October 2021 High Notes

JMTA High Notes
October 2021—Vol. 25, no. 2

JMTA General Meeting and Program (over ZOOM):
October 13, 2021: 9:30am - General meeting
10:30am - Program: “Music and Health: Every Teacher’s Business”
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From the President’s Pen:
Greetings JMTA members! It was my privilege to represent you at the Virtual MTNA Leadership Summit Sept. 17-18. Most of the sessions were focused on “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.” (DEI). My favorite session was “The Diverse and Culturally Responsive Association.” Panelists Leah Claiborne, Veena Kulkani-Rankin and William Chapman Nyaho gave eye-opening statistics about the low levels of Black and other minority students studying music and participating in recitals, festivals, and competitions.  

They asked the attendees-
*to inventory the composers we teach and broaden our spectrum to include African American, African, Asian, Native American and cultures not represented in our teaching repertoire.
*to reach out to places without access to music and offer a program on keyboard
*to have courage to attend a Black church and absorb the joy of the singing
*to broaden our understanding of beauty 

The following website is a goldmine and I hope each of you will take some time to explore. It has composers by name, gender, race, ethnicity, names of pieces and levels as well as recordings of many. (www.aplaceatthepiano.com)

In the Local Associations breakout session I had to admit that we have around 30 active members right now. We had 45 two years ago! Think about what we can do to regain members who have not renewed and attract new members. We have wonderful sessions and great clinicians. Please help spread the word and let’s get our numbers up.

See you on Zoom October 13th for our next meeting.

Anita

Dr. Anita Boyle Renfroe, NCTM
JMTA President      [email protected]
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JMTA General Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 8, 2021, 9:30am, Zoom

Present: Anita Renfroe, Lynn Freeman, Kama Rasmussen-Li, Paulette Kilts, Stefanie Batson-Martin, Lisa Barwell, Sandra Roberts, John Willard Utuk, Anna Smith, Angie Holt, Erin Bennett, Joan Cordell, Denise Homsley, Sandra Roberts, Betty Atkinson

Call to Order: 9:33 (Anita Renfroe)

Parliamentarian: (Lynn Freeman)
Nothing to report

Secretary Minutes: (Stefanie Batson-Martin)
Correction to May 12 Minutes: Vireli Anbarasu’s name was incorrect
Minutes unanimously approved as read

Treasurer’s Report: (Damon Martin)
Not present, Stefanie filled in with info
Lorie met with Damon and Stefanie on Friday at the bank to switch the account over, but the sunbiz account needed to be updated with new officer’s names, so we couldn’t successfully transfer anything over
A check will be mailed to Amy Turon once the bank has the new names
Monthly reports need to be caught up to the current month once bank access can be established
A few things need to be confirmed online like the SoC and Tax Exempt Status

Vice-President/Membership: (John Williard Utuk)
New member - Grace Lewis, will be sending a card to her this weekend
Prospective member: Mary W. McKee
A father, Christopher Locke wants to gift a membership to his son Dr. William Carey Locke

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Altruistic: (Sandra Roberts)
Thank you all for prayers, cards and thoughts, Sandra was extremely sick and is glad to be home
Since the Spring Sandra has sent cards to:
Congrats to Denise’s Student, Vareli, and a congrats to Denise for having a winning student
Congrats to Mary Lou Krosnick for student Matthew
Congrats/Retirement card for Brenda Scott who recently retired from her position as choir director at St. John’s Country Day School
Sympathy to Sandra Stewart for death of her brother
Get well card to Lynn Roberts
Birthday card to Jack Melvin

Communications/Internet Media: (Angie Holt)
Just sent out the first newsletter of the school year
Anita wants to thank Angie for all of the time and work she puts into her position

Community Service: (Joan Cordell)
Joan encourages everybody to look for a 9th or 12th grade student who is a community leader or is doing community service; January 17 deadline, applications don’t go to her, but to the chairman; $40 fee that JMTA would cover, nobody from this county or surrounding counties have won it in years

Ethics: (Betty Atkinson)
Nothing to report

Historian: (Lynn Roberts)
Not present

Programs: (Lisa Barwell)
Wellness program in October - Gail Berenson
Voting on the November program in the meeting chat; she got permission to rerun a presentation from the virtual convention for our program, there are four choices

