Where I Met Kathleen
I first met Kathy when I was calling for an RSVP for an
educational seminar I was hosting.
Kathie was heading out of town for a competition it turned out and when
I found out she was part of a 110 woman chorus I immediately knew I wanted to
interview her. We meet at a Starbucks
coffee and I found out Kathie was even more interesting than I’d originally
imagined!
What I Really Like
About Kathy
As we began our visit with the normal small talk, I quickly
realized that there were many layers to Kathy and I was going to have to pull
some of it out of her. Kathy also has
very vibrant and clear eyes and felt like someone I wanted to be around. Kathy also got right to the point asking me
what I was going to get out of this interview.
I explained that I am building my connections in town and I also wanted
to share her story and add to the positive publicity of her organization.
Background
Kathy is originally from Montana and she remembered when she
was in the eighth grade socials studies class discussing that Alaska and Hawaii
may soon become states. While in college
she interviewed for a teaching position in Alaska and then on March 27, 1963
there was the big earthquake. At this
time there was no such thing as email so Kathy assumed the job was no longer on
the table. Surprised, Kathy was
contacted by the interviewer who said something to the effect of “if you have
any courage at all, we still have kids to teach.” In her own act of courage, Kathy’s mom (of 16
kids) drove up to Alaska with Kathy when she didn’t even know how to drive
herself.
Kathy was a teacher and then eventually became a principle
of a middle school. One day a kid showed
up at the school with a gun in his pocket.
After an eternally long discussion during which the child knew Kathy
knew he had a gun, the kid pulled the gun from his pocket. Kathy said she had no idea if he was going to
hand her the gun or shoot her. A week
later she decided it was time to retire and open the next chapter of her
life.
Kathy had been singing all her life and while in Alaska one
of her friends suggested Kathy check out the group called the Sweet Adelines. Kathy was looking for either a singing or
public speaking opportunity and she went to check it out. All of the ladies in the chorus were wearing
short navy blue dresses with pearls and were the most fabulous sounding group
she’d heard. Kathy’s husband basically
vetoed the chorus because he thought it would take too much time. But, Kathy put her toe in the water, one
meeting at a time and it was well worth the journey.
Kathy had two kids one of whom still lives in Alaska.
My Ideal Client…
Sweet Adeline's was founded in 1948 with a vision to
“Harmonize the World.” Kathy directs the
Colorado Springs Sweet Adeline’s called
Any woman who loves to sing is welcomed to come and try out
to be in Velvet Hills. Kathy will do a
scale exercise and have the auditioned sing Happy Birthday to see if they can
do the scale change. There is private
instruction available for someone who really wants to sing and the members and musical
leaders of Velvet Hills really want women to succeed.
Once a year there is a membership drive and this includes
four voice free lessons. Rehearsals are
on Monday nights and the group is active with social media, has a website and
holds a regular bingo game. The chorus
has been here in The Springs for 47 years!
Says Kathy, “So, the ideal chorus member loves to sing and
likes education and is able to hold their part, singing four-part a cappella
music. Age and weight do not matter. We hug indiscriminately and we believe it is
important to do something for you. Our practice sessions are about bringing joy
and being present and centered in the moment.”
3 SECRETS of my
Personal Success
1. Have self-confidence and achievement
2. Knowing my people. As a leader I take the time to really know
all of my people and what makes them different building mutual respect
3. CPR (Choose Personal Responsibility)
1 Great Recommendation for the Next Person
Find something for yourself
outside your normal life—open up to the possibilities.
My biggest financial question/concern
Take the time to know the true
value of what you pay for in life. It’s
not always about what it costs but what you get for your investment. For example, in the chorus it costs $45/month
but when you look at the way the club helps pay for travel and food, etc you
come out way ahead. Compare the joy you
get from an activity to other clubs you may join and compare there, too.
I enjoy meeting with people and learning about their financial desires and challenges. Please visit my website at www.taraenolan.com or call Tara at
Contact Kathy
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