Some singers ease their way into an ensemble. Sue Tatro stepped in and quickly seemed like she had always belonged.
On the risers, she is vibrant, expressive, and fully committed — no shrinking violet here. When it’s time to step up to the mic, she does it with confidence, spark, and just the right amount of flair.
She has the kind of energy you remember from school: the girl who stood up for the underdog, kept things fair, and could straighten out a situation with one look and a few well-chosen words.
At our Broadway concert, Sue lit up the stage with “I Cain’t Say No” from Oklahoma!, taking on Ado Annie’s playful, wide-eyed confession with a wink and a whole lot of personality. It’s a role that leans into charm and mischief, and she delivered both in spades — equal parts sweet and sassy, and entirely entertaining.
But her spark isn’t only theatrical. Offstage, Sue’s story is just as dynamic. After a remarkable career in education spanning decades — from university classrooms to 20 years working with at-risk high school students — she is stepping back into the world of teaching. Those students, especially the ones who needed a little extra push and encouragement, became her specialty. As one colleague put it, Sue always had a knack for reaching the kids who needed both a pat on the back and a kick in the rear — and she embraced that role wholeheartedly.
Now working in Beaumont Unified at the elementary level, she has found a fresh kind of joy, with plans to move into Special Education next. Helping people grow, push past obstacles, and realize their potential has been a constant thread in her life.
For someone who joined the Choraleers only a few years ago, Sue has already become a memorable part of the ensemble. Whether she is guiding students, cheering on the underdog, or stepping forward to deliver a song with confidence and style, she brings the same unmistakable qualities every time: strength, warmth, and a little bit of fire.