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JMTA High Notes
May 2023—Vol. 26, no. 8 JMTA General Meeting and Program at Keyboard Connection and over Zoom: Wednesday, May 10, 2023: 9:30am meeting and program after: Performances by Winners of District Concerto Competition and JMTA Scholarship End-of-Year Luncheon following the program: Carrabas Italian Grill, 9965 San Jose Blvd., dutch treat at 11:45am (after the program) _______________________________________ President’s Pen Dear Colleagues of JMTA, This is my last article as your president. It’s time to say thank you to so many folks. Over the past four years we have had outstanding guest artists from a wide array of musical fields. Some have been with us at Keyboard Connections and others, online. Some of those clinicians are seasoned veterans and others, in graduate school. Dr. Michael Mastronicola was Program Chair from 2019-2021. Michael also made arrangements for JMTA recitals to be held at his church. Lisa Barwell was Program Chair for 2021-2022. Lisa and Michael were responsible for providing excellent clinicians during those years. In 2021-22, Lisa became the Wellness Chair and provided a few moments each month to show us clever ways to relax and breathe with our students in lessons as well as in our meetings! Past President Dr. Sandra Roberts has been indispensable as Altruistic Chair in sending personal notes and cards to clinicians, student performers, scholarship winners and their teachers to applaud and encourage their contributions to JMTA. She has also sent messages of condolence and get-well cards to members. Dr. Erin Bennett has been a blessing in providing Zoom links for our meetings and programs through UNF. Erin has also chaired the Sonata-Sonatina Festival, arranged for competitions to be held at UNF and supported JMTA in so many ways. She has also served as District President. Dr. Sandra Stewart served as VP from 2019-2021 and helped stay in touch with new members during this critical period. Sandra also co-chaired the Recital Committee and provided a unique opportunity for advanced students through the Proton Therapy Recitals. JohnWillard Utuk served as VP from 2021-2023 providing a link to our new members. He continued serving in this role even after assuming a full-time position at the Jacksonville Public Library. Lorraine Sears who has served JMTA in many capacities stepped in to Co-chair the Recital Committee. The interest and participation in Student Recitals have grown in the past year and it looks like we will be back to pre-pandemic numbers by fall. Joan Cordell served as Community Service Awards Chair and provided step-by-step instructions on our web pages as well as encouraging teachers in monthly meetings. Kamila Shahtakhtinski has served as Scholarship Chair for several years and has the process down pat. She kept members up to date on how many students were applying for scholarships, arranged for venues and judges and enthusiastically welcomed students and parents to these events. Betty Atkinson, Lynn Freeman, Denise Homsley and Paulette Kilts who have served JMTA as well as FSMTA in a variety of roles have been the folks I could call when I had no idea how to handle a situation. They are a “Brain Trust” for JMTA and have gently led me back on track when I needed that. Kama Rasmussen is our District President and a great source of innovative ideas for JMTA. We will welcome Dr. Mary McKee as our new VP in May. Mary has entered students in JMTA events in the last few years and is well-acquainted with the festivals and competitions. Mary will be our contact for prospective and new members. Damon Martin has served as Treasurer from 2021-23 and thankfully will be continuing in that role for the next term. He had to quickly learn how our budget is set up and what the requirements are at different times of the year. Stephanie Batson-Martin has served as Secretary since 2018 and has agreed to continue in that role. She has been at almost every meeting and presented clear, concise Minutes each month. Stephanie has also assisted Damon with Treasury reports. In addition, Stephanie has worked with Erin to be sure our Zoom links have connected, and she has set up the camera and TV monitor at Keyboard Connections for meetings and programs. This involves some ladder climbing and lots of cords. We would have not been able to have some of our online programs without Stephanie! Angie Holt is another member we simply could not replace! Angie has been in charge of the monthly newsletter since 2015 and has turned that into a wonderful means of communication for JMTA. The newsletter is rich in information about JMTA events as well as a wide array of musical activities in our area. Angie has also chaired the Student Day event for the past two years. She has provided members with dates, venues, rule changes and enrollment information. Angie will be assuming a new role in May when she becomes the new JMTA President. She will need the support of each member of JMTA. Some of her other responsibilities will need to be taken on by other members. Angie will be looking for folks to take positions on the Board. I’m encouraging all of our members who have joined in the last 3 years to take on some responsibility in JMTA. When Angie contacts you, say “YES!” One of our staunchest supporters is Jack Melvin, owner of Keyboard Connection. He has provided not only a place for us to meet, but tuned grand pianos whenever needed for meetings or other JMTA events held at KC. I look forward to seeing the new vision Angie Holt and her Board will adopt. Look forward to some changes and embrace them. It has been an honor to serve as President of JMTA. Anita Anita Renfroe President, JMTA anita@renfroepiano.com _________________________________ JMTA General Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 9:30am Keyboard Connection/Zoom Present Zoom: Lynn Freeman, Angie Holt, Kama Rasmussen-Li, Anna Marr, Mary McKee, Erin Bennett, Joan Cordell, Paulette Kilts, Denise Homsley, Sandra Roberts Present In-Person: Anita Renfroe, Lorraine Sears, Stefanie Batson-Martin, Lisa Barwell, Eunice Paliy-Bainger, Betty Atkinson, Dean Allen Slickis Call to Order: 9:33am (Anita Renfroe) Parliamentarian: (Lynn Freeman)
