Send Maura To NATSAA!

My dear family and friends,

I am excited to tell you about an amazing opportunity I have to compete in the Northwest Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing Artist Award (NATSAA) Competition  in Portland from the 26th -30th of this month.  I reluctantly wrote a narrative about my preparations and fund raising efforts taking place between now and then, when my message was commandeered by my friend Rebecca.  These are her words:

“I can’t prove it, but I may or may not have been living a half-life for most of my years.  I don’t blame my upbringing.  No, despite loving parents and an idyllic childhood, there was something they could not give me.  It was something that had to happen on its own, and in my case, wouldn’t happen until adulthood.  What changed this half-life existence?  That’s simple.  I heard Maura Wharton sing. 

“From the first time I heard the musical stylings of Maura, one thing was certain---Maura needs to be shared with the world.  If you’ve had the pleasure of hearing her voice and know of her talent first hand, then I’m sure you agree.  If you haven’t heard Maura sing an Italian aria or even hum a radio jingle and find yourself in that half-life space, it’s okay.  All is not lost. 

“In preparation for her upcoming competition, Maura is performing a recital on October 22, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.  All are welcome to attend this all-Maura-all-the-time show where she will perform pieces from her competition repertoire including arias, oratorio, and art songs in French, English, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish and spanning Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th Century eras of composition from the year 1719 to 1956.

 “Short of playing ‘Eye of the Tiger’ on a loop as her own personal soundtrack, Maura has dedicated her time, energy and talent to practicing and rehearsing for her competition.  Maura is doing her part to prepare, and others have done their part---the local  and regional chapters of NATS  have awarded Maura scholarships and individuals have secured her airfare and made generous monetary contributions.  But, a gap remains.    

 “Maura is not only a great singer--she is also great at being her best kept secret.  That’s fine.  That’s where I come into the picture.  I believe in Maura.  I believe in her talent.  And, I stand by my words---she needs to be shared with the world.  If you agree and can or can’t be present at her recital in Anchorage on the 22nd, you can still support this southbound soprano in her competition. 

 “Donations of all amounts are welcome and appreciated.  Funds raised will help Maura in covering the cost of her entrance fee, lodging expenses, and the purchase of scores, voice lessons and pianists. 

 “Maura assures me that foam fingers and doing the wave are generally frowned upon at these types of things---a theory I’m willing to test eventually.  But, until then, fair enough.  I can show my support sans foam finger and so can you.  Team Maura!”    

Thank you so much for your support!