By Elizabeth Hartmann | Echo
Senior Abigail Sandy's life is marked by a love of music.
Sandy has been singing ever since she can remember. Because her mom was a junior high and high school choir teacher, she had little choice, but she loves singing and wants to always hold onto it in some form. Although her main passion is singing, Sandy learned to play the guitar, piano and clarinet.
Sandy first heard of Taylor at a local college fair and participated in CRAM. She knew Taylor was the place for her. Four years later, she will reach the pinnacle of achievement with her senior recital.
Her senior recital reflects the growth she has experienced and is the result of all of her study, practice and preparation. It is a milestone for Sandy and her musical career.
"(A senior recital) is kind of this big culmination of all the work that has been happening over the past four years of our lives," said senior Alyssa Henrikson, Sandy's friend and a music education major. "Senior recitals are really cool and fun and a big showcase of the hard work that has been put in…(Sandy) is extremely hard working and very dedicated and has just put so much into the music department even though she is just a minor."
Sandy has been extremely active in the music department, especially in the Taylor Chorale and Sounds. The chorale is made up of about 52 singers and from those 16 are selected by audition to participate in Taylor Sounds.
With these groups, Sandy has traveled both in the United States and abroad, including a trip to Greece during her sophomore year.
"I have known (Sandy), of course, since she was a freshman when she came into the Taylor Chorale," said Professor of Music JoAnn Rediger said. "So, we've traveled together and rehearsed together."
Rediger said Sandy holds all the qualities for a great ensemble singer with her musical talent, cooperative spirit and her desire to share her music with other people. Sandy's work ethic and talent makes Sandy a valued member of both the Taylor Chorale and the Taylor Sounds.
Sandy said she has grown in her faith a lot during the past four years and attributes that growth to her participation different choirs and music activities.
"Specifically, through doing Chorale and Sounds, I've learned a lot about connecting with God and worshiping him through all different sorts of mediums and different types of music," Sandy said. "That is definitely the way I connect with Him the most."
Rediger hopes students come and celebrate Sandy's achievement and knows those who attend will enjoy what is going to be a great show.
Sandy will share her talent with the Taylor community on Saturday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall through her senior recital.