Scholarships: (Kamila Shahtakhtinski)
Not present; nothing to report

Social: (Angie Holt and Stefanie Batson-Martin)
Nothing to report

Student Recitals: (Sandra Stewart and Gavin Taylor)
Sandy is out, said student recital right now is on the books for December 5 at United Methodist Church on University Blvd., this is Gavin’s church where he is music director and they have a lot of restrictions
Proton Therapy is possibly in the Spring, but not now
Michael Mastronicola’s church may be a possibility for March, but not yet

Student Day Report: (Angie Holt)
Emailed with Erin and Denise, discussing online versus virtual for Spring, will be checking with First Baptist Downtown to see if it’s possible to do in-person or a hybrid

Wellness Liaison: (Joan Cordell and Stefanie Batson-Martin)
Nothing to report

Old Business:
Spent some time re-doing the budget, Damon and Stefanie will clean it up and resend

New Business:
Sonata and Sonatina Festival is scheduled on Sunday, November 14, in the afternoon at UNF although Erin has mixed feelings about in-person or online or a hybrid
Multi-Piano Festival - we are hoping to host that again, but planning will need to start soon if we want to do it next year
Saturday, October 23, business meeting for state with new officers, watch for updates on that

Adjourned: 10:25am (Anita Renfroe)

- Submitted by Stefanie Batson-Martin, Secretary
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JMTA Treasury Reports for May through August 2021

(see end of document)

- submitted by Damon Martin, Treasurer
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JMTA MONTHLY PROGRAMS

October - 10/13 at 9:30am (mtg) & 10:30am (program) over Zoom 
“Music and Health: Every Teacher’s Business”

Gail Berenson will speak on exploring the relevance of health-conscious teaching for all music teachers, regardless of the age or skill level of their students. Strategies will target four age groups: pre-adolescents, high school/college, career-age and seniors/retirees. 

October Zoom Meeting Link:
https://unf.zoom.us/j/96157341249?pwd=N21kUDcyZE4zMEV4WG5wT051Nm5EUT09
Meeting ID: 961 5734 1249
Passcode: 007391

November - 11/10 at 9:30am (mtg) & 10:30am (program) over Zoom 
“Technique without Tears”

More information coming soon about this exciting program!

November Zoom Meeting Link:
https://unf.zoom.us/j/99823951414?pwd=dU90TnhEVU9oNDJTcWYrTUx4TEhOUT09
Meeting ID: 998 2395 1414
Passcode: 445527

- Lisa Barwell, Programs Chair

Help Needed for October and November Programs!
We need some help with presenting the JMTA October and November programs! If you are someone who purchased access to the MTNA online conference this year AND are capable of screen sharing during our meetings, please connect with Lisa Barwell ([email protected]). 

We appreciate your assistance!
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WELLNESS

I don’t know about you, but there are some days that are just plain BUSY! If you, like me, need the occasional snack to boost your energy on those busy teaching days, check out this article from Nicola Cantan. She shares several easy recipes for healthy snacks. Let me know if you try them! Enjoy!

https://colourfulkeys.ie/super-fast-super-healthy-snacks-for-piano-teachers/

– Lisa Barwell, Wellness Chair
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JMTA IN-PERSON STUDENT RECITAL

Sunday, December 5, 2021 has been set for the JMTA in-person student recital, at Arlington United Methodist Church. It will convene at 3pm. More details including social distancing protocol will be forthcoming. Thank you.
- Sandra Stewart, Student Recitals Chair

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COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD NEWS
  
The Jacksonville Music Teachers Association participates in the Community Service Awards program. These awards are given to deserving 9th and 12th grade students in recognition of their leadership, achievements, and service to the community in the field of music.  The applicants must also be students in good standing with their music instructor, a member of JMTA who recommends them for this award.
 
This award encourages young musicians to use their music talents and skills within their community for the betterment of the community and society as a whole.  It also helps them become more responsible and caring citizens as they reach out to others through their music activities.
 
