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JMTA High Notes
September 2026 —Vol. 30, no. 1 The September JMTA meeting and luncheon will be held at the Charles Webb Wesconnett branch of the public library on Thursday, September 17, at 10:30am. _______________________________________ Table of Contents MEETING MINUTES May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 - 5 TREASURY REPORTS May – August and Proposed Budget . . . . 6 – 11 PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 JMTA Student Recitals . . . . . . . . . . . 13 District IV News Sonatina & Sonata Festival . . .14 Concerto Competition . . . . . . . 14 All About Student Day . . . 15 - 18 State News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 “Find a Teacher” on Website . . . . . . . . 20 Photo Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 - 22 Over Coffee With… Mary Gniech . . . . . . . . . . . .23 - 25 AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS . . . . 26 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 President’s Pen Dear JMTA members, Welcome back! We have an exciting year of opportunities, and we hope you will be able to join us. We offer three JMTA Student Recitals, a Community Recital for advanced students, - 10the District 4 Sonatina/Sonata Festival, the District 4 Concerto Competition, and the annual District 4 Student Day evaluations. We also have a JMTA High School Senior Scholarship competition opportunity for upcoming college music majors, and a Community Service award competition for 9th and 12th graders! Catch all the details on our website, jaxmta.org. Our monthly JMTA meetings/ programs are all held on the second Thursday morning of the month, at 9:30am, except for this month it is being held on the third Thursday, and in December and June through August we have no general meetings. The programs are full of enrichment and assistance for our music teachers. Thank you to Anita Renfroe for coordinating the programs for us. This year we will hold our meetings/programs at different locations; emails will be sent out ahead each month, and you can check the website calendar as well. All are welcome to attend! We still have an opening on the board for someone to fill the wellness/ liaison position, to give wellness tips for our teachers and students at our meetings. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected]. In this issue of High Notes, we interview and get to know newer member Mary Gniech. We look forward to seeing you this year and hope you’ll be able to engage your students in some of JMTA’s opportunities. Please let me know if you have any questions. Sincerely, Angie Holt President, JMTA ___________________________________ MEETING MINUTESJacksonville Music Teachers Association Thursday, May 14, 2026 UNF Recital Hall – 9:30 AM Welcome & Call to Order - President Angie Holt called the meeting to order at 9:32 AM. Attendance – In person: Angie Holt, Daniel Holt, Rhonda Danielson, Lorraine Sears, Denise Homsley, Christine Couch, Kama and Kaya Rasmussen-Li, Erin Bennett, Mimi Zhang Zoom: Paulette Kilt, Mary McKee, Anita Renfroe, Cheryl Dubberly Parliamentarian - Lynn Freeman Secretary Minutes - Rhonda Danielson Minutes were accepted as corrected Treasurer’s Report - Lorraine Sears
Communications & Internet Media - Angie Holt High Notes Newsletter will be sent this week. Vice President of Membership - Mary McKee We have two new members, Tracy Morris and Hsiang Tu, from Gainesville. Programs - Anita Renfroe Our program today is performances by our Scholarship and Concerto winners, some in person and some by video. Other Committee Reports: Social - Sandy Stewart Student Recitals - Christine Couch & Gavin Taylor Proton Therapy Recital - Sandy Stewart Photos from the recital will be in the newsletter. Scholarship - Kama Rasmussen-Li We had two Scholarship applicants. Jorges Daniel Penaherrera video performance today will include one of his compositions. He will be attending UNF in the fall. We may consider having the next Scholarship and Concerto Competitions on the same day at UNF, using the same judges for both events. Student Day - Angie Holt The Honors Recital on April 26 had a great number of attendees. Altruistic - Rhonda Danielson A card of encouragement was sent to Cheryl Dubberly, who will have hip surgery on June 3rd. Thank you cards and $50 checks will be sent to the past three venues where we have held events. Community Service Awards - Stefanie Batson-Martin Nicole Wang, a student of Stefanie, was our JMTA winner and applied for the state award but was not chosen. Ethics - Betty Atkinson Archivist/Historian - Paulette Kilts Paulette would like programs from the December, March, and Proton Therapy recitals. Old Business New Business Voting was held for three Amendment Proposals. Motion by Paulette to approve Amendment #1 regarding number of meetings per year, 2nd by Erin. (MSC) Motion by Paulette to approve Amendment #2 regarding Collegiate Membership – 2nd by Erin. (MSC) Motion by Paulette to approve Amendment #3 with new wording regarding awards and scholarships, 2nd by Rhonda (MSC) Paulette will update our constitution and bylaws, then renew Sunbiz. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 10:26 AM. Respectfully Submitted, Rhonda Danielson, Secretary ________________________________ TREASURY REPORTS May JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report May 1-31, 2026 Checking: Rate .10% Expenses 05/13/26 Square-Domain name renewal $19.95 05/20/26 Check 110 All Saints (recital donation) $50.00 05/21/26 Check 107-S. Stewart- recital supplies $33.31 05/27/26 Check 109--Arlington UMC (recital donation) $50.00 Deposits 05/27/26 MTNA--Dues $240.00 05/31/26 Interest $0.79 Current Checking $8,632.64 Warren Fund $727.73 TOTAL Checking Account $9,360.37 Business Money Market (Scholarship): Rate .60% ($1000+) Expenses Deposits TOTAL Business Money Market Account $138.23 Business Shares (Savings): Rate .10% ($100+) Expenses Deposits 5/31/26 Interest $0.02 TOTAL Business Shares Account $199.38 12 Month Business CD: Rate 4.00% Matures 6/7/26 Expenses Deposits 5/31/26 Interest 18.58 TOTAL Business CD Account $5,587.58 13 Month Promo CD: Rate 4.00% Matures 10/16/26 Expenses Deposits 5/31/26 Interest 17.10 TOTAL Promo CD Account $5,144.87 TOTAL ASSETS as of Apr. 30, 2026 $20,430.43 Submitted by Lorraine Sears 06/08/2026 Treasurer's Report Please review the following documents:
The Proposed Budget has been approved by the board. Questions can be asked at the meeting, and then the membership in attendance will vote to approve the budget for this Fiscal Year (July 1, 2026- June 30, 2027). ~Lorraine Sears, JMTA Treasurer June JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report June 1-30, 2026 Checking: Rate .10% Expenses 06/22/26Ck 106 E. Bennett (scholar. judge) $50.00 Deposits 06/10/26 MTNA--Dues $330.00 06/30/26 Interest $0.79 Current Checking $8,913.43 Warren Fund $727.73 TOTAL Checking Account $9,641.16 Business Money Market (Scholarship): Rate .60% ($1000+) Expenses Deposits 06/10/26 transfer from matured CD $5,592.53 6/30/2026 Interest 2.31 TOTAL Business Money Market Account $5,733.07 Business Shares (Savings): Rate .10% ($100+) Expenses Deposits 6/30/26 Interest $0.02 TOTAL Business Shares Account $199.40 12 Month Business CD: Rate 4.00% Matures 6/7/26 Expenses 6/10/26 Matured--transferred to Money Market 5592.53 Deposits TOTAL Business CD Account $0.00 13 Month Promo CD: Rate 4.00% Matures 10/16/26 Expenses Deposits 6/30/26 Interest 16.61 TOTAL Promo CD Account $5,161.48 TOTAL ASSETS as of June 30, 2026 $20,735.11 - Submitted by Lorraine Sears 07/10/2026 July JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report July 1-31, 2026 Checking: Rate .10% Expenses Deposits 07/15/26 MTNA--Dues $483.00 07/31/26 Interest $0.85 Current Checking $9,397.28 Warren Fund $727.73 TOTAL Checking Account $10,125.01 Business Money Market (Scholarship): Rate .60% ($1000+) Expenses Deposits 07/31/26 Interest $3.41 TOTAL Business Money Market Account $5,736.48 Business Shares (Savings): Rate .10% ($100+) Expenses Deposits 7/31/26 Interest $0.02 TOTAL Business Shares Account $199.42 13 Month Promo CD: Rate 4.00% Matures 10/16/26 Expenses Deposits 7/31/26 Interest 17.22 TOTAL Promo CD Account $5,178.70 TOTAL ASSETS as of July 31, 2026 $21,239.61 - Submitted by Lorraine Sears 08/07/2026 August JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report August 1-31, 2026 Checking: Rate .10% Expenses Deposits 08/18/26 MTNA--Dues $63.00 08/31/26 Interest $0.87 Current Checking $9,461.15 Warren Fund $727.73 TOTAL Checking Account $10,188.88 Business Money Market (Scholarship): Rate .60% ($1000+) Expenses Deposits 08/31/26 Interest $3.42 TOTAL Business Money Market Account $5,739.90 Business Shares (Savings): Rate .10% ($100+) Expenses Deposits 8/31/26 Interest $0.02 TOTAL Business Shares Account $199.44 13 Month Promo CD: Rate 4.00% Matures 10/16/26 Expenses Deposits 8/31/26 Interest 17.27 TOTAL Promo CD Account $5,195.97 TOTAL ASSETS as of August 31, 2026 $21,324.19 - Submitted by Lorraine Sears 09/02/2026 Proposed Budget Proposed JMTA Budget 2026-2027 Proposed Actual Proposed Income 2025-2026 2025-2026 2026-2027 Dues 1,400.00 1,626.00 1,400.00 Interest earned from checking 8.00 8.77 8.00 Luncheon 0.00 0.00 0.00 Scholarship Audition Fees 70.00 50.00 70.00 Student Recitals 300.00 310.00 300.00 Total 1,778.00 1,994.77 1,778.00 Proposed Actual Proposed Expenses 2025-2026 2025-2026 2026-2027 Altruistic 50.00 0.00 50.00 Community Service Award 80.00 40.00 80.00 FSMTA Conference Fund 100.00 100.00 100.00 FSMTF 15.00 15.00 15.00 Gifts 50.00 0.00 50.00 JMTA biannual (even year) site renewal 216.00 240.00 0.00 JMTA annual domain renewal 19.95 19.95 19.95 Miscellaneous 30.00 29.65 30.00 Programs (JMTA presenters) 100.00 0.00 25.00 Programs (Warren Fund - Outside Presenters) 100.00 100.00 175.00 Social 50.00 37.97 10.00 Scholarship Judges 300.00 150.00 200.00 State Conference President 300.00 250.00 300.00 Student Recitals 200.00 133.31 200.00 Sunbiz (Incorporation Fee) 61.25 61.25 96.25 Total 1,672.20 1,177.13 1,351.20 Budget Difference $105.80 $817.64 $426.80 ___________________________________ PROGRAMS Each month at the end of our General Meeting, we have an enrichment program for our teachers. The meeting usually starts at 9:30am (10:30am this month), followed by the program. All are welcome to both! Join us on Thursday, September 17 at 10:30am for our meeting and then our Welcome Back Luncheon afterwards! General Meeting – 10:30am Welcome Back Luncheon – afterwards, about 11:15am Location: Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional Library, in the Auditorium, 6887 103rd St., Jacksonville, 32210 Our Programs Chair Anita Renfroe will be rolling out the exciting programs for the year at our meeting. Stay tuned! The programs will also be posted in the October newsletter. Welcome Back Luncheon Join us for our luncheon after the meeting. The meat dish, bottled water, and napkins, plates, and cutlery will be provided. Please email me at [email protected] with what side dish or dessert you would like to bring. We hope to see you there!
