Over the past six months, 13 members of the National Association of Teachers of Singing have established the Encore! Society as founding members.

The NATS Encore! Society is the recognition society for people who have designated NATS in their will or trust, and each of the founding members have set aside a portion of their estate to further the mission and values of NATS.

NATS Encore! Society Founding Members:

• Dr. Diana Allan
• Joan Frey Boytim
• Karen and Kim Brunssen
• Dr. Diane M. Clark
• Kathryn Proctor Duax
• Barbara Hill Moore
• Dr. Kristine Hurst-Wajszczuk
• Dr. Karen Peeler
• Dr. Kari Ragan
• Linda June Snyder
• Cynthia Vaughn
• William and Shirley Vessels
• Dr. Clifton Ware

“I have been a NATS member for more than 50 years,” said Dr. Diane Clark, founding president of the NATS Memphis Chapter and co-author of So You Want to Sing Barbershop. “I am extremely grateful for the support the organization has provided for my teaching over the years. It gives me great pleasure to envision that young teachers in the decades ahead will enjoy the same support that was there for me and my students.”

Estate gifts have played a significant role in NATS programming. A bequest from Shirlee Emmons underwrites the cost of speakers at NATS conferences and workshops. Alice Mae Riley established the National Musical Theater Competition through a substantial gift in her will.

Chair of the Encore! Society Committee Linda Snyder is thrilled to see the growth and progress that the association is making.

“NATS has a long history of advancing the vocal arts,” Snyder said. “It’s a trustworthy organization for investing in the future. I’m very excited to see donors shaping NATS through their wills. When you look at the list of named funds and awards, you can see the history of our organization. The legacy of our past leaders continues to grow through the programs that are funded in their names.”

Approximately $40 billion a year is given to charitable organizations in the U.S. through bequests, or gifts given through wills and estates. For many individuals, the bulk of their wealth is held in their estate — their retirement plan, property, life insurance, etc. This means that a gift made through a will is often the most significant gift a person makes.

If you would like to discuss a charitable bequest, please contact Bob Bryan by calling (904) 992-9101 or by email.