Altruistic: (Sandra Roberts)
Program: “Engaging Students with Autism in Music Lessons” by Yangmingting Fang from the FSMTA Virtual Conference -Submitted by Stefanie Batson-Martin, Recording Secretary ___________________________________________________________________ JMTA MONTHLY PROGRAMS MAY Performances by the Winners of the Concerto Competition and the JMTA Scholarship The winners of the 2023 District Concerto Competition will be performing for our May program on May 10th: Junior Division: Junior Strings Competition Winner: Amelia Harin Teacher: Sonja Foster Junior Piano Competition Winner: Ava Gong Teacher: Mary McKee Intermediate Division: Intermediate Strings Competition Winner: Louis Ossi Teacher: Melissa Barrett Senior Division: Senior Strings Competition Winner: Annelise Ossi Teacher: Melissa Barrett Senior Piano Competition Winner: Spencer McKee Teacher: Mary McKee In addition, the winner of the 2023 JMTA High School Senior Scholarship, Spencer McKee, will be performing for our May program and will be presented his scholarship money by Kamila Shahtakhtinski, NCTM, Scholarship Committee Chair. Spencer McKee “Spencer McKee is a senior at Nassau County, Florida Virtual School. Since beginning formal piano study at age 4 with his mother Mary Watanabe McKee he has earned awards including recently being named the winner of the FSMTA Concerto Competition District 4 senior division. In February 2023, he received first place in the 2023 Palm Beach Atlantic Young Artists’ Piano Competition. In 2022, he won the Musically Advanced II piano solo division at the State Competition of the Florida Federation of Music Clubs and subsequently was invited to perform at the 2023 State Junior Convention. Spencer enjoys playing for churches, care facilities and for social events. In 2022, he played benefit recitals in Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville, raising over $2000 for the World Central Kitchen in support of Ukraine. His hobbies include baseball, A/V production, photography, and cooking.” ___________________________________ END-OF-YEAR LUNCHEON Following our meeting and program on Wednesday, May 10th, we will be having our end-of-year luncheon at 11:45am at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 9965 San Jose Blvd. A large table has been reserved. This is a Dutch treat event. Please join us! - Dr. Anita Renfroe ______________________________ DISTRICT IV NEWS District IV Student Day Thirteen students performed in the Student Day Honors Recital held at UNF’s Recital Hall on Sunday, April 23 at 2pm. Much appreciation is extended to Dr. Erin Bennett for making this happen. Certificates, medallions, and State ribbons are being distributed. Thank you to all who helped make this a successful Student Day! - Angie Holt, District Student Activities Chair (angiespianostudio7@gmail.com) _______________________ JMTA members in the symphony! You've probably heard the Jacksonville Symphony perform this year in one of their many concerts. From their classical masterwork's series, coffee concerts, outreach events for young children, pop concerts, guest artist series, movie soundtracks . . . and more! . . . they are some of the hardest working musicians in town. Have you noticed they often have a keyboardist playing as part of the ensemble? Members Michael Mastronicola and Scott Watkins have been playing alongside for many concerts again this season. Just recently, Michael Mastronicola performed on harpsichord in Bach's D Major makes an important appearance early on in the suite but remains tacet for the remainder of the work. Scott Watkins performed the fiendishly difficult piano part in the work as well and did it superbly! This past month, Michael performed the piano part in Copland's El Salon Mexico and the organ part in Elgar's Cockaigne Overture. And you may have heard Scott play the piano part in Copland's Rodeo and, just last week, the celeste in the symphony's production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. Any type of keyboard is up for use, from harpsichord, piano, organ, and synthesizer: in years past, when an early 20th-Century European-style harmonium was needed in a performance of Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde (Songs of the Earth), Michael performed the part on a synthesizer programmed to create the specific sounds the composer requested. He also performs on the wonderful Cassavant organ housed in Jacoby Hall each year on Handel's Messiah. This instrument is a true treasure in the city! Synthesizers programmed for every imaginable sound and instrument are used often when the symphony performs movie soundtracks, like Jurassic Park. Scott will be playing keyboards for the upcoming May 12th & 13th production of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Michael will be playing piano and celeste on May 26 at 11 am in a Coffee Concert featuring newer music, such as Jennifer Higdon's Blue Cathedral and Copland's wonderful Clarinet Concerto. The symphony players are incredibly talented and committed musicians, performing at their highest levels with often minimal rehearsal time together before a concert due to their very demanding and busy season. They depend on your support and offer something for the entire Jacksonville community regardless of age or