D. GWENDOLYN "GWEN" ROBERTS's Obituary
Gwendolyn Roberts, prominent local voice teacher and tireless supporter of musical arts organizations, died of heart failure on December 11th, 2007. She was born February 9, 1911, in Lexington, Neb. to Andrew and Florence Roberts. She moved with her family at a young age to San Bernardino. She graduated from San Bernardino H.S. and San Bernardino Valley College. She then studied voice at USC, Julliard and Columbia. Her voice teachers included Maggie Teyte and Ruth and Mario Chamlee of the Metropolitan Opera. She sang professionally in Hollywood for 10 years, and presented numerous concerts and recitals locally. For 8 years, she performed at the Hollywood Bowl, and she toured California, performing in operas, musicals, concerts and recitals. She returned to San Bernardino where she taught voice at her studio. She has trained and helped to develop the singing careers of countless artists, both locally and nationally. In 1956, along with Ruth Chamlee, she helped to found the Western Region of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. She was the District Director for the Riverside/San Bernardino District for 50 years. She was a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. She served as President of the local L.A. chapter, as well as Regional Governor, and National V.P. of the NATS Foundation. She was a founder, two-time president and life-long board member of the San Bernardino Valley Concert Association. She was a life-long member of the First Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino. She was a member of numerous civic and professional organizations, only a few of which include: San Bernardino Zonta Club International --President and a 50 year member.San Bernardino Music Teachers Association --President and Treasurer.Riverside Opera Guild-- Executive Board member and Program Chairman.The Spinet Club of Redlands.The Dominant Club of Los Angles. Gate City Order of Eastern Star #75, Worthy Matron in 1986.Order of White Shrine.Order of Amaranth. Survivors include her cousin, James Roberts of Lexington, Neb., and the many friends and young singers whose lives she touched. Gwen loved sparkly clothes and jewelry, and we will certainly miss the sparkle that she brought into our lives. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wed. Dec 19, 2007. Chapel service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 20, 2007. Both services at Bobbitt Memorial Chapel, 1299 E. Highland Ave. San Bernardino, CA.
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