The BRATS [Bratsche Resources And Teaching in the Schools] program is an exciting educational outreach program that Helen created while a professor at the University of Washington in Seattle. The program was initially designed to bring together young violists from all over the state to participate in classes and performances in a one or two day festival type event.

With the help of her students acting as teachers and coordinators and some guest presenters from the area, lots of enthusiastic young students participated in the festivities at the University of Washington which was the host site and sponsor for the event.

The 2002 International Viola Congress in Seattle held at the University of Washington and hosted by Helen, included the first BRATS day at an international congress and has been subsequently included in other International Viola Congresses around the country as a way to involve and showcase young violists and pre college teachers in the host location.

To learn more click here: americanviolasociety.org/education/brats/