Newspaper Article about my Family!

This was published in the Loveland Daily Reporter-Herald on Sunday, February 21, 2010:

http://www.reporterherald.com/features/Feature-Story.asp?section=Focus&ID=27018

Since the link probably won't work forever, here is the text of the article:

Loveland family hitting all the right notes with music

By Sarah Bultema
Loveland Reporter-Herald

Music is more than a passion for the Johnsons. It’s a force that brought the family together. And they’ve been living in harmony — and sharing it with the community — ever since.
“Music has just been a great love for us,” said Judy Johnson, matriarch of the family.
“We feel it’s a gift, and we feel an obligation to share it in any way we can.”
The musical medley began decades ago when Judy and Murell Johnson met in a college music class.
The couple were married, and both became music teachers. Judy instructed piano classes and Murell taught in the schools.
When their four children were born, the parents hoped to pass on their passion for a melody. They didn’t force the youngsters into any classes, Judy said, but instead made music always available to them.
“We sang together, from the time that they were very young,” Judy said
And sure enough, the kids caught the tune.
“It was a lot of fun. We were surrounded by music all the time,” said Angela, one of the couple’s daughters. “I could see my parents loved it, and it rubbed off on me.”
Soon, the singing sextet began sharing their voices with others, caroling for neighbors and performing at their church.
“We did it because we loved it,” Judy said.
“It was just a joy to all of us, mostly to be able to share it with others. We like the idea of making them happy.”
As they grew, the four children — Shauna, Angela, Craig and Neal — continued to crescendo their musical talents. Each one performed in their high school marching band, and three were in the school’s choir.
Even today, all the Johnsons have a voice in the art.
Shauna is the technical director at the Candlelight Dinner Theater. Craig performs with the Loveland Opera Theater. Neal, who is living in England, continues to sing every chance he can get, Judy said.
And Angela, who majored in music during college, now performs with Up in Lights.

“I love how (music) is an escape,” she said. “You can be having a really bad day, but you put on some music, and it takes you away.”
Through it all, those who’ve had the opportunity to listen to the Johnsons’ harmony appreciate the talents they offer to share.
“The whole family has been dedicated to music and the arts for a long, long time,” said Jeannie Lancaster, who attends church with the Johnsons.
“Their positive attitude and love of music really makes a difference for so many of us.”
But for the sweet-sounding family, it’s a passion they’re happy to share.
“Words speak to your brain. But music speaks to your heart,” Angela said.
“That’s one of the reasons I love performing it, so I can speak to other people’s hearts.”