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Board of Directors 2008 / 2010Michael Patrick Van Why | Founder and Executive Director
Mr. Mike Király | President
Mr. Dan Anderson | Vice President and Technology Guru
Dr. Leslie Dukes | Musical Director
Gramma Fisher Fellow in opera coaching and accompanying at American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. Past soloist and chamber musician for Bach Society in Tucson, Arizona. Past pianist for New Music Works performing ensembles in Santa Cruz, CA. Pianist for Cinnabar Theater, Petaluma, CA. She is currently the staff accompnaist at the Santa Rosa Junior College where she also teaches piano.
Mike O'Malley | Treasurer
Marc Durand | Public Relations Committee Chair
Mary Durand | Member-at-large
Eva Maass | Hospitality Committee Chair
The experiences she has had performing in Project Applause events have given Eva amazing opportunities to refine her skills as a soloist, as well as providing the general community high quality and accessible classical performances. She is passionate about serving this innovative organization which has tremendous value for both emerging artists and the appreciative audiences who attend. Linda Levine | Membership Committee Chair
Mr. Kirk Willett | President Emertus
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Founder and executive director of Project Applause, Michael Van Why is leading a troupe of accomplished student vocalists who sing to gain experience and at the same time raise money for local, nonprofit organizations. Fueled by a desire to find performance venues, Van Why created Project Applause as a way to benefit small nonprofits and commercial ventures while building the confidence of budding performers. With a five-member board of directors, and Dr. Leslie Dukes serving as creative director, Project Applause seeks to nurture performers by providing stage experience.
A long-time Santa Rosa resident, Mike is originally from Los Angeles and is a Navy Vet, having commendations for his service on the U.S.S. Coral Sea during the Iranian Hostage Rescue Attempt. When he's not being the Director of Library Operations at Sonoma State University, he's also teaches American Government, Comparative Government, and Modern Ideologies at Napa Valley College and Santa Rosa Junior College, both in-person and on-line. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in History and English as well as a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He has won scholarships with the National Endowment for the Humanities, and is currently writing a book with a draft title "Soup or Salad: Immigration in Context of American Political Systems." 
A former music student and trombone, baritone bugle, and piano player from Tennessee, Dan spent 6 years performing with every band, orchestra, and marching unit he could find. With a background in performing, music theory, and directing, his music education is very well rounded. He hopes his involvement with PA will allow him to give back to the musical community that he has gained so much from through the years.
Dr. Leslie Dukes holds a BA in Piano Pedagogy from Brigham Young University; MA in Piano Performance from California State University Chico; DMA in Piano Performance with an emphasis in Chamber Music and a minor in Musicology from University of Arizona. Studied organ with David Rothe and Roy Johnson. Studied piano with Nohema Fernandez and Paula Fan.
Mary Durand is a native northern Californian with a deeply rooted family tradition in music. Experiencing the remarkable communion of performers and audiences through her daughter's participation in Project Applause, Mary has gained an even deeper appreciation for classical solo vocal performance and the gift it brings to the community. As a Board member she looks forward to facilitating opportunities which encourage the development of the singers while bringing the joy of this beautiful classical music to 21st century audiences.
Eva Maass is a local musician who is devoted to the arts and the community which supports them. As a classically trained singer, she has a special love for Art Song and impressionistic works. Among her multiple music projects, Maass plays flute as a recording artist with Walz Music, and also works as a bassist in two local bands. 
Kirk Willett's vocation rests in his 20 years experience as a nurse including managment and high technical positons. Currently he is a nursing specialist with Genworth Financial. His advocation is performance art. He is a founding member of the NBA's Weekend Warriors dance troupe, having performed for over 300,000 spectators. 2006 has seen the release of two short films in which he has held primary roles. Currently production is underway for serial webcast cooking series that is to begin release at the end of the year. Mr. Willett brings organizational skills and performance knowledge to his role as President of the Board of Directors of Project Applause.