Hilary Barry

Voice Part

Soprano

Why You Joined WPCS

I have a love for creating music with a group of my peers and WPCS gave me the kind of musical family I needed.

Day Job

Founder and Artistic Director of Chicago Verge Dance Theatre and quality assurance for a local not-for-profit association

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Jazz, musical theatre and folk

Favorite Composer(s)

Anything Benjamin Britten or Vance Gilbert

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I have been a dancer my whole life and used to tour all around Chicago with a kids dance company “Broadway Bound Dance Company.”  They brought singing into it one year and found that I loved singing on stage and not just along to my cassette tape of Beauty and the Beast in my front yard.  I started singing in choirs when I got into middle school and ended up taking voice lessons pretty seriously.  I then got my Voice Performance degree with a Dance minor from Illinois Wesleyan University.

Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Don’t Rain on My Parade – the Streisand version

Jack Bentley

Voice Part

Tenor

Why You Joined WPCS

Because now that I’m almost all grown up, I’ve learned to do exactly whatever Mark Tomasino tells me to do.

Day Job

Law student

Favorite Type(s) of Music

cheesy 80s pop/rock: love Michael Jackson

Favorite Composers

Beethoven & Palestrina

When and How You Became Involved in Music

Since I was 3 yrs when I sang “Memory” from Cats for my entire family, I then took lessons in high school, did musicals,  and eventually studied voice at Illinois Wesleyan University

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

What isn’t? Probably “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” by Sir Elton John

Eric Brummitt

Voice Part

Bass

Why You Joined WPCS

I missed singing in a choir and was impressed by the musicianship of WPCS.

Day Job

CPS Elementary school music teacher

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Indie rock, electro-pop, gypsy jazz

Favorite Composers

Chopin

When and How You Became Involved in Music

Both of my parents were musicians so it was pretty much an expectation in my home that everyone be involved in music.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Definitely not anything by Justin Bieber…honestly

Brian Butler

Voice Part

Tenor

Why You Joined WPCS

To have a creative outlet and join my friends in the choir

Day Job

Attorney

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Broadway

Favorite Composers

John WIlliams

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I began piano lessons at age 4 and fell in love with music

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Anything by Adele

Jacob Christopher

Voice Part

Tenor

Joan Cinquegrani

Voice Part

Soprano

Why You Joined WPCS

I was looking for an outlet to sing beautiful a cappella music with other cool Chicagoans!

Day Job

Event planner

Favorite Type(s) of Music

renaissance, baroque

Favorite Composer(s)

No preference

When and How You Became Involved in Music

My dad plays guitar and so music has been a part if my family since before I can remember.  I sang along with him from an early age, started choir in 5th grade and voice lessons in 10th. My college years working toward a BM in vocal performance really solidified everything.

Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Whatever is stuck in my head from the last rehearsal!

Kate Cochran

Voice Part

Soprano

Why You Joined WPCS

I joined in order to do something I love with others who share a common love for choral singing and to be a part of something greater than myself.

Day Job

Proposal Coordinator for CSG Government Solutions

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Early music

Favorite Composers

Palestrina

When and How You Became Involved in Music

It all started when I took Suzuki piano lessons at age 3. I’ve been hooked ever since!

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

The Sanctus movement of Bach’s B minor mass.

Katie Colby

Voice Part

Soprano

Why You Joined WPCS

To sing choral music because it rocks!

Day Job

Substitute high school choir teacher

Favorite Type(s) of Music

All types! Especially choral, orchestral, rap, pop music, alternative, indie

Favorite Composers

Bruckner

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I grew up playing piano and got involved in band, musical theater, and show choir, and the rest is history!

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Anything on the radio

Cristin Colvin

Voice Part

Soprano

Why You Joined WPCS

I needed a musical outlet!

Favorite Type(s) of Music

jazz, french piano a la Debussy & Ravel, and Bach

Favorite Composers

It’s a tie between Bach and Bill Evans

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I overplayed my VHS of “Fantasia” until the sound was warped. I wanted to become a musician myself. I started with piano when I was 9, since then music has become my mode of survival.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

“Detour Ahead”

Erin Crawley

Voice Part

Alto

Why You Joined WPCS

Reprieve and stress release! Singing just heals.

