|
JMTA High Notes
May 2022—Vol. 25, no. 8 General Meeting and Program (at Keyboard Connection, also available on Zoom): May 11, 2022: 9:30am – General meeting Program afterwards: Concerto Winners _____________________________________________________________________________ From the President’s Pen: “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain Most of us know what our calling is and are trying our best to fulfill it. When I began teaching I naively thought it would be easy to teach others to read music, play by ear, understand the theory behind the notes and learn a technical routine. Over the years it became apparent that the more I learned about teaching, the more I realized I didn’t know. I found a love not only for the process of practicing, but also for the preparation for teaching. MTNA workshops, publications and teacher mentoring in many music teacher associations in lots of states have provided a foundation well beyond my years of schooling. The beauty of this calling is that it never ends; it’s constantly challenged, motivated and rewarded. Our presenter for the April program, Rhonda Cassano, engaged each of us in her workshop. She used simple exercises to help us experience what it feels like to be in balance and out of balance – standing, moving and sitting at the piano. If you missed it, here is the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ1uPaHegIg Rhonda’s session inspired me to look for short video clips that show artistry in motion. Asher Armstrong wrote an interesting article in last October’s issue of AMT, Creating a Bridge to the Artistic Image. If we combine some of Rhonda’s suggestions with Asher’s, it may be possible to find images that show good body alignment with torso, shoulders, arms, hands and fingers moving with ease and creating beautiful music. I want images that I can view with students to observe how the gestures impact, tone, dynamics, balance and articulation. (This may be my quest for the summer!) It was wonderful to be back at Keyboard Connection for our meeting. It was impressive to arrive and see that Stefanie Batson-Martin had already set up the computer, monitor and camera so members could also attend the event online. Thank you to Stef, Erin Bennett, and Angie Holt for the prep to make our meeting special. Looking ahead…JMTA’s Board will meet in June. We would like input regarding programs or types of programs you would like to have next year. Please email me with your suggestions by June 1st so we can compile and discuss these at the June Board meeting. “When you come upon stumbling blocks, see them as stepping stones.” Bruce Pulver Anita Dr. Anita Boyle Renfroe, NCTM JMTA President anita@renfroepiano.com _____________________________________________________________________________ JMTA General Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 13, 2021, 9:30am Keyboard Connection/Zoom Present Zoom: Erin Bennett, Paulette Kilts, Mary McKee, Denise Homsley, Lynn Freeman, Sandra Stewart, Kama Rasmussen-Li, JohnWillard Utuk, Damon Martin Present In-Person: Lisa Barwell, Stefanie Batson-Martin, Sandra Roberts, Anita Renfroe, Kamila Shahtakhtinski, Joan Cordell, Betty Atkinson Call to Order: 9:35am (Anita Renfroe) Parliamentarian: (Lynn Freeman) •Nothing to report Secretary Minutes: (Stefanie Batson-Martin) •Read Treasurer’s Report: (Stefanie and Damon Martin) •Current Checking is $10,066.39 •Total assets are $20,839.24 •Total Piano Festival is $3,337.08 •Warren Fund is $1,127.73 •A check was sent to Erin Bennett for judging a competition •Student Recital checks are still coming in •Reimbursement checks have been sent out to those for JMTA supplies Vice-President/Membership: (JohnWillard Utuk) •Nothing to report COMMITTEE REPORTS: Altruistic: (Sandra Roberts) •Had receipts for treasurer •Daniel Holt won the JMTA Scholarship, a congrats will be sent to him •A thank-you card will be sent to Rhonda Cassano for her presentation after today’s meeting Communications/Internet Media: (Angie Holt) •Not present Community Service: (Joan Cordell) •Did anybody send in a community service person for state? •Betty Atkinson may have, not confirmed at the meeting •Somebody in Duval did •Joan does not find out unless there are two from the same county; Anastasia Naplekova runs this, she may be able to let Joan know Ethics: (Betty Atkinson) •Nothing to report Historian: (Lynn Roberts) •Not present Programs: (Lisa Barwell) •If anybody is interested in taking over as program chair, please let Anita know •Today's program will feature Rhonda Cassano •May’s program will be the Concerto Competition winners Scholarships: (Kamila Shahtakhtinski) •Daniel Holt won the JMTA Scholarship, two students applied •No candidates for the summer camp scholarship Social: (Angie Holt and Stefanie