Leadership

Kathy Larkins

Director

Kathy Larkins, DirectorKathy Larkins has lived a life filled with music; beginning with piano lessons as a youngster, through elementary and high school choirs and marching band, with Capital University’s Chapel Choir on a tour of Europe, to a degree in music education from The Ohio State University, until finally becoming part of the unique world of Sweet Adelines.

Kathy’s early business life was that of a retailer. For 20 years she was one of the owners of The Candle Shoppe, a store devoted entirely to candles. This amazing shopping destination in Columbus, Ohio, eventually grew into a 7,000 sq. ft. wonderland of sights and scents becoming the largest retail candle store east of the Mississippi River. In 2000, she left the world of candlelight to co-found Ducks in a Row, a two-woman handyperson business. The original idea was to be professional organizers. However the focus changed from organizing to actually transforming spaces with paint, tile, hardwood, creative repair solutions, and a knack for thinking outside the box.

Kathy’s first Sweet Adeline experience occurred during high school when she formed a barbershop quartet, “The 4 Kathys”, to perform in a talent show. Afterward, the girls took their show on the road by visiting Columbus Chorus. The quartet was seeking an understanding audience and any guidance the members might be willing to share. The members were encouraging to the young singers and invited them to come back. That was in 1975. It would be 1986 before Kathy returned for a second visit. And when she did she was hooked!

As a member of Columbus Chorus, Kathy has held many positions: Head Riser Setter-upper, President, Membership Manager, and Baritone Section Leader. In 2006 she was named an Assistant Director and began the Directors Certification Program. In 2008 she became a Certified Director, and in 2012, became the Director of the Columbus Chorus.

 

Kim Lawrence

Associate Director

Kim joined this chorus in 1986. Kim previously served as a founding member of River Magic Chorus in Huntington, WV. Her quartet, the Alumni Association, won the Regional Quartet Contest in 1983. Kim is a section leader in Columbus Chorus and has served as vice president and quartet promotion chair. She and Kathy co-own a small contracting business. Along with working and singing, Kim and Kathy enjoy spending time with Kim’s 3 children, 4 grandchildren and those nine felines. In 2009, Kim also completed the DCP and is now a Certified Director.

 

 

Linda Rightor

Assistant Director

Linda was a charter member of Thames Valley Chorus in Groton, CT and transferred to Columbus Chorus in 1969. Over the years, Linda has served in many ways including president, team manager, show chair and section leader. As an accountant for the city of Columbus, she is well suited for her current position as Financial Manager. Linda is a widow with three children, three step-children and eight grandchildren in OH, TN, MI and FL. When not visiting her family, she likes to spend time with her two youngest grandsons right here in Columbus. In 2009, Linda completed the Director Certification Program becoming a certified director in the Sweet Adelines organization.

 

Mary Ellen Guntzelman

Master Director Emerita

Mary Ellen Guntzelman became a member of Sweet Adelines in 1959 with a chorus in Cincinnati and sang for the rest of her life. She became Assistant Director of the Chorus in 1964 but was then transferred with her job to Cleveland, Ohio where she became Director of the Parma Chorus in 1966. After directing that chorus for four years, she accepted a position with the Defense Department in Columbus, Ohio and became the Director of the Columbus Chorus in the fall of 1970, holding that position until 2012. Mary Ellen received Master Director status at the Region 4 Competition in April of 2003.

During her many years as a Sweet Adeline, Mary Ellen also sang in a quartet which competed annually, winning the Regional Competition on one occasion and receiving third place medals and honorable mention on several occasions. In addition to performing with the chorus and for a variety of audiences in the Columbus area, her quartet also entertained on a number of shows presented by other Sweet Adelines and Barbershop choruses throughout the region.

Mary Ellen assisted the Regional Director of Musical Activities (DMA) by serving as a staff member for a number of years, providing training for Sweet Adelines throughout the Region. She also has coached various Sweet Adeline choruses and quartets.

She loved barbershop harmony and the beautiful music that could be made with just the human voice. She enjoyed this wonderful hobby and appreciated the many friends she made through the years.

 

Member of

sweet adelines international

Contact us

Columbus Chorus
Sweet Adelines International
(614) 470-3104

Email us

Weekly Rehearsals

Every Monday at 7pm
St. Paul Lutheran Church
55 Pasadena Avenue
Columbus 43228

Masks are optional at rehearsals.

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