The teaching was very professional, yet fun, and the experience of singing at Benaroya Hall was awesome. Thank you and Columbia Choirs for allowing Betsy to be a part of this wonderful experience. I know this is something she and I will both remember for a lifetime.
My kids came back spouting high praise for the (festival) rehearsals and the concert. Thanks for affording them this opportunity!
Steve Motenko, Music Teacher Mukilteo School District
Our son’s “interest in and passion for music has expanded dramatically this past year. To the point where he has moved from considering music as a minor in college to considering it as a major. That is a culmination of your role [Mr. Stevens] in both of his choirs…”. “Our baseline goal for [him] and music has been that he develop an enjoyment, appreciation and possibly a passion for it. Thank you for YOUR part in helping [him] raise it to the level of a passion.
Parent of a CC member
Your choirs’ voices sounded incredible from where I was on the stage, which can only mean it was even better for others in the hall. Really well done. We threw you a challenge and you rose to the occasion and just nailed it! Wow, really great work. Well done!
Mateo Messina, grammy award-winning composer
Your group has been such an integral part of our Ten Grands show for many years! Such a polished and profession group of young singers! Such great leadership under Steve! Thank you!
Kathy Fahlman Dewalt “Ten Grands Seattle” Executive Director-Founding Co-Creator
Columbia Choirs has been so good for [my son]. [The Choir] has been part of his life for half of his life! That is big! When he entered in 4th grade, he loved singing, but didn’t have a lot of friends at school. As you know he is very unique. He got teased a lot in school. Columbia Choirs was always a safe place for him to go to, a place he was accepted for who he was, a place that he wouldn’t get teased. A place to build his confidence, and self esteem. Of course you know all the musical benefi…
Parent of a young man who was in the choir from 4th grade through 12th grade
I hope you realize what a large part you have played in nurturing (our son’s) self esteem and his outgoing personality, in addition to the wonderful musical education of course!. You and your whole choir program are doing wonderful things for so many kids. (We) have also enjoyed being part of Columbia Choirs and will miss it. Thanks again for everything.
Parent of a former member
My 5th grade son, Michael, had a wonderful time at SingFest. He went to the four rehearsals with great enthusiasm, and was thrilled to get the opportunity to perform at Benaroya Hall (how many other 11 year olds get that chance?!) It was astonishing to hear how well the SingFest choir sang after just those four rehearsals, and inspirational to hear the skills of the other Columbia Choir groups.” “…..as the mom of three boys I’d like to quote…..inspirational words: “I want to live in a world wher…
I wanted to thank you very much for the opportunity for Brandon to participate in the All-Region Choir. It was a great learning experience for him (and us).
N.H., Parent of a member of All-Region Choir
I would like to tell you that this was one of the best experiences my daughter Betsy had. She is still talking about it and thinking about joining Columbia Choirs in the fall. I have taught music on the church level for many years…(being in SingFest)was wonderful, exceptional, and way more than we could have imagined.
