Jessica Reichman with her mother, Lucy Amneus, a former member of the Claremont Concert Choir at Scripps
By Emily Glory Peters
Music took center stage in the life of longtime Claremont resident Lucy Amneus. Although never a Scripps 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 Scripps when Lucy passed last February at the age of 89.
鈥淢y mom was a lifelong learner鈥� she audited many classes in music appreciation and the humanities at The Claremont Colleges鈥攁nd all forms of music enriched her,鈥� explains Lucy鈥檚 daughter, Jessica Reichman. 鈥淥ur support of the Joint Music Program at Scripps 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.鈥�
Founded in 1966, the is a unique endeavor shared by Scripps, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Harvey Mudd Colleges that聽offers music study and performance opportunities to music majors and interested聽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 Scripps Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choirs Charles Kamm. That feeling was mutual.
Composed of 60鈥�70 students and community members and led by Professor Charles Kamm, the Claremont Concert Choir has been in existence since the 1960s.鈥淲hen I arrived at Scripps 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,鈥� shares Kamm, noting Lucy鈥檚 loyal attendance of Scripps student recitals and Friday Noon concerts. 鈥淪he 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.鈥�
Joint Music Program events are free and open to the public鈥攁nd even though they鈥檙e currently offered virtually, their existence is no less vital for fellow music lovers. The generous gifts from Reichman and others who gave in Lucy鈥檚 honor will continue to make these experiences possible for Scripps students and the broader LA community, both in and beyond the current COVID-19 environment.
鈥淪inging is done with the head, heart, and body. We need that kind of integrated activity encompassing the whole person in our lives鈥攅specially now in the pandemic, when we are yearning for more social contact,鈥� says Kamm.
In honoring her mother through her support, Reichman shares this belief, knowing the same spark that music brought to her mother鈥檚 life should be accessible to others.
鈥淢y mom was a gifted teacher and giving friend and neighbor. She loved life and offered her time and resources generously to many,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e hope our gift will continue her spirit of giving and love of learning to participants in the Joint Music Program at Scripps.鈥�
The Joint Music Program touches the lives of hundreds of students and audience members each year. To make a gift, please click and select 鈥淥ther鈥� to note your gift to the program.