JMTA Student Recitals Following are the student recitals for the school year: Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 3:00p St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church 3976 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207 Application deadline Oct. 2, 2026, submitted to [email protected] Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 3:00p Arlington United Methodist Church 1400 University Blvd., N., Jacksonville, FL 32211 Application deadline Dec. 4, 2026, submitted to [email protected] Sunday, March 7, 2027, at 3:00p All Saints Episcopal Church 4171 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207 You may enter through any of the sanctuary doors. Application deadline Feb. 26, 2027, submitted to [email protected] For this location, assistance is needed from a few able-bodied adults both before and after the recital to move the piano into position. If you have someone attending that can help, please ask them to arrive by 2:35p. The cost is $5 per student. Here is the link for participation guidelines: https://www.jaxmta.org/jmta-student-recitals.html
_________________________________ District IV News Sonatina and Sonata Festival The District 4 Sonatina and Sonata Festival will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2027 in the UNF Recital Hall (Room 1200) in the Fine Arts Building, time TBD. The application deadline is Friday, January 15, 2027. The cost is $15 for students of FSMTA members; an additional $10 (or $25 total) is required for students of non-member teachers. Click here for more information: https://www.jaxmta.org/district-4-sonatina--sonata-festival.html Concerto Competition The District 4 Concerto Competition will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2027 in the UNF Recital Hall (Room 1200) in the Fine Arts Building, time TBD. The application deadline is Friday, February 19, 2027. The cost is: FSMTA Members: Teacher fee-$0, Student Fee-$40, Total $40 FSMTA Nonmembers: Teacher fee-$40, Student Fee-$40, Total $80 Click here for more information: https://www.jaxmta.org/district-4-concerto-competition.html
__________________________________ All About Student Day FSMTA offers an annual evaluation program called Student Day, which is “structured and comprehensive,” according to the FSMTA website. Students are tested annually, not only on their ability to perform, but also on their understanding of music theory and their general knowledge of music. Levels of difficulty range from Primary through Level 12. Over one thousand students enroll in Student Day every year in the state of Florida. 60th Anniversary of District Student Day Student Day began 60 years ago this past spring, with the first State Student Day in 1966, and the first District Student Day in 1967. If you would like to be a part of this historic and state-wide evaluation, our next Student Day will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2027, at Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223. The application deadline is Friday, March 5. If you’ve been interested in registering some students for this rewarding annual event but need more information, we are happy to assist you! Student Day is not only available for piano, but also vocal, string, woodwind, classical guitar, percussion, brass, harp, organ, and accordion. The cost is just $30 per student, plus $15 for the teacher’s lunch that day. Here is the link to register: https://www.jaxmta.org/district-4-student-day.html When registering, choose which section each student would like, morning or afternoon. All their activities will fall into their chosen section, including a non-graded recital, where each student can play one of their Student Day pieces for their peers. The following breaks down what each level involves: Primary level: 2 memorized pieces and keyboard skills before a judge Written theory test Level 1: 2 memorized pieces and keyboard skills before a judge Written theory test Aural theory test Levels 2 through 4: 3 memorized pieces and keyboard skills before a judge Written theory test Aural theory test Levels 5 through 12: 3 memorized pieces from different musical eras and keyboard skills before a judge Written theory test Aural theory test Note: Memorization is required only for piano and vocal. For repertoire lists, sample written theory and aural theory tests, keyboard skills information, adjudication forms, etc., they are all on the FSMTA website. Click on Student Activities on the home screen, and then FSMTA Non-Competitive Events. Scroll down to Members of FSMTA, click on log in here, and use the current password of Chopin, which is case-sensitive. (The FSMTA password changes every October, and as a member you will receive an email from their website admin with the new password each year.) Or, you can click here to go to the website, where there is also a Handbook of Student Activities for more detailed information: https://www.fmta.org/student-day-handbook.html Once you log in, you will see the following columns and more: The Written and Aural Theory column includes sample tests for written and aural Theory. The Piano Guidelines includes keyboard skills information including the musicianship questions and melodies for harmonization/transposition page where they pick one ahead of time to learn, as well as the suggested repertoire list. The Interactive Examination Sheets are what you’ll partially fill out and turn in for each student when you register, an example is to the right. Note: There are columns of guidelines for voice and for each of the different instruments as well. There are many excellent pieces listed on the repertoire lists for each level; however, you do not have to choose one of these pieces, as the lists are suggested guidelines. Note: The pieces must be original pieces, no arrangements, popular, traditional, or folk music. MUSIC MASTERS STUDENT DAY CURRICULUM In addition, an independent teacher has created a curriculum to help you prepare your students for the keyboard skills, written theory, and aural theory testing with helpful workbooks for each level. These follow the same leveling and guidelines that are provided in the Student Activities Handbook on the FSMTA website. These materials will assist students in mastering the FSMTA guidelines for Student Day. The contact information is as follows: Music Masters, 4111 NW 79 Ave., Coral Springs, FL 33065. To order, email Sue Colvert at Music Masters at [email protected]. The phone number is 954-752-2856. For their hard work and preparation, each student receives a beautiful certificate, and a medallion if they receive achievement. If they receive honors in their judge audition and at least an achievement in their written theory and aural theory, they also receive an honors ribbon from the State, and are invited to perform in the Honors recital held in the Recital Hall at UNF. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need assistance. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
___________________________________ State News 2026 FSMTA Mini-Conference October 17 – 18, 2026 “United by Music: A Nation’s Celebration, A State’s Legacy, A Profession’s Excellence” Tallahassee, FL Hyatt House Tallahassee Capitol – University 1100 Railroad Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA See FMTA.org for information Florida Gulf Coast University, Bower School of Music Fort Myers, Florida See FMTA.org for information __________________________________ “Find a Teacher” Section of JMTA Website Hello all, I need some help cleaning up the “Find a Teacher” section of the website. There are many new JMTA members not on the list, and many on the list that are no longer with JMTA. When you join JMTA, you are not automatically added to “Find a Teacher,” as it is not a member directory like on the FMTA website, since we do not have password protection. The FMTA.org state member directory is for teachers to find contact information of their fellow teachers. The “Find a Teacher” section of the JMTA website is for local prospective students and parents to find a teacher. It does not give the name, address, and phone number, unless you want it to. It can say whatever you’d like it to, to market yourself and advertise your availability. Entries are grouped together by zip codes so that prospective students/parents can search in their own area. Following is the “Find a Teacher” format: Teacher Name:
PHOTO GALLERY The District 4 Student Day Honors Recital took place on April 26th at the UNF Recital Hall. The Student Honors Recital featuring the winners of the District 4 Concerto Competition and the JMTA Scholarship Competition took place on May 14th at the UNF Recital Hall. Photos below. ___________________________________ Over Coffee With . . . Mary Gniech This month we are getting to know one of our newer members better. Thank you, Mary, for joining us! Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A. I'm the oldest of six; I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers and was closest in age to my brothers. We all grew up in the cold Midwest. I was married (my mother-in-law gave me their piano before I married!) I'm a mom and a Grama 🎵. My son has a daughter and a son. Fun Fact: I have an MBA degree (finance & banking), earned a graduate certificate in transportation and logistics (aka CTL), all earned long after receiving my Bachelor of Music degree. Once I settled down in Florida, I started my private piano studio (thanks to my mother-in-law's long ago gift to me) and have kept my Studio going here for 37 years. I will keep it going for as long as I live. It gives me great joy. Q. What helped inspire you to take piano lessons? A. My Mom, her young sister, who was my favorite person, and my Dad's Mom played the piano very well. I remember loving the sound and how the keys looked as they played their music. There was a huge full upright piano in our house and in both grandparents' homes. And a lot of piano music books - including books my mom learned from. They seemed so magical and had star stickers on the pages that were pretty and shiny. Q. Did you have a favorite music teacher(s) that made music more enjoyable? A. When I was six, I was brought to Miss Molly Ulsed's house to have my first piano lesson and received my first music book - John Thompson 's teaching little fingers to play. I credit those 2 years with her for instilling in me what resulted in never forgetting how to play or read music over the following 6 years without a piano. And I credit my Maternal Grandparents for keeping their piano and the relatives who gave them sheet music and music books that filled a big box, all for me to play on their piano, every year for the 2 weeks during the summer when my family went up north to stay at their house with them. My parents finally bought a piano the summer before I started high school. I was able to take piano lessons again. Q. Tell us about some things you have been/are involved in musically. A. When I was a freshman in high school, I practiced piano in the choir room and the director asked me if I would accompany the musical during rehearsals. I said ok. My piano teacher was not ready for that. A neighbor told my mom to take me to Mrs. Hanson for lessons instead. I owe my life to that neighbor! Mrs. Hanson had a degree in music. No one ever told me college was also for music and piano! I told her I wanted to study music in college because piano is what I loved to do. After accompanying a summer stock musical rehearsals, various singers and dance classes, I realized after a few years that I didn't really enjoy any of it.. I also didn't want to work in a school as a music teacher. But teaching private piano lessons to children and adults, which I did through college and after I graduated, I enjoyed very much. Q. Do you have a story of something that happened during one of your performances and how you handled it? A. In high school I was asked to play the piano with the school orchestra. Because my mom had terrible stage fright when she performed as a child, she assumed all her fears were also mine. They weren't. Anyway, I found out after the fact, that she told the orchestra director to not let me know I was the soloist; he told the orchestra not to let me know (it included my trumpet playing brother). By her design, I didn't see the program until afterward and after people were complimenting me on my performance and me saying to them I was just part of the orchestra. That was bizarre and embarrassing and not very laughable. I learned that people can be robbed of an experience that's rightfully theirs and theirs alone by someone's unnecessary interference disguised as help. I also realized I didn't really know anything about the music world and didn't want to ever be so unaware and uninformed again. Q. What advice would you give to help focus before a performance and curb nerves? A. It's all about the music and an audience who came to hear it. It's about knowing you're human and letting yourself play what you know while the normal feelings we call "nerves" show up and then disappear unnoticed as you shape the sound-story in the music you create for all.. And, if you use the pedal, be sure to practice in the shoes you plan to wear. Q. What is one of the most interesting places you've visited? A. It's a tie: Marrakesh, Morroco; and Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands. I went to both in the early '80's. Q. What do you find to be a challenge in teaching music and what do you find that helps? A. The most challenging thing in teaching piano is teaching transfer students. I find that honesty and patience and music they like helps the most. Keeping good humor in the lesson is essential. A clear and solid Studio Termination Policy that works both ways is a necessity. Q. Who are some of your favorite music composers? A. Chopin; Cyril Scott; Scott Joplin; Jon Batiste; me... __________________ AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Click on each link for a calendar of upcoming performances: The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra EventsClick on link for more information and tickets: Events | Jacksonville Symphony University of North Florida