Our History

In 1981, a group of ten teachers formed the “Fredericksburg Teachers Association” for an exchange of professional ideas and problems, to further musical interest in the community, and to provide occasions for student performance. As an outgrowth of this first organization, in the fall of 1984, the group became affiliated with the National Federation of Music Clubs and the Virginia Federation of Music Clubs, and changed the name to the Rappahannock Music Society with membership open to anyone with an interest in music. At this same time, the series “Music at Noon” was inaugurated and there were half-hour programs on the third Monday of every month from September through May, with admission free to the public. The RMS has sponsored recitals by musicians of note, has held workshops, has taken students and adults on trips to the Smithsonian Museum, and has offered a class in music appreciation. It presents four student recitals a year, student performances and music displays at the local library, and participates in the Federation of Music Clubs Festivals. Music scholarships and awards, through audition, are awarded to several high school students each year. 

PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK MUSIC SOCIETY

1981-1982 Judith Murphy

1982-1984 Sandra Anderson

1984–1985 Linda Long

1985-1987 Nathalie Steinbach

1987-1989 Cynthia Steinbach

1989-1990 Borgny Ostby

1990-1992 Anne Hamer

1992-1994 Nathalie Steinbach

1994-1995 Patricia Huff

1995-1997 Sandra Anderson

1997-1999 Elin Havrilla

1999-2001 Anne Hamer

2001-2002 Borgny Ostby

2002–2004 Elin Havrilla

2004-2006 Lisa Batosch

2006-2007 Jennifer Jackson

2007-2009 Susan Bessette

2009-2010 Debra Hewitt

2010-2012 Elizabeth Duncan

2012-2018 Nathalie Steinbach

2018-present Elizabeth Kennedy

Virginia Federation of Music Clubs NANCY HOLBACK MILNE CITATION AWARD

2008 Sandra Anderson

2014 Nathalie Steinbach

2025 Wendell Anderson

National Federation of Music Clubs LIFE MEMBERS

Sandra Anderson

Nathalie Steinbach

Wendell Anderson

Bruce Steinbach