About Us
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We love what we do!
The volunteer performers of Taps 'n Tunes dedicate their time to community service, bringing joy through senior entertainment. With members ranging from those with full-time jobs to retirees, they perform at nursing homes, senior retirement and care centers, churches, art venues, and other locations throughout the Metroplex. Our mission is to address the issue of senior isolation through live performances and to honor US military veterans.
This is our story
Established in 1985, Tex’s Tip Top Tappers, a local dance group, was founded by professional Vaudevillian Clyde "Tex" Edelman. His efforts were meant to preserve Broadway-style performance. When he retired, he handed over director duties to Annette Marsh, one of his top performers.
Annette led the group as it evolved into a band of singers and dancers dedicated to community service, while honing their skills and having fun. In 1989, she secured non-profit 501 c 3 tax-exempt status for Taps ‘n Tunes, emphasizing their mission of providing senior entertainment. Under her direction, Taps 'n Tunes performed at numerous venues, including the Scott Theater, Bass Hall, The Palace Theater, and Hurst Conference Center, bringing joy to military veterans and seniors in local communities.
The organization consists of volunteer performers ranging in age from 41 to 78.
Annette worked tirelessly over the years, reaching the 30-year mark in 2018. During this time, she was recognized for her many accomplishments and outstanding leadership in the community through her volunteer work.
After 33 years of dedicated service, Annette passed the reins of Taps ‘n Tunes to Frances Lea in 2018. Joy Guthmiller took over when Lea retired and managed the team until late 2024. Our current director is Frances Burns.
About Taps n Tunes Productions - Nonprofit Performance Group
Frances Burns (Fran) has been named the Artistic Director of Taps 'n Tunes, succeeding Joy Guthmiller, who left in late 2024 to focus on running the Frances Lea Dance Center. Burns, a native of Syracuse, NY, grew up in a dance family, as her mother, Frances Jones Frank, operated a local dance studio. She began dancing at the age of three, but an injury at 17 forced her to hang up her dancing shoes. It wasn't until she turned 50 that she enrolled in a tap class at the Frances Lea Dance Studio, and she hasn't stopped dancing since.
In 2001, she joined Taps 'n Tunes, which was then directed by Annette Marsh. "Dancing with the troop meant learning new things, meeting new friends, getting to perform, and serving the community," she shared. "I believe dancing helps keep us fit and raises our spirits, and it's a wonderful way to engage in community service through senior entertainment."
Looking ahead, the group is excited about two events planned for this coming year: Tap 'n Tea and the semi-annual USO-style show that honors veterans. "We also hope to increase our visits to smaller venues, where our volunteer performers can inspire audiences with song and dance," she added.