lack of familiarity with classical music. Bring your studio to a performance during their daytime concerts, or their brief 60-minute evening concerts, or their opera production, or perhaps one of their pops concerts that may feature jazz, the music of the Beatles, musical theater repertoire, and even disco! And of course, their performances of classical works from Bach to composers actively working today are always inspiring! Check them out at www.jaxsymphony.org. - Michael Mastronicola, DMA, NCTM ___________________________ AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Community Hospice Performances If you would be interested in performing a recital at the Hadlow Center 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. Sandra Stewart at 904-333-9280. Saint Augustine Orchestra presents: From Broadway to Blockbusters “Bring your popcorn and enjoy soundtracks from stage and screen! From Phantom of the Opera and My Fair Lady to Grease to Jurassic Park and Raider’s of the Lost Ark, you won’t want to miss this night at the movies!” Scott C. Gregg, Artistic Director Dates: Wednesday, May 10 at 8:00-9:30pm and Thursday, May 11 at 8:00-9:30pm Location: Lightner Museum, 75 King St., St. Augustine, 32084Cost: Adults $27.50, students 11-17 $12, youth 10 & under free Click on link for details and tickets: https://staugustineorchestra.ticketleap.com/ Friday Musicale presents: Rose Shlyam Grace (piano) featuring Giovanni Bertoni (clarinet) and Alexei Romanenko (cello) “Program includes Beethoven Clarinet Trio, Op. 11 in B flat Major, Brahms Clarinet Trio, Op. 114 in A minor, as well as works by Schubert and Scriabin (Thursday night only).” Dates: Thursday, May 11 at 7:00-9:00pm and Friday, May 12 at 12:00-1:00pm Location: 645 Oak St., JacksonvilleCost: Regular advance admission $15, Free admission for Jacksonville residents with ID and Friday Musicale members. Click on link for tickets and for details: https://fridaymusicale.com/events/ The Jacksonville Symphony presents: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Symphonic Night at the Movies Kevin Fitzgerald, Associate Conductor “You-Know-Who™ is not the only one who has returned—Harry Potter™, Ron Weasley™, and Hermione Granger™ are back as well in this unforgettable concert event. Relive the magic with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ displayed on a giant screen in high-definition and accompanied by a symphonic orchestra. See Harry and his friends race through the Department of Mysteries, practice Defense Against the Dark Arts in secret, and endure Professor Umbridge™—all with Nicholas Hooper’s iconic score!” WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22) Date: Friday, May 12 at 7:00pm and Saturday, May 13 at 7:00pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: $59 and UpClick on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/harry-potter-5-in-concert?_ga=2.143332659.743574730.1683490684-757763258.1662407897 Saint John’s Cathedral presents: An Evening of Art & Music “St. John’s Cathedral hosts the First Coast Wind Symphony’s Mother’s Day concert. The music will delight all ages and a talented young musician will share the spotlight. Samuel Lewis, the winner of the 12th annual FCWS Concerto Competition that was open to all Florida high school musicians, will perform Albert Franz Doppler’s virtuosic ‘Fantasie Pastoral Hongroise’ with the Wind Symphony and will receive the first-place award of $1,500. Samuel will attend the Royal College of Music in London in the fall. Other selections that the whole family will enjoy include selections from the soundtrack of the first ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film. Immediately following the concert, enjoy an art reception in Taliaferro Hall. The exhibition on display is cphace photography from Jacksonville artist LAIRD titled Nature Transformed.” Date: Sunday, May 14 at 5:00pm, Reception at 6:30pm Location: 256 E. Church St., Jacksonville, 32202Cost: No cost mentioned. Click on link for details: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/blog/an-evening-of-art-music2560/ Friday Musicale presents: Junco Royals at Friday Musicale “Your friendly neighborhood concert hall meets your friendly neighborhood trad jazz ensemble.” Date: Wednesday, May 17 at 7:00-9:00pm Location: 645 Oak St., JacksonvilleCost: $10 regular admission, free for Friday Musicale members Click on link for tickets and for details: https://fridaymusicale.com/event/junco-royals-at-friday-musicale/ The Jacksonville Symphony presents: Mozart, Brahms & Schumann Florida Blue Classical Series Courtney Lewis, Conductor Simone Porter, Violin Joshua Roman, Cello “On May 19th and 20th the Jacksonville Symphony welcomes two celebrated guest artists. Returning cellist Joshua Roman and phenom violinist Simone Porter perform Brahms’ Double Concerto. Paired with the grace of Schumann and the poetic melodies of Mozart’s Great G minor Symphony, these performances are a highlight of the 2022/23 season.” Dates: Friday, May 19 at 7:30pm and Saturday, May 20 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: $27 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/mozart-brahms-shepherd?