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This page will contain any news items which may have occurred since the latest issue of the Texas Music Teacher Magazine. It is also intended to be used by local TMTA associations to post announcements of events such as workshops, concerts, competitions, or other events open to other local association members and/or the public. If you have an item to post, please send the information to andrea@tmta.org.
MTNA National Conference News Awards and recognitions :
i. Brenda Hohman, Austin ii. Katherine Sargent, Dallas
i. Gerrie Schliep ii. Lois Emery Nielson iii. Robert Steinbauer, NCTM
i. Frances, NCTM ii. Edwin Key, NCTM
MTNA/TMTA NATIONAL PERFORMANCECOMPETITION WINNERS The following students represented Texas and the South Central Division and were named winners in the national competition. Congratulations to:
i. Senior Piano: Kyle Orth, student of Marcy McDonald, Dallas MTA ii. Young Artist Piano: Jessica Zhu, student of Nancy Weems, University of Houston
i. Young Artist Voice: Jonathan Wimpy, Student of Robert Best, Baylor University, Waco. ii. Young Artist Woodwind: Sara Sclamberg, student of Terri Sundberg, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
MusicLink Scholarship Available for Needy 7th Graders The MusicLink Foundation seeks talented music students in the 7th grade with financial need for the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Award. Deadline is May 5, 2008 Eligibility for the award: 50 awards given: Through this program, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation selects high-achieving students with financial need and provides them throughout high school with individualized educational opportunities and support that will enable them to develop their talents and abilities. The Foundation awards approximately 50 of these scholarships each year out of approximately 1,000 applicants. The Young Scholars Program is one of the most individualized scholarships offered in the US. Application materials: Application materials for the Young Scholars Award are available through the link below. If the link does not work for you, you can copy and paste it into your browser window or go to www.jackkentcookefoundation.org and click on the "Young Scholars" link. You can also find additional information about the scholarship on this website including answers to frequently asked questions. Again, please keep us informed if you are following through with an applicant for this program so that we can monitor the MusicLink applicants. Also, we would appreciate it if you could indicate on the application that you heard about the award through the MusicLink Foundation (Parent/Guardian form - part I, question 8 - check the box for "other" and write in MusicLink Foundation.) http://www.jackkentcookefoundation.org/jkcf_web/content.aspx?page=Youn Sch APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 5th The MusicLink Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides ongoing music lessons to promising students in need, of all school ages. Teachers who are currently teaching students at a reduced rate may qualify for our MusicLink discounts, camp scholarship opportunities, and other incentives. MusicLink offers additional performance and camp opportunities for talented students in need through our Talent Search component. Email us for details about our different MusicLink programs. info@musiclinkfoundation.org Jennifer Kitchin
THEORY TEST CHANGES FOR 2007-2008 Last year was a great one for the theory program. 13,271 tests were taken and graded; 9339 medals were awarded. Seven seniors earned the Loving-Mansfield Award and eleven earned the Mansfield Award—that’s a lot of correct answers! Committee members have retired and thankfully, others have taken their positions, so we can continue this necessary program teaching the “hows” of music. I especially welcome Glenda Lanier as the assistant Theory Coordinator. A new school year is starting. Summer heat may linger, but with school in full swing, it means students will be gearing up for the annual theory tests. The designer committee worked long hours after the convention was over to prepare the new tests. We studied, reworded, and refined tests in response to feedback from members. The board has recommended these changes and we think you will be pleased with the results. Many details will be addressed by the graders, but please continue reading about refinements and changes for students. Test Levels 1-3: These will be printed on legal-sized paper, so the staves will be larger. No new material will be added. Test Level 1: Bonus Question, numbering the fingers, will identify hands as Left hand, Right hand instead of with the treble and bass clef signs. ON ALL WHITLOCK TESTS: Drawing stems will count ½ credit each for stem length, direction, or the correct side of the note. Stem length within one line or one space of the 3 lines or 3 spaces rule as stated in the Teacher Manual will be accepted. Drawing rests and accidentals will count ½ credit for correct symbol construction and ½ credit for correct placement. The brace must point to the left. Both ends should be within one line or one space of the Grand Staff. Points for stem length and stem direction will not be