This month, we're getting to know Katherine Gerber as she celebrates one year with GRC! Katherine belts out our melodies in the Lead section, helps our members connect outside of rehearsal as a member of the Fun Committee, and is also on the board of a local nonprofit called Blue Sky Fund. 

How did you come to GRC? Tell us your origin story.
My move to Richmond came with a newfound desire to sing, as I hadn’t sung in a chorus since college. Luckily, Google sent me to GRC. Phyllis and Christy were my first new member buddies and they really set the standard of pure joy, music education, unity, connection, and acapella excellence for me!


What do you do outside of GRC? 
I work from home leading a team across the US and Canada that does commercial insurance (property, liability) for energy companies with a focus on transitioning to low carbon energies.

My mom runs Gerber Gardens, a small flower garden providing florists (and chorus members!) with locally grown flowers, so I help her with that when I can. Otherwise I’m traveling, hiking, gardening, going to comedy shows, biking, and spending time with family and friends. You didn’t ask, but my favorite food is ice cream.


What's one of your best memories with the chorus? 
I love singing around the holidays and performing at the Maymont Merry Market was such a joy!  


What is something surprising or interesting you've learned as a Sweet Adeline? 
Barbershop harmonization isn’t always pretty at first- it’s crunchy and dissonant- to then lead you into something beautiful. I had to get used to that sound and now I love it.

Also- even though we meet in a church we’re not a religious group. That was a question I had on day one!


How has being a member of GRC changed your life? 
I’ve met some of my best friends in GRC. The group is just so warm, welcoming, and open to all sorts of people. My Thursday nights are a retreat from all that is chaotic.


What's your favorite song in GRC's repertoire and why is it your favorite? What about your least favorite?
Don’t Stop Me Now gets me dancing every time. We sang it in a church one and it just rang in the rafters!

I could do without We Are Family, even though we are one, someone should come up with a better song. One verse is really enough. 😂