Diane Balk - Soprano 1
At 76, Diane has been playing the piano since age 9 and singing with the VSA Chorus since 2009. She has never taken a break from singing or performing. A Montrose resident for 38 years, she majored in music in college. After graduating, she and her husband, Charlie, joined the Peace Corps and taught in Ghana for two years: Charlie taught business, and Diane taught music. After returning to the U.S., she taught in Illinois for two years before moving to
Colorado, where she spent 22 years teaching at Columbine Middle School.
Diane loves performing a variety of music with the chorus. Fun fact: At 5'1", she played high school basketball in Iowa and enjoys life in beautiful Colorado.
Dianne McCully - Alto 2
I love the musicianship in the VSA and the joy of performing choral harmonies. Being part of this community has allowed me to form friendships that I deeply value.
I started singing with the chorus in December 2011, but my love for singing began much earlier with family sing-alongs on the way to church. In 2022, I took a brief break while my husband battled cancer.We moved from Tucson, AZ, to the area in 2007 after my husband retired.
I grew up in Isabel, SD, and worked as an accountant for 37 years, including as an office manager. My first job was at Glacier National Park, where I spent summers hiking— a passion of mine. After moving to Cedaredge, I worked remotely for my Arizona employer until retiring in 2016.
I've also sung with a college choral group, even performing in England, Scotland, and Wales during a 1977 choir tour for Queen Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee.
Outside of music, I’ve enjoyed many adventures on my husband’s motorcycle, including a tour of the Alps in 2001. In my free time, I love gardening, hiking, jigsaw puzzles, games, and cross-stitch projects.
Cheryl Harshman - Alto 1
I’m honored to be a part of VSA. All the musicians have the desire to share their talents and bring joy to the community. Seeing someone touched by a song is the most rewarding experience for me.
After attending the December 2013 concert, I knew I wanted to be a part of such an amazing chorus, and joined in the Spring of 2014
I’ve been singing as long as I remember. My mom played the piano, and I’d sing with her. Our family took road trips in a VW Van, and I’d sit in the very back and sing over the engine. In school I took
private vocal lessons and was active in band and choir.
My husband, John, and I moved from Greeley to Montrose in 1978. That same year, my need to sing led me to the Del Rose Chapter of Sweet Adelines International (SAI), a competitive barbershop harmony organization for women. From 1978 to 2017 I sang tenor, lead, or baritone in chorus and lead in quartets. Through the SAI Music Education Program, I earned my director certification and led the chorus for 16 of those years. My favorite activity was delivering singing valentines with my quartet.
John and I were married 50 years and fortunate to be retired together for 17. We enjoyed traveling in the United States, Europe, and Mexico. I enjoy fishing, card games, riding my bike, hikes with my dog, Frank, and spending time with my five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.