Batson-Martin) •Refreshments are provided Student Recitals: (Sandra Stewart and Gavin Taylor) •March Recital at All Saints Episcopal Church - 19 students and 5 teachers represented - big thanks to Michael Mastronicola for the location •Proton Therapy Recital, April 26, Tuesday night, 6pm (late intermediate/advanced students) deadline to register is Saturday, April 23 •Kamila, Anita, Lisa and Sandra Stewart has students so far, please let Sandra Stewart know if anybody else is interested •Students can perform one or two pieces •Students get community service credits •Masks are required in the building Student Day Report: (Angie Holt) •Angie not present •Saturday, April 30, Mandarin Baptist on San Jose Wellness Liaison: (Lisa Barwell) •Breathing warm-up: Listening with our elephant •Anita encourages anybody attending the virtual conference to watch the Wellness presentations Old Business: •Nothing to report New Business: •Lisa Barwell made the suggestion of a teacher retreat over the summer
Elementary Piano Winner: Mark Chen Teacher: Kamila Shahtakhtinski Rep: Haydn Little Concerto in CM, mvt .1 Junior Piano Winner: YoYo Qu Teacher: Peggy Edwards Rep: Mozart Concerto No. 13 in C, K. 415, mvt. 3 Senior Piano Winner: Matthew Phan Teacher: Peggy Edwards Rep: Weber Konzertstück, op. 79 Alternate: Spencer McKee Teacher: Mary McKee Rep: Chopin Concerto No. 1 in E min, mvt. 1 Intermediate Strings: Winner: Leila Warren, violin Teacher: Sonja Foster Rep: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, mvt. 1 Adjourned: 10:05am (Anita Renfroe) -Submitted by Stefanie Batson-Martin, Recording Secretary ______________________________________________________________________ STUDENT RAISES CONTRIBUTIONS A local newspaper carried this photo and article of student Spencer McKee: “The Composers for Peace piano recital by Fernandina Beach High School student Spencer McKee raised more than $2,000 for the World Central Kitchen to provide meals for Ukrainian refugees.” Spencer is the son of Dr. Mary McKee. _____________________________________________________________________________ JMTA Treasury Report ________________________________________________________________________ JMTA MONTHLY PROGRAMS May: Wednesday, 5/11 in person at Keyboard Connection after the 9:30 meeting, with Zoom also available (link below) Performances by Concerto Competition Winners and JMTA Scholarship Winner May 11: If you choose to attend over Zoom instead, use link below. Join Zoom Meeting https://unf.zoom.us/j/96104411000?pwd=ZVA0ckszeElKMk5tekZGQlJhUmNvdz09 Meeting ID: 961 0441 1000 Passcode: 230047 ________________________________________________________________________ CONGRATULATIONS to 2022 JMTA HSS Scholarship Winner 2022 JMTA High School Senior Scholarship auditions were held online. The judge was Dr. Erin Bennett. Applicant Daniel Holt, home schooled High School Senior and student of Dr. Sandra Stewart, presented a recorded performance of the program of three contrasting pieces from different periods: Bach, Two-part Invention No.4 D-Minor; Beethoven, Sonata Op.79 G Major I. Presto Alla Tedesca; and Costley, Symphony of Spring. He was declared the winner of the 2022 JMTA High School Senior Scholarship. The check in the amount of $1,000 of established scholarship money will be presented to Daniel Holt after his performance at the JMTA meeting on May 11, 2022. Kamila Shahtakhtinski, NCTM JMTA Scholarship Committee Chair ________________________________________________________________________ DISTRICT IV NEWS 2022 District IV Concerto Competition I am delighted to announce the winners of the 2022 District IV Concerto Competition: Elementary Piano Winner: Mark Chen Teacher: Kamila Shahtakhtinski Rep: Haydn Little Concerto in CM, mvt .1 Junior Piano Winner: YoYo Qu Teacher: Peggy Edwards Rep: Mozart Concerto No. 13 in C, K. 415, mvt. 3 Senior Piano Winner: Matthew Phan Teacher: Peggy Edwards Rep: Weber Konzertstück, op. 79 Alternate: Spencer McKee Teacher: Mary McKee Rep: Chopin Concerto No. 1 in E min, mvt. 1 Intermediate Strings: Winner: Leila Warren, violin Teacher: Sonja Foster Rep: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, mvt. 1 Looking forward to hearing some of their performances at the May JMTA meeting! With thanks, Erin - Dr. Erin K. Bennett, NCTM, Concerto Chair 2022 District IV Student Day District IV Student Day was held Saturday, April 30, on the campus of Mandarin Baptist Church. Heartfelt thanks are extended to the staff of Mandarin Baptist for the gracious use of the church campus. Eight JMTA teachers enrolled 24 students to participate in this year’s Student Day. Many thanks to our adjudicators: Dr. Sandra Stewart, Dr. Michael Mastronicola, and Dr. Erin Bennett. Your expertise and helpful comments are so appreciated! Appreciation is also sincerely