Biography

Alexis Baker - 2008 - Virginia Tech, Theatre and Communications

Choirs: Modern Appeal (2 years), Debut (2 years), A Capella (1 year), Madrigals (1 year)

Favorite Chorus Memories: "I'm pretty sure I have three pages typed that were said at the chorus banquet that are completely inappropriate and dumb but some of my MOST favorites were: getting to be a part of the first year of an all girls show choir, thinking that going on spring trips on cruises were the "norm", being scared of Miss Matthews (hah!), growing as a singer, making friends that I'll NEVER ever grow apart from, turning everything Miss M said into a sexual comment, getting stressed out the week before the musical, sitting with Miss Matthews before 2nd period second semester of my senior year and just talking about our BFF-ness, inside jokes with other chorus kids, the MADS table, how December we had 11 concerts in three weeks, not letting girls get any solos... ever, the last night of Les Mis and crying until I couldn't cry anymore, hating to end the last chorus concert, hating to leave the drama banquet, holding out the last notes in "That Lonesome Road" at Baccalaureate to savor the last song we'd sing together, crying during Irish Blessing at graduation, saying goodbye to Miss Matthews and still texting her everyday. Those are just my favorites :)"

Advice to Current Students: "Just face the facts that if you're in two or more choirs, you are a chorus kid. You have more clothes in the chorus room than your closet. You see Miss Matthews more than your parents and without thinking you sing the songs you sing in class around non-chorus kids hoping they know what you're talking about. Don't be late... ever. Really. No..seriously.. don't. Suck up to Miss Matthews ALL the time."

Note to Ms. Matthews: "I'm not entirely sure what to say! I think I've said it all numerous times but I can't tell you how much my senior year meant to me. I'd always thought of you as a teacher, as someone who was so wise and untouchable. My senior year we really extended our relationship when you demanded so much of me and all I did was try to meet your high expectations. Not only did you push me in Les Mis but we truly became good friends. I found myself wanting to go to your office and bug you more than I wanted to socialize with my friends. That's a little weird huh? I appreciate our similarities and love for weird things. I talk about you all the time still to anyone who will listen. I'm fully aware I'll never meet a teacher as willing to give time and so eager to instill passion in their students as you did. Thank you doesn't even come close but it's all I can say. I appreciate everything so much and I definitely miss my BFF here in college."

Godwin Chorus Alumni are invited to post updates on this web page to let us know where you are and what you're doing. We'd also love to post a current picture of you! Send us an email with info about:

what year you graduated

what choirs/ensembles you participated in during your 4 years at Godwin

what college you are attending and what your major is -- OR -- what your current occupation is

what singing groups (or other fine arts endeavors) you are part of now

what your favorite Chorus memories are

advice to current Chorus students

notes to Ms. M, current students, or other alumni

any other fun tidbits you'd like to share

Alumni News

Michelle Davis - 2005 - Old Dominion University, Vocal Music Education and Vocal Performance Major

Choirs: Mixed Show Choir (4 years) and Madrigals. "I attend Old Dominion University and am Vocal Music Education and Vocal Performance Major with an emphasis in Piano! I am a member of the Diehn Chorale, University Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers and Ebony Impact Gospel Choir."

Favorite Chorus Memories: "My favorite memories are "Hump Day" and Winter Concerts!"

Advice to Current Students: "Ms. M isn't intimidating! Just bribe her with Diet Dr. Pepper! : - )"

Note to Ms. Matthews: "Sherri- You are such an inspiration to me and I love all the encouragement that you have shown me throughout the years! You gave me so many opportunities throughout the years and it has helped me grow."

What I am Doing Now: "I am in my fourth year at Old Dominion and LOVING it! I am active on campus with Sigma Alpha Iota (International Music Fraternity for Women) my sorority, and also being Student Body President/President of the Student Government Association! There's a lot going on! After school I'm off to Berklee College of Music to get my Masters in Music Ed then my Doctorate at NYU! Yay for life! God is good, life is great and I have no complaints! I'm preparing for my Senior Recital and our annual Madrigals Banquet. We dress up in Renaissance costumes and have a theme each year. This year the theme is Spain! We sing Spanish music and we have a Spanish dinner! It's a lot of fun and tickets are pretty cheap! (December 5th and 6th if you're interested!) I hope all is well for everyone else! Keep in touch!"