Music Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Florida State College at Jacksonville Click on link for more information and tickets: fine-arts-calendar.jpg (2550×3300) Friday Musicale Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://fridaymusicale.com/events/ St. Johns Cathedral Music Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/events/ ___________________________________ Find A Teacher Section on Jaxmta.org Teachers, please take a moment to check out your information on our Find A Teacher page on the JMTA website (jaxmta.org). If you would like any changes made, or if you’re not listed yet and would like to be added, please contact Angie Holt at [email protected] with the verbiage you would like put in. This is a page that has information for prospective parents and students. ______________________________________ Did You Know? Residents of Duval county, if they have a Jacksonville Library card, can use the many electronic resources from the https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/digital-library. Getting a library card is free. All that's needed is your driver's license and sign up in person at any of the 21 branches. The card allows the use of Kanopy - which has free streaming movies, documentaries, educational resources [older teens/adults]. I saw a documentary "Making the Grade" which profiled Irish students and piano teachers whose students are preparing to take the Irish Royal Academy of Music Examinations. It was funny, moving, informative, and relatable, especially seeing snippets of the teacher's lessons in action and how the students feel about piano and their teachers overall. I highly recommend members watch it (and explore the other resources available from JPL)! - JohnWillard Utuk ______________________________________ Need a Sponsor? Does anyone in the JMTA need a sponsor or need help in any way? If so, John Scott, owner of Jacksonville School of Music & First Coast School of Music, is interested in helping our organization. If interested, contact John at [email protected]. His direction phone number is 904-248-1848. ____________________________________ Music Exchange Do you have too much music collected in your studio? Is there some you think you'll never use? Bring your unneeded music to any JMTA meeting. Bring home something new to you! Look for the "Free Music" spot. Music does not have to be brand new. __________________________________________________________ Have you found us on Facebook? Follow JMTA on Facebook for the latest happenings, photos, videos, and more! __________________________________________________________ Events Calendar Please view our website for any updates or additions to these events, as well as for more details including application deadlines: www.jaxmta.org. Thursday, 9/17 10:30am General Meeting and Welcome Back Luncheon Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional Library, 6887 103rd St., Jacksonville 32210 Thursday, 10/8 9:30am General Meeting and Program: Bridget O’Leary, “Sage advice with teaching senior students” Over Zoom Saturday, 10/10 – Sunday, 10/11 As Scheduled MTNA Competitions Florida Gulf Coast University, Bower School of Music, Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, 10/11 3:00pm JMTA Student Recital St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3976 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville 32207 Saturday, 10/17 – Sunday, 10/18 As Scheduled FSMTA State Mini-Conference Hyatt House Tallahassee Capitol – University 1100 Railroad Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32310 Thursday, 11/12 9:30am General Meeting and Program: “Favorite Recital Themes” Mandarin Presbyterian Church, 2501 Loretto Rd., Jacksonville 32223 Sunday, 12/13 3:00pm JMTA Student Recital Arlington UMC, 1400 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211 Stay tuned for more events to come! High Notes is distributed on the first of the month excluding June-August and December. All submissions are due by the 20th of the month prior to distribution. Submissions may be sent to [email protected]. _________________________ JMTA High Notes
May 2026 —Vol. 29, no. 8 The May JMTA meeting and program was held at the UNF Fine Arts Recital Hall on May 14, 2026 at 9:30am. The District IV Concerto Competition winners and the JMTA Scholarship winner performed. ____________________________________ Table of Contents MEETING MINUTES April . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 4 TREASURY REPORTS April . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Welcome New Members! . . . . . . . . .6 District IV News Concerto Competition . . . . . 6 - 7 Over Coffee With… Ciarán Abuan . . . . . . . . . .8 – 10 Who am I… in Music? . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS . . . . 12 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 President’s Pen Dear JMTA members, Looking back over the past year, I am thankful for all of the teachers who have been a part of our association and who have worked together to make sure all of our events would run smoothly and successfully. I am thankful for the association itself, as it has been such a benefit for me over the years. The camaraderie with fellow teachers and advice from them has always been helpful. In addition, the musical activities my students can engage in are experiences they will remember all of their lives. I hope that you are enjoying membership in our group, and that you will continue to renew. Being a part of MTNA, FSMTA, and the local JMTA has so many benefits. I hope you and your students all have a wonderful, safe, and peaceful summer, and I look forward to seeing you again in September! Sincerely, Angie Holt President, JMTA ________________________________________ MEETING MINUTES Jacksonville Music Teachers Association Thursday, April 9, 2026 Zoom Meeting 9:30 AM Welcome & Call to Order: President Angie Holt called the meeting to order at 9:38 AM. Zoom Attendees: Angie Holt, Daniel Holt, Lorraine Sears, Rhonda Danielson, Christine Couch, Anita Renfroe, Denise Homsley, Paulette Kilts, Lynn Freeman, Sandy Stewart, Melody Morrison, Mary McKee. Parliamentarian: Lynn Freeman Secretary Minutes: Rhonda Danielson Minutes accepted as presented. Treasurer’s Report: Lorraine Sears
Treasurer’s Report was accepted as presented. Communications & Internet Media: Angie Holt No report Vice President of Membership: Mary McKee No report Programs: Anita Renfroe Today’s program presenter is Melody Morrison. May 14 meeting and program will be held at UNF. Other Committee Reports: Social: Sandy Stewart No report Student Recitals: Christine Couch & Gavin Taylor Proton Therapy Recital: Sandy Stewart April 21 at 6:00PM Scholarship: Kama Rasmussen-Li Kama has received two piano applications for the Scholarship Competition on April 11 at Mandarin Baptist. Student Day judges will judge the Scholarship competition. Student Day: Angie Holt Student Day will be April 11. Erin Bennett, Sandy Stewart, and Michael Mastronicola will be the judges. Altruistic: Cheryl Dubberly is unable to fill this position, so Rhonda will take the position. Donations of greeting cards would be appreciated. Community Service Awards: Stefanie Batson-Martin No report Ethics: Betty Atkinson No report Archivist/Historian: Paulette Kilts Paulette would like copies of every recital program for the archives. Concerto Competition: Erin Bennett Daniel read Erin’s report in her absence. Concerto Winners will be listed in the May newsletter. Old Business: New Business: Membership vote for Amendment Proposals was not taken. Paulette suggested that we vote at our May meeting. We need a quorum of 12 members. Announcements:
Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 10:23 AM. Respectfully Submitted, Rhonda Danielson Recording Secretary __________________________________ TREASURY REPORTS – April 2026 JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report Apr. 1-30, 2026 Checking: Rate .10% Expenses 04/15/26 Check 104 S. Stewart (scholar. judge)$50.00 04/16/26 Check 103 M. Morrison (presenter-Warren$50.00 04/16/26 Check 105 M. Mastronicola (scholar. judge)$50.00 04/22/26 Sunbiz (yearly corporation filing fee)$61.25 Deposits 04/03/26 Recital fees $140.00 04/24/26 Dues $60.00 04/30/26 Interest $0.77 Current Checking $8,545.11 Warren Fund $727.73 TOTAL Checking Account $9,272.84 Business Money Market (Scholarship): Rate .60% ($1000+) Expenses Deposits TOTAL Business Money Market Account $138.23 Business Shares (Savings): Rate .10% ($100+) Expenses Deposits 04/30/26 Interest $0.02 TOTAL Business Shares Account $199.36 12 Month Business CD: Rate 4.00% Matures 6/7/26 Expenses Deposits 04/30/26 Interest 17.92 TOTAL Business CD Account $5,569.00 13 Month Promo CD: Rate 4.00% Matures 10/16/26 Expenses Deposits 04/30/26 Interest 16.50 TOTAL Promo CD Account $5,127.77 TOTAL ASSETS as of Apr. 30, 2026 $20,307.20 Submitted by Lorraine Sears 05/07/2026 _________________________________________ Welcome New Members! Tracy Morris Hsiang Tu __________________________________ District IV News Concerto Competition Report The FSMTA District IV Concerto Competition was held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the Recital Hall of the UNF Fine Arts Center. We had 9 competitors this year across piano and strings (4 piano; 5 strings)
______________________________________ Over Coffee With . . . Ciarán Abuan This month we are interviewing one of our newer members. Ciarán is a UNF graduate who has a bachelor degree in Piano Performance. Thank you, Ciarán, for helping us to get to know you better, and we wish you the best in all your pursuits! Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A. I’m the son of a Filipino father and Irish mother but I was born here in Jacksonville. After my dad finished medical residency, my family moved to Fort Myers for a year, after which a job with Winter Haven Hospital brought my family to Polk County. Soon thereafter, my parents bought their house in Lakeland, FL, where they have been for the past twenty years. I attended public school, graduating from Harrison School for the Arts. Q. As a college student, what inspired you to major in music? A. My mom grew up with traditional Irish music and dance, later studying classical violin. Naturally, she wanted her children to share her love for music. When my parents bought their house, their first piece of furniture was a Kohler & Campbell baby grand piano—I remember going to the store and picking it out (and afterward sleeping on the floor). Some of my earliest music experiences were with Kindermusik. Soon after, my mom took up piano lessons and I followed suit. To be brief, I have had numerous and diverse interests, but I have always pursued music because I love knowledge and beauty, self-control and discipline. I have come to understand that music is essential to education. Q. Did you have a music course that you really enjoyed or specifically helped you as you teach piano? A. Piano Pedagogy challenged me. In my first six years of lessons, I was taught out of method books (Bastien, Schaum, and Alfred). In middle school, I switched teachers and worked on intermediate repertoire for about a year before advancing to harder pieces. Going into pedagogy class, I neither appreciated method books nor knew of the vast range of intermediate repertoire. Now I understand how to select repertoire or make a lesson with a method book effective (or at least that it takes careful preparation for these things!). Q. Tell us about some things you have been/are involved in musically A. In February, I had the privilege of accompanying a student on Ney Rosauro’s Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra for the JSYO Young Artists Competition, in which she received an honorable mention. In March, I accompanied my younger sister for SERNATS at Georgia Southern University, in which she placed second in her division. The following day, we performed for my students after their recital. Most recently, I’ve been accompanying saxophone students. Q. What do you find to be a challenge in teaching music and what do you find that helps? A. It is difficult to teach when either the student or teacher has unrealistic expectations. I often find it necessary to return to my core values: students learn to play with proficiency and artistry when they study music at the appropriate level. Students develop an understanding of music when each lesson has a clear focus. Students should learn to use their imagination through creative activities. I often take a moment to reflect on the day’s lessons before I go to bed. What was successful? What frustrated me? Why? The reason usually lies in an error of philosophy or attitude. Q. What is one of the most interesting places you've visited? A. Last Summer, I visited Italy for the InterHarmony International Music Festival. The festival is held in a little town named Acqui Terme, named for its natural hot spring and fountain plaza where families like to gather for dinner in the evenings. The town has several beautiful churches, a magnificent duomo, ruins of Roman aquaducts, and a gelateria around every corner. Many locals attended the evening festival concerts, the food and wine were delicious; a rich culture in a beautiful setting. Q. Who are some of your favorite music composers? A. I love the passion, drama, and human sensitivity manifested in the music of Franz Liszt. Coloristic harmonic changes and discriminate use of texture make for engaging narratives. I also love the music of W.A. Mozart. His music appeals to me on many fronts as it encompasses diverse styles across genres, from the drama of the baroque opera to the elegance and sophistication of the galant and classical in the piano sonatas. Some composers that I think will be new favorites for me are Norman Dello Joio, whose music uses classical forms with modern techniques and influences from earlier music like Gregorian chant, and Valerie Roth Roubos, whose pedagogical compositions are creative, clear, and concise. ___________________________________ Who Am I . . . In Music? 