Members of the Chancel Choir    

   

Haddonfield United Methodist Church    

Haddonfield, NJ 08033

2012-2013

 

    Soprano Section    

    Barnes, Elva

Born in Pennsauken, NJ. Joined Temple Lutheran church choir at age 5 and have been singing in choirs ever since. Graduated from Merchantville High in 1950. Joined Community Chorus of Merchantville, under the direction of Fred Homer. Did a lot of Gilbert & Sullivan, great fun!! Married in 1954, had 3 children. Active in St. Paul's Lutheran church in Collingswood. Widowed in 1991. Joined Master Chorale under the direction of John Wilson. Met and married Richard Barnes in 1994; joined HUMC, and Chancel Choir the same year. Between us we have 8 children and 20 grandchildren.

    Castrovinci, Amanda

    Amanda (Mandy) Castrovinci is originally from Haddonfield, NJ. She grew up in HUMC and was involved in all the youth choirs, including the New Sound Choir. After finishing her undergrad studies at Rutgers University, Mandy returned to Haddonfield and HUMC. In 2010, she moved to Paris, France and is currently finishing her International MBA. She will be finished in October 2012 and still sings with the choir when she comes home to visit. Donc, peut-être, à bientôt!"

    Charney, Linda

    Grew up in California. Graduated UCSB. Masters of Social Work from NYU. Navy moved us to Philadelphia. Have worked all over the place. Live in Cherry Hill, widowed, 2 grown daughters. Have sung in choir since 1994, most recently at Central UMC in Linwood. Joined HUMC in fall 2011. It is a privilege and blessing to be able to sing with this wonderful choir.

    Dilks, Carol

    Member of Chancel Choir since 1961.

    Dubin, Jennifer

I am married to Eric Dubin, baritone, also in Chancel Choir. I graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Music degree and a minor in Business Administration. Have been singing all of my life! I grew up in Costa Rica and love to visit my family there whenever I can. I work at the Opera Company of Philadelphia in the Development Department as the Annual Fund Manager.

    Evans, Ann Harrison

    The widow of Dennis G., I was born in Philly but have called N.J. my home on and off from birth. At an early age I learned piano skills from my Nana. In high school I developed a passion for the woodwinds and played bassoon for Camden Catholic"s concert band, orchestra and Camden's All City Band. In addition, I played in the Jewish Community Center's Chamber Orchestra. As an adult I studied voice with Marie Usted,, S.B.S., Emeritus, Xavier University and was the Choir Director at my parish, St. Bartholomew R.C. Church for years. I have sung and recorded with many chorale groups and choirs including: The Sounds of Blackness, Tri-State Mass Choir, Jubilate Deo Chorale, The Cathedral Singers, Camden Diocesan Choir and founded the Camden Diocesan Gospel Choir. In addition, I sang in the chorus of Opera North (formerly Opera Ebony) when David Antony Lofton was Creative Director. After having sung with MasterChorale for several seasons I joined HUMC's Chancel Choir in 2008 and thoroughly enjoy the spirituality and professional musicality of this ministry. What a blessing it is to praise God in song with you all.

    Fisher, Patricia

Member of HUMC Chancel Choir since 1995. Also sing with South Jersey Masterchorale and The Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia since 1991. Married to Kevin Fisher. 1 daughter, Sara (10) and 1 step-daughter, Morgan (13). Live in Haddon Heights. Veterinarian at the Garden State Animal Hospital in Cherry Hill, NJ.

    Landgraf, Shirley

Chancel member since 1982. Is Leader for Helen Kim Circle and Chancel Choir, enjoys Floral Arts Guild flower arranging and is Wedding Coordinator with her husband, John, for the church. Lives in Haddon Township. Works as Exec. Secretary of The Children's Hospital of Phila. in Voorhees (Hematology/Oncology Dept)

    Legge, Pat

    Pat Legge joined Chancel Choir in 1998 and lives in Barrington with her husband, Charles, who is also a choir member. Pat is retired as a Pre-school Disabilities Teacher/Consultant for Collingswood Public Schools and Haddon Heights School District "Special Services." She also serves on the Executive Boards of Camden County Council of Education and Camden County Retired Education Board. Along with her joy of singing, she is a Stephen Minister,and is on the Prayer Shawl Ministry. She has 3 grown daughters, 7 grand children and 3 great grandchildren. She loves gardening, flower arranging, Save the beach; traveling and the mountains.