Rachel Dozier - 2008 -James Madison University, Media Arts and Design (Journalism) & Theatrer

Choirs: "At Godwin. I was in Musical Illusions (4 years) and A Capella (2 years, and I was student director). I'm attending JMU and I'm a Media Arts and Design (Journalism) Major, and I'm probably going to double major in Theatre as well."

Favorite Chorus Memories: "Caroling with A Capella, dueting with random people like Chris and Cameron during 7th period, and the Disney World Spring Trip!"

Advice to Current Students: "Audition for EVERYTHING! Even if you don't think you will make it, the experience helps you out later on! Oh and don't be afraid to speak out in class (not in an obnoxious way) even if it's in a class like Eagles or Illusions. Make yourself known!"

Note to Ms. Matthews: "Ms. M: Thank you so much for the help you have already given me and continue to give as I start off in college! Your influence and help have been so comforting in my first few stressful days of college!"

Join Choral Boosters as an Alumni Friend!

Show your support for the Choral Program that meant so much to you during your high school years by becoming a Booster Member. The suggested donation is $10. Your name will appear in each of the concert programs; you will receive copies of the Choral Booster newsletter; your info will appear in the Choral Booster directory; and you will receive email updates that remind you of upcoming concert dates. But most importantly, your contribution will help ensure that other students have the excellent choir experience that you did. Just complete the Alumni Friends application. Many thanks!!!

Myles Glancy - 2004 - University of VA, Music & Psychology

Choirs: Madrigals, Show Choir, Barbershop - currently a member of the UVA Hullabahoos, an all-male a cappella group

Favorite Chorus Memories: "walking into school a half hour early just to hang out with fellow choir members before the day begins, singing an uplifting hymn in the catwalk to open a concert, winning a bronze medal at the Int'l Barbershop Competition in Montreal, DISNEYWORLD . . . I still remember my first audition for show choir before I started attending school when I sang Seasons of Love . . . SO cliché!!"

Advice to Current Students: "Never EVER quit singing. Keep at it, and strive to learn anything you can from Ms. Matthews (or Sherri, as I can now call her :-P). Looking back, I have now truly realized how much she has impacted my singing. Because of the constant training as well as support she gives her students each and every day, I have the voice I've always desired to attain. And with the help of training from my current voice teacher, I can continue to build on that strength that Sherri taught me to possess. Singing is a gift, and when it blossoms, the end result is magnificent, so KEEP ON SINGING!!"

Note to Ms. Matthews: "I've said it already, but I'll say it again. Sherri, your never-ending support and strength as a musician has boosted my musical talents to levels I never thought possible. You are truly an inspiration. Thank you for making me the singer and the person I am today."

What I'm Doing Now: "Wow, it's been a long road, but I've finally graduated from the University of Virginia, earning my degree in Music and Psychology. I'm currently still in Charlottesville working with the psychology department on a multisite longitudinal child development study (the Early Steps Project). Music, however, is still my greatest passion, and after leaving my current job, I plan to pursue a music career for a few years and eventually earn my doctorate in music. Keep in touch, guys!"

Megan Grizzard - 2006 - James Madison University, Nursing

Choirs: Eagles, Musical Illusions

Favorite Chorus Memories: "My favorite chorus memories are definitely the spring trips and CONCERTS!!! I really loved being in chorus because it was always fun and allowed for great friendships. "

Advice to Current Students: "Never talk in class and never chew gum or you will get the evil eye! :-) But honestly, get to know your chorus peers and Ms. M because that's what makes it fun. "

Note to Ms. Matthews: "Thank you for all you do! Your note at graduation was so sweet--It made my day...Your class in general would make my day during school. I always loved being able to sing great music. You are such an amazing music teacher and I'll always remember my four years with your choral program!!"

id it already, but I'll say it again. Sherri, your never-ending support and strength as a musician has boosted my musical talents to levels I never thought possible. You are truly an inspiration. Thank you for making me the singer and the person I am today."

