Terri Pearl, a Sun City resident, rocked the audience at the Rock the Ages concert on August 29. Pearl performed four songs and a solo honoring the queen of rock ‘n’ roll, Tina Turner, with an explosive performance of Proud Mary.
This is not Pearl’s first time taking the stage.
Terri Pearl stands by the instrument that started her musical passion. (Photo by Christine Such/My Sun Day News)
Pearl said, “Last year I played the piano and sang at ‘Sun City Has Talent’ and at a Christmas party where band members performed, and I was asked to sing.”
Sun City offered this forum to showcase talent in the community. Pam Jorgensen, Sun City Concert Band director, decided to incorporate the singing talents of the four band members, Bob Taylor, Teri Pearl, Gary Krewer, Curt Gerald, and Richard Chay.
Pearl said, “When we were planning for the concert, Pam asked Richard to add some vocals to the numbers. We were planning a tribute to Tina Turner, and out of the blue, I was asked to sing the solo.”
Pearl was excited for the opportunity.
“I thought I could do this. I started working on it. I am not an outgoing person. I usually just blend in, but I took on this challenge. I was very anxious, but once I got up there, I enjoyed it,” she said.
She has been a part of the band for two years, and it’s more than meets the eye.
“There is a social part to being part of the band. We share the same passion. We all love to make music. At this point in my life, I can choose what I want to do and enjoy playing the flute,” Pearl said.
In addition to singing, she performed a flute solo on Candle in the Wind. In the audience watching her perform was Rich her husband and her children, Krista Ryndak and Cory Castor.
Pearl’s family gave their comments.
Rich said, “I was apprehensive. You are exposed when you put yourself out there. I was so very proud and so were the children. It was very exciting to see her perform.”
Ryndak said, “Mom has always been passionate about music. Hearing her sing and play piano or flute, whether in public or simply while making dinner, was just part of our lives and who she was. She went through a season of career focus when she didn’t have time to invest in performing. I’ve been thrilled for her opportunities at Sun City in recent years to not just dive back in, but to grow. She is a great example to us to never give up on our passions.”
Castor said, “I couldn’t believe my mom did that. I’m so proud that she was able to face her fears and get on stage in front of everyone to sing by herself. She gave an amazing performance, and I hope to see more in the future.”
Pearl described how her love of music developed.
“I came from a very small town east of Dallas,” she said. “My dad was a pastor. I started playing the piano at church because there was no one else. I grew up playing mostly church music. Performing a song like Proud Mary was brand new. I didn’t know how my parents would react, but they also enjoyed it.”
