After eleven years of service to Sponsors of New and Talented Artists, Inc. (SONATA) and seven years as president, Co-founder, Lillian Williams Ellis resigns as president.
SONATA, an out growth of the now defunct Savannah Symphony Orchestra, through the years has made significant and important strides. It has provided more than two hundred music scholarships for students in grades seven through twelve who exhibit talent, interest and/or need to take orchestral instrument lessons from professional musicians. This year, SONATA will welcome nine new board members bringing the total to twenty-five members, which are made up of successful professionals, alumni and teachers.
Ellis leaves the organization in the very capable hands of a SONATA alum and teacher, Mr. Someari Benson-Jaja. He lives the vision and mission of SONATA, because he embodied the program from the time he was a sixth grader. Before Mrs. Ellis left office, SONATA received close to $10,000 to begin a new program. This funding was applied for by the in-coming president, Mr. Jaja. Ellis will continue to work and support this program that has made a difference in the lives of so many young people.
Mrs. Ellis thanks the Lord for the great and marvelous things He has done for SONATA. — Savannah Herald