Singer Spotlight: LaVina Truslow

So, tell us…how did a southern girl end up living in Central Pennsylvania and become a regular SVC soloist?

What a dauting task…but here it goes.  I was born in a little town in South Carolina to parents who loved to sing.  There were in a gospel quartet.  Mother sang alto, and daddy sang bass, and I “had” to listen to them practice every Thursday evening.  Sunday afternoon was spent around the piano with my mother and sister; my dad occasionally joining us.

I grew up singing in a Baptist church.  I’ve been told that one of the first times I sang in church was right after Christmas.  The pastor asked me to sing and I belted out “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.”  He let me finish and then told me what to sing after that.  I guess I’ve always been a bit of a ham.

My husband, Hank (pictured in photo), and I moved here in 1982, but I didn’t join the chorale until around 1988.  I had been to a few concerts but had never taken the time to consider and prepare for audition.  I was singing in a local group that went around to nursing homes, singing in my church choir, plus directing our children’s choir at church.  However, we had a German exchange student living with us at that time who want to audition, so I decided to audition as well.  Unfortunately, she didn’t get in, but I did and being in the chorale has been a great experience.

What was your favorite concert or chorale season to date, and why?

Trying to pick my favorite concert is nearly impossible.  I didn’t grow up with classical music, so learning that material has been an exciting endeavor.  I enjoyed singing at the Basilica in Danville, and the joint concert in State College with Tony Leach’s group was so much fun.  I can still hear Marina Gresh rocking out that gospel music.  Of course, I’ve loved all the POPS concerts too.  Singing with a live band is something I’ve always enjoyed.  You know, “I Can’t Say No.”

Do you have any other musical involvements?

I still sing in my church choir and play handbells there.  Church music will always be my first love when it comes to music.

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

No, but I do have two very talented granddaughters outside Baltimore.  Corrine graduates from high school this year and plans to go to a musical drama college, and Emily will start high school in the fall; both are gifted singers.  It remains to be seen if our grandson, Alec, age 7, will follow in his sisters’ footsteps.  He did sing a solo in church on Sunday though when none of his fellow choir members were there, haha.

What a lovely backstory.  This has been a real pleasure, and it’s no wonder that you eventually found you way to the chorale.  Before we say goodbye, would you like to share any uplifting words for our readers?

I consider myself very lucky to be in the SVC.  I have made many friends throughout the years and it has been my inspiration during some very trying times.  Music truly is a lifeline in bad times and a celebration during good times.

Indeed…well said, LaVina.  Thank you.