1. Born in 1685 in Naples in what is now Italy, I was the sixth of 10 children, and I first studied music under my father. I was known primarily as a harpsichordist, and I wrote 555 keyboard sonatas. I also composed at least 17 separate sinfonias and a harpsichord concerto. I served both Portuguese and Spanish royal families. Although my music is known to be in the Baroque era, it helped influence the development of the Classical era. 2. I was born in 1732 in the rural town of Rohrau, Austria. I became a choirboy at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna and studied music theory and composition with composer Nicola Porpora. I worked as a freelance musician in Vienna, and became the court composer for the Esterházy family. I’m known as the “Father of the Symphony” for my work in developing the symphonic musical form, and I composed over 100 symphonies. I’m also called the “father of the string quartet” from developing the form and composing over 68 string quartets. 3. I was born in Doborján, Kingdom of Hungary (today known as Raiding, Austria) in 1822. My father taught me piano lessons beginning at an early age, and I began to compose at 8 years old. My father worked for the Esterházy family in Vienna, and played cello in the court concerts. When I performed on the piano at age 9, the rich locals decided to fund my musical education. My family moved to Paris in 1823, where I continued musical studies. After I met and heard violin virtuoso Niccolo Paganini perform in 1831, I wanted to compose and perform with that charismatic flair on the piano. I composed Hungarian Rhapsodies, piano concertos, and well-known compositions such as Liebestraum No. 3, Totentanz, Annees de Pelerinage, and Sonata in B minor. (Answers on Page 14) ___________________ AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Click on each link for a calendar of upcoming performances: The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra EventsClick on link for more information and tickets: Events | Jacksonville Symphony University of North Florida Music Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Florida State College at Jacksonville Click on link for more information and tickets: fine-arts-calendar.jpg (2550×3300) Friday Musicale Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://fridaymusicale.com/events/ St. Johns Cathedral Music Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/events/ _________________________________ Find A Teacher Section on Jaxmta.org Teachers, please take a moment to check out your information on our Find A Teacher page on the JMTA website (jaxmta.org). If you would like any changes made, or if you’re not listed yet and would like to be added, please contact Angie Holt at [email protected] with the verbiage you would like put in. This is a page that has information for prospective parents and students. __________________________________ Did You Know? Residents of Duval county, if they have a Jacksonville Library card, can use the many electronic resources from the https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/digital-library. Getting a library card is free. All that's needed is your driver's license and sign up in person at any of the 21 branches. The card allows the use of Kanopy - which has free streaming movies, documentaries, educational resources [older teens/adults]. I saw a documentary "Making the Grade" which profiled Irish students and piano teachers whose students are preparing to take the Irish Royal Academy of Music Examinations. It was funny, moving, informative, and relatable, especially seeing snippets of the teacher's lessons in action and how the students feel about piano and their teachers overall. I highly recommend members watch it (and explore the other resources available from JPL)! - JohnWillard Utuk ____________________________________ Need a Sponsor? Does anyone in the JMTA need a sponsor or need help in any way? If so, John Scott, owner of Jacksonville School of Music & First Coast School of Music, is interested in helping our organization. If interested, contact John at [email protected]. His direction phone number is 904-248-1848. ____________________________________ Music Exchange Do you have too much music collected in your studio? Is there some you think you'll never use? Bring your unneeded music to any JMTA meeting. Bring home something new to you! Look for the "Free Music" spot. Music does not have to be brand new. __________________________________________________________ Have you found us on Facebook? Follow JMTA on Facebook for the latest happenings, photos, videos, and more! __________________________________ Events Calendar Please view our website for any updates or additions to these events, as well as for more details including application deadlines: www.jaxmta.org. HAVE A GREAT SUMMER! Stay tuned for more events to come! High Notes is distributed on the first of the month excluding June-August and December. All submissions are due by the 20th of the month prior to distribution. Submissions may be sent to [email protected]. ______________________________ Answers to Who Am I in Music: 1. Giuseppe Domenico Scarlatti (October 26, 1685 – July 23, 1757) 2. Franz Joseph Haydn (March 31, 1732 – May 31, 1809) 3. Franz Liszt (October 22, 1811 – July 31, 1886) JMTA High Notes
April 2026 —Vol. 29, no. 7 The April JMTA meeting and program was held online on April 9, 2026 at 9:30am. The program was presented by Dr. Melody Morrison. _____________________________________ Table of Contents MEETING MINUTES March . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 - 3 TREASURY REPORTS March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Monthly Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 JMTA Student Recitals March JMTA Recital . . . . . . . 5 - 6 Proton Therapy Recital . . . . . . . 6 JMTA Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 JMTA Community Service . . . . . . . . . . 8 District IV News Student Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS . . . . 10 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 President’s Pen Dear JMTA members, As the school year winds down and most of our musical activities and events have been completed, many might look forward to some time of relaxation. For many of us as teachers, however, we may feel the burden of less income as a large number of students take breaks over the summer. How do teachers handle this situation? Some have students that take all year, and some students have a lighter schedule in the summer, maybe twice a month or so, while there are those that take the whole break. There are other options that some teachers use, like offering a specialized workshop, or week-long music camps, where teachers can partner together. Some teachers perform at events or weddings, or sub at a local church as musician or music director. Some charge a flat rate for months attended or not. Do you have anything you would like to share that you do? Please let me know and I would be happy to share it in our next newsletter, the last before summer. Sincerely, Angie Holt President, JMTA ________________________________________ MEETING MINUTESJacksonville Music Teachers Association Thursday, March 12, 2026 St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jacksonville 9:30 AM Welcome & Call to Order: President Angie Holt called the meeting to order at 9:40 AM. Attendees: Angie Holt, Daniel Holt, Lorraine Sears, Rhonda Danielson, Christine Couch, Anita Renfroe, Denise Homsley, Kama Rasmussen-Li, Paulette Kilts, Lynn Freeman, plus guests Dan Kilts, Dr. Jackie Yong, and St. Mark’s Music Director Tony Cruz. Zoom: Mary McKee Parliamentarian: Lynn Freeman Secretary Minutes: Rhonda Danielson Minutes approved as corrected. Christine motioned to accept the minutes as corrected, 2nd by Anita. Motion seconded and carried. (MSC) Treasurer’s Report: Lorraine Sears January 31 Total Assets: $20,235.96 February 28 Checking Balance: $9,271.51 Paulette motioned to accept the treasurer’s report as presented, 2nd by Kama. (MSC) Communications & Internet Media: Angie Holt Newsletter will go out March 13. Vice President of Membership: Mary McKee David Antonio Mach upgraded from Collegiate to Active membership. Programs: Anita Renfroe Today’s program presenter, Dr. Jackie Yong, will perform “Rhapsody In Blue” and Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story”. April 9 we will meet only on Zoom for Melody Morrison’s presentation. Other Committee Reports: Social: Sandy Stewart Student Recitals: Christine Couch & Gavin Taylor March 29 at All Saints Episcopal. Deadline for applications is March 20. Teachers will bring cookies, Christine will bring punch. Proton Therapy Recital: Sandy Stewart April 21 at 6:00PM Scholarship: Kama Rasmussen-Li Kama has 2 piano applications. Student Day judges will judge the Scholarship competition on April 11 at Mandarin Baptist. Student Day: Angie Holt Student Day will be held April 11 at Mandarin Baptist. We have 52 students and 14 teachers participating. Altruistic: Open position Angie brought a card for members to sign and send to Sandra Roberts to thank her for serving in this position and for her many years of service in JMTA. Community Service Awards: Stefanie Batson-Martin We have one potential applicant. Ethics: Betty Atkinson Archivist/Historian: Paulette Kilts District IV Sonatina-Sonata Festival: Erin Bennett District IV Concerto Competition: Erin Bennett Old Business: None New Business:
piano participants. A brief Executive Board meeting will be held following this General Meeting to take a vote on three proposed revisions to our constitution. Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 10:05 AM. Respectfully Submitted, Rhonda Danielson, Secretary _____________________________________ TREASURY REPORTS – March 2026 JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report Mar. 1-31, 2026 Checking: Rate .10% Expenses 03/16/26Check 102 J. Yong Presenter (Warren)$50.00 03/26/26Check 101 S. Stewart Social$18.98 Deposits 03/20/26Scholarship App ($50), Dues ($30) $80.00 03/31/26Interest $0.79 Current Checking $8,505.59 Warren Fund $777.73 TOTAL Checking Account $9,283.32 Business Money Market (Scholarship): Rate .60% ($1000+) Expenses Deposits 03/24/26 Deposit/transfer from Savings $138.23 TOTAL Business Money Market Account $138.23 Business Shares (Savings): Rate .10% ($100+) Expenses 03/24/26 transfer back to Money Market 138.23 Deposits 03/31/26 Interest $0.03 TOTAL Business Shares Account $199.34 12 Month Business CD: Rate 4.00% Matures 6/7/26 Expenses Deposits 03/31/26 Interest 18.45 TOTAL Business CD Account $5,551.08 13 Month Promo CD: Rate 4.00% Matures 10/16/26 Expenses Deposits 03/31/26 Interest 16.99 TOTAL Promo CD Account $5,111.27 TOTAL ASSETS as of Mar. 31, 2026 $20,283.24 Submitted by Lorraine Sears 04/06/2026 _____________________________________________ MONTHLY PROGRAMS May Our May meeting and program will be held on Thursday, May 14, in the UNF Recital Hall and will showcase the JMTA Scholarship winner and the winners of the Concerto competition, followed by our annual luncheon. More info to come. Anita Renfroe is our Programs Chair. ______________________________________ JMTA Student Recitals March Student Recital These photos are from our JMTA Student Recital, held on Sunday, March 29, at All Saints Episcopal Church. Christine Couch and Gavin Taylor are the JMTA Student Recital co-chairs. Community “Proton Therapy” Recital This photo is from our Proton Therapy Recital, held on Tuesday, April 21 at the UF Proton Therapy Institute. Sandy Stewart is the Proton Therapy Chair. _______________________________________ JMTA Scholarship Congratulations to Jorge Daniel Penaherrera, winner of the JMTA 2026 High School Senior Scholarship Auditions were held at Mandarin Baptist Church on Saturday, April 11. Come hear Daniel perform his solo audition program at our next JMTA meeting on Thursday, May 14 at the UNF Recital Hall, room 1200 in the Fine Arts Building. The meeting begins at 9:30am with performances to follow at approximately 10:15am.
In addition to Daniel's piano academic studies, he has been composing electronic music using Ableton and other resources. As a piano composer, Daniel recently won a Second Place in the 2025 RHFA International Music Competition. Besides his academic and music studies Daniel is also Brown Belt Student in Tang Soo Do. ____________________________________ Community Service 2026 JMTA Community Service Winner Congratulations to Nicole Wang who has won the JMTA Community Service award from FSMTA and will receive a certificate from the state. She is the student of Stefanie Batson-Martin. Nicole Wang is a high school student and dedicated pianist with several years of piano study and performance experience. She actively participates in school clubs and extracurricular activities, demonstrating strong time-management skills and leadership alongside her musical commitments. Through piano, she has developed discipline, artistic expression, and a deep appreciation for music.
Congratulations to JMTA member Dr. Sunny Choi, who won first prize in the International Association of Professional Music Teachers competition. She flew to New York City and sang in the winners concert at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. __________________________________ District IV News Student Day FSMTA District IV Student Day was held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Mandarin Baptist Church. We had 45 students participate, representing 14 teachers. For those students who received Honors in their audition, and at least Achievement in their written theory and aural theory testing, they have been invited to the Student Day Honors Recital, to be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at the UNF Recital Hall at 3pm. Thank you to our adjudicators at Student Day: Dr. Sandra Stewart, Dr. Michael Mastronicola, and Dr. Erin Bennett. Your dedication to our students is much appreciated. Also thank you to all who assisted on Student Day: Denise and Mark Homsley, Lorraine Sears, Stefanie Batson-Martin, Christine Couch, Emily Stewart, Ciaran Abuan, Jolie Nguyen, Daniel Holt, and Dr. Mimi Zhang. Your assistance is what helped make Student Day run successfully. If you are interested in placing your students in Student Day next spring and would like more information, please let me know.
AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Click on each link for a calendar of upcoming performances: The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra EventsClick on link for more information and tickets: Events | Jacksonville Symphony University of North Florida Music Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Florida State College at Jacksonville Click on link for more information and tickets: fine-arts-calendar.jpg (2550×3300) Friday Musicale Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://fridaymusicale.com/events/ St. Johns Cathedral Music Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/events/ __________________________________ Find A Teacher Section on Jaxmta.org Teachers, please take a moment to check out your information on our Find A Teacher page on the JMTA website (jaxmta.org). If you would like any changes made, or if you’re not listed yet and would like to be added, please contact Angie Holt at [email protected] with the verbiage you would like put in. This is a page that has information for prospective parents and students. _________________________________ Did You Know? Residents of Duval county, if they have a Jacksonville Library card, can use the many electronic resources from the https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/digital-library. Getting a library card is free. All that's needed is your driver's license and sign up in person at any of the 21 branches. The card allows the use of Kanopy - which has free streaming movies, documentaries, educational resources [older teens/adults]. I saw a documentary "Making the Grade" which profiled Irish students and piano teachers whose students are preparing to take the Irish Royal Academy of Music Examinations. It was funny, moving, informative, and relatable, especially seeing snippets of the teacher's lessons in action and how the students feel about piano and their teachers overall. I highly recommend members watch it (and explore the other resources available from JPL)! - JohnWillard Utuk ____________________________________ Need a Sponsor? Does anyone in the JMTA need a sponsor or need help in any way? If so, John Scott, owner of Jacksonville School of Music & First Coast School of Music, is interested in helping our organization. If interested, contact John at [email protected]. His direction phone number is 904-248-1848. ____________________________________ Music Exchange Do you have too much music collected in your studio? Is there some you think you'll never use? Bring your unneeded music to any JMTA meeting. Bring home something new to you! Look for the "Free Music" spot. Music does not have to be brand new. _______________________________ Have you found us on Facebook? Follow JMTA on Facebook for the latest happenings, photos, videos, and more! _______________________________ Events Calendar Please view our website for any updates or additions to these events, as well as for more details including application deadlines: www.jaxmta.org. Sunday, April 26 3:00pm Student Day Honors Recital UNF Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, 32224, Building 45, Room 1200 Thursday, May 14 9:30am JMTA General Meeting and Program (JMTA Scholarship Winner and District IV Concerto Competition Winners) UNF Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, 32224, Building 45, Room 1200 Stay tuned for more events to come! High Notes is distributed on the first of the month excluding June-August and December. All submissions are due by the 20th of the month prior to distribution. Submissions may be se JMTA High Notes
March 2026 —Vol. 29, no. 6 The March JMTA meeting and program was held on March 12, 2026 at St. Marks Lutheran Church at 9:30am. The program was presented by Dr. Jackie Yong. ______________________________________ Table of Contents MEETING MINUTES February . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 4 TREASURY REPORTS February . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Monthly Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 8 JMTA Student Recitals March JMTA Recital . . . . . . . . . . 9 Proton Therapy Recital . . . . . . . .9 District IV News Student Day . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 – 11 MTNA News National Conference . . . . . . . . 11 Application Deadline Reminders . . . .11 Over Coffee With Nicholas DuVal . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 14 Music History Nadia and Lili Boulanger . . 15 - 17 AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS . . . .18 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 President’s Pen Dear JMTA members, I am excited for so many of our students who are participating in JMTA and District 4 events! The District 4 Sonata Festival had a remarkable surge of students registered this year, and District 4 Student Day registrants have almost doubled this year. JMTA student recitals also have a healthy turn-out. The Proton Therapy recital will be held on April 21; if you have a late-intermediate to advanced student, this recital is a worthy opportunity for them (see page 9 for details). Whether you have any students participating or not, we are glad you are here with us and supporting our local music teacher association. We are also happy to be a part of our national association, MTNA, as it celebrates its 150th birthday! I want to thank those members who are taking on responsibility on the board: Stefanie Batson-Martin (Community Service), Kama Rasmussen-Li (Scholarship), Anita Renfroe (Programs), and our newest board member, Cheryl Dubberly (Altruistic). And thank you to those who held the positions before. Your hard work is much appreciated! We hope to see everyone at our next meeting and program on Thursday, April 9th! Sincerely, Angie Holt President, JMTA ________________________________________ Welcome New Member! David Antonio Mach _____________________________________ MEETING MINUTES Jacksonville Music Teachers Association Thursday, February 12, 2026 Mandarin Presbyterian Choir Room 9:30am Welcome & Call to Order: Angie Holt 9:37 Attendees: Angie Holt, Daniel Holt, Rhonda Danielson, Lorraine Sears, Anita Renfroe, Erin Bennett, Sandy Stewart, Mary Gniech Zoom: Kama Rasmussen-Li, Paulette Kilts, Denise Homsley, Lynn Freeman, Mary McKee, Christine Couch Parliamentarian: Lynn Freeman Secretary Minutes from Nov. 13, 2025: Rhonda Danielson Corrections: Anita and Mary performed at the conference, Erin Bennett gave a presentation on Women Composers Student Day will be held April 11, 2026. Treasurer’s Report: Lorraine Sears Reminder: JMTA Senior dues are $30 per year and Student dues are $3. January report is not available because there have been issues with the bank and Lorraine is working on them. Lorraine recommends that future treasurers keep a common name on the accounts. Lorraine will add this suggestion to the treasurer’s Manual of Operating Procedures (MOP). Communications & Internet Media: Angie Holt Deadline for next newsletter articles is end of February 28. Vice President of Membership: Mary McKee No new members. Programs: Anita Renfroe Dr. Erin Bennett’s program today is “Piano Music by Women Composers”. March 12 - Dr. Jackie Yong will be our presenter at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church - Hendricks Ave. April 9 – Melody Morrison will present an online preview of a book that she and Diana Dumlavwalla have written about teaching today’s young people. May 14 – Concerto winners will perform, venue TBD Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church is an optional venue for future meetings. The cost would be $40. Other Committee Reports: Social: Sandy Stewart No refreshments are permitted at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for the March 12 meeting. Student Recitals: Christine Couch & Gavin Taylor December 14 Recital – Christine said thank you to all those who helped out since she was not able to attend. Next recital will be on March 29, 3:00pm, at All Saints Episcopal. Deadline for applications is March 20. Entry fee is $5 per student and may be sent to Christine or paid at the door. Proton Therapy Recital: Sandy Stewart Date set for Tuesday, April 21, at 6:00pm for intermediate to advanced students. Let Sandra know if the teacher cannot be there. Scholarship: Kama Rasmussen-Li Website has been updated. Scholarship application needs to be updated. It was decided to update wording to say: “Scholarship will be awarded to the winner after October 1 and the student has shown proof of being a music major.” Scholarship Competition will be held April 11, same day as Student Day, at Mandarin Baptist Church. Deadline for applications is March 6. Student Day: Angie Holt Date: Saturday, April 11, at Mandarin Baptist Church. Deadline for applications is March 6. Altruistic: Open position Sandra Roberts asked for someone to replace her in this position. Angie will ask Cheryl Dubberly. Community Service Awards: Stefanie Batson-Martin Ethics: Betty Atkinson Archivist/Historian: Paulette Kilts Paulette would like copies of the December 14 recital program and Sonatina-Sonata Festival. District 4 Sonatina-Sonata Festival: Erin Bennett We had 43 participants and a few new teachers. Rhonda suggested that we have a helper to keep music organized and ready for the next performer. District IV Concerto Competition: Erin Bennett Concerto Competition will be held Sat., March 14, 2026 at UNF deadline for applications is February 20. Old Business: New Business: - Paulette and Rhonda will review our constitution and by-laws for any needed revisions. - Angie encouraged members to vote for Southern Division officers. Nancy Shackelford is running for this office. - MTNA National Conference will be held in Chicago, March 21-25, 2026. Erin & Paulette will be attending. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 10:30. Respectfully Submitted, Rhonda Danielson, Secretary ____________________________________ TREASURY REPORTS – February 2026 JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report Feb. 1-28, 2026 Checking: Rate .10% Expenses Deposits 02/28/26 Interest $0.72 Current Checking $8,443.78 Warren Fund $827.73 TOTAL Checking Account $9,271.51 Business Money Market (Scholarship): Rate .60% ($1000+) Expenses Deposits TOTAL Business Money Market Account $0.00 Business Shares (Savings): Rate .10% ($100+) Expenses Deposits 02/28/26 Interest $0.03 TOTAL Business Shares Account $337.54 12 Month Business CD: Rate 4.00% Matures 6/7/26 Expenses Deposits 02/28/26 Interest 16.62 TOTAL Business CD Account $5,532.63 13 Month Promo CD: Rate 4.00% Matures 10/16/26 Expenses Deposits 02/28/26 Interest 15.30 TOTAL Promo CD Account $5,094.28 TOTAL ASSETS as of Jan. 31, 2026 $20,235.96 Other business: Debit card and checks have been procured for new Checking account. Still waiting on new Money Market account to be established. Have not yet filed Annual Report with FL Dept. of State, Division of Corporations. Due by May 2nd. Submitted by Lorraine Sears 03/09/2026 ______________________________________ MONTHLY PROGRAMS March – May The March program was held on Thursday, March 12, and featured Dr. Jackie Yong, Assistant Professor of Piano and Coordinator of the Keyboard Division at Palm Beach Atlantic University, who performed an epic program on the piano. For April, the meeting and program will be held on Thursday, April 9. Dr. Melody Morrison will be presenting an online program; more information will be coming from Anita Renfroe, our Programs chair. Our May meeting and program will be held on Thursday, May 14, and will showcase the JMTA Scholarship winner and the winners of the Concerto competition, followed by our annual luncheon. Thank you to Anita for making these programs possible. Following are photos from our February program with Dr. Erin Bennett, NCTM, who presented a thought-provoking and stimulating program entitled “Piano Music by Women.” Here are some photos from our March program with Dr. Jackie Yong, who performed an exciting program including George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, movements III and IV from An American Mosaic by Richard Danielpour, and Symphonic Dances from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein, arr. Michael Hawley. There was also a harpsichord the music director opened for those in attendance to check out. ______________________________________ JMTA Student Recitals March Student Recital The next JMTA Student Recital will be held on Sunday, March 29, at 3:00pm at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, 32207. The deadline to register for the recital is on Friday, March 20. The cost is $5 per students, which can be mailed ahead of time or given at the beginning of the recital. Teachers should each bring a plate of cookies for the reception following the recital. For this location, assistance is needed from a few able-bodied adults both before and after the recital to move the piano into position. If you have someone attending that can help, please ask them to arrive by 2:35p. Please use the following link for more information: https://www.jaxmta.org/jmta-student-recitals.html Christine Couch and Gavin Taylor are the JMTA Student Recital co-chairs. Community “Proton Therapy” Recital On Tuesday, April 21st at 6 p.m., we will have our community recital. The address is 2015 N. Jefferson Street in downtown Jacksonville. All teachers with upper intermediate to advanced level students are asked to have them perform. Teachers do not have to attend, since this is a weekday event and most will be teaching. Please let me know one week in advance the student names, title and composer, age of student and approximate timing of the pieces. Each student may perform one or two pieces and should dress in performance attire. The Institute is a lovely venue for performance. Both patients and staff will be in attendance. Any other questions, just let me know. I hope to see your students at the recital. Sandy Stewart, [email protected], 904-333-9280 ___________________________________ District IV News Student Day FSMTA District IV Student Day will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223. We have 52 students registered this year representing 14 teachers! For those students who receive Honors in their audition, and at least Achievement in their written theory and aural theory testing, they will be invited to the Student Day Honors Recital, to be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at the UNF Recital Hall at 3pm. For repertoire lists, sample written theory and aural theory tests, keyboard skills information, adjudication forms, etc., they are all on the FSMTA website (fmta.org). Click on Student Activities on the home screen, and then FSMTA Non-Competitive Events. Scroll down to Members of FSMTA, click on log in here, and use the password of Music, which is case-sensitive. (The FSMTA password changes every October, and as a member you will receive an email from their website admin with the new password each year.) Or you can click here to go to the website, where there is also a Handbook of Student Activities for more detailed information: https://www.fmta.org/student-day-handbook.html For their hard work and preparation, each student receives a beautiful certificate, and a medallion if they receive achievement. If they receive honors in their judge audition and at least an achievement in their written theory and aural theory, they also receive an honors ribbon from the State, and are invited to perform in the Honors recital held in the Recital Hall at UNF. More information about the Music Masters Theory Workbooks: An independent teacher has created an optional curriculum to help you prepare your students for the keyboard skills, written theory, and aural theory testing with helpful workbooks for each level. These follow the same leveling and guidelines that are provided in the Student Activities Handbook on the FSMTA website. These materials will assist students in mastering the FSMTA guidelines for Student Day. The contact information is as follows: Music Masters, 4111 NW 79 Ave., Coral Springs, FL 33065. To order, email Sue Colvert at Music Masters at [email protected]. The phone number is 954-752-2856. You can also go to at musicmasterstheoryprep.com. LION THEORY - Did you know you can have students take the Student Day written and aural theory tests online via Lion Theory? You can create a free teacher account at liontheory.com, and students register for the exams using your teacher's "studio code." The student can also use your account to practice the written and aural theory ahead of time. If you decide to use Lion Theory for the exams, you will need to let me know by Friday, March 20, and the exams would need to be completed by Thursday, April 9. For more information regarding Lion Theory, please contact Rhonda Danielson at [email protected]. Please let me know if you have any questions.
