Singer Spotlight: Francis “Skip” Powers Jr., MD

What is/was your occupation?

Between 1980 and 1984 I was practicing Radiation Oncology at the Susquehanna Cancer Center at Divine Providence hospital, as well as practicing Alternative Medicine a day per week.  I had not done much singing prior to 1984 but did grow up listening to Mario Lanza while in middle school.  My father was an Irish Tenor, and I had an acceptable pitch sense, so in 1984 I started the journey toward choral singing.  I started voice lessons with a choir director and slowly progressed toward more advanced teachers over 14 years.  My last teacher was a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, with a major in Opera.  My wife, Caryn, and I also traveled to Tanglewood every summer and sat in on Phyllis Curtin’s vocal master classes where I picked up many useful tips on breathing, projection, pronunciation, etc.  Singing had become a spiritual experience and a necessary part of my life.

That’s quite a beginning.  I find it fascinating and marvelous how everyone has a different backstory…a different journey of what led them to music…and yet it always seems to end up being at the center of us all.

So, how did you find the chorale?   

One of my conductors, who I sang for in Williamsport, suggested I try out for the SVC, led by Dr. Payn.  I was petrified of having to audition, but Dr. Payn was patient with me.  He asked me to sing “My Country Tis of Thee” and when he started playing, I thought “Wow, that is in a high key!” So, I sang it unabashedly, and afterward was told to “pick up my music”.  I now have two over-sized file boxes of music that I sang with the chorale.

Haha…yes, I know the feeling.  Bill’s illustrious reputation certainly precedes him, but he also knows exactly how to get what he wants out of us in a very engaging and gentle way…the sign of a wonderfully gifted conductor. 

Do you have any favorites from all your seasons with the chorale?

Some of my favorite concerts were the Opera program, the world premiere of the Alzheimer’s Stories, and the Mozart Requiems.  The Mozart Requiem is the most amazing piece of music of all time because no two performances are ever the same.  One of our Saturday performances turned out to be a dramatic presentation and for some reason everyone in the chorus was “on fire”, and someone told me afterward that the steps leading to the second floor in the church were actually shaking from the sound.  When the Sunday performance rolled around, the chorus was far more subdued, and the presentation was pensive rather than dramatic

And that right there is the beauty and essence of music, in all its magic and mystery.  I wish I had been part of that experience, from either side of the podium.  As a fellow tenor, I can attest that the Mozart Requiem definitely has some fantastic material. 

Are there any closing remarks you would like to share with our reader?

I have to say that Dr. Payn is the best conductor ever, since he lets you really sing.  The chorale needs to get back to in person singing, especially since the “virus” has attenuated and is now about equal to the seasonal flu in pathogenicity.  While doing virtual is better than nothing, nothing replaces being in a group with your fellow singers and really having fun.  Life is not the same without it.

Agreed.  That kind of kinesthetic connection and synchronous bond while making music together is unmatched.  Until that day returns, we must keep singing however, whenever, wherever we can…and remember that music still has the power to touch people and change the world…even during a pandemic. 

*The opinions expressed in this publication are those of their authors and they do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the SVC or its members.