What We Believe

Abstract

What We Believe Diana Allan (bio), Monica Williams-McCullough (bio), and Casey L. Carter (bio) FROM THE PRESIDENT In my first column, I wrote of our exciting growth in numbers, financial resources, and understanding. Like childhood growth spurts or the adolescent changing voice, growth often can be confusing or even disorienting. That is why I think it is important to remind ourselves, periodically, what it is we believe. Individually, we believe that no matter where we teach—in our homes, in a studio, at a school; no matter what we teach—commercial music, classical, or musical theatre; no matter whom we teach—adults, teens, youth, or children, we are all teachers of singing working to the best of our abilities for the good of our students and our profession. But collectively, as NATS members, what is it that we truly believe? We Believe in Our Vision Transforming lives through the power of singing Our vision is simple. In the studio, we have all shared a "light bulb" moment with a student. It is exciting and transformative. NATS, through our programs and services, works to facilitate transformational experiences for both teachers and their students. Singing is powerful, but knowledge is power. Every NATS member has the opportunity to renew and add to their knowledge by participating in valuable professional development through NATS Chats, Mentoring Initiatives, NATSCasts, national, regional, and chapter workshops, national and regional conferences, the Live Learning Center, and the Journal of Singing. I encourage you to seek out a new professional development experience in the coming year. Maybe that new experience could be to join us on NATS's second Transatlantic Pedagogy Trip to England, June 1–12, 2023. Past President Karen Brunssen and I are organizing this trip, in collaboration with our Association of Teachers of Singing, UK (AOTOS) and European Voice Teachers Association (EVTA) colleagues. The trip will include a two day mini conference, mini presentations by NATS member trip participants who may make proposals to present, visits to Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, Eton College, Guildford School of Acting, Cambridge, Windsor Castle, a West End show, and the opportunity to attend an opera. Karen and I are completely "chuffed" about the trip and would love for you to join us. Of course, we will find time for a High Tea. Interested? More information can be found at: nats.org/england2023 We Believe in Our Mission To advance excellence in singing through teaching, performance, scholarship, and research Our mission is also simple. As teachers of singing, we believe in advancing excellence in all aspects of singing and teaching. NATS is intent [End Page 137] on celebrating and supporting this excellence. It was my distinct pleasure to review all of the proposals that were submitted for the 2022 National Conference program. It was humbling and inspiring to recognize the breadth and depth of these excellent proposals from all corners of our association, which is only the tip of the NATS iceberg. As we expand globally through the formation of international chapters, we can celebrate NATS members throughout the world who are advancing excellence. We Believe in Our Ability to Accomplish Our Shared Goals We all have set goals and have encouraged our students to do the same. Belief in our goals and our ability to accomplish them is key to our success. NATS is no different. Through our strategic plan, NATS has set two overarching goals: 1) to advance the standing of NATS as the preferred professional organization for voice professionals by growing membership, building mutually beneficial strategic stakeholder relationships, and continuing to develop an outstanding portfolio of programs and services; and 2) to build organizational capacity to realize our goals by improving management practices and increasing financial resources. As reported to the NATS Board and the members in attendance at our conference this past summer, we have believed in this plan, put this belief into action, and are on track to accomplish our strategic goals by 2025. We Believe in Our Leaders As evidenced by our own country and world events, it is sometimes difficult to believe in leadership. Where NATS is concerned, I can strongly say that I believe in and trust our leadership...