    McGough, Norma

    Music/singing has always played an important part of my life. As a child growing up in Northeast Phila. I sang to the radio and records, and then on to school--plays, recitals, and choirs. As an adult I discovered Community Theatre and for over 40 years and 30 on-stage productions I was busy singing and acting in musicals, dramas, comedies, reviews, etc. My husband Dick & children Melinda & Rick always encouraged me and made the time demands possible. I was a past President of Haddonfield Plays & Players and later years Bus. Mgr. for the Summin N.J. Playhouse. And now I have found my spiritual and musical home at HUMC. I am blessed to be a part of this beautiful community. Thank you to all & especially Harriet and Wayne Richmond for this latest musical adventure!

    Neiswender, Janet

HUMC member for 39 consecutive years. I originally joined the church in 1958 and then moved to the Princeton area until 1963 when my husband, Dave Neiswender, and I returned to Cherry Hill. Dave passed away in 2007. We were both from Central Pennsylvania--Hershey and Palmyra. I am now living independently at Wiley Christian Retirement Community. I enjoy playing tennis, reading and meeting new friends and renewing old acquaintances. I've been in Chancel Choir since 1960.

    Reich, Jean G.

    I joined the Chancel choir when I became a member of HUMC in 1999, shortly after relocating to Westmont. I had recently retired from Respond, Inc. where I enjoyed my position as secretary at Merchantville Day Care Center. I also sing with the New Jersey MasterChorale and I'm a member of Saturday Nighters. In High School I sang with the Glee Club, A Capella Choir and a small girls' ensemble. My husband, Bob, and I lived in Merchantville for many years. There we raised two sons, and were active members of Trinity UMC. I served as financial secretary for several years. We both sang in the choir. Bob was an accomplished violinist; we enjoyed the opportunity to perform anthems for solo voice and violin. I have eight grandchildren; I'm often called upon to "babysit." Being part of HUMC Chancel Choir family is a joy and a blessing in my life.

    Schenk, Linda

    Joined HUMC and the Chancel Choir in 2011 and am very happy to be a part of the HUMC Family. Live in Barclay Farms, Cherry Hill, married to John and we have three sons and one granddaughter. Work part-time at Perkins Center for the Arts in Moorestown.

    Septer, Laurel

    Member of Chancel Choir since 2005. I have enjoyed singing my entire life, in school and church choirs, singing duets with my husband in church, or just singing to my horse! I joined Haddonfield Oratorio the year before the Richmonds came, and then in 2005 joined the Chancel Choir and became a member of HUMC. The Chancel choir is a wonderful community of people and I am thrilled to be a part of the family. I was married for 41 years before my husband passed away, and have 2 sons and 3 grandchildren, God's blessings! I am currently a Senior Project Manager in IT at Children's Hospital of Philadephia.

    Stoffel, Alisyn

Participates in various areas of the Music Dept. including: the Celebration Praise & Worship Team, Chancel Choir, director of the Bethlehem Choir (1st and 2nd graders). She has found her greatest joy by singing at HUMC. Member of the Chancel Choir since 1988.

    Stuart, Denise

Born in Rockville Centre, NY on April 22, 1950. Educated at Our Lady of Mercy Academy. Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Literature from Hofstra University and an Artist Certificate from The Academy of Vocal Arts. Had career as an opera singer, performing with the New York City Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Michigan Opera Theatre, and many others. Married Kirk Stuart in 1984. Moved to Haddonfield in 1997. Family - a son, Brendan (1987) and stepdaughter, Kari (1981), who got married last New Year's Eve! Currently the Development Manager at Symphony in C. Member of HUMC since 1987

    Talton, Barbara

Member of Chancel Choir since 1980 when we moved here from Pittsburgh. I have been singing forever. Retired from teaching high school mathematics after 41 years. Two sons, James Jr. Ben, and a 5-year old grandson Brian Jr.

