Singer Spotlight: Elizabeth Dowd

What was your first exposure to SVC…what/who inspired you to audition?
I’ve been a long time admirer of SVC and attended many SVC concerts over the years, but I never thought of auditioning until Bill Calhoun, after learning I was singing with the Bloomsburg Singers, suggested I consider auditioning.

What do you enjoy most about being a member?
This has to be a three way tie between the challenge of learning the music, the joy of finally knowing it, and the pleasure of being part of the wonderful, wild, alto tribe.

How do you like to spend your free time outside of SVC?
After more than four decades of work with the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble where I acted, directed, and taught, I am greatly enjoying my recent retirement and the gift of some discretionary time. In addition to SVC I am a relative newcomer with the Bloomsburg Singers. I take pottery classes and enjoy hiking, walking, kayaking, paddle boarding—doing almost anything outdoors really. It may sound corny, but spending time with friends and family is probably my greatest pleasure. I keep my hand in theatre arts by doing Standardized Patient work for Geisinger, helping Doctors to practice communication skills and difficult situations by role playing a variety of patients. I’m also a member of the Bloomsburg Affiliate Board of the Community Giving Foundation and a volunteer with the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard. I have a sub-specialty in the performance of Japanese noh (ask me about it if you’re curious).

Why do you think it is important to support the arts in our communities?
The arts help us understand how to be better humans. They take us out of ourselves and offer a gateway to other ways of being, other experiences so they are no longer “other”—they are “us.” They bring joy and solace. They remind us how precious this one little life is.

What excites you most about the next era of SVC under a new conductor/music director?
As a newbie to SVC I feel tremendously grateful to have had the privilege to work with Bill Payn before he steps away to new adventures. I have much to learn about the intricacies of choral singing and I’m sure the new conductor/music director will offer new perspectives and methods that will help me grow.