"Our time at Susquehanna was very special. It was great to be part of a music program that was big enought to support outstanding performing groups, but not too big that we ever felt lost in the department. Dave and I have great pride in Susquehanna. It will always be part of us." -- Doreen Scott '96 Fryling, middle school music teacher and wife of David Fryling '96, associate professor of music and director of choral studies at Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y.

"Music has a calming effect on me. My wife, Karen, says she can tell what kind of day I've had by how hard I pound the keys on the piano." -- the Honorable William H. Wiest '67, a music education major who went on to law school and ultimately became a judge in Northumberland County (Pa.) Court of Common Pleas. In October 2007, Wiest marked 50 years as a church organist, having played for about 150 weddings including those of his children.

"My experience with Professor Cyril Stretansky and choral activities at Susquehanna University can be summed up in a brief exchange I had with Cy early in my career. I was spotted as a potential choir manager a few weeks after arriving as a freshmen at SU, and Cy asked me if I would like to be the choir library manager. I took the job, eager to become more involved. A few weeks later, Cy called me into his office and said, 'Blake, do you know what happens when you do something well? You get to do more.' Little did I know the truth that would result from this 'Cyism,' as I was offered the position of university choir manager and choral activities assistant the spring of last year. I have gone from filing music in cabinets in the basement of Weber Chapel Auditorium to working with university faculty, professional staff and students in preparation for the performance at Carnegie Hall. This experience has provided me with insight and knowledge that will prove essential to my future business career, and I am truly grateful to have been given this opportunity." -- Blake Mosser '10, a business administration major from Macungie, Pa.

"The flexibility to remain involved in SU music while pursuing a business degree greatly enhanced my liberal arts experience. It facilitated cross-major relationships, exposed me to new experiences and culture and helped build a deeper appreciation for the arts, not to mention allowing me to meet my wife." -- Mark Yerger '00, project manager for Foot Locker in Camp Hill, Pa., who met his wife, Theresa Shirk Yerger '00, a music performance major, while attending Susquehanna University.

"Our training was rigorous, and our professors gave us many opportunities to take part in a variety of musical experiences that might not have been availabe to students at a larger school." -- Laura Tidemann '91 Dishong, an elementary music teacher in Moorestown, N.J., and wife of Mark Dishong '92, who teaches elementary music in Medford, N.J. The couple were both music education majors at Susquehanna. Mark says, "Being trained as performers, as well as teachers, was crucial to our success. We now pass on high musicianship standards to our students."

"The Carnegie Hall concert was such an exciting way to celebrate SU's 150 years of excellence in education. How often would one have the opportunity to perform with fellow alumni musicians on a stage that has boasted the presence of the greatest performers and composers of all time? It also served as a fitting recognition for Cy Stretansky as he completes his tenure at SU. He has a following of choral musicians that will continue to make a positive impact in the choral word for years to come. I'm grateful to have studied under him, to have benefited from his ongoing interest in my musicianship after leaving SU, and to have been a part of his entire span of service at SU." -- Wayne Dietterick '74, coordinator of marketing and communications at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, who has served as an organist and church choir director for more than 30 years. Dietterick has written and arranged more than 150 works through the years, including several performed and recorded by the Susquehanna University Choir.