Commonly known as the Grammy organization, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences does a lot more than just reward the best in the music industry annually. The Academy, with 1,500 members in its Nashville chapter, promotes educational programs and MusiCares, which provides health insurance for musicians and help for musicians in times of trouble. In addition to the highly successful Grammy In The Schools (an annual event that exposes high school and college students to the music industry), NARAS hosts professional educational series on such topics as Music & Movies, Contract Negotiations, Independent Record Labels, and A&R. A founding sponsor of Chet Atkins Musician Days, NARAS also supports the Urban Music Conference and the Brenda Lee Scholarship. Nancy Shapiro, senior executive director of NARAS nationally, answers to a 40-member board of governors, comprised of music business executives. Pete Fisher serves as Nashville chapter president, Bill Ivey as first vice president, and Connie Bradley and Terry Choate as vice-presidents. The Academy moved into its new, plush Wedgewood headquarters in March of '97.--Beverly Keel