Singer Spotlight: Gloria Walker

What is/was your occupation? 

I worked for the Sunbury Housing Authority for 33 years, retiring 10 years ago.  I was the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program Coordinator.

Oh my…that must have been quite a responsibility, considering that Sunbury is one of the biggest little cities in this area.  I’m surprised you had the energy you have any involvements outside of work.

How many years have you been singing with the SVC?

I’ve been singing for the group for 28 years.

WOW…I’m impressed!  That’s some serious dedication.  Clearly, you must like it, haha!

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

Tough question!  I’ve loved so many.  One of my first was Gounod’s St. Celia Mass.  In the Sanctus, there is a place where the tenor soloist, (who was Russ Wynn), the chorale and orchestra come in together.  I cried; it was so moving.  I also love Mozart’s Requiem, Mendelssohn’s Eiljah, and my holiday favorite, Still, Still, Still, which I cannot sing without tearing up. Being chosen to be a soloist in POPS concerts has been a dream come true.  I always wanted to be the girl singer in a big band!

Those are all certainly powerhouse works in the classical choral library.  And that Christmas song has quickly become a standard piece on the SVC repertoire list, which is one of the reasons we chose it for our latest video. 

Do you have any other musical involvements?

I play piano (poorly).  I was a proud member of the Sunbury High School Band in which I played E-flat alto clarinet and trombone; the trombone didn’t work out very well…I couldn’t reach 7th position!  I also sang with an a cappella group lead by Gay Hettinger, and in my church choir, along with its many cantatas.  In addition, I sing in area churches during the summer when their choirs are on hiatus.  A co-worker once asked my daughter if her mother sang to her.  My daughter replied: “My mother sings to everybody!”

Haha…well, I think one should sing wherever and whenever they feel so inspired and sing from the heart.  I also used to be a brass player a lifetime ago but singing always brought me more joy.  There’s just something about your body being your instrument and internalizing music that way…nothing compares.  

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

I have a great niece, Abbie Long, in the SVYC.  My sister, Pat Hollenbach, is one of Kelly’s (SVC Executive Manager) ready volunteers.  My mother was very proud of my being in the SVC.  She once told our Mezzo guest soloist: “My daughter is an alto too.”

Sounds like you’ve always had quite a fan base.  And as we all know, the SVC alto section definitely knows how to hold their own.  Thanks for continuing to share your generous spirit with us.  Because of people like you, the chorale is greater than the sum of its parts.