Singer Spotlight – Mindelle (Mindy) Bartholomew

What is/was your occupation? 

An assistant store manager, substitute teacher, and was an Activities Director for 39 years retiring in 2020. Currently, I serve as part time Vicar of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, in Shamokin Dam.

Oh my…that’s a lot of supervision, haha. Congrats on your retirement…I hope you’ve been able to enjoy it. 

How many years have you been singing with the SVC?

I began in the fall of 1977…so 43 years up to spring of 2020. I guess we don’t count the last year.

Sure, we do…why not? Thanks to all our followers and supporters, we were able to remain active by launching an entirely virtual season, producing new digital content shared on our social media platforms and through our bi-weekly e-newsletters. You were definitely part of that, and we are so grateful for your continued involvement. 

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

This is a tough question. I have so many wonderful memories of concerts over the years. The thrill of singing Beethoven’s Ninth the first time with Hugh Wolf and the Northeast Pennsylvania Philharmonic in 1984; the soul wrenching “The Armed Man, a Mass for Peace” in 2008; Love & Loss in 2010 with opera choruses and the glorious voices of Jill Gardner and her husband, Jake; and John Rutter’s Requiem because it always moves me to tears.

Those are each great pieces indeed. And for those of you reading who are unaware, our Conductor and Music Director, Bill Payn, interviewed Jill and Jake several months ago. Their conversation can be found on the SVC YouTube channel. We also hope to bring the Gardner’s back during an upcoming season.    

Do you have any other musical involvements? 

I sing with the West Branch Chorale, have played in a church handbell choir, and have sung in church choirs all my live.

Fantastic! It’s always good to be expanding your musical knowledge and skill sets.

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

My nephew, Nicholas Daniloff, sang with the SVYC.

Lovely. I hope he’s still singing somewhere. We appreciate you telling us a little more about yourself here and look forward to being together again soon.