Tampa Tribune everyday hero: Amy Riddle

The following profile, by Diane Loebel, appeared in the Tampa Tribune on Oct. 16, 2000.

WHY SHE DID IT: Riddle has been involved with music since childhood. She learned to play the piano at age 7, the guitar at age 8, and sang in the school chorus and church choir. She was a music teacher at Gulf Middle School when she saw a notice that the chorus was looking for a director. After attending a rehearsal of the a cappella group, she stayed on as director-in-training until being named director in 1996.

ABOUT THE CHORUS: It's part of Sweet Adelines International, a nonprofit music education association for women whose goal is advancing the art of a cappella harmony, barbershop style.

The local chorus organized about 14 years ago. There are 20 members, and the women vary in age.

The chorus competes in a yearly regional competition in Orlando or Jacksonville, and several years ago was named ``Most Improved Chorus.''

Being an a cappella chorus means the singers need no sound system when they perform for area groups and at community events.

Members rehearse weekly in the Gulf High School choral room.

SOME BACKGROUND: Riddle, 33, is a native of Grand Gorge, N.Y.

She moved south to attend classes at the University of South Florida. She holds a bachelor's degree in music from USF, and a master's degree in education from National-Louis University, based in Chicago with a satellite campus in Tampa.

She worked as a music teacher at Gulf Middle School for five years before being named choral director at Gulf High, a post she has held for four years and will return to in January.

Her husband, Glenn, is a chiropractor with an office in Holiday. Daughter Brianna is 3 months old.

WHAT'S NEXT: Riddle feels the chorus' membership easily could grow to 30 or 35. She'd like the chorus to be more visible in spreading the word about what the group is about.

PARTING COMMENT: ``It is so exciting and refreshing to be part of the chorus,'' said Riddle. ``We are all very good friends. It's like being part of a sisterhood.''

ANOTHER VIEW:``Amy's face just lights up when the chorus is singing. She has such a great time, and her enthusiasm is very contagious.'' -- Janet Dudley, membership chairwoman, Suncoast Harmony Chorus.>

Want to suggest an Everyday Hero? Call Diane Loebel, (727) 815-1081, or write her at The Tampa Tribune, 6214 U.S. 19, New Port Richey, FL 34652.