JOYCE RUDOLPH
For Rudy Diaz, singing with the Burbank Chorale is a change of pace
from his job as a Superior Court judge for the Eastlake Juvenile
Courts near USC.
"We handle the inner city up to Eagle Rock," he said. "A lot of
things you read about come before us."
So, singing bass with the 83-year-old chorale has been a great
outlet for the Burbank resident. The group practices once a week
during the year, but this week, it had four rehearsals in preparation
for two concerts this weekend.
Its annual free concert is at 7:30 tonight at the Burbank First
United Methodist Church, 700 N. Glenoaks Blvd. Then, it will perform
with the New Valley Symphony during its annual free holiday concert
at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Hall of Liberty, in Forest Lawn Hollywood
Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive.
As a youngster, Diaz played the saxophone, so he reads music. Now
he is learning to use his voice, he said.
A couple of years ago, his daughter joined chorale and he went to
see her.
"I was impressed," he said. "The people were having a great time.
I thought, if I would fit in, I'd give it a shot."
He's been singing with the group for two years.
What most impresses him is the member's dedication. Some have been
singing with the group for more than 10 years.
"Many are professionals and sing with other groups," he said.
"They come every week and work hard, especially before a concert.
It's kind of inspiring to be with these people who can really sing
well.''
SPECIAL EVENTS
DANCER DEBUTS IN 'NUTCRACKER'
Ricky Sun, 23, earns his livelihood teaching ballroom dancing, but
he said he continues to dance the ballet more for pleasure.
Some of the honors he has won for ballroom dancing are first place
in the B Group Chinese Cup Latin Ballroom Dance in 2002 at Star Dance
in Los Angeles and first place in the A Group Latin Dance in the 1999
China Hoipai State Dancing Society Competition.
The Glendale Community College student makes the transition to
ballet Sunday when he debuts with the Media City Ballet's production
of "The Nutcracker" at The Alex Theatre in Glendale. He'll play the
Nutcracker Prince.
Born in Beijing, Sun began studying ballet at 4 with the Beijing
Dancing Academy. He gravitated to ballroom dancing and has been
concentrating on that. Until now, he has never danced with a
professional ballet company.
"I love classical ballet so much. This is why I never gave up
ballet. I take ballet classes everywhere," he said.
He is grateful to Natasha Middleton, artistic director, for giving
