Stacey St. John of Liberty Township, the new VOA choir director enjoys a laugh during a rehearsal. St. John is encouraging other women to join the local chorus. Photo by Tony Tribble.
Adam Kiefaber reports:
When Stacey St. John took over as the new director of the Voice of America Chorus in November, the group’s 34 members welcomed her with open arms.
Now, St. John is encouraging other women to join the local chorus.
“For any woman out there, who enjoys singing, this is a fantastic outlet. Not only to use your musical talent, but to also be a part of a true sisterhood,” she said.
St. John, 38, of Liberty Township brings experience as a second-generation barbershop singer and as someone who began her career as a Sweet Adeline – a worldwide competitive barbershop-style organization – at age 18. She takes over the position once held by the chorus’ founding director, Traci Martin.
“When we had our first rehearsal, it seemed like a seamless transition; Stacey took over and it was great,” said Jane Buehler, who was one of the group’s founding members. “We will miss Traci, of course, but Stacey has just jumped right in, and I think we are going to accomplish great things with her.
“We know her history, and are all excited about having such a accomplished director and someone who is also fun to be around.”
When Buehler and six others joined Martin at a Panera restaurant on Aug. 9, 2010, they talked about the risks of starting a chorus. Martin said it was like starting a business. There was a budget, there were costs associated with competitions and there were even two chorus groups – the Cincinnati Sound and the Gem City Chorus – each less than a 30-minute drive away.
“VOA Chorus stole my heart,” Martin said. “This group of fine, talented, fun-loving women has changed my life forever.”