_ga=2.80968337.743574730.1683490684-757763258.1662407897 Atypical Arts Presents: Dave Eggar and Band “Friday Musicale, along with Atypical Arts, present five-time Grammy nominee piano and cello virtuoso, Dave Eggar. Accompanied by renowned string band performers Blake Collins (mandolin) and Phil Faconti (flat pick guitar), along with Chuck Palmer (percussion), and rising vocal star Ashton Davison, Eggar and his band will perform their musical tribute, ‘From the Mountaintop,’ a soulful and adventurous exploration of bluegrass and favorites from Bach to the Beatles. A student of the great American composer Aaron Copeland, and legendary celloist Yo Yo Ma, Eggar has performed, recorded, and arranged for artists across genres including Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Roseanne Cash, Phillip Phillips, Coldplay, Frank Ocean, Tony Bennett, Andrea Bocelli, Foreigner, Harry Belafonte, Imagine Dragons, and John Legend only to name a few. Eggar and his band are not to be missed.” Date: Wednesday, May 24 at 7:00-9:00pm Location: 645 Oak St., JacksonvilleCost: $20 general admission, $15 for Friday Musicale members with advance registration Click on link for tickets and for details: https://fridaymusicale.com/event/atypical-arts-presents-dave-eggar-and-band/ The Jacksonville Symphony presents: Giovanni Bertoni Plays Copland Symphony in 60 Series Courtney Lewis, Conductor Giovanni Bertoni, Clarinet “Hear colorful musical melodies swirl through Jacoby Symphony Hall as the Jacksonville Symphony shines for Symphony in 60 Pride Night! Kick off the celebration at 5:30PM by sharing a toast with friends during the preconcert cocktail hour. Right after, revel in Aaron Copland’s jazzy Clarinet Concerto as it is brought to life by Principal Clarinet Giovanni Bertoni followed by Jennifer Higdon’s blue cathedral that conjures images of sapphire skies, a world premiere of Tarik O’Regan’s Recalcitrance and Benjamin Britten’s Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes that paints musical landscapes in watercolor hues. You won’t want to miss this vibrant finale of the Symphony in 60 Series this season!” Date: Thursday, May 25 at 6:30pm (Cocktail hour begins 5:30pm, concert begins 6:30pm) Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: $25Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/pride-night-sym60?_ga=2.106592773.743574730.1683490684-757763258.1662407897 The Jacksonville Symphony presents: Solo Organ Recital The Concert Organ Series Greg Zelek, Organ “Take a journey to the heart of Jacoby Symphony Hall and discover a truly historic monument: the Symphony's Bryan Concert Organ. Find yourself immersed in wonder with three riveting performances, each designed to highlight the organ's versatile musical power. Hear its melodies transform from intimate and colorful to grand and thunderous!” Date: Saturday, May 27 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: $25 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/solo-organ-recital?_ga=2.88374173.743574730.1683490684-757763258.1662407897 The Jacksonville Symphony presents: Revolution: The Music of the Beatles, A Symphonic Experience Pops Series Grant O'Brien, Assistant Conductor “’Here comes the sun’ with the band who changed the world with their music. This new symphonic tribute with the orchestra and star vocalists drives us through Abbey Road on a musical and visual journey. Now is your chance to rock and roll to the best-kept secrets from the London-based archives of The Beatles official fan magazine and The Beatles Book Monthly. Arrangements transcribed from the original album include Hey Jude, Something, Penny Lane, Ticket to Ride and so many others!” Date: Friday, June 2 at 7:30pm and Saturday, June 3 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: $27 and upClick on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/revolution-music-of-the-beatles?_ga=2.189619757.743574730.1683490684-757763258.1662407897 The Florida Chamber Music Project presents: Schumann Piano & Strings “Pianist Hyunsoon Whang returns for this big piece which offers solo piano music with our strings. Also being performed on this concert is Rhapsody in B minor, Opus 79, No. 1 and Rhapsody in G minor, Opus 79, No.2, both by Johannes Brahms.” Quintet for Piano and Strings in E-flat Major, Op. 44 - Robert Schumann Rhapsody in G minor, Opus 79, No. 2 - Johannes Brahms Rhapsody in B minor, Opus 79, No. 1 - Johannes Brahms Date: Sunday, June 4 at 3:00-4:00pm Location: Beaches Museum Chapel, 505 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach Cost: $27 Click on link for details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/schumann-piano-strings-tickets-378542549957 The Jacksonville Symphony presents: Conrad Tao Plays Prokofiev Florida Blue Classical Series Courtney Lewis, Conductor Conrad Tao, Piano “Who better to close the season with Courtney Lewis and the Symphony than world-class pianist Conrad Tao? By popular demand, the young phenom returns to bring his jaw-dropping virtuosity to the explosive joy of Prokofiev's Third Piano Concerto. Paired with Shostakovich's Tenth Symphony, relish in the final classical performance as it bursts into a colorful celebration and marks the perfect exclamation point on this exalted 2022/23 season.” Dates: Friday, June 9 at 7:30pm and Saturday, June 10 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: $27 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/conrad-tao-plays-prokofiev?_ga=2.106158597.743574730.1683490684-757763258.1662407897 ________________________________ 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? 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. May 10 9:30 – Meeting 10:30 – Program 11:45 - Luncheon JMTA General Meeting And Program – Recital; End-of-year lunch follows Keyboard Connection/Zoom 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257; Lunch at Carrabba’s 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. JMTA High Notes