Bryce Hardin - 2008 - Liberty University Distance Learning Program, Biblical Studies

Choirs: Eagles Combination (4 years, student director Sr. year) , Madrigals (1 year), Show Choir band - drums (1 year). I was a resident student at Liberty University for my first semester, but now am an online student doing classes through Liberty's Distance Learning Program pursuing a Biblical Studies Major. I now play scream (ironic huh?), play drums, and will be touring full time with the band Endeavor The Seas, www.myspace.com/endeavortheseas

Favorite Chorus Memories: "Bass Power, Mr. Tuck, Ms. M yelling at me while I was playing drums, usually telling me I was playing too fast, or too loud, or something of that matter. Chick-fil-a milkshakes with Nathan Reihl after Powhatan. PJ AND THE CHUBBY BOYS!!!, free food at McKesson, Ms.M's never ending frustration with Chris Collins....and the fact that she couldn't keep a straight face. Mumbling with PJ, Dem Bones. I Am Not Yours. Solfege, Sight Reading, Spring Trips, having to listen to Les Mis music a majority of all my study halls my senior year, getting an award for drumming....which was totally unexpected, being a part of Ms.M's "most favorite" part of the band (the drumline) and all the antics that followed, but most importantly the guidance and passion that Ms.M showed me, and how it changed me to the musician that I am today."

Advice to Current Students: "Diet Dr. Pepper fixes everything, Be on time, Know your music, and always listen to Ms.M."

Note to Ms. Matthews: "Ms. M: Thank you so much for teaching me so much about musicianship, passion, and so many other things about music. I know I am not singing right now, more like doing the opposite, haha, but what you have taught me has truly affected me on how I view music; listening, writing, and performing it. I truly miss not being able to go to Mads everyday, but I know that you are still instilling all these great qualities that you have taught me, and are truly changing lives everyday."

Claire Harvey - 2006 - James Madison University, English

Choirs: "I was a member of Musical Illusions, A Capella, Beautyshop, and Madrigals at some point during my stay at Godwin. I am excited to say that I am attending James Madison University and will be majoring in English so that I may write or teach. I also plan to try-out for a singing group at school but I'm not exactly there yet, so, I'll keep you posted."

Favorite Chorus Memories: "My favorite memories in choir are priceless: Robert Gates "birthin'" my baby during the Winter Concert (don't ask), Bailey Zwarcyz and I quoting from Finding Nemo non-stop sophomore year, hearing the "cat's meow" in the elevator shaft with Albert Kotchish, doing a "model walk" on board the cruise with Courtney Woodburn, Ashley Landes, Kristin Struck, and Ms. M on the camera, smashing the tape of our horrid judge in Madrigals and the decorating Kevin Jones' fallen bumper over the music library with the tape inside, Emily Perkins and I just being weird, and EVEN more memories with both years of Beautyshops."

Advice to Current Students: "Now, my advice is to embrace the time you have at Godwin by making friends and letting them know you value them. Give 110 when singing because the payback is 120, don't judge people before you get to know them- they just might be as weird as you, if you can believe it!, and, of course, WRITE EVERY INSTANCE OF HILARITY DOWN (or find someone else with you who will!)."

Note to Ms. Matthews: "Ms. Matthews, thanks for the note at Graduation. It really meant a lot. You have no idea, or maybe you do!!, how much you have impacted my life. I can now say I am a more disciplined, focused person because of you and your teaching. I hope that every year the choirs get better and better."

Other Tidbits: "Courtney Woodburn has a furry tail. (insert uncontrollable giggles)"

Jennifer Hoad - 2006 - Virginia Commonwealth University, Political Science

Choirs: Eagles, Musical Illusions, A Capella

Fine Arts Endeavors @ VCU: "I am a part of the Choral Arts Society at VCU"

Favorite Chorus Memories: "My favorite chorus memories would definently be spring trip to Bahamas and Disney World. I also enjoyed making Acapella senior year and going caroling at Lewis Ginter and Maymont. My favorite songs were Sisters and Job Job."

Advice to Current Students: "Never be afraid to sing out -- even if you are wrong and not sure. Try out for every solo because it will help you to achieve confidence when you sing. Bring a pencil to class and be prepared to write down a lot of stuff. Don't leave your folder on the piano and don't chew gum during class!"

Note to Ms. Matthews: "I have really enjoyed being a part of the chorus program during my four years of high school. You helped me to become a strong singer. You really do care about your students a lot and you go out of your way to make sure that the groups are the best they can be. Thanks for being an awesome teacher!!"

Lauren Honeycutt - 2006 - Radford University, Music Education

Choirs: Musical Illusions, Modern Appeal, A Capella

Fine Arts Endeavors @ VCU: Radford Chorale

Favorite Chorus Memories: "Being Miss M's #1 AZN, making fun of how little Miss M's mouth is and how insanely huge mine is, opening Kim Yoon Me's Asian Experience restaurant with Albert Kotchish, being student director of all those girls in Illusions, " 'scuse me" with Megan Tschope, Arielle Davis hiding under our bed during spring trip when Mrs. Ames came in, being Kendall Serpe and Allie Taylor's chauffer and stopping at Ukrops, grading exams at Miss M's house with Albert and getting her high score on Hangaroo, and basically stalking Miss M and being in chorus in general!!!"