deducted on rhythmic and ear training questions. No 1/8 point deductions below test level 7. Some of the language, questions and grading standards have been changed on test level 4 to ease the transition from level 3 and on to level 5. Test Level 4: #5 ½ point construction error deducted once for not drawing whole notes. #7 Students mark half steps, place sharps or flats, AND write the keynote of each scale in the last measure. #8 Key signatures will not be drawn by students. #8 will ask students to name the major key for each key signature given. Each key will be worth 2 points. #12 Counting must be consistent throughout the example. Test Level 5: 1) On sixteenth notes, flag may or may not touch at the ends. 2) Sixteenth rests should touch the bottom line, but not the top line. ½ credit for correct symbol, ½ credit for placement. #10 A and B directions will be reversed. Test Level 6: #12 Directions will change slightly to read “B. Place the Tonic (I), Subdominant (IV), and Dominant (V) Triads in ROOT POSITION on the TREBLE STAFF ONLY. (Use whole notes). C. Place the ROOT (not the entire triad) on the BASS STAFF. (Use whole notes).” #14 “A. Name the Major key for each Key Signature drawn below”. B will remain the same. Test Level 7: No changes. Test Level 8: #3 Directions will read “Construct the following intervals above the given note.” #11 If there are not enough beats in a measure, the measure will be counted wrong. Test Level 9: #2 “All five types may be used…” #6 and #7 Please remember that scales must begin and end on the note specified. Use white key names, not enharmonic tones like E# instead of F or Cb instead of B. Ascending scales use sharps, descending scales use flats. #13 Directions will eliminate the word “inversion” since the answers can be in root position. Each Roman numeral will be worth ½ point; each Arabic numeral will be worth ½ point. #19. Rhythmic dictation may use sixteenth notes, but #20 melodic dictation will not use sixteenth notes. Test Level 10: #8 Directions will read “Place a Roman numeral in the blank below each chord. Chords may be the I, IV, V, ii, vi.” #12 Directions will read “Place a Roman numeral in the blank below each chord. Chords may be the I, IV, V, ii, vi.” Test Level 11: #1 A. Directions will read “In the first measure, build the indicated interval above the given note.” The rest are the same. #8 Directions will read “Place a Roman numeral in the blank below each chord. Chords may be the I, I6 IV, V, ii, vi.” #10 Directions will read, “Complete the eight measure melody in the indicated melodic minor key. A. In measure 2, write a melodic sequence or rhythmic imitation of measure 1. B. End the first phrase on a note of the Dominant Chord (Half Cadence). C. End the second phrase on the Tonic. D. Both phrases must end on a strong beat. E. Demonstrate the correct use of the melodic minor scale, ascending and descending.” #13 Interval Ear Training directions will read, “You will hear 8 intervals above or below the given notes shown below.” The rest are the same. Test Level 12: #8 Directions will read the same as Level 11 #10. None of these changes is earth-shattering and may not make any difference to some students. But we think the wording and grading guidelines will be clearer for everyone. As a theory committee, we consider your feedback for evaluation and strive to provide a high quality of testing for your students’ success. We are much more efficient: forms are on the website for completion and sending; messages, orders, questions, and answers are relayed quickly through cyberspace rather than the US Postal System, saving time and money. Tests are ordered and sent from one address. Medals are ordered and delivered quickly. Records are being preserved in the state database, but you must help by registering your students under the same name year to year in every event, so each one is easy to identify. Listen and respond to your local officers who pass on important information; read your TMT and emails you receive, so you will always know the latest. Study the Handbook and look at the website so you are aware of all eligibility, rules, and deadlines. Working together will make us all happy and better members of TMTA and teachers of our students! Tena Hehn, NCTM Professor Dennis Alexander, famed pedagogue, clinician and composer was in Houston September 28th and 29th by invitation of the Independent Music Teachers Association. Houston Baptist University was the site of the two day event. Professor Alexander gave a teacher workshop, recital and master class with piano teachers and students. Attendees from a 150 mile radius of Houston attended these exciting and informative events. The Friday evening recital "Dennis Alexander Plays Dennis Alexander" was first time the composer had ever been asked to play an entire recital of his own music. It was received with two standing ovations. Seven students of IMTA teachers auditioned and were given the opportunity to take a master class with Professor Alexander. From the piano studios of Ann Chee, Karen Fisher, Cynthia Jacks, Heather Rathnau and Elise Beckett Russell, these student performed a wide variety of repertoire. Participants were awarded certificates, ribbons and a gift certificate from Pender's Music Store.