MTNA News MTNA National Conference – March 21-25, 2026 Chicago, Illinois https://www.mtna.org/Conference/ ___________________________________ Application Deadline Reminders (In order by application deadline) JMTA March Student Recital – March 29 Application deadline – March 20 Community “Proton Therapy” Recital – April 21 Application deadline – April 14 ________________________________________ Over Coffee With . . . Nicholas DuVal This month we are interviewing one of our collegiate members! Nicholas is in his senior year at UNF, and is majoring in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. Thank you, Nicholas, for helping us get to know you better, and we wish you the best in all your pursuits! Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A. I was born and raised in Green Cove Springs, Fl. I actually started music later than many of my peers, with my first musical experiences taking place in high school! Some of my other interests are reading, being in nature, and computing. Q. As a college student, what inspired you to major in music? A. I decided to be a music major after attending UNF's Jax Sings as a vocalist with my high school's choir. I was very inspired by the level of musicianship I witnessed from the university's music students. Q. Did you have a favorite music teacher that made music more enjoyable? A. Mrs. Sherrie Ball was my piano teacher for much of high school, and I was always excited for my weekly lesson. Now at UNF, I consider Dr. Gary Smart (my applied professor), Dr. Erin Bennett, and Dr. Michael Mastronicola all to have an immense impact on my love for music as well as my growth as a musician. Q. Tell us about some things you have been / are involved in musically. A. Some of the most interesting experiences I've had recently have been playing at a FSMTA masterclass, as well as accompanying/collaborating with other students. I feel I gain something valuable from each new perspective I come across. I've even noticed this in my recent auditions! Q. What advice would you give to help focus before a performance and curb nerves? A. I find a few things helpful in preparing to perform. I avoid playing the pieces I am performing much the day of the performance -- trust in your preparation! Backstage, I try to practice mindful breathing, and when I sit at the bench I find it important to take a moment before putting my hands towards the keyboard. I like to check that I have a comfortable bench height/distance, and I take a moment to imagine the opening of the piece if I were to play it ideally. Q. What do you find to be a challenge in teaching music and what do you find that helps? A. I find that choosing material that the student finds motivating and engaging is one of the most important jobs you have as a teacher. The material must be challenging enough for the student to grow, but not so challenging that it seems unachievable. If you want the student to be engaged, they can't find the material boring, either. This is much of the battle, and I feel it can be best accomplished by simply spending time to discover what is out there. The next challenge is supporting the student through the learning process, and helping them to learn these new skills without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. Older students particularly feel uncomfortable learning something completely new or struggling to grasp a concept quickly. I find that patience and empathy go a long way, and love to remind my students (especially adults) that I often employ the same strategies that I am teaching them for breaking down a complex passage. Q. Who are some of your favorite music composers? A. The keyboard repertoire is so vast that I of course have many favorite composers, and can't pick between them. Still, if I am to list a few: J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Scriabin. ________________________________________ Music History: Nadia and Lili Boulanger When my son wished me a Happy International Women’s Day a few weeks ago, it caused me to think of women composers and their contributions to music. Attending Dr. Erin Bennett’s presentation “Piano Music by Women” at the FSMTA State Conference last fall and again during the JMTA February program gave us all more appreciation, insight, and knowledge of their exemplary contributions to the music world. Two examples were sisters Nadia and Lili Boulanger, born in Paris to musical parents. Their father, Ernest, was a conductor and a composer who was awarded the coveted Grand Prix de Rome in 1835 when he was 19 years old. He composed a dozen comic operas, his main work being the opera entitled Don Quixote. His focus of work became teaching voice as a professor at the conservatory in Paris. Their mother, Raissa was a Russian singer who was a student of Ernest at the conservatory. They married in 1877. They had two daughters, Nadia and Lili. Nadia Boulanger Juliette Nadia Boulanger (“Nadia”) was born on September 16, 1887. She entered the conservatory in Paris at just 10 years of age and began to study composition. Like her father many years before, Nadia competed in the Prix de Rome in 1908. Instead of entering a vocal fugue which was acceptable, she chose to enter an instrumental fugue, causing much controversy. Finally, the French Minister of Public Information decided it must be accepted, and she won second place. Lili Boulanger Marie-Juliette Olga Boulanger (“Lili”) was the younger of the two daughters and born on August 21, 1893. She showed a gift for music at just two years old when she was discovered to have perfect pitch. By five years old she was going with Nadia to the conservatory where Nadia took lessons. Lili would later attend classes there in music theory and the organ. She also learned to play the piano, violin, cello, and harp at a young age, while her focus was on piano and composing. Lili had been a notably weak and sickly child after having bronchial pneumonia which continued to affect her health. She was diagnosed at around three with what was then called Intestinal Tuberculosis, or what is now called Crohn’s Disease. This continued to be a major issue for the rest of her life. Like her father and her older sister, Lili competed in the Prix de Rome in 1912. Back in the day, this was a sought-after scholarship of prestige given by the French government each year. The winner of the first prize in each category of art and music would then study at the Académie de France in Rome for a period of usually three to five years. Winners of the prize have included such well-known musicians as Claude Debussy, Hector Berlioz, and Georges Bizet. Unfortunately, Lily worked so feverishly for this award that she collapsed and was not able to complete her audition. That did not stop her, however. She competed again in 1913, and won first place like her father, at 19 years old. She was the first woman to win the Grand Prix de Rome. During World War I, Lili corresponded with other musicians in which she and Nadia created a network of support for them during the war. Lili’s health deteriorated so that she had to return home and continued to compose as much as she could. She passed in 1918, at just 24 years old. She was able to write over fifty works in her short life and is remembered as a brilliantly talented composer. After her sister’s death, Nadia, in her grieving, focused more on teaching and conducting than composing. She became a well-known and dynamic teacher to many famous composers of the 20th century. She was strong-willed and feared, yet revered by her students, some of whom included Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Quincy Jones, Michel Legrand, and Philip Glass. Nadia taught at numerous schools, including the Juilliard School, the American Conservatory at Fontainebleau, the Paris Conservatory, Bard College, the Royal College of Music in London, UCLA, Washington (D.C.) College of Music, and the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland. She conducted major orchestras including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and received honorary doctorate degrees from Harvard and Oxford. Nadia lived to be 92 and passed away in 1979. Her influence in helping encourage countless musicians find their way lives on, as do the brilliant and accomplished compositions of her sister Lili.
https://reference.org/facts/Nadia_Boulanger/sMQEE3lj https://www.britannica.com/art/Prix-de-Rome https://americansymphony.org/concert-notes/dun-matin-du-printemps-1918/ https://alchetron.com/Ernest-Boulanger-(composer) https://guides.loc.gov/feminism-french-women-history/famous/lili-boulanger https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/lili-boulanger-composer-died-young/ https://en.tchaikovsky-research.net/pages/Ra%C3%AFssa_Boulanger https://www.andrews.edu/life/student-movement/issues/2025-03-28/ae_boulanger.html https://reidhall.globalcenters.columbia.edu/content/nadia-boulanger-1887-1979 https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/music-history-composers-and-performers-biographies/nadia-boulanger __________________________________________ AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Click on each link for a calendar of upcoming performances: The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Events Click on link for more information and tickets: Events | Jacksonville Symphony University of North Florida Music Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Florida State College at Jacksonville Click on link for more information and tickets: fine-arts-calendar.jpg (2550×3300) Friday Musicale Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://fridaymusicale.com/events/ St. Johns Cathedral Music Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/events/ _______________________________________ Find A Teacher Section on Jaxmta.org Teachers, please take a moment to check out your information on our Find A Teacher page on the JMTA website (jaxmta.org). If you would like any changes made, or if you’re not listed yet and would like to be added, please contact Angie Holt at [email protected] with the verbiage you would like put in. ___________________________________ Did You Know? Residents of Duval county, if they have a Jacksonville Library card, can use the many electronic resources from the https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/digital-library. Getting a library card is free. All that's needed is your driver's license and sign up in person at any of the 21 branches. The card allows the use of Kanopy - which has free streaming movies, documentaries, educational resources [older teens/adults]. I saw a documentary "Making the Grade" which profiled Irish students and piano teachers whose students are preparing to take the Irish Royal Academy of Music Examinations. It was funny, moving, informative, and relatable, especially seeing snippets of the teacher's lessons in action and how the students feel about piano and their teachers overall. I highly recommend members watch it (and explore the other resources available from JPL)! - JohnWillard Utuk ______________________________________ Need a Sponsor? Does anyone in the JMTA need a sponsor or need help in any way? If so, John Scott, owner of Jacksonville School of Music & First Coast School of Music, is interested in helping our organization. If interested, contact John at [email protected]. His direction phone number is 904-248-1848. ____________________________________ Music Exchange Do you have too much music collected in your studio? Is there some you think you'll never use? Bring your unneeded music to any JMTA meeting. Bring home something new to you! Look for the "Free Music" spot. Music does not have to be brand new. ____________________________________ Have you found us on Facebook? Follow JMTA on Facebook for the latest happenings, photos, videos, and more! ____________________________________ Events Calendar Please view our website for any updates or additions to these events, as well as for more details including application deadlines: www.jaxmta.org. Saturday, March 21 – Wednesday, March 25 As Scheduled MTNA National Conference Chicago, Illinois Sunday, March 29 3:00pm JMTA Student Recital All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave, 32207 Thursday, April 9 9:30am JMTA General Meeting and Program TBA Saturday, April 11 As Scheduled District IV Student Day Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223 Saturday, April 11 TBA JMTA H.S. Senior Scholarship Competition Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223 Tuesday, April 21 6:00pm Community “Proton Therapy” Recital U.F. Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 Jefferson St., Jacksonville 32206 Sunday, April 26 3:00pm Student Day Honors Recital UNF Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, 32224, Building 45, Room 1200 Thursday, May 14 9:30am JMTA General Meeting and Program TBA Stay tuned for more events to come! High Notes is distributed on the first of the month excluding June-August and December. All submissions are due by the 20th of the month prior to distribution. Submissions may be sent to [email protected]. JMTA High Notes
February 2026 —Vol. 29, no. 5 The February JMTA meeting and program were held on February 12, 2026 at Mandarin Presbyterian Church. ___________________________________ President’s Pen Dear JMTA members, As we are busy teaching our musical students and nearing the middle of the semester (already!), I hope you will take advantage of some of our offerings for your students that can still be signed up for. FSMTA District 4 Student Day, the Florida state-wide comprehensive audition and testing, is a spot-on way to make sure your student is thriving in their well-rounded musical education. They’ll receive a beautiful certificate, plus a medallion if they receive Achievement, and a State Honors ribbon from the state if they receive honors in their audition and at least Achievement in their written and aural theory testing, including an invitation to perform one of their pieces at the Honors Recital at UNF on April 26! Student Day is on Saturday, April 11 at Mandarin Baptist Church with an application deadline of March 6. Do you have a high school senior who will be majoring in music in college? The JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition will be held on Saturday, April 11, also at Mandarin Baptist, with an application deadline of March 6. JMTA also offers several student recitals for all levels during the school year. The last one is on Sunday, March 29, with an application deadline of March 20. It’s a chance for students to perform alongside students of other piano studios, building musical community socialization for our students. For our more advanced students, (late-intermediate to advanced), they have the chance to perform in the beautiful lobby of the UF Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville, in the annual Community “Proton Therapy” Recital! They receive community service hours for their performance as they perform for patients and staff, giving them an opportunity to show compassion and empathy in their community. We also have three monthly meetings and programs left this semester, on March 12, April 9, and May 14. They are all on Thursday mornings at 9:30am to about 11 or 11:30am, unless otherwise specified. More information will be coming soon about the exciting presentations being planned! This is a chance to connect with and get to know other teachers. Looking for a way to be involved? We have a few openings on the board we would love to have filled. You don’t have to be a long-standing member to help, we welcome newer members as well and also our college members! One is the Wellness Liaison position, where some wellness tips are shared during our monthly meetings. It could be anything for our physical or mental well-being as we teach, or tips to help students; the options are many and appreciated. Another open position is the Altruistic chair position. This person sends out cards to those members in need or to thank them, or to say thinking of you. Supplies are reimbursed by JMTA. There are many ways one can be involved, for instance helping to keep our Facebook page updated, or planning something like a teacher’s dinner out. Thank you for considering these openings. We at JMTA are here for you and hope to see you at some of our upcoming events! Please let me know if you have any questions. Sincerely, Angie Holt President JMTA _____________________________________ Table of Contents MEETING MINUTES January . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 4 TREASURY REPORTS January . