Norma attended the Eastman School of Music as a voice major in 1963. She earned her Associate’s degree from Alfred State College, her Bachelor’s degree in music education from Houghton College (graduating in 1989), and her Master’s degree in music from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 1994, where she was a member of Phi Beta Cappa. While earning her Master’s she was the music teacher for Bolivar-Richburg Central School from 1992 to 2009. Once retiring from Bolivar-Richburg she was the music teacher for Immaculate Conception School from 2010 to 2019.
Beyond teaching, she was also an All-State Vocal Adjudicator for the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) for over 20 years. For over ten years she was the organist and choir director at Holy Family Catholic Church in Belmont until her death. She also offered private voice lessons to dozens of aspiring young musicians in Allegany County through out her exceptional musical career. But most of all in 1975 she became a charter member of the Genesee Valley Chorus, which was founded to celebrate the bicentennial. She has been its director for over a decade. Her family, former students, choir members, and friends in the community will remember Norma for her exceptional soprano voice and musical talent was well as her vivacious personality.
In addition to her loving husband, Jim, she is survived by: two children, David L. (Andrea) Bartlett of West Henrietta, NY and Karen Bartlett-Morse of Auburn, NY; two sisters, Ann McKay of Rochester, NY and Marie (David) Vaklyes of Reston, VA; and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 2 – 4 PM at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 11 AM at Holy Family Church, 5 Milton Street, Belmont, NY 14813. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Belmont. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Genesee Valley Chorus in care of President Dana Ross, 5196 State Route 244 Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
This is such a shock, and very sad news. Norma and I worked together for many years, and had a very good relationship as teaching peers, as well as friends. Her dedication to music and her students was always obvious. My sincere condolences to your family!
ReplyDeleteMy heart is broken for the music community and her family. She was amazing and beyond talented, and a true support of all her students and even her adults in chorus. She guides me well and I will forever be grateful for her and keep her close to my heart.
ReplyDeleteI am deeply sorry to hear of Norma’s passing. I so enjoyed getting to know her during my time singing with the Genesee Valley Chorus. She was so gifted, and delighted in sharing her love for music. Norma was a beautiful person, inside and out, and I know she will be dearly missed. My deepest sympathy goes out to Jim and all who loved, and were loved by Norma. Rest In Peace, my friend.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about my High School Classmates passing
ReplyDeleteI was a vocal student of Mrs. Bartlett’s, she taught me everything I needed to know about classical vocals. Although it’s been years, I still sing the songs she taught me every night to my daughter. Her home had a strict no shoes policy but she always had a pair of socks waiting for me since I always wore flip flops when it was warm enough. Every audition I went to she knew I would nail it and every time I did I know it was because of her. Sending love to her family, she was wonderful🤍
ReplyDeleteAs little as I knew Norma, I knew she was kind, and very generous with herself and her time. She will be sorely missed in the music community and beyond. My condolences to her family.
ReplyDeleteScott and I will always remember with great fondness 'our' Norma when we lived in Wellsville and sang with the incredible GVC. Norma was the most talented and wonderful choral director I have ever had and I cherish my memories of her. Her beautiful face, energy, commitment to excellence, and musical talent is forever etched in my mind's eye. Thank you Norma for your wonderful gifts you gave so many of us. You are now in the most heavenly chorus I am sure, where the pronunciation of consonants and musical abilities are unparalleled. Rest in peace dear one.
ReplyDeleteI attended Houghton College with Norma, and remember what a wonderful, caring, vivacious person she was. We loved her; she was like a mother to the younger students. I've often thought of her and was just remembering her the other day when I happened to see the notice of her passing in the Houghton Milieu. I know she'll be greatly missed by her family, community and fellow musicians. A wonderful, beautiful spirit now in Heaven.
ReplyDelete