Teacher’s Karaoke turned into a bit of a Susan Boyle moment when Becky Alderfer took the mic Tuesday at Souderton High School in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
“I think it surprised them that the lunch lady started singing,” Alderfer said, admitting she really enjoyed the element of surprise.
The 52-year-old Harleysville, Pennsylvania, woman’s unexpected performance came during a student-hosted event where teachers sing to help raise money for the United Nations Club.
But it wasn’t her idea.
“I know what a wonderful voice she has,” said boss Pam Forster. “So my staff was like, ‘Well, let’s see if we can get her up there.'”
When Alderfer hit — and held — that first big note in Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, she transformed the teen chatter of a school cafeteria into screams, hoots and “who knew?!” applause.
“The lunch ladies were excited and I dedicated the song to them,” Alderfer said. “I thought it [the song] had a nice message and I felt like I knew it well enough that I could get through it.”
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Alderfer’s talent isn’t really hidden; it’s just not the type of conversation kids typically get into with the lunch ladies. For more than 30 years though, she’s served as music director at her father’s church, Family Worship Center in Lansdale, Montgomery County. And if you flip through a few yearbooks from the early 80s, you’ll see she sang in the choir and school productions at Souderton High.
Even with all that experience, she wasn’t exactly fearless.
“I can count on my hand how many times I’ve done karaoke. It’s a little nerve-racking. It works if you can find a song you’re really familiar with; otherwise it might be a disaster for anyone!”
