The American soprano, Toby Jean Manker, studied Music performance and literature. at Binghamton University. In 2016 she and her husband Harold Manker were honored with a Heart of the Arts Award for their diligent and successful accomplishment in registering and chartering the Phelps Mansion Museum as a “house museum” in compliance with the New York State Board of Regents. As chair and vice chair of the phelps mansion museum board of directors, they developed and implemented the museum’s strategic plan and recruited numerous volunteers and docents while raising funds through grant writing. As program directors, they created the series Chamber Music at the Phelps and collaborated with the Binghamton University Music Department to bring programs for voice students and student composers downtown to the Phelps. In addition, they collaborate with other nonprofit organizations in presenting public programs ranging from a Chinese New Year celebration to a “Downton Abbey” preview. She currently lives in Binghamton, New York, USA. |