The Andersons Make Joyful Noise a Family Affair

olympia choral society
The Anderson family (from left) Dayle Sr., Tamara, Belana and Dayle Jr. huddle together outside Timberline High School's choir room following a rehearsal.
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When Tammy Anderson became a member of the Olympia Choral Society (OCS), she didn’t foresee it becoming a family affair.

“I joined OCS because my friend Sharon Harris encouraged me to audition,” said Tammy.

capital medical centerSharon had attended one of Timberline High School’s choir concerts and loved it. Tammy’s youngest daughter, Belana, was performing in its symphonic choir.

“Sharon found out that Mr. Terry Shaw, Timberline’s choir director, conducted a community choir. She auditioned without even attending one of OCS’ concerts,” Tammy said.

Harris was in the choir for one year before Tammy gained the courage to audition.

olympia choral society
The Olympia Choral Society currently includes four members of the Anderson family – (from left) Dayle Sr., Tammy, Belana, and Dayle, Jr. The family is standing beneath Shaw’s “dingbat” sign inside his Timberline High School classroom.

“I was hesitant to audition because the only choir I had really sang in was church choir,” said first alto, Tammy, whose parents were both members of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. “After my first audition, I actually did not make it in and that was okay at that time.”

Shaw later contacted Tammy and asked her to audition for a Beethoven concert where OCS was invited to sing with the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. “I made it into the choir at that time. It’s been a wonderful experience,” Tammy said.

Belana became a member of OCS in the fall of 2013 while she was still in high school and simultaneously singing in Timberline’s Chamber Choir. She became the youngest OCS member. “I started out as a soprano two and now sing alto two,” Belana said.

Her younger brother, Dayle Jr., stole the title when he joined OCS the fall of 2015 following his high school graduation. “Now I’m the baby in the choir,” Dayle Jr. said.

olympia choral society
Timberline High School choir teacher and OCS conductor, Terry Shaw stands with wife, Jennifer outside his classroom. Jennifer sings first soprano and serves on the board of directors with the Olympia Choral Society.

Knowing OCS was in need of male voices, his audition was less daunting than one might anticipate. “Mr. Shaw had me sing a few vocal exercises,” said Dayle Jr. who sings baritone. “I joined OCS because my family was doing it. OCS looked fun and it became a family activity. I enjoy singing and OCS allows me to keep doing what I enjoy.”

Dayle Jr., a baritone, was the last family member to join OCS in the fall of 2015. “Mr. Shaw asked me to come in. I came in four or five weeks late. Nobody knew who I was,” he recalled.

Dayle Sr. appreciates the talent and patience of Shaw. “Terry brings it out,” said Dayle Sr. “He expects excellence and then gets it. We rise up. He inspires us. We’re lucky to have him.”

olympia choral society
Olympia Choral Society founder and conductor, Terry Shaw, rehearses with choir before spring concert. Troy Arnold Fisher accompanies at the piano.

“It’s kind of unique because the I had three of them as students,” said Shaw. “All three were fun to have in class. Then I met Tammy and Dayle Sr. at a fundraising auction. What is unique is to have parents and children at this age involved in this together—two generations involved in the same thing at the same time.”

Auditions for OCS do not guarantee life-long membership. Vocalists have to re-audition every three years. “Not everyone makes the choir. Tammy and I re-auditioned last summer,” Dayle Sr. said.

“There are all different levels of singers in the choir, but at the same time, there is phenomenal talent here,” explained Dayle Sr.

Referring to his family, Dayle Sr. said, “They are all more musical than me. Terry lets me learn. He sees the bigger picture.”

Not only do Dayle Sr. and Tammy sing in the choir, they also serve on the board of directors for the Olympia Choral Society. “We manage the function of the choir,” said Dayle Sr. who handles the webpage and database for donors to the non-profit organization.

olympia choral society
(from left) Belana, Tammy, Dayle Sr. and Dayle Jr. stand inside the James Koval Center for the Performing Arts at North Thurston High School following the Crazy for Gershwin, Porter and Berlin Olympia Choral Society concert.

“It does cost money to run the choir,” said Tammy. “We have membership fees and expenses such as sheet music and equipment, paying the conductor and guest musicians.”

Other responsibilities include orienting new members, setting up for performances, and fundraising. The Olympia Choral Society funds an annual music scholarship to graduating seniors. In 2012, the award went to the couple’s oldest daughter, Julie. She performed A Tisket A Tasket at the OCS spring concert that year. Belana also earned an OCS scholarship in 2014.

“We received a grant that we’ll use to pay an orchestra, conductor, soloists and ensemble,” Dayle Sr. said. “Our goal is to be self-sustainable, to meet our obligations. We’re not there yet, but we’re close.”

Tammy’s experience with OCS has enhanced her life. “Of all the years of living here, I finally feel like I have a place where if I were to move, I would be sad. I’ve made great friendships. There are so many wonderfully talented people in the choir. At times I truly feel like I don’t measure up. Every time I attend a rehearsal, I am grateful for the opportunity for this experience in my life,” said Tammy.

To find the Olympia Choral Society’s upcoming concert information, click here.

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