Testimonials From Kantorei Members
Looking back on my eleven years in Kantorei, it's hard to believe it has
been this long, yet it feels like an eternity at the same time. But what an eternity it's been! My first
experience with Kantorei was sitting through many concerts watching my brother sing with the Cadet Choir.
Since I wanted to be just like him, I was very eager to join as soon as I could. The next year, I was in.
I spent two years in the preparatory choirs with Mrs. Knight and learned the basic fundamentals of choral
music. As years went on, I eventually joined the Performing Choir and learned much more, such as the magic
of Neapolitan sixths and the Lydian mode. If it hadn't been for Kantorei, I'd probably think Justin Bieber
was a musical genius.
Some of Kantorei's greatest gifts are the many friendships I've made with my fellow members. Even though
I cherish the bonds with the boys my age, I realize that everyone is important in the choir. I remember
during a break at my first Performing Choir rehearsal when a tall teenager walked up to me and introduced
himself. Being a short little boy with round glasses and no sense of fashion, I was taken aback by how Andrew
and many other older guys treated me with respect and listened to my lame jokes. Since then, I have tried to
treat all the members of Kantorei the same way those older boys treated me.
There is no adequate way to sum up my amazing experience (and it really is an experience) in Kantorei. It
truly has changed my life, and I wouldn't be the same without it. So if you're considering joining Kantorei,
I have two words to say: do it. You may have to give up some free time and sit through many concerts, rehearsals,
and corny one-liners (courtesy of Mr. Ross), but it is definitely worth it in the end. I wouldn't have stuck with
it this long if it wasn't.
-Joel Gustafson
Performing Choir
Kantorei is such a great organization. It teaches young men the importance of
music. The repertoire we sing is very challenging and requires musical experience to perform well. Mr. Ross is a
phenomenal teacher and helps you become a better singer. The musical theory aspect of Kantorei is interesting
due to the fact that Mr. Ross is not a traditional teacher.
He teaches you through song. Most every piece of music has a new musical term in it. Mr. Ross is also a great
musician and wants to pass on his abilities to us. I think he does a great job of that. I love Kantorei. It has
made my life more complete and has strengthened my love for music so much, in fact, that I plan to pursue music
as my profession.
-Jared Slothower
Performing Choir
At the end of every tour there is traditionally a quiet time of reflection
following the final concert. Mr. Ross makes a brief statement about the seniors followed by the choir singing
"The Lord Bless You and Keep You" , by John Rutter. I don't know what other boys are thinking while
we sing this, but
memories of past years with the departing seniors flash through my mind. And in the few silent moments afterwards
I ponder the fact that those great people won't be at rehearsals the following year. This moment represents not
only our farewell to the seniors, but that these same graduates will pass on that role to the next group of young
men. It's at this point I feel we are the closest. I am awed at how much we bond during just one year of
rehearsals and performances. By the time tour comes around we all are already good friends. Every boy in the
choir is unique, but I believe that our love for music and singing is how we get along so well. Kantorei builds
not only a solid foundation and understanding of music, but forges enduring friendships. A love for singing is
what attracts boys to Kantorei, but it is the friendships you form and the memories you make that keep you in
the choir. I am certainly blessed with the friends and opportunities that Kantorei has given me, and am proud
to say that it has influenced my life.
-Stephen L'Heureux
Performing Choir
Wow! I cannot believe this is only my second year in Kantorei. It seems like I have
been in this great organization longer. It has been an amazing experience. I have been able to make great
friends and go places that I would not otherwise see. I love knowing there's a place that I can go to just
sing and have fun doing it.
Even though this is only my second year in Kantorei, I have grown so much personally. Whether it's learning
much more about music, developing communication skills or motivating myself, I've gotten better with them all
during my time in Kantorei.
The other boys in this choir are not just friends; they are like brothers. We sometimes make mistakes when first
learning the music, but I know that it will make us stronger. Being like brothers makes us work that much harder
to be the best we can be.
Kantorei is a commitment and does take work, but when you're singing well on stage it is all worth it. It's worth
the cost of being in the group, the time spent memorizing songs, and even the long trips from Freeport to Rockford
that I have to make every week. There is nothing that would make me quit, because Kantorei provides me a place I
can thoroughly belong. That is something not easily found.
-Jeffrey Manus
Performing Choir