    Van Name, Peggy

Musician: worked as an organist/choir director for many years, joined Oratorio during Mike Brewster's last year at HUMC and have sung with Oratorio and MasterChorale since then, became a Chancel Choir member after we joined HUMC in 2005, and ring bells with the Holtz Choir. Enjoy learning and sharing in HUMC's small group studies, love to garden, read, sew and quilt.

    Williams, Jackie

Joined HUMC in May, 2008, then choir as a "summer singer" in 2008, and Master Chorale that same fall. Also ring in both bell choirs, and play piano. Live in Medford, married with a daughter and grandson, stepdaughter and granddaughter. I recently retired as a school social worker in Medford. Aside from music, love to sew, quilt, knit and read, and volunteer at Fellowship House.
   

  Alto Section  

    Boyd, Amy

Amy grew up in Michigan and graduated from the Northwestern University School of Music with a Bachelor's degree in Arts Administration. She currently works for the Philadelphia Orchestra as Assistant Personnel Manager. Prior to joining HUMC in 2010, Amy sang in the chancel choir of the United Parish in Brookline, Massachusetts. She is married to Will Boyd and is active in HUMC's young adult community.

    Buecker, Judy

I am a retired teacher and salesperson. I joined the Chancel Choir in 1987. I can sing first alto, second alto, or second soprano. I can play piano, clarinet and the recorder. Last year I received the "Spirit" award.

    Del Camp, Pat

This is a horrible picture of me. See my real picture under Stoffel, Alisyn in the soprano section. I always wanted to be Mary in Peter, Paul and Mary. Maybe now I'll get my chance! While I'm waiting for them to call me for an audition, I sing in Masterchorale and the Celbration Praise and Worship Band. So here's my resume: In junior high I started playing the guitar and sang in a folk group called the "Ballyhoos". In high school I started doing musicals. Sang the role of Liesl in "The Sound of Music" when I was 16 (going on 17). Also sang in Madrigals and Concert Choir and was in All-State Chorus. In the summers I sang with Fred Waring and attended Westminster Choir College vocal camp. Graduated from Glassboro State College with a B.A. in Music Ed. Attended Robert Shaw Workshops at W.C.C. for 4 summers. Taught general music in public school for 34 years. Presently retired.

Gotta go....I think that's Paul Stookey on the phone!

    Dirlikov, Carla

Carla Dirlikov has studied at the Academy of Vocal Arts, McGill University, the University of Michigan, and Paris Conservatoire. Onstage she has performed professionally in the US, Canada, Mexico as well as Europe, singing roles such as Carmen, Rosina, Princess Eboli, Fenena, Dorabella, and Cherubino. Carla has performed with Michigan Opera Theater, New Orleans Opera, Knoxville Opera, the Caramoor Festival, Opera Royal de Wallonie (Belgium), and Annapolis Opera. Also an avid oratorio performer, she has sung Handel's Messiah at the Kennedy Center, Mahler's Second Symphony with the Columbus Symphony, and Rossini's Stabat Mater at the Spoleto Festival in Italy. She will be making her Lincoln Center debut this fall in Beethoven's 9th Symphony at Avery Fisher Hall. Carla lives in Westmont with her husband Michael and their two dogs, Jesse and Squirt.

    Donaway, Lois

Have been singing in Chancel Choir since the early 70"s with Walt Edmonds, Mike Brewster, Andy Andela, John & Lisa Wilson and the past 11 years with Wayne & Harriet!! What a blessing music has been, and is, to me...(Thanks, God!) I have been privileged to be a "choir mom" with New Sound for 11 years of exciting concerts, tours, spiritual productions and.... weekly rehearsals :-} ; an adult member of our Youth Mission Team & Retreats for those years...I've sung in Oratorio/MasterChorale since it's beginning days.. I've been a Sunday School teacher... I enjoy singing with Kindred Joy!, and I'm presently the Chair of our Music Ministry. Both of my sons have been raised here. I'm proud to call HUMC my spiritual home because here, I have been nurtured in my faith, and have had many opportunities to serve the Lord. Oh, by the way, I'm and x-ray tech for orthopaedic surgeons (40 yrs.) and love needlework, reading and crafts.

