Music Chair : Dr. FRANCES M. IRWIN

Fran earned her music education degree from Duquesne University with applied music studies in voice and organ. She was a member of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans performing concerts of Balkan music in the United States and Europe. She earned her Master and Doctorate of Music Education from Washington University in St. Louis and taught public school music for 31 years. She became a nationally certified music educator (MENC), and has received the Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching Award. Fran has given presentations on Balkan music at the local, national and international levels. After retiring she became executive director of the United Nations Association of St. Louis for several years. She is listed in various volumes of biographical references such as Who’s Who in American Education, Who’s Who Among American Women, and International Leaders of Achievement

She continues to be a freelance musician in St. Louis. She and her husband Harry sing in the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica Choir and are both on the Metro South Arts Council. They are the parents of five adult children.

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