April 2023—Vol. 26, no. 7 JMTA General Meeting at Keyboard Connection and Zoom: Wednesday, April 12, 2023: 9:30am Program afterwards: Engaging Students with Autism in Music Lessons – Yangmingting Fang ________________________________________ President’s Pen Does music envelop your life or is it tangential? Do you find that your daily schedule revolves around musical activities – practice, preparation for lessons, reading, listening, teaching, performing solo or in ensembles, accompanying for church or other events…or does music take on a minor role for a few hours a few days a week? Whether or not music steers our routines, we recognize the power of music to transcend experiences and make permanent impressions. Each of us can link specific pieces of music with moments in our past – some happy memories, others, sad. Just the first lines of a song will trigger emotions and take us to a place or experience in our past. Helping our students access their memories to impact pieces they are studying will open an array of expressions available whenever they want. We always talk about the musical form, phrasing, dynamics, touch – but leave off the mood or character the composer is suggesting in the score. This may be the element that captures the student’s imagination. Do we connect well with each of our students? Some days, yes – some days, not so much. I believe that many of my students have had ADHD or have exhibited traits of autism. Often I was unprepared for their needs. The following session that we will watch as our April program provides background and many suggestions for working with students who have degrees of autism. Title: Engaging Students with Autism in Music Lessons -This presentation serves as a guide for inexperienced music teachers who desire to elevate the quality of life for students with autism. It synthesizes information from neurologists and biologists to bring an increased awareness to the cause of the disorder, as well as psychologists’ recommendations for communication strategies and physical activity. Yangmingting Fang recently completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Perfor-mance with a secondary concentration in Piano Pedagogy at The University of Alabama. She enjoys being a performer, a teacher, as well as a collaborative pianist. Fang is currently a Piano Instructor and Collaborative Artist in Residence at Orpheus Academy of Music in Austin, TX. I hope you will join me at Keyboard Connection or online for this important event. Anita Anita Renfroe President, JMTA anita@renfroepiano.com __________________________________ JMTA General Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 9:30am Keyboard Connection/Zoom Present Zoom: Lynn Freeman, Kama Rasmussen-Li, Angie Holt, Mary McKee, Erin Bennett, Kamila Shahtakhtinsky, Angie Holt, Joan Cordell, Stephan Bernhard Present In-Person: Anita Renfroe, Lorraine Sears, Denise Homsley, Stefanie Batson-Martin, Paulette Kilts, Sandra Roberts, Lisa Barwell Call to Order: 9:32am (Anita Renfroe) Parliamentarian: (Lynn Freeman)
Secretary Minutes: (Stefanie Batson-Martin)
Treasurer’s Report: (Stefanie and Damon Martin)
Vice-President/Membership: (JohnWillard Utuk)
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Altruistic: (Sandra Roberts)
Communications/Internet Media: (Angie Holt)
Community Service: (Joan Cordell)
Ethics: (Betty Atkinson)
Historian: (Lynn Roberts)
Programs: (Open position) Scholarships: (Kamila Shahtakhtinski)
Social: (Angie Holt and Stefanie Batson-Martin)
Student Recitals: (Lorraine Sears and Gavin Taylor)
Student Day Report: (Angie Holt)
Wellness Liaison: (Lisa Barwell)
Old Business:
New Business:
Adjourned: 10:10am (Anita Renfroe) Program: “Sleep and Exercise: The Unsung Practice Strategies” by Lois Svard -Submitted by Stefanie Batson-Martin, Recording Secretary ______________________________________ JMTA Treasury Report February 2023 JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report | February 1-28, 2023 Debits Credits Expenses 02/01/23 Check #1000 (SBM - SunBiz annual report) $61.25 Deposits 02/10/23 Check #17617 (JMTA membership dues) $50.00 02/28/23 Interest - Business Checking $0.83 Current Checking $6,362.90 Piano Festival Fund (add to Business Shares Acct) $3,337.08 Warren Fund $1,127.73 TOTAL Checking Account $10,827.71 Other Accounts: Debits Credits Expenses Deposits 02/28/23 Interest - Business Money Market $7.13 02/28/23 Interest - Business Shares $0.15 Business Money Market (Scholarship) $8,078.63 Business Shares (Festival) $1,850.23 TOTAL $9,928.86 TOTAL ASSETS as of February 28, 2023 $20,756.57 Submitted by Stef & Damon Martin 03/07/2023 ______________________________________ JMTA MONTHLY PROGRAMS APRIL Engaging Students with Autism in Music Lessons This presentation serves as a guide for inexperienced music teachers who desire to elevate the quality of life for students with autism. It synthesizes information from neurologists and biologists to bring an increased awareness to the cause of the disorder, as well as psychologists’ recommendations for communication strategies and physical activity. Yangmingting Fang recently completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance with a secondary concentration in Piano Pedagogy at The University of Alabama. She enjoys being a performer, a teacher, as well as a collaborative pianist. Fang is currently a Piano Instructor and Collaborative Artist in Residence at Orpheus Academy of Music in Austin, TX. PROGRAM CHAIR JMTA is in need of a Program Chair to organize the monthly programs. In the meantime, Dr. Anita Renfroe is continuing to bring programs to us. If you have an interest in being the Program Chair, please contact Anita at anita@renfroepiano.com. _____________________________________ 2023 JMTA High School Senior Scholarship The 2023 JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition was held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Keyboard Connection. The judges were Dr. Erin Bennett, Dr. Anita Renfroe, and Dr. Sandra Stewart. Applicants Spencer McKee, student of Mary McKee and Yunhan Shen, student of Kamila Shahtakhtinski, performed programs of contrasting