Barbara McElroy named 2018 Sonoma Treasure Artist

The City of Sonoma’s Cultural and Fine Arts Commission chose local teacher, conductor and musician Barbara McElroy as its 2018 Treasure Artist.

In selecting McElroy, the Commission noted that her contributions to the musical life of Sonoma Valley as a teacher, conductor, and musician are significant both in the educational arena and at community and church performance venues.

McElroy was reached with the news on Monday night at her rental home near the Plaza. She lost almost all of her instruments in the October fires when her family ranch on Dunbar Road burned to the ground. She said that getting the good news of being named Treasure Artist was a much-needed happy surprise.

The Commission was impressed that McElroy was hired by Sonoma Valley School District as a band and choir director in 1976 and taught at all seven school campuses at one point or another over the next 40 years.

She spent many years at Sonoma Valley High School where she taught both band and choir and led her students to win many state and national awards with their performances. She retired in 2011.

“I love working with kids,” she said. “I really like being a positive influence in their lives.”

McElroy is also known for her piano skills, serving as accompanist for Sonoma Valley Chorale and also as a French horn player and percussionist. She has performed with the Chorale for the past 40 years and for the past two decades she has served as its assistant director.

In one of her many nomination letters, McElroy was described as someone “who loves and respects music, students and musicians. She is the shining light of musical expression in Sonoma.”

The Commission will host a reception in McElroy’s honor on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the Sonoma Valley Woman’s Club, 574 First St E., Sonoma, beginning at 6 p.m. Reservations are required.

Reservations for the wine and hors d’oeuvres reception will be accepted until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17. The cost is $25 per person. Drop off or mail payment to: City of Sonoma, Attn: City Clerk, No. 1 the Plaza, Sonoma CA 95476.