Postcard From SFGC Alums Sadie Habas and Kathleen Isaza
In SFGC’s Postcard series, our guest artists, collaborators, and faculty take us behind the scenes and share an intimate look into their thoughts about music, life, and art-making.
This postcard features SFGC Alums Sadie Habas and Kathleen Isaza.
As part of our 45th season, we are celebrating and highlighting the network of alums that have sung with us over the years. We are so proud to share the words and wisdom of these two incredible SFGC Alums, Sadie and Kathleen, who have both gone on to continue in music after their time with SFGC. Below, they catch us up on their life and share how their experiences with the chorus have shaped the people they are today.
Stay tuned for more from our incredible Alum network throughout our 45th anniversary season!
Sadie Habas, SFGC Alum 2021
What have you been up to since laureating?
Since laureating, I moved across the country to study Vocal Performance and Political Science at Boston University, where I study under the tutelage of Dr. Lynn Eustis. At BU, I have learned and grown both as a musician and well-rounded person, and I hope to use classical music as an outlet for social justice and institutional change in my professional career.
What role does music play in your life these days?
Music plays a grand role in my life - not only is it my area of focus at school, it continues to be a grounding constant in my life, bringing both peace and joy. I love finding new music, attending concerts, hearing wisdom from successful musicians, making music with my colleagues, and discovering my own capabilities as an artist in practice and performance.
How has your time with SFGC shaped your life after laureation?
SFGC has largely shaped my life post-laureation! If it weren’t for the Premier Ensemble and the training I received in the Soloist Intensive program through, I would not be studying voice performance or generally be the formed person I am today. SFGC exposed me to the professional world of contemporary classical music through which I was able to contribute to the power of the art form, pioneering new and creative change. Through this, I was able to find my own voice and grow as an individual. I learned how to collaborate with others, lead with courage, and commit to hard work. SFGC provided me with a level of discipline and expertise in music to apply to my life as a whole that I otherwise would not have found.
Can you share a favorite memory from your time as a chorister?
A favorite memory of mine as a chorister was singing Biebel’s Ave Maria at our final concert on tour in Paris in the summer of 2019. The glory of the work itself, the space we were singing in, and the audience’s engagement brought me and my peers to tears. I had never felt more moved singing in an SFGC performance.
What would you say to a young singer who is considering joining SFGC?
If I could say anything to a young singer who is considering joining SFGC, JOIN! It will provide you with an abundance of musical knowledge, lifelong friendships, and a plethora of life skills to be applied to your everyday. Post-laureation, I have continued to return to the space of SFGC as a counselor, aide, and administrative assistant. I am still in close contact with my friends from the organization, and the alumni network is actively rich and interconnected.
What would you say to a young singer midway through their journey with SFGC?
If I could say anything to a singer midway through their journey through SFGC, I would tell them to keep singing in chorus! Advancing through the entirety of the chorus school and having the opportunity to audition for and be a part of the Premier Ensemble is such on honor. Even on the days when chorus may feel stressful, it will be deeply rewarding to continue to learn and grow as a chorister through the levels and see how far you can take your musicianship.
What do you see in your vision of the future of SFGC?
In my vision of the future of SFGC, I see the chorus further growing its connections and collaborative partners across the United States and beyond. I can see the chorus school engaging in more operas, and the levels receiving solo vocal training as a part of their music education, similarly to the Soloist Intensive program in the Premier Ensemble that I had mentioned. Finally, I can see SFGC broadening its commitment to social justice through performing more contemporary classical music with interactive dialogue in response to the music.
Kathleen Isaza, SFGC Alum 2017
What have you been up to since laureating?
After laureating from SFGC and graduating from high school, I moved to Vancouver, Canada to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Opera Performance at the University of British Columbia. I fell in love with Vancouver and was surrounded by like-minded people who enjoy the arts and music. My program helped me grow academically and musically and gave me the opportunities I needed to grow as a performer and soloist, after completing my B.Mus I decided to stay in Vancouver to complete my Master of Music.
What role does music play in your life these days?
Music is in my everyday life. My education, my work, and also sometimes in my free time. When I am not at school, I work at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in their school of music. I also conduct an Elementary and Middle School Choir every week!
How has your time with SFGC shaped your life after laureation?
One of the most significant lessons SFGC imparted to me was the importance of time management. Balancing rigorous rehearsal schedules, performances, and schoolwork taught me how to prioritize tasks efficiently. These skills have continued to serve me well in every aspect of my life, from academics to my professional career. Responsibility was another crucial skill I developed during my time with SFGC. Being a part of a team where each member's contribution mattered instilled a sense of accountability in me. Whether it was preparing for a performance, memorizing music, or being punctual for rehearsals, I learned the value of commitment and reliability. Beyond these practical skills, SFGC also nurtured a deep sense of awareness and appreciation for various forms of art. Through exposure to diverse musical genres, I developed a broader musical palate and a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of the arts. This cultivated an enduring love for creativity and the ability to find inspiration in the world around me. What I treasure most about my time at SFGC is how it didn't just teach me to be a better singer; it shaped me into a more well-rounded individual. The chorus provided a supportive environment where I could grow not only as a musician but also as a person. It fostered a sense of camaraderie and belonging that has stayed with me throughout my life.
Can you share a favorite memory from your time as a chorister?
One of my favorite memories as a chorister was when we were on tour in Helsinki, Finland and we performed at the Temppeliaukio Church. It is a breathtaking church made of stone in a circular formation, with copper and glass on the ceiling. We had just landed in Finland and we were all still so incredibly jet-lagged from our overseas voyage. I remember many of us sleeping in the church pews during our break in between the rehearsals. Even though we were tired, we all still found the energy and passion within ourselves to put on an amazing performance in a beautiful place. One of Valerie's phrases from that tour that I will never forget is "We cry, we breathe, we sing."
What would you say to a young singer who is considering joining SFGC?
One of the most remarkable aspects of SFGC is that it provides a safe and welcoming space for you to grow and flourish. Surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your love for music, you'll find a second family that shares in your dreams and aspirations. Through the journey of making music together, you'll not only develop your vocal talents but also forge deep and lasting friendships. The knowledge, memories, and experiences you'll gain as a member of SFGC are truly unparalleled. You'll receive world-class vocal training, exposure to diverse musical genres, and opportunities to perform in prestigious venues alongside seasoned professionals. These experiences will not only help you develop as a musician but will also enrich your life in countless ways. Moreover, SFGC has a unique ability to shape character and instill values that extend far beyond the realm of music. The discipline, teamwork, and dedication you'll learn through your involvement with SFGC will serve as valuable life skills, empowering you to succeed in any endeavor you choose to pursue. My own experiences in this organization have had a profound impact on my life, and I can confidently say that I wouldn't be the person I am today without them. The friendships I formed, the skills I acquired, and the music I created continue to influence me in the most positive ways.
What do you see in your vision of the future of SFGC?
In my vision of the future for the San Francisco Girls Chorus, I envision a continuation of the remarkable work they have been doing. I truly appreciate how SFGC instills independence in young singers and provides them with unparalleled opportunities. These opportunities, such as performing alongside seasoned professionals and collaborating with musicians from across the globe who share the same passion for creating music, are instrumental in shaping not only their musical talents but also their characters. I hope to see SFGC continue to empower these young singers, nurturing them into strong, independent, and intelligent individuals. This empowerment goes beyond the realm of music; it equips them with life skills that will serve them well in any path they choose to pursue. As they grow within the SFGC community, I envision them becoming confident, creative, and compassionate individuals who are not only accomplished musicians but also contributing members of society. I am confident that SFGC will remain dedicated to its mission of fostering artistic excellence.