pieces from different periods. Spencer McKee was declared the winner of the 2023 JMTA High School Senior Scholarship. He will be presented with the check in the amount of $1,000 of established scholarship money after his performance at the JMTA meeting on May 10, 2023. - Kamila Shahtakhtinski, NCTM, Scholarship Committee Chair __________________________________ JMTA Recitals Community “Proton Therapy” Student Recital The annual Community “Proton Therapy” recital will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 6pm for patients and staff at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., Jacksonville, 32206. This recital is for late-intermediate to advanced students only. Volunteer hours will be given. View the website for more detailed information on applications and participation guidelines. https://www.jaxmta.org/community-proton-therapy-recital.html. If you have qualified students who would like to participate, please email information to Sandy Stewart at iunsuusc@att.net. - Dr. Sandra Stewart is the organizer of this event. _______________________________ DISTRICT IV NEWS District IV Concerto Competition Following are the winners of the FSMTA District Concerto Competition, which was held on March 11 at UNF’s Recital Hall: JUNIOR DIVISION Junior Strings Competition Winner: Amelia Harin
Alternate: Adriana Ossi
Winner: Ava Gong
Intermediate Strings Competition Winner: Louis Ossi
Senior Strings Competition Winner: Annelise Ossi
Senior Piano Competition Winner: Spencer McKee
These winners will go on to compete at the state competition, to be held at Jacksonville University on May 12-13. Many thanks to the judges: Strings: Siyu Zhang and Piotr Szewczyk Piano: Ileana Fernandez, JohnWillard Utuk, and Lynne Radcliffe - Dr. Erin Bennett, District Concerto Chair District IV Student Day District IV Student Day was held on March 25, 2023, at Mandarin Baptist Church. A total of 31 students participated from seven studios. 19 of those students have received State Honors and have been invited to perform in the Honors recital on Sunday, April 23 at 2pm at UNF’s Recital Hall. To receive State Honors, a student must receive Honors in both parts of the adjudicated audition and at least an Achievement in both Aural Theory and Written Theory. We are encouraging of each student who participates and works hard for Student Day, regardless of their grade; learning the Aural and Written theory has shown to be a valuable help when taking music classes in college. Many thanks are extended to this year’s adjudicators: Dr. Michael Mastronicola, Joan Cordell, and Rhonda Danielson, with help from Dr. Sandra Stewart, Stefanie Batson-Martin, Lorie Burningham, helpful advice from Denise Homsley, and Aural theory testers Dr. Jeannie Rose and Lorraine Sears, who also managed the recitals. In addition, a big thank-you to Dr. Erin Bennett for all her help in enabling us to use UNF’s Recital Hall for the Honors recital. Certificates, medallions, and State ribbons should be ready by the end of this month to be distributed in time for end-of-year studio recitals. - Angie Holt, District Student Day Chair (angiespianostudio7@gmail.com) ______________________________ Over Coffee With . . . This month we are getting to know a new member of the JMTA who has recently transferred to our area. Please welcome Stefan Bernhard. STEFAN BERNHARD Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A. I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. One of the great Jazz cities of the south, although ironically I play classical music. I was lucky enough to be raised by a family of pianists. In fact some of my first memories are lying under our baby grand listening to my father Luis, who is also a concert pianist. He’d play a variety of repertoire for hours on end, so I was familiar with the repetitive and experimental aspects of practicing from the start. Q. What inspired you to begin music lessons? A. I suppose it was a decision made for me, but a good one. Our family would attend concerts throughout New Orleans at great music venues, including the Orpheum and the Mahalia Jackson Theaters, and we also had an extensive collection of classical music records and CDs at home. Classical music was always present one way or another, so I suppose I developed a taste and understanding for it naturally. My two older brothers took lessons, so I would imitate their pieces at the piano by ear! My parents thought this was a good sign, so I began formal lessons at 5. Q. Did you have a favorite music teacher(s) that made music more enjoyable? A. When I was about 12 I began lessons with Faina Lushtak, who is a Steinway Artist and head of the keyboard division at Tulane University. She had previously taught my older brother and has an excellent reputation. It was an exciting prospect because I enjoyed attending her studio recitals and solo/concerto appearances. Her refined interpretations and ample technique inspired me to get some serious work done. She was like a second mother and kept all her students motivated by frequently involving us in competitions, master classes, festivals, and concerts. These experiences laid the foundation for my motivation, technical standards, interpretive approach, and general workflow. Q. Tell us about some things you have been/are involved in musically. A. At about 16 I was lucky enough to win the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Concerto Competition and performed Rachmaninov’s Second Concerto with the LPO. It’s one of my most treasured musical memories, and I still play it from time to time. I’ve participated in festivals that included solo and chamber recitals, including the Schlern International Music Festival in Völs am Schlern, Italy, New Orleans Piano Institute, and Master Classes