Lift the Chorus: Voices from Cornell Alumni

Kate Benjamin, a 1993 graduate with a major in design and environmental analysis from Cornell’s College of Human Ecology, played a pivotal role in creating the Cornell Chorus subset a cappella group, After Eight. She also served as its first music director. Now a renowned cat-centric designer living with 11 cats, Kate creates innovative spaces for cats and owners, with work featured in The New Yor...

Coming January 24th, 2025 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, this season contains 15 episodes with a 2 part Centennial Celebration Special, along with pandemic-focused episodes exploring the planning and efforts made by Cornell Chorus alumni to keep the traditions of the chorus alive through difficult times. It was such a privilege to speak with so many hardworking women so passionate about the Chorus...

Karina Melgar, an electrical and computer engineering major, and Crystal Arguelles, a biology and society major, both graduated from Cornell in 2023 and were deeply invested in rebuilding the Cornell Chorus after the pandemic. Karina, as President, and Crystal, as General Manager, helped revive traditions like tours and chariot while fostering a close-knit community. They reflect on the friendship...

Jane Hubbard, a 1981 biological sciences graduate, reflects on her transformative experiences in the Cornell Chorus, emphasizing the unique opportunities provided by the all-women’s choral group and its collaborative spirit with the Glee Club. She shares stories of lifelong friendships, leadership growth, and memorable performances, including collaborations with orchestras and singing in iconic sp...

Carol Bartholomew, a 1981 graduate of Cornell's College of Engineering, is an accomplished electrical engineer and a passionate choral singer. Her time in the Cornell University Chorus played a pivotal role in fostering her lifelong love for music. During her time in the Chorus, the ensemble was comparable in size to today but offered fewer social and extracurricular opportunities for women. In th...

Jessie Briggs, a 2012 biology graduate, reflects on her time in the Cornell Chorus as a member, vice president, and president. She shares unforgettable memories of tour performances, traditions, and the lifelong friendships she formed. Now a pediatric hematology and oncology fellow, Jesse credits the Chorus with shaping her leadership skills, sense of community, and ability to tackle challenges. S...

Heather Robbins, a 1983 Cornell graduate and English major, was a member of the Cornell Chorus and its original subset a cappella group, Nothing But Treble. Passionate about classical and contemporary music, she fondly recalls the close-knit community and transformative performances during her time at Cornell. Heather remains an engaged alumna, advocating for the preservation of the chorus's tradi...

Alison Torrillo French, a 1995 graduate in Communication Arts from Cornell's College of Agricultural Life Sciences, was an integral part of the Cornell Chorus and its a cappella subset, After Eight. Known for her creativity in crafting tour songs, Allison cherishes the strong bonds and musical challenges that shaped her college experience. Now a dedicated alumna, she continues to sing a cappella a...

Leah Levine, a 1998 English graduate, cherishes her time in the Cornell Chorus, especially performing with the Syracuse Symphony and bonding on tours. She values the traditions of student leadership, collaboration, and touring. Her experience in After Eight boosted her confidence and strengthened friendships.

Jessica Woo, a 1993 graduate with a major in psychology from Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences, recalls her time in the Cornell Chorus, especially during the Southeast tour. A former tour manager, Jessica values the leadership skills and camaraderie she developed, which continue to influence her life. Now an active alumna, she cherishes the growth of the chorus and encourages prospective memb...

Erin Elizabeth Flinn, a 2000 graduate and College Scholar from Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences, played a key role in advancing the Cornell Chorus’s financial equity and expanding its repertoire. Her leadership as vice president and concert chair translated into a successful career as a creative executive in unscripted television. Erin continues to cherish her connections with fellow chorus...

Meghan Brown graduated in 2013 with a major in English and a minor in music from Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences. During her time in the Cornell Chorus, Megan faced challenges that taught her the value of long-term planning and teamwork. A passionate advocate for the chorus’s future, she played a key role in strengthening its endowment. Today, Megan cherishes the lifelong connections she fo...

This episode of Lift the Chorus offers a unique perspective, featuring Scott Tucker, a previous conductor of the Cornell University Chorus from 1995 to 2012. He reflects on his musical journey, beginning as a trumpet player before transitioning to choral conducting. Tucker shares memorable moments from the Chorus' 1998 tour to Taiwan, where they performed for Taiwanese President and Cornell alumnu...

Deirdre Courtney Batson, a 1972 history graduate, reflects on her time in the Cornell Chorus, noting its evolution from a less recognized group to a thriving and inclusive organization. She shares stories from her time, emphasizing the importance of questioning the status quo and pushing for change. Currently writing a book on the Chorus’s history, Deirdre highlights how its journey mirrors broade...

Chelsea Brite, a 2015 graduate with a degree in Human Development from Cornell’s College of Human Ecology, fondly recalls her time in the Cornell Chorus, including the memorable tours she participated in. As a former general manager, Chelsea honed valuable skills in time management and networking, which have been instrumental in her career as a lawyer. She encourages current and prospective member...

Nancy James, a 1996 graduate with a degree in English and Music from Cornell, cherishes her time in the Cornell Chorus and as an early member of After Eight. Throughout her four years, she participated in memorable tours, including an unforgettable plunge into the ocean during a winter tour in Florida. Nancy played a key role in shaping the traditions of After Eight, contributing to the release of...

Betsy Murphy Erickson, an English major from Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences, found her leadership voice through the Cornell Chorus. A former member of the subset a capella group Nothing But Treble, she played a pivotal role in advancing the chorus's presence and tradition. Betsy’s experience helped shape her career as an appellate trial attorney and continues to inspire her lifelong pa...

Filmed live during Cornell Reunion weekend, Joy Marovitz ('94), Tara Parmiter ('94), Nancy Weislogel ('93), and Susan Jones ('94) share memories of founding the After Eight a capella group, and the lasting bonds they've formed. Joy has a BFA in Architecture, Art, and Planning. Tara is an English major and original soprano two in After Eight, contributing to the group’s early su...

Liz Mueller, a 2018 graduate from Cornell’s College of Agricultural Life Sciences, majored in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences. Passionate about music, Liz served as president of After Eight and as tour manager for the Cornell Chorus during her junior year. She now works in museum education at the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.

Join Sydney Pho, Vice President of the Cornell University Chorus, on Lift the Chorus: Voices from Cornell Alumni. Each week, explore the stories, memories, and music that unite generations of Cornell Chorus alumni. Celebrate the legacy, friendships, and careers shaped by the chorus. Subscribe now and tune in weekly!