He taught at the San Francisco State University, the San Francisco Conservatory, in his home and every time he picked up his beloved viola. Our musical community as well as our tightly knit viola community reaped many rewards from sharing Tom's unique sense of life.
We have reason to honor him for lessons of one kind or another, among them his penchant to search for a better solution, regardless of the problem. These lessons were the threads woven throughout experiences with Tom, as a colleague, orchestra manager, teacher, and as a friend to all; a story-teller, author, champion of our traditions and an unabashed advocate for the viola.
-Thomas Tatton and Patricia Heller [Read more about Tom Heimberg in this 2009 article by Patty Heller]
The Northern California Viola Society is proud to honor the memory and spirit of Tom Heimberg with a new, annual Viola Advocate Award in his name. With this award we aim to recognize and honor great Northern California-based advocates of the Viola working to advance the instrument and its players throughout our region, and beyond.
CALL FOR NOMINEES
Know someone deserving of this honor? Send us an email - at ncvs@norcalviola.org - and include:
1. The nominee's name, where they live, what they do, and why they deserve to be recognized.
2. Your name, profession, complete contact information and relationship with or connection to the nominee
There is no limit to length of nominating emails; just do your best to make the case for your nominee. There is no cost to nominate. There is no cash prize associated with the award. There is no minimum age limit for a nominee or nominator.
NOMINATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL 12PM NOON (PACIFIC) ON FEBRUARY 15 EACH YEAR
AWARD CEREMONY
The first Tom Heimberg Viola Advocate Award was conferred on March 3, 2012 during the NCVS Young Violists Competition Finals at the Community Music Center in San Francisco. Susan Bates, long-time viola teacher and chamber music coach based in San Francisco, was the Award's first recipient.