    Krupsky, Jane

Jane has been choir treasurer for several years. She joined Chancel and Oratorio choir due to Rev. Walt Edmonds' "encouragement". Jane is also founding member of women's vocal quartet "Kindred Joy". She lives in Haddon Heights with her husband Steve, a/k/a "Banjo Guy", 3 cats and 1 fish. Although preoccupied with career transitioning, Jane's avocations are knitting and playing American old-time and Irish music on the mandolin.

    Krwawecz, Anaya

Anaya joined the Chancel Choir in 2010, after becoming a member of the church. She is involved in Stephens Ministry, the MasterChorale, and the Spirituality Group.

    Mitchell, Edye

    The choir has been a blessing to me. After my husband's death I found it very lonely to sit in a church pew. Now I am surrounded by lovely people and amazing talent. It is a joy to be a part of the HUMC choir.

    McNally, Janice

Grew up in HUMC and saw the old building burn down. Sang in every choir from Harriet Stewart to Chancel under Nancy Banks and Walter Flexon. Raised my two children, Erin and Sean in HUMC and managed the New Sound Choir for nine years while they sang with the Wilsons and the Richmonds. Currently the Tax Credit Manager for the Michaels Organization, a large affordable housing developer in Marlton. Hobbies include gardening, walking, reading and summer weekends in Ocean City.

    Noll, Elaine

    “Graduated from Rutgers University in 1989. Member of Chancel Choir since 1990, Elaine lives in Mr. Laurel, and is retired from her job as Ass't. to the Exec. Director of the Neighborhood Center, where she worked for 20+ years. she is retired from being a Sunday School and Bible class teacher at HUMC, and from being Chancel Choir Librarian. She and her husband Philip have two sons and daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren and she enjoys traveling, gardening, and reading.

    Pitkin, Karen

    I am an independent IT consultant specializing in the design and development of database applications using Oracle and SQL Server. In college, I studied piano and flute but only began singing about 10 years ago at the encouragement of Suzanne Purtee, who was the Minister of Music at the church of which I was a member at that time. Suzanne even introduced me to a voice coach to help me make the transition. I’m still studying, and consider it a privilege to be a member of the choir.

    Ringenwald, Carol

    Michigan is my home state and is where my interest in music began. I played violin and flute at a young age and continued to play through high school, college and beyond. I have sung in church choirs my whole life. Moving to New Jersey and marrying Bob gave us both the opportunity to participate in church and community choirs together. After retiring from a 32 year long teaching career, I decided to begin a new musical challenge and began to learn to play the harp. It has opened up a whole new world of music to me. My daughter Kim, who is a professional harpist, is my inspiration. We also have a son, Scott and two grandchildren, Jacob & Zachary. I appreciate the opportunity to be part of the chancel choir here at Haddonfield UMC.

    Schaeffer, June

    Member of Chancel Choir since ???

    Shaffer, Joan

I relocated to this area from Pittsburgh & very soon found HUMC. I was told it was "the music place" & that was what I was looking for. That was in 1990. I also sing in the 9:30 contemporary service. I am thankful for the wonderful friends, the music directors & for finding Bob here at HUMC.

    Sleppy, Jennifer

Jen has been enjoying singing with the HUMC chancel choir and NJMC since her move from Pittsburgh in 2007. Patty Fisher is her sister.

    Smyth, Barbara

    Has been a member of the HUMC choir since 1987 and joined the Master Chorale shortly thereafter. Met Bob at Wesley JR College and then I graduated from Towson University. I finally convinced him that he should marry me and we've justcelebrated 54 years of marital joy. I have taught school and loved it so much. I also was the Manager of Good News Bookstore in Cherry Hill. In 2001 I was invited to join the staff of HUMC and thoroughly enjoy the challenges and joys of each aspect of the position.

