Circle Singers Member Profile
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Circle Singers presents its Member Profile. Here periodically we will present some inside "scoop" on the life and times of one of our members. We hope to accomplish two things: First, to give a more human picture of the chorus by showing some of the neat people who participate; Second, to improve personal awareness within the group since we come from such disparate areas of greater Cincinnati.
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If you have been fortunate enough to attend a Circle Singer Concert you would have seen an exceptionally cheerful soprano in the front row. Christine Phelen is one of those lucky individuals whom have been blessed with having a natural authentic “smiley face”. When meeting Christine for the first time, it is very difficult not to return her warm smile.
Born in Madisonville, Cincinnati, Christine attended St. Mary High School in Hyde Park (now Purcell Marian High School) and, while employed at the University as Secretary to the Head of the Materials Science Division of the Engineering College, she attended evening College at the University of Cincinnati.
In 1968 Christine married a graduate student in chemistry and left Cincinnati for husband’s job as chemistry professor in Wisconsin, and ultimately moving on to Pasadena, California. In Pasadena in addition to working as a secretary at an architectural firm for 13 years and a legal firm for 20, Christine served as Brownie leader, President of Junior Women’s Club and on the Board of a nonprofit agency for years.
Christine has also traveled to Germany and Austria. On looking back at her Austria trip Christine noted with a smile “I was the only one on the bus participating in the sing-along of Sound of Music songs on a tour of Salzburg”. She has also traveled to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean many and states throughout the US including Alaska and Hawaii.
Now divorced, Christine has a 40-year-old married daughter living in California. Having recently returned to the Cincinnati area, Christine enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, tap dancing, Jazzercise and the warm company of her three cats.
As a youngster, Christine sang in children’s choir in elementary school and glee club and variety shows in high school. As an adult, although she loved all music and musical theatre, Christine’s adult singing performance experience was mostly limited to lullabies for her daughter and sing-alongs with her CDs and radio.
Now, as a successful Circle Singer, Christine’s lack of formal experience is clearly overshadowed by her positive enthusiasm and her naturally good-natured spirit. Whenever you attend a performance of the Circle Singers, be sure to take note of the smiling lady in the front row.
I’ll bet just watching her enjoying singing will make you smile.
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