Margo Garrett led master classes in German Lieder and French Melodie

By Kristine Hurst-Wajszczuk, Vice President for Workshops, NATS

The 2020 Winter Workshop, held at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York from January 10-12 in conjunction with the NATS Artist Awards and National Music Theater Competition finals, was by all accounts enjoyable and informative. Sessions ran the gamut from interactive workshops, master classes, and lectures. Our clinicians included Brady Walsh and Melissa Wegner from the Met, acclaimed collaborative pianist Margo Garrett, fitness guru Claudia Friedlander, music theater casting director Michael Cassara, stage combat experts Jacqueline Holloway and Sean McCarthur and Alexander Technique practitioner Brooke Lieb. There was something for everyone in attendance, and I received many comments about the high quality of presenters. We were fortunate that, unlike the last Winter Workshop in NYC, there was no blizzard to prevent anyone from arriving; in fact, we enjoyed record temperatures in the 60s!

In conjunction with the Winter Workshop, the Mentored Teacher Program continued, with 11 participants receiving feedback about their teaching from other NATS members. Our Mentor Teachers were former Executive Board members Lori McCann and Richard Weidlich, as well as our current President, Karen Brunssen. I am grateful for their assistance.

This is my last workshop as VP for Workshops, and it has been an honor to serve NATS. I offer my thanks to the folks that make it all possible: Debbie, Tina, Margie, and Paul in the national office are always very helpful and are great resources. I’m grateful for Allen Henderson, for his support and guidance over the past four years, and Mark McQuade, Diana Allen, and Frank Ragsdale for their help coordinating competitions and workshops simultaneously. Blake, Connie, and Tripper Stiles are always there for our video needs, and we are grateful for their technical expertise. Our local coordinator, Lori McCann, kept us running smoothly with a great group of volunteers, including DeMar Neal, who will be assuming the role of VP for Workshops in June. I’m also fortunate to have served under the positive and kind leadership of our president, past-president, and president elect: Linda Snyder, Karen Brunssen, and Carole Blankenship, respectively. I am indebted to all of you.