Advice to Current Students: "If you make Miss M mad, bring her Diet Dr. Pepper . . . flowers work well too. Don't make fun of how little she can open her mouth. Tell her how much you love her daily. HAVE FUN in your chorus classes!! Don't be afraid to be crazy . . . chorus IS about hard work and all, but if you don't have fun then what's the point?!"

Note to Ms. Matthews: "Ms. M!!! HOW I MISS YOU! Things are just not the same without you in my life :) Haha, hope you're doing well and I can't wait to see you soon!!! <3"

Jesse Joyner - 1998 - Taylor University - IN (2002), Asbury Theological Seminary - KY (2007)

Choirs: Show Choir, Mads, Barbershop, All-County, All-State

Current Groups: The Singing Seminarians!

Favorite Chorus Memories: "everything, but probably the Austria trip and All-State the most"

Advice to Current Students: "listen to Miss M"

Notes to Miss M and others: "check out my website www.jessethejuggler.com, my e-mail is jesse_joyner@asburyseminary.edu.

Other fun tidbits: "I'm married to Sarah (she's hot) and we're moving back to Richmond in September of '07"

Laura Keller - 2006 - James Madison University, Business and Studio Art with a concentration in Interior Design

Choirs: Musical Illusions, A Capella

Fine Arts Endeavors @ JMU: "I don't have time right now, but I hope to audition for one of the a cappella groups next year. I'm working on my portfolio to apply for admission to the Studio Art program."

Favorite Chorus Memories: "Ms. M. throwing pencils (then swearing she didn’t), telling people at Deep Run we were going on a cruise for

Spring Trip, singing “Johnny Said No” for the first time, hearing everyone do Carmina Burana, when Chandler thought I was FIJJY pudding, bungee jumping in Pigeon Forge, when Noah broke the mirror, and all those dumb inside jokes."

Advice to Current Students: "Chew gum because it improves your singing voice, be a an aide for Ms. M. if you can because it’s reallllllly entertaining. And educational…? "

Notes to Current Students: "College is amazing, don’t be afraid of it. If you’re homesick, call home and try to get there, but ALWAYS go back to college. You’ll meet some of the most amazing people!"

Note to Alumni: "I miss you! Except for the half at JMU because I see you a lot."

Note to Ms. Matthews: "As much as I don’t miss memorization tests and music theory, I do really miss the chorus program a ton! You taught me so much more than my classes are going to be able to in a semester (and I’m paying them to let me be there!) and I really appreciate that. AND I’m rooming with a Music Major, so I completely know what’s going on!!"

Albert Kotchish - 2007 - James Madison University, Communication Studies and Psychology

Choirs: Eagles Combo all 4 years! (Student Director Junior and Senior Year), Show Choir, and Madrigals.

Favorite Chorus Memories: "Hearing the meowing kid in the elevator with Claire Harvey on my first spring trip. Spring trips in general, especially New York and seeing Wicked. Caroling around Richmond with mads. Lastly being a student director, it was so great. Winter concerts...everyone of them."

Advice to Current Students: "Try out for everything you think you might want. You WILL regret it if you don't, trust me. When in doubt while you are singing, do the hairpins, and if dancing, just go with the blades... Also, Ms. Matthews is not THAT scary..... Chew as much gum as possible, Ms. M REALLY likes that, never come to class with your music, you never really use it anyway, it was totally a waste of money. OH!, and try as hard as you can to make your student directors dislike you."

Notes to Ms. M: "You were fantastic. You helped me SO much musically and I really cannot thank you enough for that. OH, and remember that time you laughed at me during my test? I do."

Ashley Landes - 2006 - University of Virginia, Religious Studies

Choirs: Musical Illusions

Favorite Chorus Memories: "Spring trips; catwalking down the hall on our cruise ship; aiding Ms. M during A Cappella; singing 'Sisters.' "

Advice to Current Students: "Have fun with the songs and use a lot of emotion. It really does make the songs better."

Note to Ms. Matthews: "Thank you so much for all you've taught me and all the fun times! I truly became a better singer during my two years in chorus. I really wish I had been able to take chorus freshman and sophomore years. Also, thank you for the note at graduation; it was really uplifting. I wish you the best this year with all the new youngins. God bless you!"