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Monthly Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 JMTA Student Recitals March JMTA Recital . . . . . . . . . . 6 Proton Therapy Recital . . . . . . . 6 JMTA SCHOLARSHIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 District IV News Student Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 9 Application Deadline Reminders . . . . 9 AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS . . . .10 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 (control + click on link) -------------------------------------------- MEETING MINUTES District 4 Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 15, 2026 9:30am over Zoom Call to Order at 9:37am. Attendees: Kama Rassmussen-Li. Rhonda Danielson, Angie Holt, Mary McKee, Christine Couch, Paulette Kilts, Erin Bennett, Valeria Feoktistova, Daniel Holt, Denise Homsley, Stefanie Batson-Martin, Lynn Freeman, Katherine Svistoonoff. Minutes from September 11, 2025 – Rhonda Danielson Correction to minutes: remove the date March 24 Minutes were accepted as corrected. Treasurer’s Report—Denise Homsley Checking Account Balance: $6,927.95 Share Savings Account Balance: $6,030.28 Motion to accept treasurer report by Paulette, 2nd by Erin. Motion carried. Committee Reports: Certification—Kamila Shahtakhtinski No report Student Day—Angie Holt Date: April 11, 2026, at Mandarin Baptist Church. Deadline for applications is March 6. Honors Recital will be April 26 at UNF 3:00pm. Concerto Competition—Erin Bennett Date: Saturday, March 14, at UNF, time TBA Deadline for applications is February 20. Applications are on fmta.org under Competitive Events. Sonatina/Sonata Festival—Erin Bennett Date: Saturday, February 7, at UNF Deadline for applications - postmarked by January 24 Old Business – none New Business – none Announcements: -Denise reported that the 2025 conference balance came out in the black. -Next FSMTA mini-conference will be held in Tallahassee. Date TBD -Our program today is presented by Kama Rasmussen-Li. Topic: "The Silent Role of Gesture in Musical Interpretation." Adjournment at 9:53 Respectfully Submitted, Rhonda Danielson, Secretary _______________________________________ TREASURY REPORTS – January 2026 Checking: Rate .10% Expenses 01/18/26 Community Service Application $40.00 Deposits 01/06/26 Recital fees $20.00 01/31/26 Interest $0.23 Current Checking $8,443.06 Warren Fund $827.73 TOTAL Checking Account $9,270.79 Business Money Market (Scholarship): Rate .60% ($1000+) Expenses 01/23/26 balance transfer to Savings 138.23 Deposits TOTAL Business Money Market Account $0.00 Business Shares (Savings): Rate .10% ($100+) Expenses Deposits 01/23/26 balance transfer from Savings $138.23 01/31/26 Interest $0.01 TOTAL Business Shares Account $337.51 12 Month Business CD: Rate 4.00% Matures 6/7/26 Expenses Deposits 01/23/26 Interest 9.79 01/31/26 Interest $5.33 TOTAL Business CD Account $5,516.01 13 Month Promo CD: Rate 4.00% Matures 10/16/26 Expenses Deposits 01/23/26 Interest 12.71 01/31/26 Interest $4.91 TOTAL Promo CD Account $5,078.98 TOTAL ASSETS as of Jan. 31, 2026 $20,203.29 Other business: Community First has a new policy when account holders change. If the names on the account are completely changing, a new account must be opened, and everything transferred. I had to do this last month. To avoid this, attempt to keep one common person on the account when changing officers. Whoever is on the account also must be listed on the current Sunbiz. Currently, Lorraine Sears and Rhonda Danielson are account holders. When the 18-23 month Business CD was transferred, it was renamed 12 month Business CD, and the interest rate was bumped up to the current promotional amount. From 2.99 to 4.00. Money Market assets had to be temporarily placed in Savings. A new Money Market account will be established, and funds transferred back out of Savings to that new account Submitted by Lorraine Sears 02/12/2026 ____________________________________ MONTHLY PROGRAMS March – May The dates for the rest of the spring semester meetings and programs are as follows, all on the second Thursdays of each month and as of this date beginning at 9:30am. Anita Renfroe, our new Program chair, is working on programs for these months. March 12 April 9 May 14 __________________________________ JMTA Student Recitals March Student Recital The next JMTA Student Recital will be held on Sunday, March 29, at All Saints Episcopal Church. The deadline to register for the recital is on Friday, March 20. More information will be coming in the March newsletter. Christine Couch and Gavin Taylor are the JMTA Student Recital co-chairs for these events. Community “Proton Therapy” Recital Proton Therapy Recital Chair Sandra Stewart has announced the date for the annual Proton Therapy recital for late-intermediate to advanced students to be Tuesday, April 21 at 6pm at the UF Proton Therapy Institute. More information will be coming from Sandy in the March newsletter. ___________________________________ JMTA SCHOLARSHIP JMTA HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION The JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition will be held at Mandarin Baptist Church on Saturday, April 11, 2026, time TBA. The deadline for application is Friday, March 6, 2026. • If there will be only one applicant auditions will be held online. • Auditions will be open only to students who have studied for six or more months with a JMTA member in good standing. • Only high school seniors who will complete work during the school year in which they audition and who state their intention to pursue a college degree in Music may apply. • Students seeking a dual major in Music and another field of study are eligible to apply. • Music minors are not eligible to apply. The following must be submitted along with a signed application form: (a) An entrance fee of $25.00, check made payable to JMTA (b) Three letters of recommendation: 1. A letter of recommendation from applicant’s private teacher 2. A letter of recommendation from teacher or administrator from applicant’s school 3. A letter of character reference from a responsible adult who is not applicant’s immediate family. (c) Applicant’s repertoire list of three pieces from different time periods with duration no longer than 30 minutes. Repertoire must be memorized. The winner of the Scholarship Competition is required to perform at the May JMTA meeting held on Thursday, May 14, 2026. All required documents and application fee must be submitted by deadline to: Kama Rasmussen-Li JMTA Scholarship Committee Chair ___________________________________ District IV News Student Day FSMTA District IV Student Day will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223. The application deadline is Friday, March 6. For more comprehensive information, please view the September JMTA newsletter under District IV News. For those students who receive Honors in their audition, and at least Achievement in their written theory and aural theory testing, they will be invited to the Student Day Honors Recital, to be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at the UNF Recital Hall at 3pm. Here is the link to register: https://www.jaxmta.org/district-4-student-day.html When registering, choose which section each student would like, morning or afternoon. All their activities will fall into their chosen section, including a non-graded recital, where each student can play one of their Student Day pieces for their peers. For repertoire lists, sample written theory and aural theory tests, keyboard skills information, adjudication forms, etc., they are all on the FSMTA website (fmta.org). Click on Student Activities on the home screen, and then FSMTA Non-Competitive Events. Scroll down to Members of FSMTA, click on log in here, and use the password of Music, which is case-sensitive. (The FSMTA password changes every October, and as a member you will receive an email from their website admin with the new password each year.) Or you can click here to go to the website, where there is also a Handbook of Student Activities for more detailed information: https://www.fmta.org/student-day-handbook.html For their hard work and preparation, each student receives a beautiful certificate, and a medallion if they receive achievement. If they receive honors in their judge audition and at least an achievement in their written theory and aural theory, they also receive an honors ribbon from the State, and are invited to perform in the Honors recital held in the Recital Hall at UNF. More information about the Music Masters Theory Workbooks: An independent teacher has created an optional curriculum to help you prepare your students for the keyboard skills, written theory, and aural theory testing with helpful workbooks for each level. These follow the same leveling and guidelines that are provided in the Student Activities Handbook on the FSMTA website. These materials will assist students in mastering the FSMTA guidelines for Student Day. The contact information is as follows: Music Masters, 4111 NW 79 Ave., Coral Springs, FL 33065. To order, email Sue Colvert at Music Masters at [email protected]. The phone number is 954-752-2856. You can also go to at musicmasterstheoryprep.com. Please let me know if you have any questions. -Angie Holt, District IV Student Activities Chair [email protected] ______________________________________ Application Deadline Reminders (In order by application deadline) District IV Student Day – April 11 Application deadline – March 6 JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition – April 11 Application deadline – March 6 JMTA March Student Recital – March 29 Application deadline – March 20 Community “Proton Therapy” Recital – April 21 Application deadline – April 14 _________________________________ AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Click on each link for a calendar of upcoming performances: The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Events Click on link for more information and tickets: Events | Jacksonville Symphony University of North Florida Music Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Florida State College at Jacksonville Click on link for more information and tickets: fine-arts-calendar.jpg (2550×3300) Friday Musicale Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://fridaymusicale.com/events/ St. Johns Cathedral Music Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/events/ ______________________________________________ Find A Teacher Section on Jaxmta.org Teachers, please take a moment to check out your information on our Find A Teacher page on the JMTA website (jaxmta.org). If you would like any changes made, or if you’re not listed yet and would like to be added, please contact Angie Holt at [email protected] with the verbiage you would like put in. ______________________________________________ Did You Know? Residents of Duval county, if they have a Jacksonville Library card, can use the many electronic resources from the https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/digital-library. Getting a library card is free. All that's needed is your driver's license and sign up in person at any of the 21 branches. The card allows the use of Kanopy - which has free streaming movies, documentaries, educational resources [older teens/adults]. I saw a documentary "Making the Grade" which profiled Irish students and piano teachers whose students are preparing to take the Irish Royal Academy of Music Examinations. It was funny, moving, informative, and relatable, especially seeing snippets of the teacher's lessons in action and how the students feel about piano and their teachers overall. I highly recommend members watch it (and explore the other resources available from JPL)! - JohnWillard Utuk ____________________________________ Need a Sponsor? Does anyone in the JMTA need a sponsor or need help in any way? If so, John Scott, owner of Jacksonville School of Music & First Coast School of Music, is interested in helping our organization. If interested, contact John at [email protected]. His direction phone number is 904-248-1848. _______________________________________ Music Exchange Do you have too much music collected in your studio? Is there some you think you'll never use? Bring your unneeded music to any JMTA meeting. Bring home something new to you! Look for the "Free Music" spot. Music does not have to be brand new. ________________________________________ Have you found us on Facebook? Follow JMTA on Facebook for the latest happenings, photos, videos, and more! _________________________________________ Events Calendar Please view our website for any updates or additions to these events, as well as for more details including application deadlines: www.jaxmta.org. Thursday, March 12 9:30am JMTA General Meeting and Program TBA Saturday, March 14 As Scheduled, District IV Concerto Competition, UNF Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, Building 45, Room 1200, 32224 Sunday, March 29 3:00pm JMTA Student Recital, All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave, 32207 Thursday, April 9 9:30am JMTA General Meeting and Program TBA Saturday, April 11 As Scheduled, District IV Student Day, Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223 Saturday, April 11 TBA JMTA H.S. Senior Scholarship Competition, Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223 Tuesday, April 21 6:00pm Community “Proton Therapy” Recital, U.F. Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 Jefferson St., Jacksonville 32206 Sunday, April 26 3:00pm Student Day Honors Recital, UNF Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, 32224, Building 45, Room 1200 Thursday, May 14 9:30am JMTA General Meeting and Program TBA Stay tuned for more events to come! High Notes is distributed on the first of the month excluding June-August and December. All submissions are due by the 20th of the month prior to distribution. Submissions may be sent to [email protected]. JMTA High Notes
January 2026 —Vol. 29, no. 4 The January District IV meeting and program will be held over Zoom on Thursday, January 15. ____________________________________________ District President’s Pen Dear JMTA members, This past New Year's Eve, our daughter Kaya and her cousins were able to stay up until midnight to ring in their first New Year's Day! After the countdown and cheers, I asked the kids, "Do you feel different than you did a minute ago?" The first kid nodded her head slowly several times with huge, wide eyes, "Mmm-hmm..." The second kid said, "Definitely NOT!" The third kid said, also with serious, wide eyes, "I don't know why, but my heart is RACING!" The fourth kid said, "I feel like I'm at a basketball game." Hopefully your holidays and New Year's were a restful, happy time out from our busy schedules. Please join us on Thursday, January 15 at 9:30am over Zoom for our District IV meeting followed by a presentation on "The Silent Role of Gesture in Musical Interpretation." During the FSMTA State Conference this past October, Peter Mack's talk on "The Art of the Phrase" and his masterclass got my mind thinking on a tangent -- specifically, the many ways in which gesture, motion, and movement inspire different musical interpretations. In lessons, we talk about images and stories a lot. But how often do we talk about images of gestures and movement to change our phrasing in transformative ways? What are the many ways we can use this under-utilized trick of interpretation? Join me on Thursday as we turn over an old leaf in a new way for a new year and possibly brainstorm some wonderful new ideas together! See you soon, Kama Rasmussen-Li President, FSMTA District IV ____________________________________ Table of Contents MEETING MINUTES November. . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 3 TREASURY REPORTS November & December . . . 4 Monthly Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 JMTA Student Recitals March JMTA Recital . . . . . . . . . . 5 Proton Therapy Recital . . . . . . . 5 JMTA Community Service . . . . . . . . . . 6 JMTA SCHOLARSHIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 District IV News Student Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 9 Application Deadline Reminders . . . 