with renowned pianists including Walter Hautzig, Seymour Bernstein, Vladimir Krainev, and Santiago Rodriguez. I’ve performed at Tulane University, University of Miami, the Royal College of Music, and the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center in Miami. Other music related activities include music consultant for the TV show American Horror Story: Coven, blog critic for the 24th New Orleans International Piano Competition, and judge for the 2019 Steinway and Sons Junior Piano Competition. My students have taken prizes at the 2018 Steinway and Sons Junior Piano Competition, Clara Schumann International Piano Competition, Sound Espressivo Festival and Competition, South Florida International Piano Competition, and the Manolov International Piano Competition in New York. Additionally, they’ve participated in the Key Biscayne Piano Festival, University of Miami Piano Seminar, and New Orleans Piano Institute. Q. Do you have a story of something that happened during one of your performances and how you handled it? A. I had an incident happen when rushing to my senior recital at Tulane, forgetting my cufflinks. Right after I started playing the opening work, a Haydn Sonata in E flat, I noticed my right shirt cuff had been poking out of the right jacket sleeve. It was covering my entire right hand. I had two choices, either stop and fix it or play on. I decided to just continue playing and finish the first movement before adjusting it. Luckily it didn’t cause any issues. That was a gentle reminder to devise a preconcert routine! Q. What advice would you give to teachers to encourage students to practice more? A. This is one of the biggest struggles we face as educators, and of course a complex one. When I was completing my masters at the Royal College of Music in London, we had taken modules in music education, performance health and wellbeing, performance research, etc. So I had an understanding of some of the psychological and social underpinnings of motivation, goal setting, perseverance, and overall well-being of musicians. Here are 10 research-backed action steps teachers can take:
Q. What advice would you give to help curb nerves before a performance? A. This is another major issue we all face as both performers and teachers, so we have experience from both sides. My advice is usually tailored to my students’ personalities, aptitudes, and outlook. However, in general I use a “performance roadmap” that lays a path toward the main performance/audition over one month after their piece is sufficiently learned (in the most ideal case). At this point, students should already understand the piece’s form and harmonic structure to serve as a “safety net”. The purpose is to desensitize them as much as possible and provide quantitative feedback for an objective measurement of where they stand. I have them fill out a worksheet with a scale of 1-10 in categories of: nervousness before and during performance, technique, tempo, and interpretation. The performance roadmap has students:
Q. What is one of the most interesting places you've visited? A. When I was in the UK in 2015 and 2016, I was fortunate to travel Europe extensively. Perhaps my favorite country was Malta, as its ancient heritage, unique language, and stunning natural vistas were unforgettable. I’d love to return soon as they have a budding classical music scene and piano series. Q. Who are some of your favorite music composers? A. If you were to see my social media pages, you’d probably come across a lot of Rachmaninov and Scriabin! I’d say those two are endlessly inspiring to me due to the complexity and novelty of their emotional content. Also, the technical and interpretive challenges are immense, but satisfying to tackle once you take control over it. _____________________________________ AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Community Hospice Performances If you would be interested in performing a recital at the Hadlow Center 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. Sandra Stewart at 904-333-9280. Friday Musicale presents: UNF Wind Players in Concert Clarinet Choir, Flute Ensemble, Clarinet Quartet, Wind Octet. “Consisting of music performance, education, and technology students, they have been seen on the stages in Bunol, Spain, Ostend, Belgium, Reno, NV, and Knoxville, TN.” Directed by Dr. Erin Bodnar, Dr. Sunshine Simmons, and Dr. Sarah Jane Young Date: Thursday, April 13 at 7:00-9:00pm Location: 645 Oak St., JacksonvilleCost: Free admission for Musicale members, UNF affiliates, and youth under 13 years (with adult); General admission $10. Click on link for tickets and for details: https://fridaymusicale.com/event/unf-clarinet-and-flute-choir/ Amelia Island Singers present: The Road Home Spring Concert Dr. Anita Renfroe, Accompanist Dates: Friday, April 21 at 7:00pm, and Sunday, April 23 at 3:00pm Location: Amelia Plantation Chapel, 36 Bowman Road. Go to ameliaislandsingers.com for tickets. Read brochures below for more information. The Jacksonville Symphony presents: Picturesque Postcards: Featuring Music by Copland, Smetana, Delius and Elgar Symphony in 60 Series Courtney Lewis, Conductor “Visit four countries in only one hour – Mexico, the Czech Republic, the United States and the United Kingdom – and find yourself musically surrounded by their lush and lively landscapes.” Date: Thursday, April 13 at 6:30pm (Cocktail hour begins at 5:30pm, concert begins at 6:30pm) Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: $25Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/picturesque-postcards-sym60/3102?