Susan Lawson - 2006 - Wheaton College

Choirs: Musical Illusions, Madrigals, Student Director of Madrigals

Favorite Chorus Memories: "Rhythmus!!!; when Chris Adams assaulted Ms. Matthews' foot; never understanding what was going on in Madrigals (I always missed the jokes); beating Christ Withers up at Honors Choir"

Advice to Current Students: "You should have listened at the chorus banquet."

Note to Ms. Matthews: "Thanks, Ms. Matthews, for your excellent teaching/directing. I feel better prepared to be a music major because of that."

Katie Leake - 1998 - Brigham Young University 2002, VCU 2005

Choirs: Katie was a part of Musical Illusions, Beautyshop and Madrigals. Ginnie was a part of Musical Illusions, A Capella, Madrigals and Beautyshop.

Where Are They Now?: Katie went on to get her graduate degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2005. She currently works as a writer for the Virginia Association of REALTORS®, and Ginnie got married in 2005 and is now living in Wisconsin with her husband, Chad, while he goes to school to get his doctorate in Italian.

Still Singing!: "I sing in church choir, as does Ginnie - and I also sing in a larger regional church choir, called the Richmond Mormon Chorale. I miss singing overall!"

Favorite Chorus Memories: "Just being around so many talented people. It was so nice to learn to perform and get to know other students - and Ms. Matthews - so well. I think Ginnie and my absolute favorite memories center around the trips we went on - me to Austria and Ginnie to Italy. What amazing experiences!"

Advice to Current Students: "Hmmm...advice: Just go to class, have a good attitude, work hard, and have fun. Be respectful, and do the best you can. Oh, and try out for as many solos as you can. You might not get them, but it will give you so much good exposure on learning to sing in front of people without fear."

Note to Ms. Matthews: "We miss you! It was so nice to see you at Ginnie's wedding last year...congrats on your many accomplishments! You are so talented and we both felt so lucky to work with you. You blessed our lives more than you know. We learned a lot about discipline, hard work, and the love of music from you, and we appreciate you for that."

Ginnie Leake - 2000 - Brigham Young University 2004

Kathy Northrop - 2008 - Virginia Commonwealth University, majoring in English with a tract in Secondary Education

Choirs: Musical Illusions, 4 years and Student Director and A Capella, 2 years

Favorite Chorus Memories: "Every Spring Trip, the friends I made in chorus, and the memories we created in that room!"

Advice to Current Students: "Always audition with Disney songs and bringing in food to chorus is NEVER a bad idea. Also, cherish the times you have in chorus... they may seem like nothing to you now... but you'll miss it more than you can imagine."

Note to Ms. Matthews: "Ms. M- Thanks for everything you taught me, in the classroom and out. You've made Godwin Chorus what it is and you're an amazing person! Thank you for a great four years."

Erin O'Brien - 2006 - Richmond Technical Center, hairstylist at Tony's Hair at Pump and Patterson

Choirs: Musical Illusions, A Capella

Favorite Chorus Memories: "I just remember making tons of friends and driving Ms. M. crazy!!!"

Advice to Current Students: "Take all that you can out of the class, don't just see it as an easy A or a diploma requirement, and don't follow anyone!! I never did, I was always just an individual . . . and some hated me, but I was happy. To all other alumni . . . I hope you are living life and being the best that you can!!!"

Note to Ms. Matthews: "I hope that I didn't make life too hard! I miss you."

Other Fun Tidbits: "It's only $13!! Come get a haircut at Tony's Hair and see me."

Michael Ozment - 2000 - Stage Manager, University of Georgia Office of Performing Arts (Athens, GA)

Choirs: Madrigals (2 years), Men's Choir (2 years)

Favorite Chorus Memories: "Good friends, the Italy/Austria trip of 1999, helping out Miss Matthews, conducting the orchestra for Oklahoma (technically a band memory, I guess...but the line was always blurry for me)."

Since High School: graduated 2004 James Madison University - Bachelor of Music (Instrumental Music Education);

graduated 2008 University of Iowa - Masters of Arts (Horn Performance);

Currently: Stage Manager, University of Georgia Office of Performing Arts (Athens, GA)

Emily Reihl - 2005 - UNC Chapel Hill, International Studies and Music

Choirs: Musical Illusions, Beautyshop, Madrigals, Show Choir. Currently part of: UNC Loreleis, Baroque Ensemble, St. Stephen's Choir, UNC Chamber Choir

Favorite Chorus Memories: "Oh my goodness... so many! Mornings/lunches in the chorus room, Show Choir dance days, the endless "tagging" at barbershop conventions, getting OUTSTANDING for beautyshop, getting in a car accident with Em Riley and Kevin Jones at District Choir, Honors Choir with Michelle, making the stained glass window in the choir room, singing "Sing Me To Heaven" in Madrigals," football games, holiday concerts, our Christmas gig at the Science Museum."