Day Job

PhD student and Teachers Assistant in University of Illinois at Chicago’s history department. I’m also a personal assistant.

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Baroque and Irish music

Favorite Composers

Bach, Ralph Vaughn Williams

When and How You Became Involved in Music

My grandpa taught me harmonica and cowboy songs when I was a child and I’ve not stopped singing since. I love choirs especially.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Dream a Little Dream by Mamas & The Papas

Sharon DeCaro

Voice Part

Soprano

Why You Joined WPCS

I wanted to sing great choral literature with a high-caliber choir

Day Job

Purchasing McMaster-Carr Supply Co.

Favorite Type(s) of Music

early 20th century classical, Romantic era music, classic rock

Favorite Composers

Schumann, Arnold Schoenberg, John Cage, John Williams

When and How You Became Involved in Music

My mother played Beatles songs for me while I was in the womb. I joined my first choir when I was 5 and haven’t looked back!

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” by Journey

Joe DiMaria

Voice Part

Bass

Kris Gibbons

Voice Part

Tenor

Why You Joined WPCS

After doing music my whole life, I graduated from college and didn’t have a music outlet, so finding WPCS was a great.

Day Job

Project Management at a design firm

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Choral, pop rock, musicals

Favorite Composers

Eric Whitacre

When and How You Became Involved in Music

Since I was five singing on the ledge of my home fireplace.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Star Spangled Banner & O Holy Night

Matthew Hanes

Voice Part

Bass

Why You Joined WPCS

I was looking for a high-caliber, semi-professional
ensemble that fit my crazy schedule.

Day Job

Director of Choirs, Maine South High School

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Renaissance & 20th Century

Favorite Composers

Byrd, Brahms, Bruckner

When and How You Became Involved in Music

Started in band, playing trumpet in 5th grade

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Whatever songs I’m teaching my students – and usually on solfege.

Lyle Harlow

Voice Part

Tenor

Why You Joined WPCS

They really needed tenors.

Day Job

Real Estate Broker at Koenig & Strey and Director of Liturgical Arts at Luther Memorial church of Chicago

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Dance, opera, classical, church

Favorite Composers

Jungen, Willan, Mendelssohn

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I started piano lessons in second grade

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

“*$&@# You” by Cee-lo Green

Anthony Hinrich

Voice Part

Tenor

Why You Joined WPCS

I was living in Clifton, IL (pop. 1300), and was desperate for
musical collaboration.

Day Job

Research assistant in the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy at Rosalind Franklin University

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Classical, Jazz, Blues Rock

Favorite Composers

Chopin, Bach, Debussy

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I begged my parents to let me take piano lessons alongside my older sister.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

“Midnight Train to Georgia”

Lesley Hoerner

Voice Part

Soprano

Why You Joined WPCS

I enjoy singing choral music and the choir members are so fun and talented.

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Alternative, classical, Bluegrass, Beatles, but really a little of everything.

Favorite Composers

Ned Rorem, Ralph Vaughn Williams, Sergei Rachmaninov, Heinrich Schütz, Rufus Wainwright, Mozart, Sergei Prokofiev

When and How You Became Involved in Music

My parents both sing and are musical so I’ve always been involved in music.

Tim Holbrook

Voice Part

Baritone

Why You Joined WPCS

Great music, even better colleagues

Day Job

Production accountant at Lyric Opera of Chicago

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Opera, Renaissance, any rock music with piano

Favorite Composers

Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Lennon/McCartney

When and How You Became Involved in Music

18 months old. Kitchen floor. Pot and pan drums

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Anything by Neil Diamond

Sarah Homan

Voice Part

Alto

Why You Joined WPCS

My former choral education colleagues raved about this group!

