ALUMNI CORNER: CATHERINE BLUE HOLMES (’93)
November 20, 2025
This month we’re catching up with Catherine Blue Holmes, who sang in Concert Choir from 1987-1993. That means Catherine joined LACC in its second year! Catherine still lives in the Pasadena area and is not just a proud LACC alumna, but a proud LACC parent. Her son Thomas now sings in Apprentice Choir after starting in Preparatory Choir last season.
In Which Choirs Did You Participate?
There was only one choir when I started. I think they added a second and third choir toward the end of my time, apprentice and intermediate. We were in the original Concert Choir [helmed by LACC’s founder Rebecca Thompson].
Do you have any fond memories of song in your early life?
My parents used to put me to sleep with what they called “songs and prayers”—I’d get to pick a simple song like “You Are My Sunshine” and we’d sing it together.
How did you first get involved with LACC?
The wonderful Rebecca Thompson was the music teacher at my school. She invited several of us to participate.
What is a favorite memory, tour, or concert experience with LACC?
We did a tour to New York City in 1991 or so, to participate in an international choir festival, culminating with a performance at Carnegie Hall. There was a Finnish choir participating as well. At the end of the last group rehearsals, we all had a few extra minutes, and the Finnish choir taught us a song that became one of my absolute favorites: “Siyahamba.” Such a beautiful moment, to be singing this glorious harmony with a full complement of choirs from around the world on one of the world’s most celebrated stages, just for fun.
Where Are You Living These Days?
I’m so happy to be back in Pasadena. My family and I were in the Bay Area for a number of years, but we finally made our way home just before the pandemic started.
How did LACC help prepare you for your current career as a government attorney?
While I don’t do much singing in my professional life, LACC has made its mark by instilling discipline in me. No experience in my life taught me more that with hard work can come great rewards.
Are You Still Singing? What Else Are You Up to Now?
I’m not really singing, outside of church and the LACC alumni reunions (looking forward to it!) I’m busy chasing after my kids and volunteering on the board of my church.
Tell us more about your own LACC singer in LACC:
My son Thomas is in Apprentice Choir [with conductor Eric Lifland]. It’s his second year in LACC, and he comes home from rehearsal each week joyfully singing the songs he is learning.
What are you hoping your children get out of LACC?
I’m hoping that Thomas will learn the same lesson I did— that with discipline and focus can come great satisfaction. But I also want him to build core memories and friendships, and have an experience like no other.
Do you have any advice for current LACC choristers?
Oh gosh, the current choristers are so far ahead of where I was at their age, I’m not sure I could provide any advice other than enjoy this experience and appreciate it for the unique opportunity that it is.
Do you have a favorite song?
“Hymn to Freedom.” It hits a little differently now than it used to, with the current political climate.
How has your experience as a performer prepared you for where you are now?
I have to speak before judges all the time now, and all of that performing with LACC taught me the difference that adequate preparation can make. If you’re unprepared, public speaking can be really miserable, but if you are prepared and feel on top of your game, it can be truly fun.
What does LACC mean to you?
LACC is well integrated as part of the fabric of who I am. It was a unique opportunity that gave me so many memories, musical and otherwise, and afforded me experiences I never would have had without it. It was lots of hard work and sacrifice, but completely worth it.