For the spring 2011 issue of The Eleusis, we’d like to know your best advice for the first day on a new job.
Reply in no more than 75 words to: TheEleusis@ChiOmega.com.
Include your first, maiden and married names, chapter, and initiation year.
Deadline: November 15.
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Pearls of Wisdom
Professional Musicians
We asked Sisters how they incorporate music into their life. We are
pleased to share their answers with you in another offering of Pearls of
Wisdom, great ideas for Chi Omegas from Chi Omegas.
Samantha Franck, Lambda Delta/Kent State U
Music uplifts me, moving me for reasons I cannot explain
or understand and, when my voice is the instrument, making
me feel alive like nothing else can. I love it so much that
I’m putting my 20+ year career in corporate America on
the shelf and moving to New York to pursue
my passion for musical theater. For the full
story, check out my blog: www.blameitonbarrymanilow.wordpress.com.
Tammy Smith Kirk, Epsilon Gamma/U of Tulsa
Music IS my life. Since 1991, I’ve been secretary-treasurer
of Local 94, American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
and for four years was an international executive officer
for the AFM. As a local officer, I’ve participated in contract
negotiations for symphony, opera, concert-band,
and musical-theater musicians. We enable musicians to
have more control over wages and working conditions. I
am a professional flutist in the Rosestone Trio and have
performed all across the country, most notably in 1997
at the Mid-Atlantic States inaugural ball for Bill Clinton.
Melissa Halderman Treziok, Gamma Delta/San Diego State U
As owner of Dance Society, a dance studio in San Diego,
California, I will tell you that music plays a huge part in
my business and in my life. It is the inspiration for my
creative expression. Music sets the tone for each dance
move and allows me to create an entire story or experience
through the art of dance. Even in tap, when we often
dance without music, the sounds of our feet become the
music and we are the musicians.
Connie-Lu Berg, Phi/U of Southern California
I am a retired music teacher but haven’t retired from
making music. I landed my first job as an organist when I
was a college freshman. Today I prepare eight pieces each
week to play at two churches. I perform during social
hour for the Retired Teachers’ Association and there are weddings, funerals, and
golden anniversaries, too,
not to mention occasional
gigs for conventions, club
meetings, and fundraisers.
Donna Dirksing Doran, Chi/Transylvania U
I am an elementary music
specialist in Cincinnati.
I have written ancillary
materials for the McGraw-
Hill music textbook series
and frequently present
workshops and clinics.
Additionally, I am the education
director for the Linton
Chamber Music Series
Peanut Butter and Jam
Sessions and am on the
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s
Advisory Committee
for Education.
Jane VanSickle Samford, Epsilon Gamma/U of Tulsa
I am a violinist and pianist and teach orchestra at Austin
Academy in Garland Independent School District in Garland,
Texas. Our school is a fine-arts magnet and serves
6–8 grades. There are 175 pupils in our orchestra program.
They compete and perform at a very high level and have a
great record of superior ratings and best-in-class awards.
With my husband, also a professional musician, I play
at churches on the weekends and perform with a string
quartet at weddings and parties.
Dawn Hunsicker Brewer, Eta Gamma/U of South Carolina
My 20-month-old daughter loves to dance! I’m a stay-at-home
mom and try to make every day special and fun.
We listen and dance to the music of The Beatles, Paul Simon,
Harry Connick, Jr., Frank Sinatra, and Annie Lennox,
and we dance to silly nursery-rhyme songs. I want
her to grow up listening to all genres. Nothing makes my
daughter smile more than dancing in her pajamas in the
morning! When she’s older, I hope these songs serve as a
memorable soundtrack to her fun-filled childhood.
Cathy Lake Black, Xi Zeta/U of Tennessee–Martin
When my son was a baby and couldn’t sleep, I sang Shades
to him. Now he plays guitar and sings and wants to be a
rock star. Maybe he will marry a Chi O.