Winning at the county level, the student receives a certificate and a plaque, which is an honor that can be placed on future college or employment applications.  The ninth grade state winner receives a plaque and $100, while the twelfth grade state winner also receives a plaque and $500.
 
For more detail, please go to the website. Under competitive events, you will find the application and detailed instructions.  You must have all paperwork in to the state chair by December 31st.
 
Please encourage your lower grades to journal all their musical activities and volunteering to make the application process much easier.
  
JMTA Community Service Award Chair,
Joan Cordell
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It’s that Time of Year Again!

As the holidays are right around the corner, it’s a good time for students to begin learning favorite holiday pieces, if they haven’t already. Here is a link of Halloween piano music that a piano teacher has compiled: 

https://composecreate.com/the-complete-list-of-halloween-music-for-piano-students/

Do you have some favorite Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa music that you enjoy sharing with your students? Let me know some of the arrangements you enjoy and I’ll list what each teacher shared in next month’s High Notes! Send to Angie Holt at [email protected].
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DISTRICT IV NEWS

Sonatina & Sonata Festival

Information will soon be forthcoming in a separate email regarding the second annual Sonatina & Sonata Festival!


2022 Student Day

2022 Student Day is planned for Saturday, April 30, 2022, either in-person at First Baptist Church downtown, or held virtually. The Student Day application deadline is Saturday, March 19, 2022. Please include one check for all fees, payable to FSMTA District IV (fee information below). You can help your students prepare for this annual evaluation by choosing and helping them learn the repertoire, and working on their keyboard skills, written theory, and aural theory.

What is Student Day? It is an annual evaluation held on a Saturday in one of the spring semester months of the year, and the student can choose whether to attend in the morning or the afternoon. It is comprised of four events, three of which are graded. The written theory test, aural theory test, and audition before the judge (where they play their pieces and keyboard skills) are graded, and the fourth event, the recital performance, is not graded, though it is a chance to perform one of the pieces in front of an audience. How many pieces do they play in the audition before the judge? For the primary level and level one, just two pieces memorized from different composers, and for levels two through twelve, three pieces memorized (from different musical periods beginning with level five). What is the cost to participate in Student Day? Individual student fees are $30 for all levels. If it works out to hold it in-person, please add $15 for your continental breakfast and lunch ($30 for each student, $15 just for your breakfast and lunch). How will I as a teacher be expected to help? If it is held in person, you will be asked ahead of time to assist in a certain way, i.e. passing out written theory tests and/or helping to grade them, giving aural theory tests, assisting with the recitals, etc. There will be instructions for each volunteer position. Each teacher needs to be available to help on the day it is held. If it is held virtually, you may be asked to help grade the written tests, or assist in another way.

Student Day guidelines may be found on the fmta.org website. Click on Student Activities at the top of the screen, then on FSMTA Non-Competitive Events. Scroll down to the “Members of FSMTA” and login with the case-sensitive password that was recently emailed to you, for Student Day tests, guidelines, suggested repertoire, and other materials, for each of the levels primary through 12. In addition, the Student Day Handbook may answer more questions that you have; refer to your student’s level in the handbook for specific requirements. You can print all or any portion of the handbook.

An independent teacher in Florida has devised a curriculum to help you prepare your students for the technique, aural theory, and written theory portions of Student Day. The guidelines follow the same leveling and guidelines that are provided in your Student Activities Handbook.  These materials will assist students in mastering the revised FSMTA guidelines for Student Day.  Contact information is as follows: Music Master, 4111 NW 79 Ave., Coral Springs, FL 33065; 954-752-2856 (teacher Sue Colvert) [email protected].

More information to come! Please contact me ([email protected]) with any questions you may have regarding Student Day. 

Angie Holt, Student Day Chair

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Over Coffee With . . .

