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 and maintains lasting friendships formed during her time in the Chorus.

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 members to embrace the unique opportunities the group offers.

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 alumni, remaining deeply involved in the chorus community.

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 formed and continues to sing, always carrying the spirit of Cornell with her.

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 alumnus Lee Teng-hui. He also discusses his initiative, the No Whining, No Flowers commissioning project, which championed empowering works by female composers and helped shape the Chorus' distinctive identity.

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 broader societal shifts. 

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 members to fully embrace the unique and vibrant community that the chorus offers, reminding them to savor every moment.

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 their first CD, a milestone that remains a proud achievement. She encourages current and prospective members to embrace the opportunities and community that the chorus offers, reminding them to create their own lasting memories.

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 passion for music and community.