extended to the following for their assistance with the administration of Student Day: Denise Homsley, Lorraine Sears, and Stefanie Batson-Martin. Many thanks, as well, to Mark Homsley for all of his assistance at Student Day. Many students have qualified to perform in the Student Day Honors Recital, which will be held on Sunday, May 22, at 3:00pm at All Saints Episcopal Church. Many thanks to Dr. Michael Mastronicola for securing the location for our Honors Recital. Once the 2022 Student Day certificates and medals have been received, I will be in touch with all of the teachers for distribution. Thank you for helping make this a successful Student Day! - Angie Holt, Student Day Chair (angiespianostudio7@gmail.com) ________________________________________________________________________ Over Coffee With . . . This month we getting to know a newer member of our music teachers association, Dr. Mary McKee, who lives in the Fernandina Beach area. Welcome, Mary, and thank you for sharing your experiences with us! DR. MARY McKEE Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A. I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah until I left after my junior year in high school to attend The Juilliard School in New York City. I have a younger brother who also became a musician. This is my third time returning to live in Florida. I first lived in Fernandina Beach, moved, lived in Ponte Vedra Beach, moved, and am now back in Fernandina Beach with my husband and son. Q. What made you want to begin piano lessons as a child? A. My father loved classical music and would play the piano in the evenings after he returned from work. He played pieces he taught himself such as Chopin waltzes, and taught and accompanied us as we sang Japanese folk songs. The piano was the center of a happy family activity and I couldn’t wait to start lessons at age 5. Q. Who was your favorite music teacher growing up and why? A. My first piano teacher, Mrs. Melba Hoyt, was very kind and I still remember my first lesson where she brought out a colorful assortment of folders for me to choose my very own piano notebook. She also had a jar with pictures of dancing bears. The jar held a magic lotion which she would smooth over her hands before every lesson and then beautiful music would fill the air from under her fingers! She also understood how much I loved teaching even as a little girl and gave me a teacher’s book of accompaniments which I still have and use today, and encouraged me to teach my younger brother. She was a member of MTNA and I remember participating in events similar to Student Day, and playing in member teachers’ student recitals. She was a role model for constantly improving oneself as a teacher, even returning to school to earn a master’s degree in her retirement years. Q. Tell us about some things you have been/are involved in musically. A. I have been fortunate to have many musical opportunities such as playing solo concerts, playing concerti with orchestras, and serving churches, but my favorite has been playing chamber music, accompanying, and teaching piano to all ages and abilities. Since returning to Fernandina Beach, I have been trying to establish a new piano studio here. Q. Do you have a story of something that happened during one of your performances and how you handled it? A. When I was a child, I was invited to play on a program honoring royalty from Denmark. I had practiced earlier on the piano in the ballroom of the hotel but between that time and the evening performance something very sticky had spilled into the piano and at the performance some of the keys wouldn’t work and others were sluggish. I continued through the performance with missing notes and all as I didn’t know then that I might have had the option to stop. Now armed with this option, it has never happened again to me but have known of a classmate who opted not to stop after swallowing a fly during a performance. Q. What advice would you give to help focus before a performance and curb nerves? A. Find a quiet place to focus on the music before a performance, take slow, deep breaths and think positive thoughts centered around sharing the music’s message with your audience. Q. What is one of the most interesting places you've visited, and why? A. One summer I attended a music festival in Prague and coming upon Old Town Square for the first time was like suddenly stepping into a fairytale and was one of the most breathtaking experiences. Q. What do you find to be a challenge in teaching piano and how do you suggest meeting that challenge? A. One of the challenges I have is keeping students motivated and engaged in piano especially when they are in high school and demands from sports, theater and other programs take up more and more of their time. I have found it