Jessica Reichman with her mother, Lucy Amneus, a former member of the Claremont Concert Choir at 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ
By Emily Glory Peters
Music took center stage in the life of longtime Claremont resident Lucy Amneus. Although never a 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ student, Lucy was one of the few local community members who sang alongside them for nearly two decades as a member of the Claremont Concert Choir. It was an experience she loved, and one her family chose to honor with a gift to 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ when Lucy passed last February at the age of 89.
βMy mom was a lifelong learnerβ she audited many classes in music appreciation and the humanities at The Claremont Collegesβand all forms of music enriched her,β explains Lucyβs daughter, Jessica Reichman. βOur support of the Joint Music Program at 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ is a tribute to Lucy and her love of music, as we thought it was one of the best ways to honor her memory since music played such a central role in her life.β
Founded in 1966, the is a unique endeavor shared by 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Harvey Mudd Colleges thatΒ offers music study and performance opportunities to music majors and interestedΒ students. The program sponsors three ensembles, including the , where Lucy lent her gifts as a soprano. She thoroughly enjoyed performing with students, Reichman remembers, and admired 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choirs Charles Kamm. That feeling was mutual.
Composed of 60β70 students and community members and led by Professor Charles Kamm, the Claremont Concert Choir has been in existence since the 1960s.βWhen I arrived at 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ and the Joint Music Program in 2005, there were a number of non-student community members who sang with the choir. Lucy was always keen to explore new pieces with us,β shares Kamm, noting Lucyβs loyal attendance of 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ student recitals and Friday Noon concerts. βShe was so friendly, too, and encouraging of the student members, allowing herself to be surrounded by their voices and enthusiastically joining in concord with them.β
Joint Music Program events are free and open to the publicβand even though theyβre currently offered virtually, their existence is no less vital for fellow music lovers. The generous gifts from Reichman and others who gave in Lucyβs honor will continue to make these experiences possible for 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ students and the broader LA community, both in and beyond the current COVID-19 environment.
βSinging is done with the head, heart, and body. We need that kind of integrated activity encompassing the whole person in our livesβespecially now in the pandemic, when we are yearning for more social contact,β says Kamm.
In honoring her mother through her support, Reichman shares this belief, knowing the same spark that music brought to her motherβs life should be accessible to others.
βMy mom was a gifted teacher and giving friend and neighbor. She loved life and offered her time and resources generously to many,β she says. βWe hope our gift will continue her spirit of giving and love of learning to participants in the Joint Music Program at 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ.β
The Joint Music Program touches the lives of hundreds of students and audience members each year. To make a gift, please click and select βOtherβ to note your gift to the program.