Shari Clason, Alto

Shari Clason, alto, started choral singing at age 5 in the Detroit Public Schools – back when Detroit was a national leader in superb music education – and continued through her junior high and high school years in Royal Oak, where she was nurtured and inspired by directors Bruce Feighner and Keith Lancaster.  At the University of Michigan, from which she graduated with a double major in English and Latin, Shari sang with the UMS Choral Union.  Along the way, she noticed Peter, a handsome young baritone, singing near her in the choir at Ann Arbor’s First United Methodist Church, and the rest was history.  They’ve been singing together through almost 47 years of marriage!

After seven years of teaching high school in Livonia, followed by the birth of son Todd, Shari returned to music via the choir at Schoolcraft College, where she and Pete sang for 30 years until the choir’s dissolution by the college in the spring of 2006.  Shari served as president of the Schoolcraft Choir for 20 years, and also sang with the Madrigal Chorale of Southfield, Twelfth Night Singers, and the OCC Chorale.  She is currently a member of the Madonna University Chorale, in addition to Cantate!

In 1985, Shari and Pete were invited by Schoolcraft director Dave Jorlett to become charter members of his newly formed chamber group, the David Jorlett Chorale, which evolved into Cantate! upon his departure for Minneapolis in 1990.  A passionate admirer of Renaissance polyphony, Shari has participated in various trios and quartets with the group.  She serves as mailing database manager and produces concert postcards and tickets.

Shari and Pete enjoy visits and phone conversations with their two-year-old grandson in Burlington, Vermont.  They enjoy hiking, birding, reading, and traveling, especially following Shari’s recent retirement! 


Updated Tuesday, April 21, 2009 7:24 PM