helpful to involve older students in a more responsible role of choosing and planning ahead for their year of activities including festivals, auditions and other performances. Know their interests and find creative ways to use them at the piano so they are eager to practice even during their busiest times. Prepare for their piano events far in advance so they can meet their goals successfully. Be flexible and patient and know that in their last year of high school, senioritis can be a real thing! ________________________________________________________________________ AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Community Hospice Performances If you would be interested in performing a recital at the Community Hospice and Pallative Care on Sunbeam Road, they sponsor a monthly performance titled First Friday Recital Series, with performances starting at 11:30 a.m. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Sandy Stewart at 904-333-9280. “JSYO Festival of Strings” Jacksonville Symphony of Youth Orchestras Daniel Wileyo, JSYO Music Director & Assistant Conductor Rose Francis, Helen Morin, David Song, JSYO Conductors Date: Monday, May 9 at 6:00pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: “Purchase your tickets in advance and receive a discount: $3/child, $8/adult (prices for tickets purchased day-of increase to $5/child, $10/adult).” Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.jaxsymphony.org/event/jsyo-festival-of-strings/ “Schubert/Handel/Walker: Voices & Strings Concert” Jacksonville Masterworks Chorale “Join us for our Post-Pandemic Reboot Concert. Our chorus of 30 singers will be joined by special guest soprano Brittany Fouché and a string quartet to share Schubert's ‘Mass in G’; Handel's ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo’, and Gwyneth Walker's ‘Gospel Songs’. Date: Friday, May 20 at 7:30pm Location: Grace Episcopal Church, 245 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, 32073 Cost: FREE Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/schuberthandelwalker-voicesstrings-concert-tickets-333120892557?aff=ebdssbdestsearch “Mozart’s Radiance: Piano Concerto No. 23” Florida Blue Classical Series Courtney Lewis, Musical Director Simone Dinnerstein, Pianist Dates: Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21, at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: $25.00 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.jaxsymphony.org/event/mozart-radiance/ “The Florida Brass Quintet” “Featuring a wide variety of music, this brass quintet uses the American Brass Quintet model and has traded out the tuba for a bass trombone resulting in a brighter sound. Many of the arrangements performed by this group are the work of Jacksonville area musicians.” – Friday MusicaleDate: Friday, May 27, 7:00-9:00pm Location: Friday Musicale, 645 Oak St., 32204 Cost: FREE Click on link for tickets and for details: https://fridaymusicale.com/event/the-florida-brass-quintet “Season Finale: Mendelssohn and Ravel”Florida Chamber Music Project “Our season finale features String Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 12 by Felix Mendelssohn and String Quartet in F Major by Maurice Ravel.”Date: Sunday, June 5, 3:00pm Location: Beaches Museum Chapel, 525 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, 32250 Cost: $25 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/season-finale-mendelssohn-ravel-tickets-326667801187?aff=erellivmlt ________________________________________________________________________ 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, Vice President of Membership _________________________________________________________________________________ Find A Teacher Section on Jaxmta.org Teachers, please take a moment to check out your information on our Find a Teacher page of the JMTA website (jaxmta.org). If you would like to edit, add, or delete any information, please email our Internet Media chair Angie Holt at angiespianostudio7@gmail.com. ____________________________________________________________________________________ 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 schoolofmusicjax@gmail.com. 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? Let's have a music exchange! Bring your unwanted 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. DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION May 11 9:30 – meeting After: program JMTA General Meeting followed by program: Concerto Competition Winners & Scholarship Winner Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 May 22 3:00pm District Student Day Honors Recital All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave., 32207 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 jaxmta@gmail.com. |
High NotesJMTA Newsletter Categories |
RSS Feed
