Singer Spotlight: Emily Heuer

What was your first exposure to SVC…what/who inspired you to audition?

I sang with Bill Payn from 2002-2006 in Rooke Chapel Choir when I was a student at Bucknell, and had heard of SVC during my time at Bucknell. When I moved back to the area in 2011, I knew I wanted to be part of SVC once I didn’t have to travel so much for work. Finally, in 2021 my work travel had lightened up significantly, which allowed me time to be able to attend rehearsals regularly. Once Covid restrictions were lifted, I auditioned for this amazing choir!

What do you enjoy most about being a member?

I enjoy getting to know everyone in the choir. I love all of our diverse backgrounds and learning how music has impacted everyone’s lives.

How do you like to spend your free time outside of SVC?

I’m in another singing group, Heart of Pennsylvania, which is a women’s barbershop chorus. I am part of the music leadership team for that chorus, and additionally, I sing in a couple of quartets with other women from that chorus. So, my time outside of SVC is spent administering the chorus and learning music for both the chorus and quartets I’m in. Also, I love to read, garden, and hang out with friends and family. Oh, and I also work a full time job as a geologist! I tend to stay pretty busy!

Why do you think it is important to support the arts in our communities?

The arts are an essential part of the fabric of our community and it helps remind us that we are all simply human and that we can come together to work towards a goal – and make something beautiful for our community to enjoy. To create art in the community is to allow yourself to be vulnerable in a way that can bring people together, whether it be other artists in a group such as ours or appreciators of the arts, like the folks in our audiences!

What excites you most about the next era of SVC under a new conductor/music director?

I’m excited about the possibility of learning some new choral singing techniques, and possibilities for new singing opportunities and collaborations. I’m looking forward to getting to know our new director!