One of the many things that helps OGMC run smoothly is our team of section leaders. A section leader (SL) is a singer within one of the chorus’s voice parts—Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone, or Bass—who helps manage their section and serves as a bridge between the singers and the artistic director. We take attendance, help arrange the best seating configurations, and communicate with the Artistic Director about how our sections are doing.

In upcoming issues of Notes, we are excited to introduce our chorus section leaders, starting with our Tenor 1 section leader, June Kamerling (that would be me!), followed by Tenor 2 SL Dustin Bankston, Baritone SL George Beier, and Bass SL Victor Crentsil.

Finding My Home at OGMC

Having recently left another chorus, I missed harmonizing and singing with others. I had attended a few OGMC concerts and already knew many of the singers. Stephanie Smith, who had previously served as OGMC’s interim director, suggested that I audition. OGMC was an all-gender chorus, as long as I could sing tenor or lower. Luckily, YES, I can!

In September 2019, I auditioned for Dr. Ben Riggs, who was beginning his first season with OGMC. Happily, I made it in! From the start, I was welcomed so warmly that I instantly felt as though the chorus was family. My Tenor 1 section leader at the time was Joe Rosenmayer. Over the years, I learned a lot by observing Joe and other section leaders. When Joe moved to Sacramento and left the chorus, I volunteered to do my best to fill his shoes. I’d like to think I’ve made him proud!

A Lifelong Love of Music

I’ve loved singing for as long as I can remember, and musical theater has always held a special place in my heart. I grew up in Queens, New York, and went to lots of Broadway shows as a kid. I can still remember standing in front of our living room mirror, pretending I was in a show. Annie Get Your Gun and Fiddler on the Roof come to mind! Although I never actually performed in musical theater—not even in high school—I always loved to sing.

I started playing piano when I was about five or six and took lessons on and off for many years. I also learned guitar and flute, and during the pandemic, I taught myself to play the ukulele. In college, I joined choirs and eventually began taking voice lessons. I started going to open mics and even hosted a few house concerts in my East Bay home. Little by little, music became my life.

My Other Life: From Massage Therapy to Pilates

My professional life has taken a few turns over the years. I started out as a massage therapist, then became a landscape designer and gardener, returned to massage therapy, and eventually found my way to Pilates. I ran a thriving Pilates studio in El Cerrito for ten years before having to close it during the pandemic. Today, I have a successful small studio in my home, where I work with clients one-on-one. I also continue to teach some virtual classes that became popular during the pandemic.

More Than a Chorus

OGMC has become family to me. Through music, I’ve made close friends and found other ways to contribute to the chorus beyond singing. I am involved in our PR/Marketing committee, where one of my main tasks is interviewing chorus members for our monthly newsletter, Notes. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the people who make up our chorus and share their stories with others. I also serve on the Artistic/Production committee. Along with two other members, I help figure out concert attire and costumes for our performances. My mother was a fashion designer, so this part comes naturally to me!

During the seven years I’ve been with OGMC, I’ve watched the chorus change and grow as longtime members move on and new singers join us. Right now, there’s so much wonderful energy and enthusiasm around outreach, helping the chorus grow, and making us more visible in the community. As Tenor 1 section leader, I’m proud and thrilled to be part of this growth. I’m grateful for the music, the friendships, and the sense of belonging OGMC has given me, and I look forward to seeing what lies ahead for our chorus!