Day Job

Legal Shield-Small Business Specialist

Favorite Type(s) of Music

gospel, jazz, oldies, avant garde

Favorite Composers

Igor Stravinsky, Wagner, Liszt

When and How You Became Involved in Music

From birth. I grew up hearing my aunt and grandmother sing and with several music boxes in the house.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

“Cold Duck” by Al Jarreau

Joe Kerley

Voice Part

Tenor

Why You Joined WPCS

In order to, gradually over time, infiltrate the choir with classmates from Knox College and form a super-mega alumni choir in Chicago

Day Job

IT Consultant

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Alternative, Hard Rock, Top 40, Country, Classic Rock, Baroque, Renaissance, English madrigals

Favorite Composers

Monteverdi, Debussy, Poulenc, Bach, Beethoven, Palestrina, Byrd, Whitacre, Hogan

When and How You Became Involved in Music

When I was only a few days old, I was taken to a barbershop concert and somehow that didn’t turn me off of singing entirely. In high school, I chose choir over band and never looked back.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

So Fresh, So Clean

Ben Mann

Voice Part

Tenor

Why You Joined WPCS

I wanted to sing in a young, small, and talented choir.

Day Job

Elementary music teacher

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Choral, classical, soundtracks

Favorite Composers

Can’t choose!

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I’ve been singing since the 5th grade and took guitar lessons in 3rd grade.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Whatever random kid song is stuck in my head.

Rachel Mikolajczyk

Voice Part

Alto

Why You Joined WPCS

I wanted the opportunity to sing and perform with talented people.

Day Job

Operations & Marketing Manager for Stitely Entertainment

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Indie rock, rock, jazz, hip-hop

Favorite Composers

The Beatles

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I’ve been singing since I could talk and it led to a long history of choir, show choir and a music degree at Otterbein College.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Monster by Kanye West and anything by Regina Spektor

Stephanie Photakis

Voice Part

Soprano

Why You Joined WPCS

I joined because I had a void in my life at the time and that void was singing in a good choir. It was a necessity for me to sing with a group like this.

Day Job

Fundraising Manager for WTTW11

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Choral, classical, electronic/dance, pop, bluegrass, indie folk, hip-hop

Favorite Composer(s)

Eric Malmquist, William Byrd, Anton Bruckner, Arvo Pärt, Palestrina

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I took piano as a young child for a year but I discovered I could sing in sixth grade. I sang “Colors of the Wind” from the movie Pocahontas and my mom thought she was hearing the radio, not her daughter singing in the shower. I’ve been singing in choirs ever since.

Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Strangers in the Night

Brian Prange

Voice Part

Bass

Why You Joined WPCS

All the cool kids were doing it.

Day Job

Engineer

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Renaissance Choral Music

Favorite Composer(s)

Josquin, Thomas Luis de Victoria

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I sang in various choirs since grade school.

Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Whatever is on the radio!

Katy Reihsmann

Voice Part

Alto

Why You Joined WPCS

I love choir

Day Job

Grade School Music Teacher

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Regina Spektor, Sara Bareilles

Favorite Composers

(see above)

When and How You Became Involved in Music

Middle school show choir and it evolved from there

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Adele “Someone Like You”

Chelsea Richer

Voice Part

Alto

Why You Joined WPCS

I missed singing in a larger, classically-oriented group after graduating college.

Day Job

Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Advocate

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Densely arranged and written music from any genre or time

Favorite Composers

Can’t pick one!

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I briefly took piano lessons when I was 5, started singing and taking violin lessons at 8. Singing was my favorite and the only music I still actively practice.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Something by Billy Joel or whatever I listened to before bed the previous night.

Viki Rill

Voice Part

Soprano

Why You Joined WPCS

I was looking for a high quality group that performed interesting and challenging music, was vibrant, and full of great people.

Day Job

HR Generalist

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Depends on the day but baroque is always good

Favorite Composers

Rachmaninoff and Bach

When and How You Became Involved in Music

As a small child I sang and danced German folk songs and dances. (talents I now pass on to the kids at my German Club)

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Whatever is stuck in my head- currently “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”

Jon Schildt

Voice Part

Tenor

Why You Joined WPCS

I heard a WPCS concert and wanted to be part of it!

Day Job

Attorney

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Rufus Wainwright & Adele

Favorite Composers

Russian Masters

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I’ve played piano since the first grade!

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Vocalise

Adam Schleinzer

Voice Part

Tenor

Why I Joined WPCS

I joined WPCS because, after receiving degrees in music but ultimately not actually working in music, I missed not being in a choir. I longed for that musical and familial connection.

