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| Influences:
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 Born to a musical and God-centered family, with radio/TV performances as a child, Beryl's experience ranges from a "doo-wop" group in high school, to her own rock band, raising five children, singing in the "Papal Choir" during Pope John Paul's visit to New Orleans in 1987, 25+ years with the "Contemporaries" (a contemporary guitar group at St. Dominic Church iin New Orleans), and now a member of St. Jude the Apostle's 11:30 a.m. choir in Baton Rouge. A natural evolution from group ministry, Beryl also launched her own personal music ministry several years ago, and now regularly does "church gigs," i.e., weddings, funerals, baptisms, and masses. From 1980 to 1985, Beryl was the Civilian Personnel Officer for the Eighth District of the United States Coast Guard. She completed her Federal career with an early retirement from the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs in June 1994, after being reached in one of their rare "buy-outs." A descendent of the operatic Caruso family, Beryl's father was a New Orleans composer with a couple of modest successes with his compositions back in the 20's. Beryl's husband Juan, who provides percussion and sings on "Amazing Graces," has a primary career in law enforcement. Juan's musical heritage carries on a name which originated with his great-grandfather Juan Bautista Quinton, a composer and organist who studied at the Conservatory of Paris before moving to Puerto Rico. Juan's grandfather Jose Ignatio Quinton later became one of the island's most celebrated composers. Juan's father Bobby Quinton was a pianist known for his "Bach to Boogie" at locations such as Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, La Lune, and Bobby Quinton's Lounge on Tulane Avenue. The children who sing on the CD were selected from the St. Louis Cathedral's Catholic Elementary
School choir, which Beryl directed from 2001 to 2004.
Sadly, when Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath destroyed a large portion of the Crescent City, Beryl's home was in one of the most devastated areas -- Lakeview. Her home was submerged in 15 feet of water for more than two weeks, and the reality of what she and Juan were facing together was seen firsthand when they docked a boat on their front porch on September 18 and broke down the front door. Assets and equipment related to both of their businesses -- photography and music -- were destroyed by the salt water flooding, and they relocated to Baton Rouge, LA where they decided to stay. Returning to their home in Lakeview was simply unaffordable.
Looking back, Beryl and Juan are so grateful for their survival and the strength and resilience to renew their lives. Beryl has likened the devastation of Hurricane Katrina to a "practice death," a reminder to focus our eyes on an indestructable heavenly home where loved ones await. Beryl and Juan lost everything material, and family and friends are scattered to the winds for now, but they have each other and face new challenges together... one day at a time. God's blessings are always present, and they embrace once again the opportunity of sharing with others their abundant love of Jesus Christ through their music.
Buy my CD's here:
www.cdbaby.com/beryl2
Buy my Music Video here:
http://www.cdbaby.com/beryldvd
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