Advice to Current Students: "Live it up, respect Ms. M, loveeeeee the awesome music program that you are in!"

Note to Ms. Matthews: "Oh I can't even think how many I have right now... thanks to all for your constant love, support, and encouragement! I can't tell you how much Godwin chorus has shaped who I am and what I look for in life and music."

Emily Segal - 2006 - Christopher Newport University, possibly majoring in business

Choirs: Eagles, Musical Illusions

Favorite Chorus Memories: "Spring trip junior year - Bahamas!"

Advice to Current Students: "Bring a pencil to class . . . I never did . . . oh, and have fun! High school flies by."

Note to Ms. Matthews: "Thanks! You're a great teacher, I can't wait to actually watch the concerts. Hope to see you again sometime!"

Allison Singer - 2005 - George Mason University, Communications with a concentration in either journalism or public relations -- still deciding!

Choirs: Mixed Show Choir, A Capella, and Musical Illusions.

Favorite Chorus Memories: "Spring trip to the Bahamas. I was one of about 5 people out of the entire trip that didn't come back burnt to a crisp! Thank you sunscreen! Ms M. telling Stacey Lustig, Angela Gulati, Erin O'Brien, and me to BE QUIET! Just about every 4 seconds. And I miss singing every day with all of my friends!"

Advice to Current Students: "Be confident in every audition, put a smile on, grip the piano to avoid shaking, and stay quiet in class!!"

Notes to Ms. M: "I miss you! I miss singing every day in your class, your direction, and the way you trained my voice! I could definitely use a little Ms. M in my life -- minus the 'evil eye' haha. Keep being the most amazing director that you are!"

Sarah Waddill - 2006 - Virginia Tech, Business

Choirs: Musical Illusions, A Capella

Advice to Current Students: "Be on time or have a note, always have all your music (you did NOT leave it on your piano at home), bring a pencil, and don't write notes to the person next to you on your scratch paper."

Note to Ms. Matthews: "I have learned so much from the experiences I had because of you. Your belief in me gave me the confidence to try out for All-State two years in a row and make it! I take with me so to college a love for music that I can't wait to share with the rest of the world!"

Chris Withers - 2006 - Christopher Newport University, Theater

Choirs/Ensembles: - Eagles, Madrigals, Debut, Barbershop

Fine Arts Endeavors @ CNU: TheaterCNU, Chamber Choir, Expansion (A Capella group)

Favorite Chorus Memories: "Oh gosh, I guess my three page essay at the choir banquet with memories wasn't enough, haha. My favorite memory (among millions of others) would have to be Madrigals my sophomore year. My favorite non-sappy memory would be Susan's fits of rage at Honor's Choir about District Choir."

Advice to Current Students: "Set all of your watches, phones, computers, whatever to Godwin time. If you are late once, shame on you. If you are late again, you won't be late again, let's just say that. Ms. Matthews is NOT as scary as you may think. She knows what she's talking about."

Note to Ms. Matthews: "Oh, Ms. M. Thank you for everything you've done for me. You've helped me discover some things about myself, both musically and as a person, that I may never have found had I not taken your class(es). Making Madrigals for my sophomore year was never something I could really grasp all of freshman year. You gave me that chance, though. I appreciate it so SO much. As much as college is going to be a new and amazing experience, I will never forget what you've given me and the fantastic time I had at Godwin choir. Besides... you can't get rid of me for another four more years since the little Withers is there now. :) "

Courtney Woodburn - 2006 - University of Mary Washington

Favorite Chorus Memories: "I loved spring trips - Bahamas cruise in 2005 and Disney World in 2006 were awesome."

Advice to Current Students: "Have fun with Ms. M and get to know your fellow choir members!"

Note to Ms. Matthews: "Thank you for the note you wrote to me for graduation. It was so thoughtful of you to handwrite one to all of us. Thanks, I'm really glad I stayed in chorus all four years. I really admire how you motivate us. You breed success! Hope this school year goes well, see you around!"