We’re back with a new member project spotlight: a beautiful rendition of Song for the Mira by a father-daughter duo. (Catch all the spotlights in this short series here.)
Watch & listen to Song for the Mira, featuring:
- Soprano Sandra Liddy-Papp — vocals
- Tenor George Liddy — vocals and guitar
Member Spotlight: Sandra Liddy-Papp
Q: What town do you currently live in?
A: Tinton Falls, NJ
Q: For how long have you been a member of MCC, and why did you choose to join?
A: I have been a member for 6 years. I worked with MCC alto Claire Resnick for years, and she often would talk about MCC and suggested that I join. Then, my longtime friend Joanne Kelsey joined, and also suggested that I try out. Finally, I decided to have a go and audition.
Q: What’s your favorite piece or concert ever performed with MCC, and what did you love about it?
A: One of my favorite concerts was Love is In the Air. There were so many wonderful pieces, and I absolutely loved learning and singing all of them!
Q: What volunteer positions have you held with MCC, and what have you found most rewarding about volunteering?
A: I was a part of the music literacy committee for a while and participated in one of the new member focus groups. I do like working with other members, and helping out when I can.
Q: What do you do when not participating in MCC?
A: I am a choral music teacher at Thompson Middle School. I am an animal lover, having worked with many local rescue groups and having quite a few pets of my own. I also enjoy crocheting and gaming of all kinds. I have a wonderful husband and an 11-year-old son.
Q: What’s your favorite…
A: Meal: Mexican
A: Movie: Tombstone
A: Place to visit: The beach in the evening.
Q: What is one fun or surprising fact about you?
A: I love tattoos and have 8.
Q: What’s one great piece of advice (of any kind!) that you’ve received and would like to pass along to others?
A: From a director I worked with: We are nothing if we are not adaptable.
Member Spotlight: George Liddy
Q: What town do you currently live in?
A: Brick, NJ
Q: For how long have you been a member of MCC, and why did you choose to join?
A: This is my fourth year. We moved back to NJ in September of 2017 after 21 years in the Washington, D.C. area and our oldest daughter, Sandy, invited us to the MCC Holiday Concert. She had been talking about the group since she joined.
I had been a “church choir tenor” for many years and a folk singer since college, so I was excited to hear this group that Sandy had talked so much about. I was blown away by the concert! The singers were amazing, the musical arrangements were incredible, and I could sense the connection between Dr. Brandau and all of the musicians. I decided then that I wanted to be a part of this group.
Q: What’s your favorite piece or concert ever performed with MCC, and what did you love about it?
A: My favorite MCC concert was our Salute to Veterans in November, 2019. We sang to a packed house of veterans and their families in the Fort Monmouth chapel. The music and the audience’s reaction to it was very moving.
Q: What volunteer positions have you held with MCC, and what have you found most rewarding about volunteering?
A: I am on the Board as the Production chair. I enjoy being involved in the technical parts of concerts.
Q: What do you do when not participating in MCC?
A: I am a retired Risk Manager who was responsible for the business insurance program of a major telecommunications company. I now spend as much time as possible at the beach or in my sailboat. I also enjoy photography and playing guitar.
Q: What’s your favorite…
A: Meal: Pizza and a nice bottle of wine
A: Movie: Young Frankenstein
A: Place to visit: The Virgin Islands (on a sailboat)
Q: What is one fun or surprising fact about you?
A: I’ve played guitar since 1964.
Q: What’s one great piece of advice (of any kind!) that you’ve received and would like to pass along to others?
A: Never sell yourself short.
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