Music has been a part of my life since before I was born. My grandfather and grandmother were both musicians - Grandfather played the organ beginning at age 12. My mother played the piano throughout her life, and following family tradition, I started piano at the age of 6. I continued playing until my senior in high school in Albany, Georgia. At that point I joined the marching band on the glockenspiel, I could read the music! It was an amazing feeling. During the second world war while living in Santa Barbara, CA I continued with piano and school choir. My involvement with music really helped me as a shy teen to feel a part of the group at school.
I originally went to college to obtain a secretarial certificate, but I won a piano scholarship as a freshman and that turned everything around. I earned a B.S. in Music Education that enabled me to teach middle school general music, elementary school music, and develop the music program for a church kindergarten. I was a church choir director, organist, and piano teacher thereafter, and settled in Fort Wayne after 13 years with my husband and two children.
Music has made it possible to meet such wonderful people, both performers and volunteers. I couldn't begin to imagine living without "my music" - any and all kinds. I currently sing in my church choir and upon occasion play for events at church. Music has been and will remain a major part of my life. My son continues the music in my family as he plays country and blues guitar.
- Cathy Norton, Volunteer and Donor