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I hope that you are enjoying your summer and anticipating the start of another school year.
F or those of you who attended the 50th National NATS Convention in Nashville this past June, you know what a wonderful four days of singing, master classes, presentations, concerts, and visiting with fellow NATS members we had. Our own Texoma NATSAA winner, Laurie Lester (student of J. David Brock) sang beautifully and won second place in the NATSAA finals. We are so happy that she has agreed to sing for us in November as a part of our Artist Series. I know you will not want to miss this concert. Brava Laurie! M any notable speakers/presenters were present--Sherill Milnes, our keynote speaker, Thomas Cleveland, Robert Sataloff, Shirlee Emmons, Robert Edwin, Donald Miller, and Lenore Rosenberg. We heard a beautifully artistic recital performed by Dawn Upshaw and Gilbert Kalish at the famous former home of the Grand Ole' Opry--Ryman Auditorium. Another captivating performance was given by the 2006 NATSAA winner Danielle Talamantes. Please watch for her. She is an incredible talent and performing artist. Present throughout the conference and speaker at our closing gala banquet was the incredible Marni Nixon--the voice behind Deborah Kerr's 'Anna', Audrey Hepburn's 'Eliza', Natalie Wood's 'Maria' and many others. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Nixon and speaking with her. She is charming and still sings beautifully. Among the notables presenting at the conference were fellow Texomans: Kathryn Barnes-Burroughs, Laurie Lee Cosby, Dawn Padula, Donna Hinds Sawyers, Bettye Zoller Seitz, and David Small. Our own John Nix was convention poster session coordinator and Barbara Hill-Moore, our region NATS Foundation Liaison, represented us well. Another honor of note is the recognition Texas composer Stephen Lias received by being named one of the national semifinalists in the 2008 NATS Art Song Competition. His winning song cycle submission, Songs of a Sourdough, was sung by Texoman Scott LaGraff. In addition, former Texoman, Karen Kanakis, now at Luther College in Iowa was named one of the 2008 Young Leader Award recipients. Last, but certainly not least, Linda Poetschke, past regional governor, was introduced and installed as national Vice President of Membership. Congratulations Linda! Bravi Texoma! We are in the process of planning our Fall Conference and I am excited to report to you that the Oklahoma City University faculty committee has everything under control. You will be pleased to see their beautiful new Wanda L. Bass Music Center. |
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T he National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc (NATS) was founded in 1944 and is now the largest association of teachers of singing in the world. Today NATS boasts more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada, and, |
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T he mission of NATS is "to encourage the highest standards of the vocal art and of ethical principles in the teaching of singing; and to promote vocal education and research at all levels, both for the enrichment of the general public and for the professional advancement of the talented." |
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