NATS & VANATS Statement

Dear VANATS Colleagues,

What a time we are living in—never have our hearts, our minds, and our collective resources been more taxed. Since we moved to online teaching because of COVID-19 concerns, we have absorbed so many changes in our daily lives. At this point, we would love to just sit back and take it easy. And yet, more is demanded of us now. 

We have all watched horrific images in the news and on social media; we saw George Floyd as he was inhumanely robbed of his breath and of his life by police in Minneapolis. We have marched and protested all over the country against systemic racism and inequality. 

It is time to stand up and proclaim who we are as a community and to say unequivocally what we will not tolerate. 

As an organization, VANATS decries the practice of racism in all its forms. The recent and ongoing social protests around the world require us to take a deeper look at what we can do collectively to be part of the solution, and to respond to the injustices experienced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) within our community of teachers, students, and pianists. 

Let us join hands with those who stand for justice and peace as we seize this moment to bring change and “Lift every voice and sing till earth and heaven ring with the harmonies of liberty.” We embrace the hope that the jangling chords of turbulence will be transformed into a jubilant song of peace.

Black lives matter. Black voices matter. 

Your board looks forward to continuing to serve you all as we move forward together.

-VANATS Board