Newport Beach’s Amy Deift Sings The Praises Of Hornblower
What do you do when you have an operatic voice, love boats, and need a summer job? Become a singing gondolier, of course. Amy Deift first found herself on the water when studying music education and vocal performance at Chapman University in Orange, CA.
“I mostly sing classical, musical theater, and jazz,” says Amy, who is now Director of Sales at Hornblower Cruises & Events in Newport Beach. “With my busy work and family life, I rarely perform now except in the living room- much to my children’s dismay!”
Following her gondolier days, Amy performed with the LA Opera, toured with other opera singers throughout South America, and performed Mozart’s Requiem at Carnegie Hall. “My favorite performance venue was the Teatro Colon, an amazing opera house in Buenos Aires. It was also a great honor to sing with the LA Opera,” says Amy.
As a child, Amy’s grandfather instilled in her the values of hard work, integrity and kindness. “He found happiness in the simple joys of life. I live by those values.”
Amy paid for her own voice lessons in high school, then auditioned as a music major in college and received a full music scholarship. Amy’s determination paid off in more ways than one. “I met my husband in our first music class while in college. After class, he told his mom he’d just met his future wife. The rest is history!”
When Hornblower Cruises & Events purchased their Newport Beach competitor in 2005, where Amy had worked for six years, she found herself adopted into the Hornblower family- and the next twelve years were a breeze!
Amy worked her way through the ranks from Event Manager, Sales Assistant, Sales Manager, and now serves as Director of Sales. “I work with the best team ever! I love my Hornblower family. We support and encourage each other to be our best at work and in our personal lives. I love helping people reach their goals.”
So, what has been Amy’s best Hornblower experience so far? “I love working with wedding clients. You get to know them on a personal level. You’re part of one of their most special days. When I rode wedding events, I cried almost every time. When your client comes back to thank you for making their day memorable and magical, that is the best.”
Amy has worked with many celebrities in her Hornblower career, but finds regular people to be the most interesting. “I just love getting to know people while helping them plan their celebration. Everyone has a story and I love to get to know them. People have fascinating lives if you take the time to listen. I think you can learn something from everyone you meet.”
Working at Hornblower and raising a family keeps Amy busy, but music still plays a big role in her life. Both her husband and children are musical, and she still finds time to teach private voice lessons to a handful of students. “I’m shy, so I’ve never had a great desire to be famous and perform,” she says, “but my husband has convinced me to work on a new album. I hope to have it done in 2018.”
We’re so proud to have Amy as part of our team, and are so proud of all her accomplishments.