Cindy (far left) with members of The Wellspring Wonders Choir.

Article and photos by Patte Smith

The sound of beautiful and upbeat music can be heard from Surrey Ridge resident Cindy Kessinger-Wenninger’s home at all times of the day. A local vocal coach and singer, Kessinger-Wenninger is an extremely talented and giving individual, who reaches out to the community to share her wonderful, artistic gift of music.

A gifted musician, as well as a vocalist, she formed The Castle Cappellas with the help of a few other ladies about two and a half years ago. They sang last year and this year at the Castle Pines community Independence Day celebration. She also sings on the worship team at Castle Pines Community Church where she has sung for more than ten years. Modest about her talents, Kessinger-Wenninger likes to “stay behind the scenes” and help her students reach their singing goals. “I get a kick out of seeing them hit that note, sing that tune, and realize their potential,” she says smiling.

While all this singing and teaching keeps Kessinger-Wenninger busy, her real thrill is being the volunteer choir director for The Wellspring Wonders Choir, a group of young adults with special needs. She said that watching them center on what she is teaching them is incredible. “Seeing the joy on their faces when we rehearse and when they perform has blessed my life. They touch me in such a special way and they are remarkable young people.” Cindy also coaches some special needs students in her home studio to help them focus on improving speech, ear training and memorization. The Wellspring Wonders Choir will be performing later in the year at some community churches and special events.

Kessinger-Wenninger at her piano in her studio. Authors Note: Cindy gave me a 15 minute voice lesson…it was great. I had no idea I had a two octave range, and to see her play the piano and listen to her sing was a fabulous experience!

Kessinger-Wenninger has a degree in Music Education K-12 with emphasis on voice and piano. She studied with Judy Davis, a top vocal coach in California, who created vocal exercises for world renowned singers such as Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Cher, Judy Garland, Janis Joplin and Eddie Money. Kessinger-Wenninger uses these vocal techniques when instructing her students today.

A studio singer for more than 10 years, she sang for Alan Funt Productions, Litwin Mortan Productions, Words and Music and many others. She keeps honing her skills and is currently studying with Mary Ann Kehler a certified speech level singing instructor in the Denver area. One can never stop learning is Kessinger-Wenninger’s motto. She has also partnered with two other local musician/educators, Mary Barnes and Teri Bultemeier to form Prelude to Performance. The three of them teach voice, piano, harp, violin, cello and viola.

“I would love to see the Castle Cappellas sing professionally and hope to get the word out we will sing at events. We will sing for food…and money is nice too,” she laughs. She can be reached at 303-909-6268 or e-mail.

A performance of the Castle Cappellas at the Castle Pinescommunity Independence Day celebration.