DiNapoli Elected Chair of Women's Auxiliary
For Immediate Release June 19, 2009
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA – Meg DiNapoli, a former Raytheon administrator and one of the eponymous principals behind Pacific Coachworks' famed DiNapoli automobile, has been elected chairperson of the Women's Auxiliary of the Music Academy of the West. The position enables her to serve as a Music Academy Board director for the duration of her one-year term as Women's Auxiliary chair.
Born in Sacramento, Ms. DiNapoli earned a bachelor's degree in English literature at Stanford University and a master's degree in comparative literature at U.C. Santa Barbara. Her studies also took her to Germany and the Center for Culture at the University of Florence. An accomplished pianist, Ms. DiNapoli has performed as a soloist and accompanist. She also plays the flute.
A resident of Santa Barbara for 47 years, Ms. DiNapoli served as an information processing systems administrator at Raytheon from 1982 to 1996. As general manager of Pacific Coachworks from 1978 to 1980, she was instrumental in the launch of the DiNapoli automobile, which was designed by her husband, Nick. Featuring distinctive classic styling and an extended wheelbase, the exotic vehicle remains popular among custom car enthusiasts and collectors. Ms. DiNapoli is a former president and current distinguished life member of the Braille Institute Auxiliary. She has also served as a volunteer "Fit for Life" instructor at the Santa Barbara YMCA for 25 years and actively supports Opera Santa Barbara.
Other Women's Auxiliary executive officers for 2009-2010 are Jocelyne Meeker (vice chairperson), Marie-Paule Hajdu (recording secretary), Jo Hodge (corresponding secretary), Debbie Geremia (treasurer), Vicki Hough (assistant treasurer), and Linda Ring and Julie Morrow (ways & means co-chairs).
The Women's Auxiliary of the Music Academy of the West is a year-round volunteer organization that supports the Academy in several ways. During the Summer Festival, members serve as event hosts for selected masterclasses. The group also produces two fundraising events each year, and staffs The Rack, an on-campus resale clothing shop, and The Treasure House, an on-campus shop for quality antiques and home furnishings. Proceeds from sales benefit the Music Academy.
Founded
in 1947, the Music
Academy of the West is
among the nation's preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young
classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the
opportunity for advanced study and frequent performance under the guidance of
internationally renowned faculty artists, guest conductors, and soloists.
Admission to the Academy is strictly merit based, and Fellows receive full
scholarships (tuition, room, and board). Academy alumni are members of major
symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and
university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many enjoy careers
as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara,
the Music Academy of the West presents more than
200 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting
artists, and Fellows; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and
fully staged opera. The Music
Academy began
broadcasting live performances by the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera at Hahn
Hall in October 2008. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
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