Veronica Halbur

Whether she plays an instrument or sings with her sisters, music for 15-year-old Veronica Halbur of Joliet, is an extension of God's grace.

"Music is meant to lift people up," Veronica said. "I hope that through my playing of the violin and piano and singing I can continue to minister to others, whether that be now, 10 years from now or 20 years from now."

On Aug. 13, Veronica will participate in the University of St. Francis' summer voice recital where she will sing a solo piece as well as a trio with her sisters Claire Halbur, 20, and Sarah Halbur, 18, both of Joliet.

With Laura and Mary Kizior, of Newark, and her sisters, Veronica is also a member of Appassionata Musicians to the King, a vocal, violin and harp musical group that performs at area Catholic churches, as well as for weddings and funerals.

"I really do enjoy classical music," Veronica said. "It's more natural, if you will. It feeds the soul. I really don't want to have anything to do with rock. Listening to it makes me aggressive. If music doesn't do calming or relaxing things for me or anyone else, I would not make an effort to learn it."

Veronica's father John had his children singing by the time they could talk. They often sang religious songs and fun songs together during their family time at home or while hiking through the woods. Later, Veronica sang in home-school choirs as well as in church choirs.

She has only just begun official voice lessons and has found that obtaining control of her voice is rather similar to mastering a musical instrument. She is thankful for her ability to read music and the acquired discipline from years of instrument training, beginning at age 6.

"I really wanted to play the flute, but Sarah wanted to play the violin, so all three of us started violin lessons at the same time," Veronica said. "I went through a stage where I did not want to be in violin anymore and my mom said, 'That's fine. You can stop violin. I won't make you do it, but you won't be able to go back. I can't have you dropping in and out.' I'm glad I did because I love the violin, and it helped develop my musical abilities."

She looks forward to her first recital. Not only is it yet another step forward in her musical development, it is one more opportunity to sing with her sisters, something Veronica relishes.

"We just like singing together, praising God together with our voices. It's a cool way to connect as sisters," Veronica said. "In addition to hymns, we also like to sing songs like 'Molly Malone,' 'Grandfather's Clock' and songs from soundtracks. I like playing around with different songs, whether it's with my voice or the violin. I can relax with the music and let it soak into me."