This month we are getting to know Lisa Barwell, who now chairs the Programs and Wellness committees for JMTA. Thank you, Lisa, for taking the time to share your experiences with us!​

LISA BARWELL

I was born in Jacksonville, Florida and started piano lessons at the age of 8 after my mom noticed I seemed to display an aptitude for music. Prior to that, I had been ‘playing’ the piano at my school (where she worked) and had also talked one of our church ladies into teaching me a little bit. I loved (and excelled at) music and, when I reached 6th grade, I started flute as well. 
During my middle and high school years, I enjoyed playing in honor bands and participating in Federation Festival and Solo & Ensemble. While in college at Trevecca Nazarene University I was part of the Wind Ensemble, Trevecca Symphony Orchestra, and was also blessed to march with Vanderbilt’s marching band during football season. So many fun experiences came into my life because of music! 
Even though I loved playing flute and piano and enjoyed my lessons, I was not a huge fan of practicing. I’m grateful for that now, though, because I can relate to and help those of my students who also don’t love the ‘practice’ aspect of learning an instrument. I have learned that I do better at practicing when I have a goal/purpose, like a performance or project, to work toward. Creating those goal experiences for my students is a major aspect of my studio because of that. We enjoy creating video projects as well as working toward recitals and festivals.
I love being able to run my studio, Lily Music Studio, as my job! It’s certainly challenging at times, but being able to create a well-rounded music curriculum for my piano and flute students is a joy! The students (and I) have learned so much through our composing projects, lead sheets, improvisations, video projects, and other activities. Making music together is a blast!
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AREA CONCERTS

Listed here are some upcoming concerts in our area that you may be interested in. The concert calendar of Friday Musicale, the oldest musical organization in the state of Florida, lists all concerts for the fall season.

UNF Wind Symphony and Concert Band present:
“A Fall Fair”
Date: Monday, October 11, 7:30pm
Location: Lazzara Performance Hall at UNF
Cost: Adults $10/Students free with I.D.
Click on link for tickets and for details:
https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx

The Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series presents:
“Amy Petrongelli, soprano with Denise Wright, piano”
Date: Tuesday, October 19, 7:30pm
Location: Recital Hall at UNF
Cost: Free Admission
Click on link for tickets and for details:
https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx

“Rebound & Resonation: UNF Percussion Ensemble Fall Concert”
Date: Friday, October 22, 6:30pm
Location: Lazzara Performance Hall at UNF
Cost: $10 Adults/Students free with I.D.
Click on link for tickets and for details:
https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx

UNF Orchestra presents: 
”A Joyful Return”
Date: Tuesday, October 26, 7:30pm
Location: Lazzara Performance Hall at UNF
Cost: Adults $10/Students free with I.D.
Click on link for tickets and for details:
https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx

34th Annual Great American Jazz Series presents: 
“UNF JE1 with Composer Gary Lindsay”
Date: Thursday, October 28, 7:30pm
Location: Robinson Theater at UNF
Cost: $15 General admission; $8 non-UNF students with I.D.; UNF students free with I.D.
Click on link for tickets and for details:
https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx

Florida Chamber Music Project Presents their November Concert:
“Franz Schubert's ‘Rosamunde’ and Antonin Dvorak's ‘American’”
Date: Sunday, November 7, 6-7:30pm
Location: Beaches Museum Chapel
Cost: $25
Click on link for tickets and for details:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franz-schuberts-rosamunde-and-antonin-dvoraks-american-tickets-167900489885?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
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Find A Teacher Section on Jaxmta.org

Teachers, please take a moment to check out your information on our Find a Teacher page.  If you would like to edit, add, or delete your information, please send whatever you would like changed to our Internet Media chairperson Angie Holt at [email protected].
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Music Exchange (Will be on again once meetings are in-person)

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.
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Need a Sponsor?
Does anyone in the JMTA need a sponsor or need help in any way? If so, John Scott, owner of Great Scott Music School, is interested in helping our organization. If interested, contact John at [email protected]. 
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Have you found us on Facebook?
Follow JaxMTA on Facebook for the latest happenings, photos, videos, and more!
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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.

October 13
9:30 - meeting     10:30 - program
JMTA General Meeting followed by program: Music and Health: Every Teacher’s    Business
Zoom

October 16-17
As Scheduled
MTNA Competitions
Hillsborough Comm College, Ybor City, FL

November 10
9:30 - meeting     10:30 - program
JMTA General Meeting followed by program:  Technique without Tears
Zoom

December 5
3:00pm
JMTA Student Recital
Arlington United Methodist Church,1400 University Blvd. N., 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].