    Suzuki, Elizabeth

    I have been involved in church music forever it seems. I have played the piano and organ, directed and/or sung in choir, etc. beginning in my teens. My husband, Yugo, and I were UMC missionaries to Japan and retired in 2004 after more than 30 years there. We came to HUMC in 2005 and became involved in the choir but in 2006 answered the call to be pastor of Japanese American United Church in NYC. We retired again in 2011 and returned to our home in Pennsauken.

We have 3 adult children - Naomi, Sarah, and Jonathan who is married to Kazuko..

    Walton, Carol

    Joined HUMC and the Chancel Choir in 2011 after spending two years in the Master Chorale and being encouraged by the wonderful Altos IIs. Have been involved in choral singing since the 6th grade, including a stint in women’s barbershop, where I sang tenor(?!) in a quartet. Came back to my senses and returned to my alto roots, which I will never leave again! Also recently joined the Jubilate Deo Chorale. Have lived in Cherry Hill since 1984 and have two college-aged children, Chris (1988) and Linda (1991). Have spent my whole career in Information Technology, currently as a mainframe programmer at TD Bank.

    Williams, Chrystal

    Chrystal, a mezzo-soprano, is an AVA second-year resident artist from Portsmouth, VA who joined the Chancel Choir in January 2011. She has a Master's in Opera Performance from Yale University School of Music, 2010 and a Bachelor's in Voice Performance, Carnegie Mellon University, 2008. Competitions: second place, Washington International Competition for Voice through the Friday Morning Music Club, 2010, second place, New England Region District Finals, Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, 2009, first place, VA/NC Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters Career Award in Voice competition, 2008, Sylvie Derdeyne Award in Voice, 2007.

Roles she has sung include Death, Le Rossignol, Cherubino, Le Nozze di Figaro, Anita, La Navarraise, Dritte Dame, Die Zauberflöte, Charlotte, Werther, all with Yale School of Music, and Hansel and Gretel, Aspen Music Festival; and Secretary, The Consul, Lilianne La Fleur, Nine, Bradamante, Alcina, title role, La Cenerentola, all with Carnegie Mellon University. Her roles at AVA include Mistress Stone in the world premier of Margaret Garwood's The Scarlet Letter, La Maestra delle Novizie in Puccini's Suor Angelica, and Kartenaufschlägerin in Strauss' Arabella.

   

    Tenor Section    

    Austin, Cody

American tenor Cody Austin is quickly becoming one of the most promising singing actors of his age. A 2009 graduate of the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, his voice has been described with "a warm, rich quality... produced with an evenness that's rare." This season he made his Lyric Opera of Virginia debut as Alfredo in La Traviata. He then portrays Don Jose in La Tragedie de Carmen with Shreveport Opera. His professional debut was with the Opera Company of Philadelphia as Roderigo in Otello in 2009, where he was invited to return the following season to perform Edmondo in Manon Lescaut. Also in Philadelphia he has performed Tassilo in Countess Maritza with the Concert Operetta Theater and was featured as tenor soloist with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops in a program entitled 'The Great American Tenor' in 2010. While at the Academy of Vocal Arts, Mr. Austin had the opportunity to perform in Kat’a Kabanova, La Traviata, and Anna Bolena. Prior to AVA he completed graduate work at Indiana University where he sang George Gibbs in the world premiere of Ned Rorem’s Our Town. He has been a young artist at Central City Opera and Opera New Jersey, where he performed in La Traviata and The Merry Widow. Mr. Austin has also been featured in concert engagements with the New Jersey Master Chorale, the Ambler Symphony, Jupiter Symphony of New York, Ocean City Pops, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops; performing such works as Mendelssohn Elijah, Beethoven Irish Songs, Gounod St. Cecilia Mass and most recently the Verdi Requiem. He was awarded 2nd place in the Dallas Opera Competition, received the Ralph Appelman Award for Vocal Promise, a Mario Lanza Scholarship, the Alfonso Cavaliere Memorial Scholarship, and the Arthur E. Walters Memorial award.

