12/29/2025
We come together every week to make music, and along the way we forge deep friendships and create a true community. So as the year comes to a close, weâre fondly remembering three long-time members who passed away in 2025: Bendix Anderson, Sally Hoskins, and Ian Capps.
Bendix joined NAS in 1996 and made a deep impression over the years that followed â and not just for his dapper fashion sense (the fedoras!) and mischievous grin. He was unfailingly good-natured and kind and always curious about his fellow singersâ lives, and his lovely voice and fine musicianship made him an anchor of the NAS bass section.
Sally joined NAS back in the 1980s and was integral to the fabric of the group in many ways, from the flower pins adorning our black concert outfits to her clever lyrics to songs at our annual meeting to her leadership of the alto section. Her dedication to musical exploration led her to form a womenâs ensemble called SHE, which drew from members of NAS in the âoff seasonâ and pushed many of us out of our choral comfort zone (for the better!).
Ian joined NAS in 1977 and sang with us until his retirement more than 20 years ago. A fine musician with an unusually clear and clean tone, he both led and blended exceedingly well, making him the backbone of an outstanding tenor section. He was much loved for the warm personality and ready wit lurking beneath that proper British demeanor. Even after he and his wife, NAS alto Jeannette Johnson, moved to Hawaii, they joined us on many international tours, making new NAS friends along the way.
