A Profile of Justina Golden
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A Profile of Justina Golden
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"I believe everyone is fully equipped to sing beautifully," says Justina Golden. "The path of learning to sing is getting to know yourself." The effervescent Golden has been gathering her share of disciples, people drawn as much to the medium as to the message. She is immersed in many facets of the local music world teaching an array of private clients (including Dar Williams), and pursuing a solo career as a singer-songwriter. While part of the duo Justina and Joyce, she recorded a pair of CDs, "So Strong" (1993) and "Rhythms, Rhymes and Tides" (1995). She is also the artist-in-residence at a Connecticut high school and a consultant to the Smith College Gospel Choir. Golden, who graduated from Frontier Regional and Amherst College, finds the local music scene very nourishing. "I'm so lucky to get to do something that I truly love," she says. "A lot of people don't get that chance." Full name: Justina Bradford Golden Nickname: Tina Date and place of birth: April 6, 1961, Queens, N.Y. Address: Easthampton Job: Voice teacher/choral conductor/performer Educational Background: Frontier Regional School; Amherst College, B.A., 1983; Yale School of Music, M.M., 1985 Favorite book: Anything by Barbara Kingsolver Favorite movie: "The Day the Earth Stood Still" Favorite television show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Favorite song: "The Wedding Song" by Diana Jones Hobbies: Bird-watching Formative Experience: Being a part of the Western District and All-State choruses in high school Funniest memory from school: Doing Jacques Cousteau imitations in 10th grade American literature class What's the strangest job you ever held? Doing weddings as a singer - there's never a dull moment Favorite comfort food: Popcorn When you want to get away from it all, where do you go? To the ocean in Maine Favorite way to splurge: Clothes or fine dinners Favorite item of clothing you own: A leather jacket Best present you've ever received: A box of owl pellets to dissect What one moment in your life would you like to do over again? The last time I saw my mother in the hospital. There is so much more I would say now. One little-known fact about you: My parents got an offer for me to do modeling when I was a baby. What was your most irrational act? Bringing a stray cat home in a 16-hour van trip from Tennessee Secret ambition/fantasy: To be an astronaut One product, trend or fashion you'd like to see return: Marathon candy bars Achievement of which you are most proud: Making a living as a musician in a world that does not actively support the arts Pet peeve: Pencils with bad erasers Favorite way to blow off steam: Singing Zulu songs at the top of my lungs in the car Most valuable lesson you've learned so far: Everything follows from your intention — attitude is crucial as to how you live your life Person you'd give the most to meet: Joni Mitchell One thing you do better than anyone else: Find cool stuff in catalogs What gives you the creeps? Karaoke Worst advice your mother ever gave you: Don't cry so much. You have to toughen up. Most embarrassing moment: Marching down the main street in Sunderland with the band, and dicovering my band pants' fly was open. One thing you would change about yourself: Bigger hair! People who knew you in high school thought you were: Weird Personal Strengths: Compassion, curiousity and organization Personal weakness: Allowing criticism to deter me from what I know to be true. Whom do you most admire? The Freedom Riders. They risked their lives for what was right. — compiled by Marty Dobrow for The Northampton Hampshire Gazette, (January 8, 1999) Have a question or comment? Write to us! |