I can’t imagine music not being a part of my life! I’ve loved to sing for as long as I can remember. My favorite great-aunt, Maggie Quinn, would get me to entertain with my rendition of my favorite song, You’re As Sweet As A Red Rose. Of course, I still talked “baby talk” (I was only 4 years old) and it came out “you’re as sweet as a wed wose.” I guess that’s why everyone loved to listen to me sing — and here I thought it was because I sounded so good!

Later, I sang with my sister, Mary Anne — she’d sing melody and I’d do the harmony (it helped to make doing dishes fun…well, almost!). Our dad, Tom Powers, thought we were good enough to perform on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour — a weekly radio show! In elementary school, I was a Blue Bird. We had Blue Birds, Red Birds, Yellow Birds and Black Birds, with Blue Birds being the very best. By the way, my classmate was none other that Shirley Carson, our Ladybirds director. She also was a Blue Bird (that was before “discrimination” was heard of!). We can’t seem to get away from being some type of “bird”!

At Central Junior/Senior High School in Lonaconing, Maryland, I participated in everything musical — plays, Glee Club, etc. In 10th grade I participated in the San Toy Theatre Talent Show and won 2nd place. Shirley Carson was my accompanist. I sang Baby Face. I lost out to Billy Neff who sang The Lord’s Prayer.

In high school I sang second soprano in a girls trio with Eleanor Sheally, soprano, and Shirley Carson, alto. The trio sang during our Senior May Day Program. We turned the event into a hilarious disaster! After the solemn crowning of the May Queen, we were singing Fred Waring’s beautiful version of Coming Through the Rye when, unbenownst to Joe Derry, our Music Director, and yours truly, a june bug had entered the auditorium and circled around the soprano’s head, causing her to swat at it. She and the alto (Shirley) stopped singing and started laughing; I kept singing away. When I finally realized I was the only “singer”…I cried. The audience roared. We drove the Director crazy! I guess that’s why I no longer have stage fright!

I sang a solo during our Senior Baccalaureate Service. I was a member of the choir at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lonaconing. After I married I became a member of the choir at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Cumberland, Maryland.

I joined the Ladybirds Barbershop Harmony Singers in October 1988. This was right up my alley since I always loved to harmonize! I sing the best part in four-part harmony — the bass! Basses are Beautiful and definitely the most fun! I suppose I am somewhat prejudiced!

I sang bass in the Chords on Q Quartet until it disbanded. I sang briefly with the Chordially Yours Quartet, replacing their long-time bass, Bootie McGreevy, a former Ladybirds member who moved to Florida. I am a “fill-in” bass for the Afternoon Delight Quartet. As a member of the local Notables Organ Club, I sing with other members during singalongs when they entertain.

Music says what words alone cannot say. It comes from the heart! Singing with the Ladybirds brings me much joy and happiness. Its the greatest hobby I could possibly have. I recommend it to anyone who can “carry a tune!”