Annette Iacovetti Radogna, Gamma Delta/San Diego State U
One of my favorite ways to incorporate music in my life
is when we are entertaining. We put on a digital music
channel that plays oldies and we guess the artist and titles,
inevitably sharing our memories, “this song reminds me
of . . . ” In fact, last night I heard a song that took me back
to my three dearest Chi O Sisters, sitting on the floor of
our room in the chapter house, singing, laughing . . . having
good times!
Linda Sahlberg Gagnier, Alpha/U of Washington
Music was an important part of my sorority life. I am
63 years old now and can still sing the recruitment song,
“Chi Omega, Chi O Chi, We will love you ’til we die! We
have friendship bonds so true. Come on in, they’re here for
you. Chi O! Chi O! Chi O! Chi O!” Oh so much fun!
Cynthia Metzler, Beta Delta/Thiel College
Growing up there was always music in my house. I danced
around the kitchen with my grandmother at Christmas
while singing carols and I used to polka through the
house with my Nan. I like to keep those traditions alive
every day. Even when I am at work, I have a song in my
heart and I let it carry me though the day.
Allison Alderson DeMarcus, Kappa Beta/Rhodes College
 I am very fortunate to have music in my home every day.
I married a man who not only makes music for a living
(Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts), but also chooses music as
his hobby. We have a recording studio in our home, often
have some of Nashville’s most talented songwriters in our
living room, and I coerce my sweet husband to play the
piano for me from time to time. Needless to say, I have
been very spoiled being surrounded by the beauty of music
on a daily basis. I am always amazed to hear a song
being created in its rawest form and hear a simple melody
and lyrics as they are transformed into a finished, commercial
product.
Allison DeMarcus and husband, Jay, performed recently at the Miss Tennessee pageant.
Michelle Dennis Carter, Gamma Zeta/U of Arkansas–Little Rock
I use music to relax. As a
mother of two children
and the wife of an unemployed
husband, life can
be very stressful. Music
helps me escape the worries
I have. When I was
in college, I used music
to help me study. I love all
kinds of genres, but my
favorite is contemporary
Christian music. It helps
me realize that there is
a higher power that will
make everything all right.
Sherri Hull Gericke, Rho Alpha/U of Missouri– Columbia
I just retired after 35 years
of teaching physical education.
During the winter
months when we were in
the gym, I used upbeat
music every day. Students
listened to a variety of
music, from my favorite
oldies, disco, pop, or rock,
to country. Many times
music started and ended
an activity. I used it during
warm-ups, running,
relays, tag, basketball, and
volleyball games. It always
motivated students and
me!
Michelle Judd, Phi Mu/Lehigh U
I listen to music when I
stretch and when I go for
short runs. The beat keeps
me motivated and enthusiastic.
Carmen Breen-Lopez, Mu Kappa/Duke U
I make time for music by singing in my parish’s choir. We
rehearse twice a week and it gives me the chance to practice
my craft among a group of seasoned singers who have
a range of talent but are equal in enthusiasm!
Debbie Patterson Pappas is a member of the Raleigh (North Carolina) Junior League Chorus.
Debbie Patterson Pappas, Rho Zeta/East Carolina U
 I incorporate music in my life by being a member of the
Raleigh Junior League Chorus. Every December we perform
at rehabilitation centers, retirement homes, and
other places where people want to be uplifted and feel
good about hearing old, familiar songs. It’s a blessing to
see other people touched by our singing, especially when
they join in. Also, being with these women brings back
memories of Chi O Sisters singing together!
Jamie Smith, Psi Gamma/Mercer U
I sing with my church choir and perform in community
theatre here in Savannah, Georgia. Music has always been
in my life. My father was our elementary school music
teacher and there was always music playing in our house.
I played piano and clarinet growing up. I first discovered
my natural ability to harmonize while singing Chi Omega
songs and had solos in our skits. Music will always be an
important part of my life.
Meredith Eisz Haase, Kappa Lambda/U of California–San Diego
An avid country music fan, I listen to my favorite artists
throughout my work day on Pandora. Anyone notice the
lyrics in Rascal Flatt’s Unstoppable? They include, “It’s a
helping hand when you need it most.” So great!
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