takes us. Thank you for that lovely closing sentiment, Brian, and thank you for being such a strong advocate of the Arts…I think you’ve definitely earned that superhero cape.