10 AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS . . . .11 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 (control + click on link) ____________________________________ MEETING MINUTES Jacksonville Music Teachers Association Thursday, November 13, 2025 10:15 AM Mandarin Branch Library - 3330 Kori Road, Jacksonville Call to Order: Angie Holt called the meeting to order at 10:29 AM. Attendance: In person - Paulette & Dan Kilts, Angie & Daniel Holt, Sandy Stewart, Jack Melvin, Cheryl Dubberly, Sunny Choi, Ron Touchton, Rhonda Danielson Zoom attendees – Lynn Freeman, Mary McKee, Denise Homsley, Kama Rasmussen-Li, Christine Couch. Parliamentarian: Lynn Freeman Nothing to report Secretary Minutes: Rhonda Danielson Minutes from October 9 were accepted as read. Treasurer’s Report: Lorraine Sears Accepted as presented in the written report. Communications & Internet Media: Angie Holt Nothing to report. Vice President of Membership: Mary McKee New member McKenna Trahan was sent a welcome letter. Programs: Rhonda presented a program about using Lion Theory to prepare for Student Day. Cheryl talked to a woman who could do a presentation about teaching children with special needs. Anita Renfroe will be filling the position of Program Chair beginning in January 2026. Committee Reports: Social: Sandy Stewart Sandy thanked everyone for bringing food for the lunch today. Student Recitals: Christine Couch & Gavin Taylor 21 students and 5 teachers participated in the October recital. Next recital will be Sunday, December 14, at 3:00 at Arlington United Methodist Church. Send applications to Gavin by December 5. Proton Therapy Recital: Sandy Stewart Date: Proton Therapy Institute - Tuesday, April 21, 6:00pm Scholarship: Open position Student Day: Angie Holt April 11, 2026, at Mandarin Baptist Church Altruistic: Sandra Roberts absent Sandra Roberts and Eunice Bainger are having some health issues. Community Service Awards: Stefanie Batson-Martin Deadline is Dec. 31. Ethics: Betty Atkinson absent Archivist/Historian: Paulette Kilts Nothing new to report. Wellness Liaison: Open position FSMTA Conference Report: JMTA had many volunteers and all went very well. Paulette Kilts received the Amy Turon award for outstanding service. Many thanks to Anita and the conference planning committee, Sunny Choi for performing, and Erin Bennett for representing District 4 in the Teachers Recital. Sandy Stewart’s student played in the Student Honors Recital and she encouraged other teachers to put their students in future student recitals. New Business: None Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 10:57am Respectfully Submitted, Rhonda Danielson, Secretary __________________________________________ TREASURY REPORTS November and December 2025 Checking: Rate .10% Expenses Deposits 11/21/25 Dues ($63)/Recital ($15) $78.00 11/30/25 Interest $0.76 12/22/25 Dues ($30)/Recital ($45) $75.00 12/31/25 Interest $0.79 Current Checking $8,462.83 Warren Fund $827.73 TOTAL Checking Account $9,290.56 Business Money Market (Scholarship): Rate .60% ($1000+) Expenses Deposits TOTAL Business Money Market Account $138.23 Business Shares (Savings): Rate .10% ($100+) Expenses Deposits 11/30/25 Interest $0.02 12/31/25 Interest $0.02 TOTAL Business Shares Account $199.27 18-23 Month Business CD: Rate 2.95% Matures 6/7/26 Expenses Deposits 11/30/25 Interest 13.29 12/31/25 Interest $13.77 TOTAL Business CD Account $5,500.89 13 Month Promo CD: Rate 4.16% Matures 10/16/26 Expenses Deposits 11/30/25 Interest 17.22 12/31/25 Interest $17.85 TOTAL Promo CD Account $5,061.36 TOTAL ASSETS as of Oct. 31, 2025 $20,190.31 Other Business: Verified dues with MTNA--no changes Active $30 Senior $30 Collegiate $3 Submitted by Lorraine Sears 01/06/2026 MONTHLY PROGRAMS January The January meeting will be our bi-annual District IV meeting, headed by District President Kama Rasmussen-Li. It is being held over Zoom on January 15th at 9:30am, with the program afterwards beginning about 10:00am. Kama will be presenting her program “The Silent Role of Gesture in Musical Interpretation.” Information about the presentation as well as the Zoom link have been sent out by email. We hope to see you there! February – May The dates for the rest of the spring semester meetings and programs are as follows, all on the second Thursdays of each month and as of this date beginning at 9:30am. Anita Renfroe, our new Program chair, is working on programs for these months. February 12 March 12 April 9 May 14 ___________________________________________ JMTA Student Recital December Student Recital The next JMTA Student Recital will be held on Sunday, March 29, at All Saints Episcopal Church. More information will be coming in the February newsletter. Christine Couch and Gavin Taylor are the JMTA Student Recital co-chairs for these events. Community “Proton Therapy” Recital Proton Therapy Recital Chair Sandra Stewart has announced the date for the annual Proton Therapy recital for late-intermediate to advanced students to be Tuesday, April 21 at 6pm at the UF Proton Therapy Institute. More information will be coming from Sandy in an upcoming newsletter. ____________________________________________ JMTA Community Service Awards Community Service Scholarship Information for current 9th and 12th Graders: 9th Grade: Students can include a list of service through music activities from 7th grade through the first half of 9th grade; they will need a recommendation letter from a school administrator or music teacher at their school. This can be from a previous middle school administrator or teacher for the 9th grade students. Students will need to include a short biography, a photo, and a recommendation letter from the FSMTA member teacher. A $55 dollar fee must be paid by the local MTA chapter; if the student does not live in a county that is covered by the local MTA chapter, the teacher will be responsible for the fee. Students must reside in the state of Florida. 12th Grade: Same requirements as the 9th grade scholarship applicant; their musical service activities can start during the second half of 9th grade through the first half of 12th grade. There are separate forms for 9th and 12th grade applicants, please be sure to submit the correct one. All materials are due to [email protected]. School administrators and FSMTA teachers can send their recommendation letters directly to this email. The deadline for payment and all documents is January 17, 2026. 9th grade State winners receive a certificate, plaque and a check for $250; 12th grade State winners receive a certificate, plaque and a check for $500. County winners receive a certificate. Here is a link to FSMTA’s website with more information: https://www.fmta.org/community-service-awards.html - Stefanie Batson-Martin, Community Service Awards Chair ________________________________________ JMTA SCHOLARSHIP JMTA HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION The JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition will be held at Mandarin Baptist Church on Saturday, April 11, 2026, time TBA. The deadline for application is Friday, March 6, 2026. • If there will be only one applicant auditions will be held online. • Auditions will be open only to students who have studied for six or more months with a JMTA member in good standing. • Only high school seniors who will complete work during the school year in which they audition and who state their intention to pursue a college degree in Music may apply. • Students seeking a dual major in Music and another field of study are eligible to apply. • Music minors are not eligible to apply. The following must be submitted along with a signed application form: (a) An entrance fee of $25.00, check made payable to JMTA (b) Three letters of recommendation: 1. A letter of recommendation from applicant’s private teacher 2. A letter of recommendation from teacher or administrator from applicant’s school 3. A letter of character reference from a responsible adult who is not applicant’s immediate family. (c) Applicant’s repertoire list of three pieces from different time periods with duration no longer than 30 minutes. Repertoire must be memorized. The winner of the Scholarship Competition is required to perform at the May JMTA meeting held on Thursday, May 14, 2026. All required documents and application fee must be submitted by deadline to: Kama Rasmussen-Li JMTA Scholarship Committee Chair ________________________________________ District IV News Student Day A note from the FSMTA State VP for Non-competitive Events: Student Day preparation: If you missed my presentation about Lion Theory at our Nov. 13 meeting, you are welcome to contact me anytime to learn how to subscribe and use this online theory preparation program. Another great resource for theory prep is the Music Masters Written Theory workbooks, which are specifically designed to prepare students for the FSMTA Student Day theory exams, levels Primary - 12. These materials are available at musicmasterstheoryprep.com. Student Day Judging: If you are interested in judging Student Day events in District 4 or other areas around the state, FSMTA has an Apprentice Judging process which helps to prepare you, because Student Day judging is unlike other types of adjudicating. Our new state Apprentice Judging Chair is Suzy Reiser and you may contact her ([email protected]) or Angie Holt, who is JMTA's District 4 Student Day Chair, for more information. - Rhonda Danielson, FSMTA VP for Non-competitive Events 561-602-2709 * * * FSMTA District IV Student Day will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223. The application deadline is Friday, March 6. For more comprehensive information, please view the September JMTA newsletter under District IV News. Here is the link to register: https://www.jaxmta.org/district-4-student-day.html When registering, choose which section each student would like, morning or afternoon. All their activities will fall into their chosen section, including a non-graded recital, where each student can play one of their Student Day pieces for their peers. For repertoire lists, sample written theory and aural theory tests, keyboard skills information, adjudication forms, etc., they are all on the FSMTA website (fmta.org). Click on Student Activities on the home screen, and then FSMTA Non-Competitive Events. Scroll down to Members of FSMTA, click on log in here, and use the current password of Chopin, which is case-sensitive. (The FSMTA password changes every October, and as a member you will receive an email from their website admin with the new password each year.) Or you can click here to go to the website, where there is also a Handbook of Student Activities for more detailed information: https://www.fmta.org/student-day-handbook.html For their hard work and preparation, each student receives a beautiful certificate, and a medallion if they receive achievement. If they receive honors in their judge audition and at least an achievement in their written theory and aural theory, they also receive an honors ribbon from the State, and are invited to perform in the Honors recital held in the Recital Hall at UNF. More information about the Music Masters Theory Workbooks: An independent teacher has created an optional curriculum to help you prepare your students for the keyboard skills, written theory, and aural theory testing with helpful workbooks for each level. These follow the same leveling and guidelines that are provided in the Student Activities Handbook on the FSMTA website. These materials will assist students in mastering the FSMTA guidelines for Student Day. The contact information is as follows: Music Masters, 4111 NW 79 Ave., Coral Springs, FL 33065. To order, email Sue Colvert at Music Masters at [email protected]. The phone number is 954-752-2856. You can also go to at musicmasterstheoryprep.com. Please let me know if you have any questions. -Angie Holt, District IV Student Activities Chair [email protected] ________________________________________ Application Deadline Reminders (In order by application deadline) JMTA Community Service Awards Application deadline – January 17, 2026 District IV Sonatina and Sonata Festival – February 7 Application deadline – January 19 District IV Concerto Competition – March 14 Application deadline – February 20 District IV Student Day – April 11 Application deadline – March 6 JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition – April 11 Application deadline – March 6 JMTA March Student Recital – March 29 Application deadline – March 20 Community “Proton Therapy” Recital – April 21 Application deadline – April 14 _______________________________________ AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Click on each link for a calendar of upcoming performances: The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Events Click on link for more information and tickets: Events | Jacksonville Symphony University of North Florida Music Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Florida State College at Jacksonville Click on link for more information and tickets: fine-arts-calendar.jpg (2550×3300) Friday Musicale Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://fridaymusicale.com/events/ St. Johns Cathedral Music Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/events/ __________________________________________ Find A Teacher Section on Jaxmta.org Teachers, please take a moment to check out your information on our Find A Teacher page on the JMTA website (jaxmta.org). If you would like any changes made, or if you’re not listed yet and would like to be added, please contact Angie Holt at [email protected] with the verbiage you would like put in. ___________________________________________ Did You Know? Residents of Duval county, if they have a Jacksonville Library card, can use the many electronic resources from the https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/digital-library. Getting a library card is free. All that's needed is your driver's license and sign up in person at any of the 21 branches. The card allows the use of Kanopy - which has free streaming movies, documentaries, educational resources [older teens/adults]. I saw a documentary "Making the Grade" which profiled Irish students and piano teachers whose students are preparing to take the Irish Royal Academy of Music Examinations. It was funny, moving, informative, and relatable, especially seeing snippets of the teacher's lessons in action and how the students feel about piano and their teachers overall. I highly recommend members watch it (and explore the other resources available from JPL)! - JohnWillard Utuk _______________________________________ Need a Sponsor? Does anyone in the JMTA need a sponsor or need help in any way? If so, John Scott, owner of Jacksonville School of Music & First Coast School of Music, is interested in helping our organization. If interested, contact John at [email protected]. His direction phone number is 904-248-1848. ________________________________________ Music Exchange Do you have too much music collected in your studio? Is there some you think you'll never use? Bring your unneeded music to any JMTA meeting. Bring home something new to you! Look for the "Free Music" spot. Music does not have to be brand new. _________________________________________ Have you found us on Facebook? Follow JMTA on Facebook for the latest happenings, photos, videos, and more! _________________________________________ Events Calendar Please view our website for any updates or additions to these events, as well as for more details including application deadlines: www.jaxmta.org. Thursday, January 15, 2026 9:30am District IV Meeting and Program Over Zoom Saturday, February 7 As Scheduled, District IV Sonatina and Sonata Festival, UNF Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, Building 45, Room 1200, 32224 Thursday, February 12 9:30am JMTA General Meeting and Program TBA Thursday, March 12 9:30am JMTA General Meeting and Program TBA Saturday, March 14 As Scheduled, District IV Concerto Competition, UNF Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, Building 45, Room 1200, 32224 Sunday, March 29 3:00pm JMTA Student Recital, All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave, 32207 Saturday, April 11 As Scheduled, District IV Student Day, Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223 Saturday, April 11 TBA, JMTA H.S. Senior Scholarship Competition, Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223 Tuesday, April 21 6:00pm Community “Proton Therapy” Recital, U.F. Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 Jefferson St., 32206 Stay tuned for more events to come! High Notes is distributed on the first of the month excluding June-August and December. All submissions are due by the 20th of the month prior to distribution. Submissions may be sent to [email protected]. |
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