April 16, 2005:  Shall We Gather

"... truly a gift from God"
Gretchen Ross

...to the MPC Manager, Loretta Faulkner:

"Loretta, we so enjoyed the wonderful concert last night.  The gift that
your musical group shares is truly a gift from God."

In another email Gretchen says:

"I'd be happy and flattered if he decided to use it." -- Gretchen

"... not only appeals to my emotions but nourished my soul"
Robert Fonda, Harpist

Dear Michael and Susan,

I really enjoyed last Saturday night's concert, which was especially enjoyable to me because so much of it glorified the Lord, which not only appeals to my emotions but nourished my soul as well. Maybe I am the only one in the entire audience that felt that way?

"... this one surpasses all the others! "
Loretta Faulkner, Manager MPC

Dear Michael,

In the seven years I've been a member of The Menlo Park Chorus, I always have a great time at our concerts and enjoyed the programs, but this one surpasses all the others!

Michael, I appreciate how we excel because of your talent, you're ability to pass on your enthusiasm and be our teacher.  We are so fortunate to have Susie's piano talent & expertise along with her constant cheer leading for you and the chorus!  The soloists talents (gosh! were they not the best!) are superb and to top it off - they are extremely nice people. Finally, I'm very impressed with the talent and loyalty of the whole chorus.  We are so lucky to have each and everyone one of them!

"... true love of the music we sing"
Judy Lookabill (member of MPC - former member of West Bay Opera Chorus)

Hello Michael,

As a first time member of the Menlo Park Chorus participating in my first concert, I want you to know how much I enjoyed working with the fellow chorus members, you and Susan. It was a priviledge to be a part of such a professional "amateur" group which truly represents the meaning of the origin of the word amateur (from the latin, "to love").  It seems that there is a true love of the music we sing and I feel that your leadership which includes music selection, coaching, leading, and extracting the very best in all of us is what makes all the difference.  Your extremely professional background with your attentive and caring approach inspires us to do better and better work.  I look forward to working with you in the future and feel that each successive session will improve my singing and music ability.

"... I would wish that more "professional" choruses would have such a great sound and love for music..."
Alma De Lon (professional soloist and just finishing Post Graduate Diploma at  S.F. Conservatory of Music

Dear Mr. Gibson, thank you! It was a wonderful evening. Both the music and the musicians, especially your wife, were very inspiring. I really appreciate your strong and knowledgeable directing and the Menlo Park Chorus is a wonderful, dedicated group of singers. I felt very welcomed and appreciated! My guests that came to the concert  were amazed when I told them that the chorus is not a so called professional chorus. I would wish that more "professional" choruses would have such a great sound and love for music as does your chorus. Best regards, especially to your wife, she is such a wonderful person and pianist!!! Alma
 

"... All 15 people I invited...were really impressed."
Anne (member of MPC)

All 15 people I invited to the concert Saturday night were really impressed. They loved the  variety and quality of the musical selections, and said we sounded great. It was a great experience for me too - my first performance with MP Chorus and my first as an ALTO. Thanks for all you do to make us sound so good!

"... You guys are really good!"
Kathy Mathews (former member of MPC)

"Beautiful!"

. "You guys are really good and I really
enjoyed your music!"

When Loretta Faulkner, Manager of MPC thanked several audience members, they said:

. "Thank me? I thank you for the
beautiful music and program!"

"Thank me? I am so thankful I came.
I love your music!"

. "Thank me? I thank you so much
for the beautiful music and the good time
I had here!"

.. "Thank me? I should be thanking
you - we had a very good time!"