At the beginning of the summer, CSU Chamber Choir alum, along with their families and Dr. James Kim, director of choral activities at CSU, gathered together for a chance to sing and catch up. The group rehearsed and performed favorite pieces from the last eleven years including “Abide with Me,” at a Denver nursing home. The day concluded with dinner, camaraderie, and more singing at Kim’s house.

CSU Special Assistant Professor of Choir Stuart Dameron, who graduated with his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from CSU in 2009, and went on to earn a Master's in Choral Conducting at CSU in 2011, reflected on the joy brought about by the reunion:

What was most remarkable about getting back together with the Chamber Choir alumni for me was the tangible connection we had with each other; one that we realized we never lost. After we each graduated, we’ve grown, moved to other places, created families, and pursued careers – both in and out of music – and yet, despite perhaps losing contact, none of us lost the connection we had with our fellow members throughout the years.

We consider this group to be a family, and like families, we know are members for life.

In this modern world of social media and compartmentalized online interaction, many "connections" we find ourselves making with the outside world are in fact, baseless. To have a tangible connection with these cherished individuals who have not only walked together with me through the most formative years of my life, but have also grown as I have grown and have gone out as I have gone out to make the world a better place, is something I will carry with me for all the years of my life.

Stay connected with the CSU Chamber Choir on Facebook or by updating your information at music.colostate.edu/alumni.