My name is Pepper Dawn — and yes, that's my given name. My parents really did this to me! I was named after Angie Dickinson's character, Sergeant Pepper, in the 1970s show Police Woman. After an ultrasound said I was a boy, my parents were in a pinch to come up with a name. My dad loved Angie Dickinson, and so Pepper it was. I jest, but I really do love my name — and I love singing Alto 2!
I originally joined the Chorale back in 2018 but took a break due to various life events. I returned this past Spring season, and I am so glad to be back!
I have always loved to sing but gave it up when I started my long academic journey. It left an empty place in my heart for a long time. After a very stressful period in my career, I decided to take my own advice and find something I love to counter the stress. I did a Google search and found The Contemporary Chorale.
I love "Rainbow" by Kacey Musgraves. I still sing it while I drive.
I began singing in my little Baptist church in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, at age three, when our pastor asked me to sing a song for the congregation. That quickly led to roles in musicals and performance groups. When my brother won me a tape recorder at a church event, I couldn't be stopped — I learned every song I could play (tape recorders were a big deal then!) and made up dances to go with them. I forced my family to watch me perform, using our fireplace as my stage. I sang and danced my way through high school and into college. My favorite roles were Annie in Annie and Ariel in the musical version of The Little Mermaid.
I am almost completely deaf in my right ear — and had no idea until I was 40! I just thought everyone needed to speak up.
I love playing with my pet bunnies and dogs. I'm a fan of historical and period shows and books, and I just discovered water fitness classes!
My favorite book is The Glass Castle — it actually led me to the decision to become a psychotherapist.
If I could perform with any artist, past or present, it would have to be the Judds. They influenced so much of my teen and young adult years.
One item on my bucket list: visiting Croatia. A high school friend of mine moved there, and the pictures are incredible.
"Find a way to relate to each song. Some will be harder than others to connect with, but it's the emotion that makes it so powerful."