Get to Know Concetta Bjelland
Get to know . . . Concetta Bjelland
How did you discover Twin County Chorus?
After some major changes in my life, I was looking for an activity, a hobby, or a group to get involved with. I’ve always loved to sing, so I went online to find Choral Groups and found Twin County Chorus. I went to the website, saw that you were having a membership drive, and the rest is history!
Please describe the top five things you like most about Twin County Chorus.
1. Everyone is so nice and friendly. I’ve been here for a year and everyone is so willing to help you, and make you feel welcome.
2. I am learning how to sing correctly for the first time. I love that.
3. I like the variety of music that we learn and sing.
4. I like the opportunities to perform
5. I like going to competitions, and to the Regional Sweet Adelines educational event, VocalFest, with the group.
What are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?
My number one favorite hobby is SINGING! I like to bake, and I have a home business making specialty cakes. You can see them on my Facebook Page, C&C Confections. I am always looking for new experiences. In the past, I participated in the Polar Bear Plunge. I’ve also gone paragliding, skydiving, and I participated in the Long Island Half-Marathon. I did all these crazy events/things after I turned 50!
What are your "super powers"? C'mon we all have them!
Hmmm, super powers? I guess it would be connecting with people. After knowing people for a short time, I am often told they feel like they've known me forever. Is that a super power?
Do you belong to any other organizations?
Yes, I belong the non-profit, We the People United Corp. This is a completely volunteer organization that helps the working poor on Long Island. We supply boxes of food including meats and fresh vegetables; we also help with clothing, furniture, heating oil etc. Check out our website, www.wtpucorp.org.
What do you do for a living?
I work for a teaching hospital as a Residency Coordinator. I work in the Department of Medicine, which has 140 resident physicians. I am part of the team that makes sure they are meeting the requirements to complete their residencies. It’s sort of like trying to herd cats!
Tell us a little about your family.
I enjoyed a long and wonderful marriage with my high school sweetheart, who passed away three years ago. I have two amazing sons, one who is a high school English teacher and published author. He and his beautiful wife have blessed me with three precious granddaughters, who are 6, 3, and 17 months old. My youngest son is a Creative Director for a major Ad Agency in Manhattan, and he is a talented musician. I am blessed to still have my Mom, who is 96 years old. Last, but not least, I have my pups: Freya Snow is my 12 years-old American Eskimo and Gibson is my 10 years-old Shih Tzu.
Any causes or charitable organizations near and dear to you?
We the People United Corp., the Smile Train, which performs cleft palate surgeries for underprivileged children in need, and the Make a Wish Foundation.
Come on down and meet Concetta, and the rest of our wonderful members. Twin County Chorus rehearses every Thursday night from 7:15 pm until about 9:45 pm. Please contact Bobbi at (516)983-2128, either by text or call. A link to Bobbi's email appears in the footer of this page.