    Del Camp, Chuck

    I attended Rutgers University where I sang in the venerable Rutgers Glee Club. We performed in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and some of Europe's most famous cathedrals. After graduation I continued my choral experience with Coro Lyrica and Opera New Jersey. I joined NJMC and Chancel Choir when my career brought me back to the Haddonfield area. I currently live in Woodbury and work for EducationDynamics in Chester.

    Earley, Scott

Been singing for nearly 40 years in church choirs. Have sung numerous solos in Moorestown UMC, as well as for weddings and funerals. Once had an opportunity to sing in Hollywood Bowl, with a choir performing "Messiah" conducted by Christopher Hogwood. Also sang in a full-scale production of Mahler's 8th. Sang Verdi Requiem for Eugene Ormandy's Memorial Concert at the Academy of Music. Sang in the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies in LA in 1984. What an awesome event that was! Toured Europe (Warsaw, Berlin, London) with Sean Deibler and Phila's Choral Arts Society.

   Kugler, Rob

Became a Methodist when he married Sandy in 1984, sang for John Wilson and returned to the Choir in the "Richmond Era". Is a real estate lawyer with Archer & Greiner who volunteers not only at the Church but also for the American Cancer Society, Symphony in C and Dartmouth College. He looks forward to retirement in 2013.

    Knight, Tom

With a life-long love of singing, sang with Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia 1985-1991 and the Music Group of Philadelphia with Sean Deibler from 1989- 2003, and HUMC from 2009. Currently works as a financial rep with Northwestern Mutual.

   Schiffman, Hal

A Chancel Choir member since 2007, I recently retired from teaching at Penn for the last 12 years. My musical education began at age 5, when I started piano lessons. Clarinet lessons began in 6th grade, followed by oboe and organ lessons while in high school. The saxophone was added when I joined a dance band, seen in this 1953 photo (that's me, second from right.) I sang in childrens' choirs at church, the high school chorus, and in college choral groups as well. I previously lived for 28 years in Seattle, where I was a member of the Seattle Bach Ensemble, Seattle Pro Musica, and the Northwest Chamber Choir. Married to Marilyn Schiffman; one son (Timothy) who has served in Iraq, but is now home and working at UPS.

    Stuart, Kirk

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, July 7, 1954. Educated at St. Louis Park High School, Minnesota. Earned a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from Simpson College and a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University. Also earned computer science degree from Camden County College, and Executive M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Had career as an opera singer, performing with Minnesota Opera, Tulsa Opera, Sarasota Opera, Cincinnati Opera, among others. Married Denise Coffey in 1984 and moved to Haddonfield in 1997. Daughter Kari, age 30 (who got married last New Year's Eve) and son Brendan, age 24. Currently a software support specialist with SAP Americas. Member of HUMC since 1987.

    Whitney, MacKenzie

    Joined Chancel Choir in 2012. Mac is a first-year resident artist with the AVA, and hails from Janesville, Iowa. He has a B.M. from the University of Northern Iowa, and has sung the following roles: Tamino, Die Zauberflöte; Nika Magadoff (cover), The Consul; Alfred, Die Fledermaus; Ezekiel Cheever, The Crucible; all with University of Northern Iowa.
   

    Bass Section    

Dilks, Bob

Currently a Gynecologist. Retired from Obstetrics in 2008 after delivering babies for 30 years. Lived in Haddonfield from 1975 to 2005. Currently reside in Barrington. Hometown: Glassboro, NJ. Was raised in the United Methodist Church, where I began my singing in children's choirs. Played tuba in the High School band and orchestra, and accompanied the HS chorus on piano. Sang in the Kirkpatrick Chapel Choir at Rutgers for 4 years, and studied organ for 2 years. Studied organ again for 5 years @ HUMC. Hobbies are organ and piano playing, coin collecting, and genealogy. Married to Connie. Three adult children: Katie, Andrew, and Michael. Member of HUMC since 1984, and Chancel choir member since 2003.

    Dubin, Eric

A recent graduate of The Academy of Vocal Arts, made his Opera Company of Philadelphia debut in 2008 in David DiChiera’s Cyrano, and returned in 2009 as Junius in Britten’s Rape of Lucretia. Other engagements from last season include Schaunard in La Boheme with Nashville Opera, the title role in DiChiera’s Cyrano in concert at the Orange County Arts Conservatory, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana with the Cherry Hill Symphony, Nashville Opera’s gala “La Bella Notte, and his role debut as Enrico in Lucia di Lammermoor with Opera New Jersey.

