Choral Scholar Testimonials
“I feel extremely privileged to have been part of the choral scholars in St. Paul’s. I learned a lot of new repertoire and technique at St. Paul’s and improved my sight reading skills. I also met a lot of great people. A lot of my friends at Carnegie Mellon work closer to school, but I wouldn’t trade the people I sing with for a closer location. They’re kind and warm and even offered to store my stuff for the summer, which was an absolute lifesaver. I’ve never learned so much about my religion before and that’s what St. Paul’s brought me. I wouldn’t have gotten that if I didn’t have my obligation and enjoyment of being a choral scholar bringing me back every week. This is a great program for learning music, meeting people, and learning about yourself.” – Scott Beasley, Carnegie Mellon University, Bass
“For the past few years I’ve been involved in some kind of music, but until this semester I have only ever been involved in a band. Singing in the choir has helped me understand music better. I never thought singing could be such a challenge, and it is still amazing to think that a person can improve so much in such a short amount of time. Being at Saint Paul’s has been a great experience. Singing alto has definitely been a challenge, but everyone is extremely nice and helpful especially when I’m struggling with a part. .This has been one of the best things about this semester as I was able to escape school for a few hours a week and meet, and re-meet, some really great people. I can’t wait for next year”. – Sarah Kusuma, Carnegie Mellon University, Alto and Canterbury Choir Alumna
“My experience at St. Paul’s over the past several months has most certainly been a memorable one to say the least. I was wary at first, coming from the South and a Baptist background, the idea of regularly attending an Episcopal church was slightly frightening. However, those fears were quickly cast away as I was warmly welcomed into the choir and church family. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, from Dr. Starr’s superb music selection to early Sunday choir rehearsals (the Baptist services that I’m used to don’t start until 11am). I’d also like to send my special thanks back to all those who have offered so much support for we students and have made a conscious effort towards making our lives easier and our experiences with St. Paul’s even more satisfactory. Thank you very much. I’ll see you in the fall!” - Ryan Brock, Carnegie Mellon University, Tenor
“These past five months at St. Paul’s have been five of the most rewarding months of my college experience. Being a student so far from home, finding St. Paul’s has been like finding a home away from home. I came to this church as a favor to a friend who needed a sub while she was in a school show. Well I liked it so much that I just had to stay! I am so grateful for having had the chance to meet and work with all of these people who have made coming here every Sunday (and Thurs) a very welcome break from the stress of college life. I am as sad to be leaving as I am happy to be returning next fall!” - Ashley Burroughs, Carnegie Mellon University, Soprano
“This summer I will travel to Freiburg, Germany! As a German minor I will be taking classes in Freiburg through the Goethe Institute for credit at CMU. I will be in Germany for the month of June and following that I will be taking a short trip to Paris and then Prague. In July when I return I will be making a short visit out to Pittsburgh to check in with my voice teacher, Mildred Miller. I have a lot of music to learn for the musical and opera at CMU next year and Ms. Miller and I will be working on that plus my recital music. Finally, I will be returning to Pittsburgh and St. Paul’s about mid-August to start the new school year. I wish everyone a wonderful, happy summer and see you in the fall!” – Anna Penchuk, Carnegie Mellon University, Soprano
“Being a part of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Choir has been such a joy this semester. Having been abroad last fall, I truly missed singing with the choir every Thursday night and Sunday morning. It was such a great routine to get into and now that I have been back, I appreciate it even more. I have learned how to become much more of a controlled and tempered singer. I have also enjoyed sharing those fun-filled and exciting rehearsals on Thursday only to cap it off on Sunday morning. The hard work that all of us have put into this choir showed was just outstanding. Everyone deserves recognition for their dedication and perseverance. Thank you.” - Aaron Carpenter, Washington & Jefferson College, Bass
“Becoming a part of the St. Paul’s choir has been a fantastic experience. The choir members are all so welcoming and friendly, they have created a family away from home for me. In addition, I have expanded my musical learning. We sing challenging pieces that have helped train my ears. Doug is a great musician who is always looking for ways to create music. Often I performed on clarinet for the services and I greatly appreciate those opportunities. I am so glad I was able to make music with and for all of these wonderful people!” - Rachael Stutzman, Carnegie Mellon University, Alto