Last month was an extraordinary month for CCPAS. We hosted, in addition to our two regularly scheduled concerts and Jazz Piano Concert, four special events. The first of these was the annual Benefit Concert organized by Chris Erwin. This concert featured the music of Francis Poulenc and invited musicians included students from the YPSO, Maestro David Ramadanoff, special guest Ellen St Thomas, choral conductor Brett Peppo, and a chorus composed of CCPAS members and friends from DVC. The second special event was the annual Student Piano Master Class organized by Hye Yeong Min, the master class given by Dr. Sharon Mann of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. The popularity of this event increases every year, and this year there were more student applicants than performing spaces available. The third special event - actually two events - was the High School Vocal Competition followed two weeks later by the Winners Concert. This was organized for the first time by Lucia Scardigno and it was a major success with a larger turn out by far than we have ever seen before in a CCPAS vocal competition. Thanks go to Chris Erwin, Hye Yeong Min, and Lucia Scardigno for masterminding these events, and to the volunteers without whose skills and "knowhow" none of this would have been possible.

This month, CCPAS, offers five major events, the Tuesday Evening and Friday Morning Concerts, a Piano Composers Concert, and a Jazz Piano Concert, plus, under the direction of Sandy Watkins, the annual Founders Concert. This last features musicians from every CCPAS group and as in the past, should prove to be very interesting.

I would like to report on some changes that will be taking place at the end of May. After many years of service, Mary Burkhard, Priscilla Couden, Hye Yeong Min, Robert Steiner, Kelly Walker, and Richard Woodruff will be leaving the Board. Thanks go to all of them for their outstanding dedication and work on behalf of CCPAS.  

Please join me in welcoming to the Board Wendy Reynolds, Nancy Rude, Mei Sun Li, Melinda Morse, Scott Thompson, and Feona Jones. And finally, extend a warm welcome to Dwight Stone who has agreed to run for President. Many of you know him already and for those of you who don't, you are in for a real treat. Dwight is an accomplished vocalist, pianist, composer, choir director, and recording artist. His expertise and dedication to music will serve CCPAS well. Please give Dwight your support - attend the General Meeting which will be held on May 14, a few minutes before the concert - and cast your vote for the proposed new officers.

CCPAS is an unusual organization which not only provides performance venues for musicians but also encourages the musical activities of youth. With this dual function, CCPAS adds real value to the community. As president of CCPAS, I have seen many positive developments over the last two years and feel fortunate to have been a part of it. CCPAS has expanded its scholarship programs, has branched out into the community with the John Muir Concerts, and has created a vibrant Student Chapter. I have enjoyed being president of CCPAS and have grown as a person, acquiring new skills, and meeting great people, some who are musicians and some who are not. But you are only as good as the people who are there supporting you. I have been lucky in having the best colleagues, the best Board, and the best Membership. I would like to thank all of you for a wonderful time. None of our accomplishments would have been possible without you.

Diane