Farewell to Naturally

Naturally 2005 Regional Champions - Region 11 Contact: Anne Casey, 805-484-5159 Tenor: Tove Hoch Lead: Laura Pallas Baritone: Anne Casey Bass: Lisa Kneebone OTHER QUARTET FAREWELLS >>

It takes many women to make a chorus thrive.
We couldn't do it without each other,
and when someone leaves, we can't help but reflect on
how she has touched our lives.

Janet Hope

Janet Hope receives the Musical Achievement Award for her tireless contributions to the Santa Monica Chorus. Director Laura Pallas sings Janet's praises at our Installation Dinner in 2005.

Dear Region 11 friends,

It is with great sadness that the Santa Monica Chorus informs you of the passing of Janet Hope on Thursday, March 23, 2006. She died peacefully after a long illness.

Janet had already been fighting cancer for 2 years when she joined the Santa Monica Chorus in January 1996 as a Lead. She was totally dedicated to whatever activity in which she became involved and would not miss Tuesday rehearsal even after receiving chemotherapy that same afternoon. During her time with the Chorus, she served on the Board, managed the dues, and served as Events Coordinator. She had a fantastic memory, was often the first in her section to be off paper on new music. We knew we could count on her to remember what choreo direction or interp decision had been made at a previous rehearsal. Her last performance with the Chorus was at the 2005 Regional Competition. She was determined to be in her spot on the risers even though she had undergone surgery just 3 days before.

Janet was the 2005 recipient of our chorus' Musical Achievement Award, which is given by our Director each year to a member who has accomplished an outstanding musical goal or shown great improvement during the year. Janet was chosen to receive this award because her indomitable spirit had been an
inspiration to so many on a weekly basis.

There was a celebration ceremony on May 6th, 2006 at 3:30 PM at St. Augustine Episcopal Church, 1227 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, California. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made to: John Wayne Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Research 2200 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404

If you would like more information, please contact Marie at sulukule@earthlink.net.

Marie
President
Santa Monica Chorus

"When I first came to Santa Monica Chorus Janet was my Big Sister. She knew I had been singing Barbershop a long time and she also knew I didn't read music very well. So her Big Sister gift to me was several highlight pens. She said, "Take these pens and highlight on your music what's important to remember as a Lead and as time goes on you will improve your reading skills." I had heard that advice many times over the years but I had never taken it. Something about Janet made me really listen. Well, as a Lead I have long since lost all my pens, but I took her advice and now write all over my music word sheets and I believe I have improved. Janet's genuine caring heart and smile will always have a place in my memory and my heart forever."

Arlyne Lauro

Judy Waas

In loving memory of our tenor, Judy Waas, who passed away on December 21, 2005.

Judy joined the chorus in March of 2001 and was a devoted member who rarely missed chorus rehearsal. Judy lived in Apple Valley and drove 110 miles, one way, to attend chorus rehearsals. Judy always had a yes on her lips and could be counted on to help with many chorus functions. An excellent chorus and quartet tenor, she was friendly and kind to everyone and we will miss her.