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Director Gena Sommer
Our director Gena Sommer
has been a member of Sweet Adelines for about 30 years, having been
in quartets most of that time. She's been successful in
achieving regional quartet championships allowing her to compete
Internationally six times. Gena taught English for 32 years.
Retiring in 2003, she is now the volunteer coordinator for 60
wonderful volunteers for a rural hospice. She comes from a
long line of musicians...both parents still sing and both brothers
sing and play in bands. She has two sons...one married and one
working on getting a masters degree at SIUC plus 4 stepchildren, 6
step-grandchildren, and 3 step-great grandchildren. She's
married to Frank, an adventurous duck hunter who always makes
life interesting.
Gena started
singing with the Hearts in 2002, competing with the chorus at
International Competition in Phoenix. Before she could drop
out due to her long drive, she was asked to take over as director.
Although she had briefly directed several years ago, she finds this
a unique challenge because the Heart of Illinois Chorus is such a
large, experienced chorus.
Gena says: "The
Hearts are being patient with me while I make my way as their new
leader. Together we're having fun making exciting music.
Come join us and be part of the fun!"
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Heart of Illinois Chorus
