One of the primary goals for the Greensboro Youth Chorus is to foster life-long participation in choral music, and Rachel Tucker is an amazing example. Rachel joined GYC when she was in 8th grade in 2011 and continued until she graduated from high school. Now Rachel is in the midst of her first season with Bel Canto Company, just in time for their 40th Anniversary Season.
Given her extensive participation in ensembles within the Choral Arts Collective, we wanted to gain some insight in regards to her journey and love for singing.
Why did you decide to join GYC and how did joining impact your singing journey?
Rachel: I joined GYC when I was in middle school after I saw an interview with Ann Doyle, (the previous GYC director) on TV. She mentioned that the main goal of the choir was to build better musicians by strengthening each singer’s music reading skills and that was something I was struggling with in my school choir. I stayed in GYC until I graduated high school and along the way I became more confident in my singing and musicianship. I often reflect on my time in GYC and I believe it helped me get where I am today. Greensboro Youth Chorus was the first stepping stone for me in my career path and has had a lasting impact on who I am as a musician.
How has your love for singing evolved over the years?
Rachel: When people ask me how I started singing I always tell them about how in school, the music teacher told us that if we auditioned for All County Chorus, we would get pizza for lunch and a day off of school. What more could I ask for? Over the years, my love for singing has grown each day. When I joined GYC, I started taking singing more seriously. I saw professional WOMEN conducting beautiful songs and was so inspired by their love of music. Singing helped me to be more confident and was such a great outlet for me. I started auditioning for musicals, solos in school, and taking voice lessons. Being able to express myself through song was so magical; I never wanted to stop. So, I haven’t. Singing is still my favorite thing to do and is my greatest joy.
Looking back over the years, what have been some of your favorite experiences singing with GYC?
Rachel: There are so many good memories from my days in GYC. I made friends in the choir that I still talk to today. My favorite experience was always the trips to Biltmore. It was the start of the holiday season for me and was the first opportunity I had to share music with an audience outside of Greensboro. These trips were so fun and I looked forward to them each year. I also loved getting to sing with Bel Canto at the holiday concerts. I looked up to Bel Canto and their gorgeous sound. Each year, singing “Silent Night” next to the singers from Bel Canto was the most amazing experience; if you were to ask my mom about it I am sure she would tell you that she cried every time.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Rachel: I would tell myself to do more of what you enjoy. I waited until late middle school to really get involved in choir and singing and I wish I would have started sooner when I knew I had an interest in it. There is never going to be a time when you are disappointed in yourself for trying something new.
To hear Rachel Sing with Bel Canto Company, join us for our upcoming concerts!
