Putting on a GlenOak choir show takes a lot of work and dedication. From hours spent practicing in class, a myriad of dress rehearsals, and countless cups of coffee, a lot has to happen to make these shows go off without a hitch.
Yet, none of it would be possible without Diane Fedorka, who accompanies the choirs at every concert and has been since 2007.Fedorka has been an integral cornerstone in the choir community. With her passion for music and her love for the community becoming an inspiration for all.
Fedorka’s music journey started at the age of 5 when she would take piano lessons from a neighbor until she was 11.
“She then told my parents to find another teacher, as she had taken me as far as she could. So, we found a teacher in Akron that took students by audition. I studied with her until I was 18,” Fedorka said.
Her piano-playing skills would lead her to impress her teachers, as from 7th grade until she graduated high school she would accompany her school’s choirs during their concerts.
Her journey to the GlenOak choir department started in 2005 when she met choir director Brian Kieffer. Kieffer was the choir director of the church that Fedorka and her husband attended. Fedorka started becoming more and more involved in the church’s choir department culminating in 2007.
“In 2007, for the fall concert at GOHS, Kieffer needed an accompanist, and this began my journey at GOHS,” Fedorka said.
Due to the almost 17 years Fedorka has worked with the choir directors, she’s been able to build genuine and real connections with Kieffer and choir director Mary Meese.
“We love working together because we are so similar and connected as musicians…but it is our close friendship based on genuine care and concern for one another that allows us to continue enjoying such a great working relationship for so long,” Kieffer said.
Fedorka has also served as an inspiration to all choir students, with the highlight of any in-school choir practice being when Fedorka would come into the room to accompany them in their practices.
“Her musicianship teaches my students what it means to be a true musician and not just a piano player. She exudes the discipline of excellence in all she does,” Meese said.
But the choir students are not the only ones inspired.
“I was excited to accompany the choirs and soon discovered that these were not your normal high school groups. Each choir was doing challenging pieces and doing them with excellence. The students were engaged musically, excited to be singing, and gave 100% during rehearsals,” Fedorka said.
“In giving we receive” is the well-known motto of the GlenOak choir department and no one embodies that motto more than Fedorka. For three years Fedorka and her husband have offered a scholarship to graduating choir students called the “Entr’acte Scholarship”.
“This scholarship is awarded to a choir senior attending college and is chosen by Jim and Diane Fedorka through an application process,” Meese said.
Fedorka works to be a positive influence on the GOHS Choir. The choir motto is “In giving we receive” and the choir directors feel like she exemplifies this motto.