The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. (NANM) promotes and supports African American music through various initiatives, including scholarships and performance opportunities for young musicians. Established in 1919, the Georgia Laster Branch was formed in honor of a deceased singer and has aided countless students over the past 51 years. The branch emphasizes community, musical growth, and remembrance of influential artists and members.

1. NANM, Inc.
Georgia Laster Branch
Dedicated to the Advancement of
African American Music and
Musicians

2. What is NANM, Inc?
The National Association of Negro
Musicians, Inc. is an organization supported by people of cultural ideals and music
groups of high standards. All care deeply for
the fine art of music and for musical culture
throughout the country. They lend their gifts
of music to people of all ages, races and
creeds who come together to participate in
the total experience of music.

3. Our Mission
NANM promotes, preserves, and supports
all genres of music created or performed
by African Americans.

4. Our History
• The National Association of Negro Musicians
was organized May 3, 1919 in Washington D.C. for
the purpose of stimulating public interest and
support in the work of Negro instrumentalists,
singers, and composers who were experiencing
great difficulty in receiving proper recognition in the
concert field.
• Since its inception, NANM has been a source of
support, encouragement and often a launching pad
for the dreams of many talented young artists. Many
NANM scholars have earned world-wide respect
and have made significant contributions to our
culture and music history.

5. The Georgia Laster Branch
Our branch was formed in Los
Angeles in 1961 as a result of the
leadership of Dr. Albert McNeil, a
prominent teacher and choral
director. He had attended a NANM
convention and was so impressed
that he decided to start a chapter in
Los Angeles. When the singer
Georgia Laster was killed in an
auto accident in 1961, the new
branch was named in her honor
with Florence Brantley as the first
president.
Georgia Laster
Florence Brantley

6. Goals and Objectives
Our branch (GLB, NANM., Inc.) works toward the
fulfillment of NANM's mission by providing financial
support and opportunities to perform for young
musicians between the ages of 10 and 18 by
• providing scholarships for talented students between
the ages of 13 and 18 years of age.
• sponsoring quality concerts that showcase
outstanding talent.
• providing opportunities to perform and participate in
professional development--master classes, and
workshops--that allow adults, youths, and juniors
associated with the branch to experience continual
growth in music.

7. GLB Members Past & Present
GLB Members meeting at Congregational Church of Christian
Fellowship circa 1960’s.

8. GLB Members Past & Present

9. A Few of Our Members

10. Symphonic Chorale
The Chorale, organized and directed by Dorothy Hayes, is
composed of GLB members and talented friends who sing
with other choral groups.

11. Annual Spirituals Program
Each February, during black history month, the branch
produces a program that displays the talents of vocalists,
choral groups, orators, dancers, and instrumentalists.
Information about other genres that have evolved during
the past 150 years is also presented.

12. Annual Memorial Program
Each November, the Branch memorializes deceased
members, or former national officers, and musicians of
national and international repute. This service also
allows individuals to remember deceased family,
friends, teachers, and loved ones by listing their names
in the memorial program.

13. Annual Scholarship Program
Marian Anderson
William Warfield
Internationally acclaimed opera
singer, Marian Anderson,
received NANM’s first annual
scholarship award in 1919. Her
legacy is one that continues to
Jessye Norman
inspire many. Other notable
recipients were Margaret Bond,
William Warfield, Grace Bumbry,
George Shirley, Robert McFerrin
Jessye Norman, Martina Arroyo
Joseph Joubert, to name a few. Grace Bumbry

14. Our Local Scholarship Program
We are passionate about the
work we do. Over the last 51
years, the Georgia Laster
Branch of NANM has provided
financial support and opportunities to perform to hundreds of
students in Southern California.
Our annual competitions are
held in May each year. The
scholarship committee is led by
Dorothy Jackson-Hayes and
Gloria Lindsay.
Mrs. Hayes and Annelle Gregory,
2013 winner.
Mrs. Hayes and Mrs. Lindsay
with scholarship participants.

15. GLB Scholarship Winners
Past and Present

16. Quotes from Scholarship Winners
Sarah Johnson, Flutist said
• “NANM Georgia Laster provided me with scholarship
funds to aid my musical studies. At the age of 22, I have
earned a BA in Music Business and Management and a
Masters Degree in Flute Performance. More importantly,
NANM, Georgia Laster Organization has created a safe
and supportive community for many young musicians
and continues to do so.”
• Sarah graduated from the Berklee College of Music in
May, 2010, with a Bachelors Degree in Music Business
and Management, where she received a full four-year
scholarship.

17. Saxophonist
Keeland Bowers Said
“Georgia Laster, NANM has helped me largely in
the ways of preparing myself for my future years
of college. Georgia Laster, NANM has helped me
build a college fund, prepare myself for future
competitions and learn how to handle myself
respectively in front of an audience. Thank You
for your amazing support.”
Keeland Bowers,
2012 First Place Winner

18. Cellist, Nailah Conner Said
“The Georgia Laster Branch of NANM has
helped me in so many ways. Not only did they
provide a platform for me to perform, but the
funds that I won from competitions greatly helped
me to attend different music programs including
the Meadowmount School of Music in New York.
Furthermore, NANM provided an environment in
which I could see and learn from other talented
and dedicated performers- each time inspiring
me and pushing me even more to be better the
following year.”
Nailah Conner

19. Violinist, Annelle Gregory Said
“I’m overwhelmed by the support and kindness
of the Georgia Laster Branch of NANM. Because
of NANM’s generous scholarship fund, I am able
to attend an international music festival in
Germany this summer where I will be a soloist and
concertmaster of the festival orchestra. I’m so
proud and honored to be associated with GLB,
NANM.”
Annelle Gregory

20. Opera Singer,
Ashley Faatoalia Said
“The Georgia Laster branch of the NANM
Organization has long been a source of support,
encouragement, and love for me as a young artist. In
my early years of training, I received scholarship
money which helped defray the costs of my college
education. As a young professional, I have been
mentored and guided by the members of this fine
organization. Most importantly, I must stress the love
and nurturing I continue to receive as a part of the
Georgia Laster family; this is the greatest gift of all
for a young musician!”
Ashley Faatoalia

21. Pianist, Jordan Daniels, Said
“The NANM Georgia Laster Organization has
helped me tremendously in my endeavors as a
musician. It has given me the confidence to share
my talents with the community and has let
me know that there is still hope out there for the
arts. The aid that I received from NANM is much
appreciated, and cannot be taken for granted, as
some young musicians are discouraged from
having a career in music, due to the lack of funds
and support. Thank you so much for all the support
and guidance you have given me.”
Jordan Daniels

22. We invite you to join us.
Anyone who is musician, a lover of music, understands the importance of music in our lives and the
importance of providing excellent music instruction to
our children is welcome to become member of the
Georgia Laster Branch of NANM. Inc. You will also
become a member of the national organization.
Branch members give their time and financial
support for our programs. They also serve as officers,
chairs of committees, performers on programs, music
teachers and managers of the branch's business.

23. Presentation Credits
Designed & written by
Henrietta Fortson
Recorded Music
Darryl Taylor