    Herbert, Steve

Retired IT manager. Works with youth of the church and teaches Junior High Sunday School. Member of the Cancel choir and NJ Master chorale for 20 years.

    Legge, Charles

    Charles Legge joined Chancel Choir in 1994 and enjoys being in the choir with his wife, Pat.

    Mason, Wes

    Wes Mason has been hailed by Opera News as "gifted and fiercely committed … [with a] spacious and reverberant" baritone voice. Most recently, he created the role of Reinaldo Arenas to great acclaim in the world premiere of Jorge Martín's Before Night Falls with Fort Worth Opera. This past summer, Mr. Mason was a young artist with the Glimmerglass Festival singing the role of Moralés in Bizet's Carmen and covering world-renowned baritone Rod Gilfry as Frank Butler in Berlin's Annie Get Your Gun. Among his roles are the title role in Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin, Marcello and Schaunard in Puccini's La bohème, Olivier in Richard Strauss's Capriccio, Sid in Britten's Albert Herring and Mozart's Don Giovanni. Mr. Mason was a 2008 Metropolitan Opera National Council Audition Regional Finalist and a two-time nominee for the Sarah Tucker Study Grant in both 2010 and 2009. A native of Norfolk, Virginia he holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Michigan with honors and is currently a third-year resident artist with the esteemed Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. http://www.wesmasonbaritone.com

    Noll, Philip

    Member of Chancel Choir since 1983, he is retired from commercial broadcasting equipment design, and a career in electrical engineering. He enjoys the Madrigal Dinners, and was formerly a Chancel Choir librarian. He is married to Elaine Noll, and together they have two sons and daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren. He enjoys traveling and reading as hobbies.

    Ringenwald, Bob

    I grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire in a very musical family. My mother was a Julliard graduate in voice, had a brother who was a concert pianist and a sister with a magnificent voice. I’ve sung in church choirs my whole life. Have lived in several states before settling in New Jersey and marrying my wife Carol. We have a wonderful family all living in the area. After a career in accounting and owning my own business I decided to fulfill a lifelong calling and study for the Methodist ministry. I served as a United Methodist pastor for 23 years before retiring from the ministry last June. It’s an honor to be a member of the Haddonfield UMC Chancel Choir.

    Robinson, Fred

HUMC member and choir member since 1987, and the handbell choir since 2007. I have a BA in music (voice) from Rutgers and did graduate work at UVa in composition. After a brief teaching stint, I landed in the invention promotion and patenting business in 1984, and am Regional Director with InventHelp (www.inventhelp.com) since 1991. My wife, Leslie, is HUMC's Christian Ed. Coordinator, and we have 3 adult children (Mike, Dan, Katie). I enjoy golf, bowling, singing and writing music, and am not quite as fat and bald as the picture depicts.

    Shaffer, Bob

    Member of Chancel Choir and MasterChorale since 1978. Charter member of the Madrigal Dinner's Royal Court, and member of HUMC's Handbell Choir since 1982. Platoon Leader and Company Commander with the U.S. Army in France and Beirut, Lebanon. Formerly Corporate Director of Employment at Campbell Soup's Headquarters in Camden, I now keep busy with a second career in income taxes with H&R Block. Enjoy traveling all over the world with my lovely wife, Joan.

    Smyth, Bob

    Has been a member of the HUMC choir since 1987 and joined the Master Chorale shortly thereafter. Graduated from Wesley College and then West Virginia Wesleyan, graduated Wesley Seminary and in mid-ministry became part of a new graduate program at Drew School of Theology (originated by Stan Menking) and was a part of the first class to receive the Doctor of Ministry degree. Barbara and I have 3 adult children and claim 12 grandchildren. Our home is in Riverton, NJ.

 

 


Harold F. Schiffman: haroldfs@gmail.com
Last Modified: April, 2013