For Dr. Tobin Sparfeld, SLCC is more than just a part of his past—it’s woven into the very fabric of his life. His connection to the Choirs began before he was old enough to join, when his mother started working with SLCC in 1983. Immersed in the sounds of rehearsals and performances from the age of four, Tobin eventually became a member, singing with the Choirs until 1999. Those early years shaped his love for music and laid the foundation for his future as an educator and performer.
Today, Tobin holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in choral conducting and teaches choral and vocal music at Glendale Community College. His story exemplifies the life-changing power of music and the lessons that can be found within SLCC.
My connection to the Choirs started when I was about four years old. My mom began working with SLCC in 1983 and she’d bring me along to rehearsals. I’d sit and play, but eventually, she realized I was singing along with the songs and thought I should be a part of it. I grew up in the Choirs, singing from 1983 to 1999, and experienced the growth of the organization from a single choir to multiple groups.
Honestly, I was too young to even know I had a choice in the matter. Music was simply what we did. My mom was a kindergarten music teacher and I played violin as a kid. Music was always present, though my dad couldn’t sing at all. It was definitely not like the Von Trapp family.
The tours were always the most memorable experiences. So many fun adventures, and sometimes things didn’t go as planned. I remember one tour where two buses broke down on the same day. It was a comedy of errors, but it created the best memories. We were flexible and sang through it.
I remember going to Russia in 1990 when it was still the Soviet Union. We loved singing in the church because the acoustics were nice. It was very surreal as an 11-year-old. Another great memory was performing for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. We did Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 and Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols. Being around professional orchestra musicians was a cool experience.
I also have memories of rehearsing in all sorts of strange places before the Choirs had a permanent church space. We were always looking for somewhere to go—at the Westport Playhouse, in nursing home basements, and even in an old, abandoned shopping center before it was demolished.
It’s hard to separate SLCC from the rest of my life. I learned about artistry, patience, and working toward a goal. Those lessons are something I carry with me every day, especially now that I teach choirs and voice. I also apply them as a parent, like when I help my six-year-old learn that mastery takes time and practice.
One of the great things about singing in a choir is that you’re not alone—you’re part of something bigger, which can be comforting. But there were also moments where I had to step up for solos or small group performances, which pushed me to develop my individual voice. Choral music is more than just notes and rhythms; it’s about communicating emotions and ideas. Connecting with those messages helps you find your own voice as a performer.
SLCC is about more than musical excellence and artistry; it’s also about personal growth. It’s a place where kids learn life skills, make lifelong friendships, and experience the joy of being part of a community. I truly believe the Choirs are one of the hidden gems of St. Louis, on par with museums, the zoo, and the symphony. It’s a resource that gives kids the opportunity to grow and develop, and more people should know about it.
Stick with it. The magic happens when you fully engage, especially on the tours. Something special happens when you travel and sing together. Those memories stay with you in a way that regular rehearsals don’t. I hope all families make the most of those opportunities.
The memories you make as a child singer are incredibly vivid. You experience things differently as a kid, and those moments stick with you forever. I still remember songs we sang decades ago. That’s the kind of lasting impact these experiences have.
Music has a profound effect on people. It’s a way of understanding emotions and expressing them in a meaningful way. Music helps us connect with the human experience. It can heal, inspire, and teach us about ourselves. The skills you develop through music like patience, practice, and improvement are transferable to every aspect of life. That’s why people are drawn to it. It’s something truly valuable to have in your life.
