Susan Falbo, Artistic Director:  Mrs. Falbo holds a Masters degree from the University of Minnesota in vocal performance and a Bachelor of Music from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.  She served as Artistic Director of the Palatine Children’s Chorus from fall 1994 until spring 2001; she returned to the director’s position in January 2004.  Previously she taught junior and senior high music in Iowa and was a voice and piano instructor for a music studio in Minnesota.  Mrs. Falbo also has extensive credits in the performance venue.  These credits include operatic favorites like Papagena in Die Zauberflote, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, and Lauretta in Gianni Schicci to classical musical theatre roles such as Marion in The Music Man, Tuptim in the King and I, and Maria in The Sound of Music.  Susan has performed with the Minnesota Chorale and Minnesota Orchestra Association, where her credits include Carmina Burana and Mahler’s Symphony No. 8.  She also appeared in Music on Stage’s “Rodgers and Hart:  A Celebration” this past April.  Susan is extremely grateful to her husband Robert and children, Robert Jr., Victoria, and little Ricky for all the encouragement they have given. 

 

Melissa Laabs, Do Re Mi/Treble Director: Melissa earned her Bachelor’s degree in music education from Illinois State University where she participated in the Honors Music Mentorship Program and graduated Cum Laude.  During the past few years she has taught vocal and instrumental music, musical theater and dance in both public and private schools. She is a member of MENC [Music Educators’ National Conference].  Melissa has served as both musical director and performer in community theater productions and churches.  She has also conducted numerous pit orchestras for local community theater groups. She currently enjoys teaching voice, piano and flute in her private music studio, in addition to her involvement in the worship team at the Rock of Israel Messianic Congregation as a vocalist, pianist and flautist; she and her husband welcomed their first child, Ian, last May.  She welcomes him to the PCC family


Michelle Nunez, Principal Accompanist:  Michelle earned her Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.  Over the years she has accompanied and/or directed numerous church choirs.  She currently enjoys her positions as Organist/Pianist at Bethel Lutheran Church of Rolling Meadows and accompanist for the Palatine Park District adult choir, Allegro.

Lily Hoops, Do Re Mi/Treble Accompanist:  Lily received her undergraduate degree in Music Piano Pedagogy from Northeastern Illinois University and her Masters in Music Education from Northern Illinois University.  She also holds many additional music education certifications. After years of service in our public schools, she now is praise team leader at the Chinese Baptist Church in Rolling Meadows and teaches piano and music theory in her private studio.

Sue Love, Finance/Travel Manager. Sue earned a BA degree from Augustana College, Rock Island, IL, in accounting and business administration.  Her twin daughters, Kate and Kris, joined the Chorus in 1994, and Sue began volunteering at concerts and special events, then as the Chorus “Secretary of State” for the 1997 Canada tour, and finally as Fundraising/Tour Chair for the 1999 New York and 2001 UK tours. Sue works as Accounting/Office Manager for Engine Parts in Des Plaines.  She thanks her daughters for introducing her to the Chorus family, her husband Brad for his understanding all the hours she devotes to PCC, and the Directors / Accompanists and Diane Ramsden for their hard work and dedication to the singers, helping them discover the joy and power of music.

 

Diane Ramsden, General Manager:  For Diane, this is a third “career.”  After graduating from NIU with degrees in English and French, she taught English in High School District 214 for 15 years as a writing/research specialist.  After retiring from the classroom in 1984, she became a free-lance editor, a career she continues to pursue.  This is her 12th year as General Manager of the Palatine Children’s Chorus.  She thanks her husband Bruce for being part of PCC’s permanent tech/mailing crew and her daughter Jamie, a 12-year PCC singer who is now in a new role as chaperone, for encouraging her to take this position; Sue Falbo and Melissa Laabs, for their leadership, enthusiasm, and inspiration; Sue Love, for her constant help and friendship; and of course our wonderful singers and their families for their unending support and enthusiasm.



 

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Last Updated On: 04/14/2008