HISTORY
The Redwood Empire Chapter of NATS was established in 1995 by Thelma Dare Ahner, its first president, and Bonnie Brooks, who became it's second president 5 years later. Thelma had long held a dream of creating a local NATS chapter and spearheaded it's organization. She enlisted Bonnie's help and together they created the charter group. There were 14 charter members, including Thelma and Bonnie and two others who are still currently members: Marian Marsh and Carol Menke. Other past presidents have been Marilyn Simpson, Beth Freeman and Mary Beard. The current president is Vaida Falconbridge.
In the first years, most of the energy went into forming the chapter and defining its goals and programs. Within a few years, the branch had established it's "High Tea and High C's" fundraiser in the Fall, and held Scholarship Auditions and a Winners' Recital in the Spring. As the branch grew and strengthened, it began to add workshops and Master Classes, many in conjunction with SonomaStateUniversity, which bring top educators and performers to work with the branch's students and members. The branch currently has 28 active members, 20 of whom are Full Members and teachers of voice; 4 are Associate Members who have small studios or teach in schools; 2 are Affiliate Members who are accompanists, coaches, conductors, or adjunct health professionals; and 2 are Emeritus members, both of whom are still active.
For more detailed information on how to contact specific members, please see our "Find A NATS Teacher " link by clicking the "More" tab at the upper right side of this page.
In the first years, most of the energy went into forming the chapter and defining its goals and programs. Within a few years, the branch had established it's "High Tea and High C's" fundraiser in the Fall, and held Scholarship Auditions and a Winners' Recital in the Spring. As the branch grew and strengthened, it began to add workshops and Master Classes, many in conjunction with SonomaStateUniversity, which bring top educators and performers to work with the branch's students and members. The branch currently has 28 active members, 20 of whom are Full Members and teachers of voice; 4 are Associate Members who have small studios or teach in schools; 2 are Affiliate Members who are accompanists, coaches, conductors, or adjunct health professionals; and 2 are Emeritus members, both of whom are still active.
For more detailed information on how to contact specific members, please see our "Find A NATS Teacher " link by clicking the "More" tab at the upper right side of this page.