More of "Sing a Joyful Song"
Bonus content from the 75th anniversary issue of TODAY magazine
Reflecting on 30 Years with The Voices of Gwynedd
By Carol Evans, MMus
Director of the Voices of Gwynedd
How can I possibly sum up my 30 glorious years with the Voices of Gwynedd? I will start with some words that the singers recently generated for a Word Cloud:
Family-Friends-Community-Love-Accepting-Joyful-Harmony-Happiness-Empowerment-Learning-Mercy-Spiritual-Healing-Welcoming-Singing!
When I asked the singers to submit a word to describe the Voices of Gwynedd, I found it quite surprising that the word FAMILY was most widely used, and the word SINGING was one of the least widely used.
When I was invited to direct the Voices in 1993 (then ‘The Gwynedd Mercy College Glee Club’), I had no idea that the ensemble would become such a legacy of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members who come together to learn songs; through the development of vocal technique a performance to become a polished team who work well together; finally, to a large supportive group united by their love of singing who have gone through a lot of highs and lows together. In short, they have become a kind of family, not connected by blood, but by a love of music and the spirit of Mercy.
The Voices has become lifeline, a support group, a social entity, in addition to learning and making music for others. This explains why we were successful even during the pandemic, when we had online rehearsals, but never even heard each other! The rehearsals were less about singing and more about the friendly faces, the online games, the breakout sessions, the musical meditations, and the waves goodbye.
The Voices has also become a meeting place for couples which has resulted in many ‘Junior Voices of Gwynedd!’ This year I experienced a ‘full-circle moment’ when one of our VOG alums’ sons joined the choir in our Tenor section – what a JOY!
The Voices have been blessed to be able to travel around the world spreading the ‘Circle of Mercy’ and in every concert The Voices of Gwynedd sing these words loud and strong!
In Mercy, we join with one another on our journey. For the Circle of Mercy is timeless: it is Spirit of Life itself. Which roots us in faith, and lifts us in hope, and holds us in God’s loving care.”
Tributes to Carol and the Voices of Gwynedd Experience
“I truly believe that if it wasn’t for you and this amazing group, I wouldn’t have met the love of my life, and someone with whom I share a great passion for music with.” –Angela Feather
“A good way to describe it is that you are like a fire. You are a warm, bright light trying to brighten a cold dark world. You have helped to inspire me to keep my head up and keep moving forward, and I see how you do the same thing week in and week out with so many people.” –John Feather
“Joining the Voices was the best decision I have made while here at Gwynedd, and I have not regretted it for a second. You are the main reason I decided to stay with the choir after that first day back in freshman year, and now I can’t imagine my life without you and my entire Voices family.” –Ashley French '19
“You, Carol, are an amazing, gifted, loving, and wonderful person. I appreciate all of your hard work and dedication. I appreciate your challenges and how you overcame them each and every time. I love you and continue to be in awe of you always.” –Diane Kowalski
“Think of how many people we have touched and inspired their lives with our songs! You have made this possible and I am so honored to have been a part of this wonderful journey. The Voices would not be what it is today without your endless dedication and your vision. I want to thank you for making my life fuller through the experience I have had since joining this wonderful group of diverse people.” –Debie Miller '96
“God knew what I needed and led me to you and the Voices of Gwynedd. Being a member of this choir has given me experience I didn’t think I’d ever have and has enabled my voice and my confidence to flourish.” –Lindsay Miller
“VOG has given me more than just a choral experience. I have met new friends, as well as my wife, through this wonderful program.” –Mike Rash
“I’ve recently realized that I’ve been with the Voices for over HALF my lifetime! And I’m filled with happy memories of friends, tours, great performances, late night officer meetings, and lots of rehearsals! Thank you for making all these experiences possible. Thank you for making my college experience (and the years beyond!) memorable. Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into the Voices and making it the group it is today.” –Kristy (Swartley) Turansky '02
