Making something like this happen in our current situation is the work of many. Our gratitude and praise to the following individuals cannot be stressed enough.
Thank you to the colleagues who helped us make all of this happen:
To Beth Lyles, for welcoming me to Noe and showing me the ropes.
To Linda Pulley, for all of the help and support. Seriously. Some of this wouldn't have come together if it weren't for her, and we can't express enough gratitude.
To Amberly Simpson, for being a wonderful artistic colleague and collaborator and helping add a wonderful visual aspect to "Esta Tierra."
To Joe Welsh, for that great jangly sound.
To Samantha Brooks, for helping to bring visual vibrancy to "Rise."
To Lydia Cox, for listening, sharing, and helping out.
To Nelson Dougherty, for being a wonderful colleague and collaborator.
To the University of Louisville musicians who recorded instrumental tracks for "Shine on Me."
Thank you to those behind the scenes:
To Jennifer Cave and all of the administration team at Noe, for their unending support.
To Mustafa Al Waeli, for his guidance with our Arabic diction.
To the parents of each student, for their support and patience.
To Dodie Wrocklage-Harp, for the fantastic group photo collage.
To Katie Cauley, for her professional editing services on this digital program.
To Ray Weaver, the greatest music supplier anyone could wish for.
To my wonderful family and friends, for their encouragement and support.
To my husband Seth Manning, for graciously handling my obsession with this project for the past six months.
Most of all, thank you to the choir directors and educators who shaped who I am today:
To Alexis Paxton, for believing in me.
To Lori Knapke, for being honest and not giving up on me.
To Dr. Kent Hatteberg, for helping me focus on the details.
To Noel Weaver, for encouraging me to always give my best to the students.
(and for asking "When are you guys performing?" pretty much constantly for the last three years).
To Mick Neely, for always making me feel welcome.
To Frank Heller, for being an unforgettable source of inspiration.
And to Lois Granger for pulling me out of art in sixth grade and telling me to be in choir.
You didn't give me a choice, and for that I will be eternally grateful.