We're shining a light on Gabriella Hundza, one of our wonderful Alto’s who's been part of The Contemporary Chorale for a year now — but whose connection to the group actually goes back much further than that.
Gabriella's journey to the Chorale started long before she ever sang a note with us. Her nana was a longtime member — joining, fittingly, the very year Gabriella was born — and Gabriella grew up watching her perform. Even after her nana stopped singing with the group, the two kept attending shows together, with Gabriella half-jokingly floating the idea of joining herself one day. That "someday" finally arrived, and now she's a full-fledged member carrying on the family connection to the Chorale.
Before joining us, Gabriella's choir experience was rooted in school groups — ADEC in sixth grade, junior high and honors choirs in seventh and eighth grade, and her high school's ministry choir. But her musical story actually begins at the piano. She played for 12 years and eventually got into composition in high school, even writing a piece called "Call of the Wild" — named for the bobcats that would mysteriously show up in her piano teacher's yard every time they worked on it.
As for favorites during her time with the Chorale, Gabriella doesn't hold back:
"I may be a little biased, but I absolutely loved singing Orange Colored Skies 🧡 — a close second is Big Yellow Taxi!"
When she's not singing, Gabriella loves spending time with family and friends — hosting, hanging out by the pool, playing games, and yes, even karaoke ("which is still singing... but a little different"). Her go-to favorites round out a fun personal profile:
Favorite hobby: Creating Pinterest and vision boards
Favorite book: The Authenticity Project
Favorite movie: Bridesmaids (her default answer, among a few others)
Favorite shows: New Girl and Only Murders in the Building
And a fun fact that might surprise you: her musical roots run deep into her piano and composition background — a side of her artistry many wouldn't guess from her choral performances alone.
If Gabriella could share the stage with any artist, past or present, she's not shy about her pick: the Jonas Brothers — happily admitting it makes her one of the "babies" of the group.
Her bucket list dream is just as heartfelt: visiting her Nonno's hometown in Italy, and enjoying an Aperol spritz with good pasta on the coast while she's there.
For anyone new to the Chorale, Gabriella has some heartfelt advice:
"Have FUN! Allow the music to heal & energize you, find confidence in your voice, and embrace the support, care, & silliness that is so present in this group!"