|
Born Victoria Anne Sienkiewicz, (Vic as she is known to her friends)
came into this life with a natural gift, talent and ability to
infuse herself and others with music. This happens either through
her voice when she sings, her piano playing when she performs
and accompanies, and her entire being when she SOUNDS tones for
healing. As a “human-doing” she began playing piano
at the age of 6 with her piano teacher, the late Mr. Herbert Olson,
she continued her studies with the late Mrs. Margaret Mead and
the late Sr. Maryann Bissionne. From that first lesson to the
present she continues to play and sing everyday.
She plays piano and organ at funeral services, taught piano for beginners from 1973- and continues to teach presently through Inner Harmony Music, vocalizes with AKSARA, a 7-woman
a cappella ensemble, has recorded albums and CDs since 1977,
composes much of her own music and has directed choral groups
since 1975 – from church choirs, to her present positions
as Director of Women Spirit Song, a 73 woman community chorus
and is artistic director for AKSARA. She is also Executive Director
of Inner Harmony Music a nonprofit that she started in 2005. Prior
to that, she owned Sound Body Connection, LLC.
Her first experience recording was an LP (yes…remember
those???) in 1977 as Co –Director of St. Catherine of Siena
Folk Group. The album was entitled “Celebrate in Folk”,
followed by another in 1978, “The Son’s Way”
and the third in 1983, “In His Light”.
In 1989, Vic branched out on her own and composed all of the
pieces for a (at that time) cassette entitled “The Rose
and the Violet”, based on the works of the mystics. The
lyrics were from the poems of Thomas Cloutier, and personal friend
and great lover of the mystics as well. Vic recorded with two
other women Lisa Erickson and Patty Reed. Vic and Patty are still
singing and recording together through AKSARA.
This brings us to music that she has recorded in the last 10 years
with the a cappella ensemble, AKSARA which has 4 CDs (visit their
website through Inner Harmony Music– www.innerharmonymusic.com)
On AKSARA’s first CD, “You Are With Me” –
9 of the 15 pieces are original compositions by Vic, “Gently
Enter” a winter holiday CD has 3 piano solos performed by
Vic and the title song is her original composition. “Melange”
was their third CD featuring AKSARA singing the works of different
composers, and they just released their fourth CD: “Comfort
and Grace” in September 2007. Two of the piano instrumentals
- “Unfinished Tapestry” and “Theresa’s
Song” are Vic’s originals.
Affirming YOU Just Because: The Victoria Schneider Newsletter
Enter your email address below to sign up for the Victoria Schneider newsletter.
|
