Singer Spotlight: Michelle Schlenker

What is/was your occupation?
I am the Office Manager for my husbands four NAPA Auto Parts stores in Sunbury, Millersburg, Northumberland and Shamokin. My office is in the Sunbury store.

How many years have you been singing with the SVC?
After a lot of encouragement from Chorale member Barbara Feldman, I auditioned in January 2008 and was accepted. So, eleven years. I had never seen the Chorale perform before my audition so I really had no idea what I was getting into. Good thing too, I may not have even tried. But now I know all the work that goes into preparing for a performance…a lot of practice and attending rehearsals.

What was your favorite concert or chorale season to date, and why?
The Pops Concerts are always fun and entertaining. But if I must choose one it would be “Let My People Go” from March 2016, performed at Stretansky Hall, Susquehanna University. The theatre was perfect for this performance. I wept as the stories of the slaves were told through songs and dialect with all their hidden messages I never knew! The stories felt so real. It rocked me to my very core.

Do you have any other musical involvements?
Yes. I sing in my church’s choir at St. Pius X Catholic Church.

Any other interesting tid-bits you’d like to share about yourself?
When Adam asked me to be in the December Singer Spotlight I cringed. I do not possess the credentials many of the other singers do. However, as I said to Adam “I am the product of music in the schools. I could be their poster child.” Shamokin Area Elementary, Middle and High School gave me the education to be able to read music to be able to sing with the Chorale. I played violin and sang in chorus, vocal ensemble, and acted in plays from fourth through twelfth grade. I had no idea back then to what an unimaginable opportunity this would lead. I am so blessed to be part of such a wonderful group of singers and musicians under the awesome direction of Bill Payn!