Meet TCP’s Wisconsin Native

Amanda Sullivan, TCP Alto, pictured here with boyfriend, Ro

How did you get started in choral singing?

In fourth grade, in my home state of Wisconsin, I was asked to perform in a show called Stone Soup. While this was only a small play with some singing, the adrenaline of being on stage, having lines, and singing my heart out for smiling faces in the audience had me instantly hooked. I joined the mixed chorus in middle school the moment I entered fifth grade, participated in every honors youth chorus I could audition into, and was part of a traveling sing-and-dance troupe called Stage Kids throughout my middle and high school career.

While In high school I climbed the choral ranks and achieved my vision of being in the top vocal jazz ensemble of only 16 singers, as a junior, where I fell in love with a capella and madrigal music. We competed in some of the toughest Midwest choral competitions, traveled to Luther College to participate in the renowned Dorian Vocal Festival, and inspired the choral singers below us in ways I couldn't have imaged.

And in college, I participated in chamber and jazz ensembles, took voice lessons with the late Eudora Shepherd who also hosted my favorite singing event titled Broadway Night, and held a senior voice recital that further solidified my passion and deep desire to connect with others through song.

After college, I continued with choir and was part of a group called Bel Canto Chorus until I moved to California.

Were you a music major in college?

I studied at Beloit College in Wisconsin where I majored in Creative Writing and minored in Music and Journalism.

How did you hear about The Choral Project?

I learned about The Choral Project through my longtime boyfriend, Roald Morris. We dated long distance for nearly three years, and during that time I would come out and visit. A few of those visits were during TCP performances, where I assisted as an usher. As I watched the group perform, heard their glorious sound, and saw the incredible venues they performed in, I knew I wanted to be a part of the group. While I almost didn't make the cut on my first audition, Daniel gave me a chance and I am so grateful to continue to have the opportunity to sing with this incredibly motivated and moving group of people.

How long have you been a member?

This is my third season with TCP.

What is your favorite thing about singing with TCP?

Before moving to California, I was in a 100-person ensemble for three years in Milwaukee called Bel Canto Chorus. This is an incredible group that does well-known masterwork pieces, which was a big change from an intense focus on vocal jazz throughout my life. The transition to The Choral Project has brought me back to many of my choral roots. I enjoy the smaller group size and I also adore that we perform new works by living composers—something that is rare to find in many choir scenes in Wisconsin.

I really appreciate the diversity of the group, ranging from those with a passion for singing, like myself, to those who perform or teach music for a living. I learn every day from my fellow choir members.

Has The Choral Project met your expectations?

Yes!

What has been your most memorable moment with The Choral Project?

I have two. My first concert with TCP at San Jose Basilica was incredible for me on many levels. I had been in the audience to see TCP perform with the King Singers there previously, and couldn't believe I was standing on the same stage. Then, after I joined the choir, I was immensely delighted when I had the opportunity to actually sing with the King Singers on that very stage! I will never forget that experience. It reminds me so much of why I love to sing and the pure bliss I feel performing on stage.

What hobbies do you have, or what do you like to do when you're not singing?

I enjoy writing, including journaling, poetry, non-fiction, and memoirs. I often sing at the First Unitarian Church of San Jose with a group called Guitars Aloud. I love birdwatching and enjoy learning about all the different species in California. I also make a lot of time to talk with my family back home in Wisconsin, as I miss them terribly. It's quite strange not having them at my choral concerts because back home, they never missed one.

What is a fun or interesting fact that others might not know about you?

I grew up with rabbits! I think my family has raised nearly 20 since I was a child, from kindergarten to the present, so I am so thrilled to say I have adopted my first rabbit in California. Ro and I have named her Mazzeratti because she likes to run full-speed laps around the couch. Her record is six so far. I am an animal lover and if I could adopt all of the homeless bunnies in the world, I would.