Edna Clay attended the University of Pacific (where she sang in the A Capella Choir), receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She later taught second grade in Bakersfield, CA.
Gadsden, Edna taught school there, as well. Over the years, she would teach at elementary schools in Jacksonville, FL, Andalusia, Gadsend, and Montgomery, Alabama.
She joined Huntsville Community Chorus Association in 1962. In addition to solo (e.g. “Elijah”) and group performance with HCCA, she was a rehearsal assistant for various concerts and programs, worked house and tickets, and assisted with promotions. She appeared as one of the maidens in HCCA’s 1963 production of “Patience,” while for 1975’s “Oliver!,” she was an Assistant Musical Director, given charge over Fagin’s crew of boys.
Her musicianship did not limit itself to concerts and theatre, for she was Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church, Music Assistant at First Methodist, and also worked with the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers. She was a past chair of Area 6 and taught many classes for the Guild.
Edna passed away at her home in Huntsville on 25 March 2012.
EDNA CLAY SCHOLARSHIP FOR NATIONAL SEMINAR
Would you like to participate in National Seminar, but funds are tight? Area 6 offers one scholarship to National Seminar each year. This scholarship, which covers one registration, is available to anyone who is:
- A director of an active handbell or handchime choir
- A member in good standing of Handbell Musicians of America
- A first-time attendee to National Seminar
The scholarship may not be applied toward travel or lodging expenses.
An application form is available for download here. Edna Clay Scholarship Application The deadline each year is March 15. Results will be shared within two weeks of the deadline.