In September of 1968 I joined LWS. At that time it was an auditioned choir of 60 -65 voices. The director was Betty Eisenbrey and the accompanist was Joanne Deacon. All music was memorized and ranged from moderate to difficult levels of musical challenges, including performing double choruses.

At that time as an all women's choir unlike today we had very little competition and the other interesting fact was that only about four women in that group worked outside the home. Needless to say we "housewife's" looked forward to the freedom of going to rehearsals and being able to do both a seasonal concert and mini-concerts.

From that group in 1968 many friendships were forged and are still viable today. We started a gourmet club of six couples. In the ebb and flow of life, changes occur, and although we all went into different directions we kept in periodic contact and now four of us (some widows) are being sassy as Red Hatters.

Over the years LWS has had different directors and accompanists and LWS has changed according to the needs and wishes of the group. From the beginning there have been two constants in the group and that has been an abiding friendship among its members and strong emotional support of each other. The other has been its outreach through giving scholarships for promising and talented young women singers. I am amazed at the abundant talent that resides in our area.

I was raised in a musical family and learn to appreciate all types of music. But my first love is still choral music. Although because of time conflicts, I no longer sing with LWS, I do sing in my church choir.

The chords that create music and settle into one's deep psychic of joy and profound emotional satisfaction, also teaches us the harmony of caring for one another as exemplified by the abiding friendships that have endured over the years in Lake Washington Singers. I am so glad it has been part of my life, may it also be part of yours.

Jan Benson (golden oldie)