Our History
SONATA had its genesis in April 2003. Before this time, we were an ad hoc committee of the Savannah Symphony under the title "Dollars for Scholars." Some of the goals then as now were to expose the African American Community to orchestral music, to encourage the study classical music and to someday, increase the number of African Americans as members of symphony orchestras.
When the symphony met its demise in February 2003, our committee decided to continue supporting the 16 students in our care. The symphony teachers who were without jobs at this point, were gracious and gave us lessons for $15.00, half the previous rate of $30.00. With the help of the board members (and the parents who could), we paid the teachers this amount monthly until our first fundraiser luncheon which was held September 2003.
The SONATA Board has exposed our students to some of the finest professional teachers in Savannah, Statesboro, and Atlanta, GA. Many of them were symphony or former symphony members. We have had as many as 12 teachers in one year.
Since 2003, SONATA has provided over $100,000 music scholarships. Students are accepted into the program from seventh to the tenth grade and most spend from four to six years in the program. Alumni have entered institutions of higher education, and many receive full scholarships to study music or various fields of study.
LILLIAN WILLIAMS ELLIS
Co-Founder
Lillian Williams Ellis, the co-founder of Sponsors of New and Talented Artists, Inc. (SONATA), has a rich history of involvement in supporting aspiring artists. Her journey began with Dollars for Scholars, an ad hoc committee stemming from the Savannah Symphony, where she assumed the role of president in 2000. The transformation came in 2003 when the symphony dissolved, leading to the rebirth of the organization known as SONATA under the guidance of its dedicated Board of Directors. The inaugural fundraiser in August of 2003 marked the start of a new chapter, with SONATA officially obtaining its 501(c)(3) tax exempt status by December.
Fast forward to 2023, SONATA is poised to celebrate its twentieth anniversary, a remarkable milestone that reflects its unwavering commitment to nurturing talent. Over the years, the organization has provided over 500 scholarships, empowering countless artists to pursue their dreams. Lillian Williams Ellis's visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping SONATA into a beacon of support for new and talented individuals in the artistic sphere.