Sharon Hudak, Plano MTA - TMTA Teaching Grant for 2007 Kathryn Beam of Odessa MTA -first annual TMTA Texas Teaching Fellow Award
Newly certified teachers
TMTA
Local Association Incentive Awards of $100 presented to:
TMTA Commissioned Composer
TMTA Teacher Recognition Awards for 2007
MTNA 50 year members
MTNA Fellows for 2008 from TMTA
Tribute was made for deceased members reported since June 2006 with $100 placed
in both the Fargason and Morris Funds in memory of these members. Elections at 2007 convention - effective July 1, 2007
Directors
Nominations and Elections Committee 
TMTA pins will be available in August for anyone interested in promoting
TMTA.
$5.00 each. Please use the TMTA Materials Order Form.
*Note: the pin is oval and gold where there is white in this picture
Independent MTA presents Dennis Alexander Workshop, Recital and Master Class
Dennis Alexander will present a workshop, recital and master class at Houston Baptist University in Houston September 28 and 29. Certification points will be given for the workshop and master class. For more information, click here.
Lee Evans Workshop in Abilene
Abilene Music Teachers Association announces a workshop in Abilene, Texas on September 29 from 8:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Hemphill Music Building of Hardin Simmons University, 2200 Hickory. Dr. Lee Evans, Professor of Music and former Chairman of the Theater & fine Arts Department at New York City’s Pave University, will present “Teaching Jazz and Musical Creativity to the Classical Piano Students”. Dr. Evans is a highly acclaimed teacher, jazz performer, composer, author and arranger. The workshop will be open to the public and is especially for teachers, students and parents.
Attention MTNA certified Teachers - earn certification renewal points for attending this workshop!
Dr. Evans will explain the inner workings of jazz in illuminating detail. He will demonstrate hi procedure for teaching jazz elements and jazz improvisation within the classical lessons, as well as discuss the use of jazz materials for the teaching of technique and sight reading.
Complimentary teacher manuals will be given to each attending teacher and music will be available for purchase at a discount. The workshop is sponsored by Abilene Music Teachers Association and Hal Leonard Publishing Company.
For more information contact Sherry Frush, NCTM 325-692-9233 or sherry@tmta.org.
Robert McDonald at Tarleton Piano Festival in Stephenville
Tarleton State University is delighted to announce the TARLETON PIANO FESTIVAL,
October 5-6, 2007. Internationally acclaimed pianist and master teacher, ROBERT
MCDONALD, will be our featured artist at the Festival. He will perform a
solo recital Friday evening, October 5, and will give a masterclass to advanced
piano students Saturday morning, October 6. The afternoon will feature
Tarleton's Piano Faculty, leading a series of dynamic workshops and
masterclasses. TMTA HIRES NEW ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR Sherri earned the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) designation in 1992 and the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation in 2004. She recertifies these designations every five years through continuing education. Laurel Ince, NCTM of Gonzales and Priscilla Heard of Belton are two teachers from Texas who were honored at the 2007 MTNA Foundation Gala as Foundation Fellows. These two teachers are the epitome of good teachers and great members.
Melissa Jean Sky-Eagle,
BM Summa Cum Laude in 2001, Texas Christian University, MM in 2003,
Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University, DMA in 2006, Thornton
School of Music of the University of Southern California, was the
collaborative pianist for the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition,
held March 24-April 1, 2007 in Palm Desert, California. During the piano
competition, she collaborated with competitors for fifteen concerto
performances.
Dr. Sky-Eagle, who still calls Arlington "home," is now completing her fourth
year teaching piano at the California Baptist University, Riverside. She also
teaches at the Old Town Conservatory of Music, Pasadena. In her “spare time,”
she is the musical director for the Class Act Musical Theater in Woodland Hills
and is the pianist for the El Segundo United Methodist Church, El Segundo. She
was a TMTA scholarship recipient and is a current member of TMTA. TMTA CHAMBER MUSIC CONTEST TO BE HELD AT CONVENTION General Information
1. There are two categories for Chamber
Music Ensembles:
Eligibility
1. Members of the Chamber
Music ensemble shall be students of TMTA members.
How to enter: Follow instructions on the registration form available on the TMTA website, or from the TMTA office, the contest chair or your local association president. Registration Deadline: All required forms and payments must be postmarked by March 1 and mailed to the TMTA Office attention TMTA Chamber Music Festival. Fees
(non-refundable)
Repertoire
Awards
and performances
Registration forms are available here. For information, contact Paul Boyd 713-523-6852 pboyd@com.edu To carry on the legacy of two pedagogy giants in the field of music, two new MTNA Endowments have been established in memory of Amanda Vick Lethco and Lynn Freeman Olson. We can never forget the tremendous impact that these two have had upon music teachers and students alike. With these endowments, their memory will continue through the lives of musicians for years to come. Contributions may be made to the Amanda Vick Lethco or Lynn Freeman Olson Endowments by contacting MTNA Foundation Fund at (888) 512-5278 or mtnafoundation@mtna.org or go to www.mtnafoundation.org. Arts Education Day at the Capitol
The Texas
Coalition for Quality Arts Education (TCQAE) coordinated our 5th Arts Education
Day at the Capitol on March 5th, 2007 and it was a smashing success!