Day Job

Purchasing and Project Specialist for Phoenix Closures Inc.

Favorite Type of Music

Choral music, Renaissance Motets, Masses, Madrigals, Baroque, Requiems, Romantic period Masterworks, a cappella pieces, modern classical, Gospel, Balkan choral music, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Opera, folk, Angry Girl Rock, and some Pop.

Favorite Composers

Bernstein, Brahms, Britten, Bruckner, Arrangements of folk songs by the Bulgarian Radio Choir, Byrd, Corigliano, Noël Coward, William Finn, Gershwin,Gilbert and Sullivan, Grieg, Adam Guettel, Ives, Alecia Beth Moore (Pink), Libby Larsen, Morten Lauridsen, Joni Mitchell, Monteverdi, Poulenc, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Rossini, Sondheim, Veljo Tormis, Rufus Wainwright, Kurt Weill, Eric Whitacre, Vaughan Williams

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I first knew I loved to sing when my parents (mainly my mom) and I would sing along to songs on the radio in car trips. I still remember singing along to music by those pillars of the 70’s and 80’s, Dennis DeYoung and Styx, Phil Collins and Genesis, and the occasional John Mellencamp classic. I’ve been singing in choirs since the 4th grade.

What Is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Musical renditions of “Someone to Watch Over Me”, “Back to Before” from the musical Ragtime, “Fly Me to the Moon”, and that famous Nat King Cole classic “L-O-V-E”.

Kyle Shiver-Simpson

Voice Part

Bass

Why You Joined WPCS

Choir is my escape.

Day Job

High school choir and piano teacher

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Bluegrass & Baroque

Favorite Composers

Brahms & Monteverdi

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I started taking piano lessons at age six.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Song For You by Donny Hathaway

Jamie Simone

Voice Part

Soprano

Why You Joined WPCS

I wanted to sing in a small group with challenging
repertoire

Day Job

Urban Planner

Favorite Composers

Debussy

When and How You Became Involved in Music

When I was five I sang a solo at midnight mass. The church was packed – a fact I could easily observe from the balcony. I sang “Away In a Manger” while clutching my brand new, very first Cabbage Patch kid, Elsie. I’ll never forget that experience.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

I don’t sing in the shower, I sing in the car. These days it’s “Wheels on the Bus” but Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and “There Will Never be Another You” are always faves.

Brian Solem

Voice Part
Bass

Why You Joined WPCS
After a 10-year hiatus, I couldn’t stand not being in a choral ensemble any longer. I chose WPCS because it’s a professional-level choir that’s open to people who have non-musical careers.

Day Job
Writer and editor for a nonprofit; co-founder and editor of Graze magazine

Favorite Type(s) of Music
Folksy rock, indie electronica

Favorite Composers
John Adams, Philip Glass, Moses Hogan

When and How You Became Involved in Music
I turned to vocal performance when I realized I was an awful actor. It’s a much better fit.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower
Think of the most horrible and embarrassing showtune: I have likely sung it in the shower. This week.

William Spakowski

Voice Part
Bass

Why You Joined WPCS
After I college I yearned for a refined musical outlet and a top notch ensemble with which to sing.  I found WPCS on youtube and auditioned less than a week later!

Day Job

General Music Teacher, St. Josaphat School
Director, SJS Children’s Choir
Director, SJP Youth Choir

Favorite Type(s) of Music
Spirituals, Folk, Lieder

Favorite Composers
Franz Schubert, Benjamin Britten, Johann Brahms

When and How You Became Involved in Music
I began singing in my school choir in 5th Grade and just continued joining ensembles.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower
Lean On Me

Andy Sudds

Voice Part

Bass

Why You Joined WPCS

I heard about this “new” choir from another fellow singer and I decided to check it out.

Day Job

I am a professional volleyball player masquerading as a Leads Systems Architect Consultant.  Do not tell anyone!

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Any late romantic, 20th century period symphonies featuring screaming loud trombone parts.

Favorite Composer(s)

Wagner, Mahler, Richard Strauss, Bruckner, Shostakovich, to name a few.

When and How You Became Involved in Music

My mother taught piano out of our home.  I remember singing on the piano bench next to her in some of my earliest memories.  I started playing trombone at 9.

Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

“There is a light that never goes out” or “Suedehead” by the Smiths.

Mark Talsma

Voice Part
Tenor

Why You Joined WPCS
After deciding during my first year of college to stop pursuing a BM in Composition, I knew that I needed to find a community choir that would provide me with a fun, challenging musical experience!

Day Job
Full-time student at DePaul University, double majoring in Women’s & Gender Studies and Psychology. I’m also a sales associate at Old Navy, and the Social Media Intern at SocialScope Productions.

Favorite Type(s) of Music
Alternative rock and hip-hop, electronic, experimental, showtunes!!

Favorite Composers
Claude Debussy, Igor Stravinsky, Maurice Ravel, Henri DuParc, Arvo Pärt, Veljo Tormis, Morten Lauridsen, Eric Whitacre, Erik Satie, Leonard Bernstein, and György Ligeti.

When and How You Became Involved in Music
I joined choir in 9th grade because I wanted to improve my voice for musical theatre – incidentally, over the course of high school choir became my biggest focus. I then started composing choral works, even getting the opportunity to have one of my pieces premiered at the end of my senior year.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower
“Marry Me a Little” from Stephen Sondheim’s Company

Angela Tomasino

Voice Part

Alto

Why You Joined WPCS

My choir in college was like a second family to me, and after graduating I suffered a great loss no longer having that type of musical interaction in my life.  When Mark contacted me about starting a choir in the city I immediately jumped on board, and the rest is history!

Day Job

Owner, Snug-A-Bull Pet Accessories

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Renaissance, blues, folk, soul, jazz, rock, and more!

Favorite Composers

William Byrd & Billy Joel

When and How You Became Involved in Music

My older sister stared piano class and I came home playing piano at age 4.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

“Turn Me On” by Norah Jones

Joanna Tomassoni

Voice Part

Alto

Why You Joined WPCS

To become a part of a small musically inclined and soulful community

Day Job

At School & Satellite Operations intern at Language Stars

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Old folk-inspired singer-songwriter stuff. Robbie Basho is a current obsession.

Favorite Composers

Debussy, Brahms, also every Russian choral piece

When and How You Became Involved in Music

The first sound that came out of my mouth that was not pure gurgling was a few notes and “almost-there” words from “The Bare Necessities” as heard on The Jungle Book, and I have been consistently involved with music ever since.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

“Mon coeur s’ouvre à ta voix,” from the opera Samson & Delilah by Camille Saint-Saëns

Rachel Turow

Voice Part

Alto

Why You Joined WPCS

I was looking for a high quality choral group that was also friendly and fun.

Day Job

Psychologist

Favorite Type(s) of Music

I adore fast harmonic rhythm.

Favorite Composers

Puccini, Brahms, Holst, Kodaly, Pärt

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I was entranced by the Zeffirelli film of Bizet’s Carmen when I was 8 years old.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

St Louis Blues

Tim Tyler

Voice Part

Baritone

Why You Joined WPCS

I missed singing after leaving college.

Day Job

Electronic Materials Scientist

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Instrumental chamber music and opera

Favorite Composers

Bach, Beethoven and Shostakovich

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I sang the National Anthem for everyone I knew at age 4. My parents got tired of it and gave me music lessons.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

“Beautiful Dreamer”

Helen Vasey

Voice Part

Alto

Why You Joined WPCS

I wanted to get back into singing with fun people.

Day Job

Arts Consultant

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Can’t choose!

Favorite Composers

Can’t choose!

When and How You Became Involved in Music

I used to walk under the piano when I was a toddler to reach up above my head to tinkle on the keys and tell everyone I was playing Handel’s Water Music.

What is Your Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

Folk music in general

Lily Wirth

Voice Part

Soprano

Why You Joined WPCS

I did not want my choral experience to end with my college graduation.

Favorite Type(s) of Music

Early choral music, folk, 90′s hip hop, video game music

Favorite Composer(s)

Edward F. Davis

When and How You Became Involved in Music

My mom is a professional violinist and mandolinist so music has always been in my life. I started singing in a children’s choir when I was very young and have been singing ever since!

Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower

“Through the Morning, Through the Night” by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss