Singer Spotlight: Joanna (Joie) Rees

What is/was your occupation?

I have my dream job at my alma mater, Northumberland Christian School. I currently teach high school math, direct scheduling, and also enjoy helping with choir rehearsals by singing whichever part currently needs help and by accompanying the choir at the piano. Northumberland residents also recognize my name as the elected local real estate and personal tax collector for the borough. I am beginning my third term on the SVC Board, and I am also on the Board of Directors for Camp Susque in Trout Run, PA.

Well, that’s quite a mix of activities.

Tell us, how many years have you been singing with the SVC?

I’ve been singing with SVC for 17 years, and I’m hoping for at least that many more! It is a delight to sing with my fellow Alto 1s under Dr. Payn’s direction. I have had many dreams come true making music with these choir friends.

I hope you continue singing for that many more years too…and then some!

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

I get most excited about works to which I love to listen because of both the words and music and finally have the opportunity to sing them! Top 3 concerts, not necessarily in order: Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Bach’s Mass in B minor, and Brahms’ A German Requiem. I’ve gotten to sing the Brahms twice so far with the SVC; it was my very first SVC concert in 2004 and got me hooked for good.

Yes, that is certainly a profound piece of music, and a staple in the classical choral repertoire.

Do you have any other musical involvements?

I am one of the regular pianists at my church, and I love to sing with my church family there. My school day typically involves singing in chapel and/or choir, or my randomly bursting into song in math class. I have sung with the Williamsport Chamber Choir for years, the Lycoming Baroque Choir, and the Williamsport Camerata.

Wow…all I can say is, stay hydrated! I wish my math classes had been that entertaining. Actually, there is a lot of math in music once you really start to break it down so I can see how you have been drawn to both, that reminds me of all the analysis exercises I had in my theory classes…a lifetime ago.

Do you have any other family members involved with the SVC or the Susquehanna Valley Youth Chorale (SVYC)?

My dad, John, sings baritone with the SVC. There have been a few special concerts where we’ve gotten to sing next to each other on the alto/bass divide.

Very special indeed, those are unique connections and experiences that can never be replaced. Thanks for all you bring to the chorale, Joie. We are so grateful to have you as one of our singers.