In the morning, students visited Dr. Shirley Neeley, Commissioner of Education,
the Governor Perry, Lt.Governor Dewhurst, House Speaker Craddick and our
Legislators and gave them packets of arts education advocacy information. We
held a press conference at 11:00 a.m. Representative Rob Eissler, Chair of the
House Public Education Committee, sponsored the day’s events. Over 800
outstanding students performed in the Rotunda and on the South Steps of the
Capitol. They were remarkable! String students of a member from Austin District
MTA were selected to perform. Legislative Updates
Senate Bill
530 was passed out of the House nine hours before the end of the session on
Memorial Day and was sent to Governor Perry for his signature. It was a wild
ride over the weekend with various versions of the bill language being debated
among the Senate and House conferees, including a move to go back dangerously
close to the Senate version that required six semesters of physical activity in
middle school and that did not count structured recess in the 135-minute weekly
physical activity requirement in grades K-5. Music Scholarship Increases at UTSAThe Department of Music at the University of Texas at San Antonio is pleased to announce increases in scholarship monies now available to qualified piano and organ students. The increased scholarship monies are due to the generosity of the Marjorie Powell Zachary Memorial Endowment for Piano Scholars and the Bess Hieronymus Scholarship for Scholarships of up to $5,000 per year are now available for undergraduate music majors and scholarship/assistantships of up to $10,000 per year for graduate music majors (including an out-of-state tuition waiver). Visit the department website at http://music.utsa.edu for more information about degree programs, audition requirements, and application deadlines and/or contact Elizabeth Gutierrez, Keyboard Area Coordinator, at elizabeth.gutierrez@utsa.edu for more information. The MTNA Foundation Fund
offers Teacher Enrichment Grants, Local Association Matching Grants,
Local Association Start-up Grants and State Matching Grants to
assist in furthering music education. To be eligible for
consideration applications must be postmarked by the following
deadlines: $2000 Collegiate Scholarship Available to Junior, Senior or Graduate Students Several years ago, the Texas Music Teachers Educational Foundation began awarding $2000 scholarships to college junior, senior or graduate students who have continued participating in Student Affiliate activities during their college years. Any
student who is interested in applying for this scholarship can find
the application blank Here or may request a form from the TMTA
office at 1106 Clayton Lane-240W, Austin, TX 78723. $1000 GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR CERTIFIED TEACHERS
Previous recipients have used the award to fund study projects, piano lessons with master teachers and piano pedagogy courses. Applications will be screened by a Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) representative and the MTNA National Certification Commission (NCC). Previous recipients, members of the MTNA Board of Directors or NCC, and past or present PTG members and their families are not eligible. The recipient will be recognized at the annual MTNA National Conference Awards Brunch. The recipient is asked to submit a written report to the PTGF and the NCC when the project is completed. To apply, send a completed entry form, a one-page, typed study plan (including estimated cost, anticipated time frame and information about the proposed teacher or institution) and a brief description of your background and experience to MTNA Professional Certification, 441 Vine St., Ste. 505, Cincinnati, OH 45202-2811. One or two letters of reference are encouraged, along with any other supporting documentation. Entry forms are available on the MTNA Certification website at www.mtnacertification.org or by contacting the MTNA national headquarters at (888) 512-5278 or mtnacertification@mtna.org. MTNA PROGRAMS FOR ALL STUDENTS Are you looking for
some new ideas to motivate your students to practice and reach their
long-term goals? Did you know that MTNA offers three affordable ways to
motivate your "everyday" students? The Music for Everyone programs are
designed to add excitement and motivate those students who otherwise would
rather be swimming. The next program is the Studio Festival Program. This is designed to give
students the opportunity to perform and receive a supportive critique from
an experienced adjudicator whom you choose. Students receive performance
certificates and also have the option of ordering t-shirts commemorating
their experience. This program is ideal because you, the teacher, tailor the
festival to meet the needs of your studio. MTNA provides detailed guidance
to help you through all the steps from event preparation to publicity. This
will surely be a memorable event for any studio. |
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