_ga=2.244809090.607439795.1681113566-757763258.1662407897 University of North Florida Percussion presents: Spring Showcase Featuring Guest Artist, Dr. Melinda Leoce, Percussion “With guest artists: Carol Maynard, flute; Kevin Clasen-LeBlanc, clarinet; and Matt Monroe, horn. Featuring music by Jacques Ibert, Eric Ewazen, Samuel Barber and Jean-Philippe Rameau.” Date: Friday, April 14 at 6:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html The Jacksonville Symphony presents: Disco Inferno Pops Series Grant O’Brien, Conductor Tamika Lawrence, Lorinda Lisitza, and Scott Coulter, Vocalists John Boswell, Piano “Dig out your platform shoes, satin pants and sequins and get ready to move! Jacoby Symphony Hall will sparkle under the spotlight for this wild 70s musical extravaganza.” Date: Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: $27 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/disco-inferno?_ga=2.148291248.607439795.1681113566-757763258.1662407897 Jacksonville University presents: JU Wind Ensemble Spring Concert “This spring pops concert will feature the Jacksonville University Wind Ensemble performing Latin inspired music from around the world.” Date: Saturday, April 15 at 3:00pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Cost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php Lawson Ensemble and University of North Florida Chamber Singers present: Viva Vivaldi! “With UNF Chamber Singers featuring Aurica Duca, violin; Grace Bahng Gavin and Nick Curry, cellos; and Cara Tasher, conductor. Works by Vivaldi.” Date: Sunday, April 16 at 6:00pm Location: The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 1100 Stockton St., Jacksonville, 32204Cost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Jacksonville University presents: Violin and Viola Studio Recital “Come and enjoy the talent and musicianship of the violin and viola students of Dr. Marguerite Richardson as they perform in their annual showcase concert.” Date: Sunday, April 16 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Cost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php University of North Florida School of Music presents: Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series Featuring Sam Handley, Bass-Baritone and Denise Wright, Piano Date: Tuesday, April 18 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: See link for details Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Guitar Ensemble and Studio Concert “Join us for a program of solos, duos, trios, and quartets written and arranged for the classical guitar and guitar ensemble featuring a diverse repertoire spanning the Renaissance through the 21st century.” Date: Tuesday, April 18 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Cost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php University of North Florida School of Music presents: Take Two! UNF Percussion Duo Recital Dr. Andrea Venet, Coordinator Date: Thursday, April 20 at 7:00pm (Updated Time) Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Florida State College of Jacksonville presents: Symphonic Band Concert “Under the direction of Dr. Paul Weikle, the band will perform diverse musical selections.” Date: Thursday, April 20 at 7:30-9:30pm Location: FSCJ South Campus, Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, 32246Click on link for details: https://www.fscj.edu/news-events/calendar?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D164426773 Florida State College of Jacksonville presents: Choral Concert “Under the direction of Dr. Tommy Shaphard, the Men’s Chorus, Women’s Chorus, and The Chorale will present a concert with various songs.” Date: Friday, April 21 at 7:30-9:30pm Location: FSCJ South Campus, Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, 32246Click on link for details: https://www.fscj.edu/news-events/calendar?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D164426775 University of North Florida School of Music presents: Clarinet Choir Recital Dr. Sunshine Simmons, Director Date: Saturday, April 22 at 2:00pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Jacksonville University presents: Spring FINALE: Jacksonville University Orchestra “The Jacksonville University Orchestra closes out the 2022-2023 season with Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ thrilling Symphony No. 2.” Date: Saturday, April 22 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Date: Sunday, April 23 at 6:00pmLocation: St. Anastasia Catholic Church, St. AugustineCost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php University of North Florida School of Music presents: Piano Play-Off: Dance, Dance, Dance! Dr. Erin Bennett, Director Date: Sunday, April 23 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html The Florida Chamber Music Project presents: All Schubert Quartettsatz, D. 703, and String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, D. 810, “Death and the Maiden”, both by Franz Schubert Date: Sunday, April 23 at 3:00-4:00pm Location: Beaches Museum Chapel, 505 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach Cost: $27 Click on link for details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-schubert-tickets-378541426597 Dr. Michael Bovenzi presents: The Extremity Quartet A saxophone quartet recital featuring works by: Ligeti, Hegdon, Tomlinson, Lago, and Florio. “The Extremity Quartet (EQ) is a newly formed chamber music ensemble comprised of music faculty and alumni from the University of North Florida. Members include Michael Bovenzi, Ruben Gedlaman, Lukas Ferrell, and Kedrick Adams.” Date: Monday, April 24 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html University of North Florida School of Music presents: Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble Recital Dr. Marc Dickman, Director Date: Tuesday, April 25 at 5:00-7:00pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Jacksonville University presents: Romantic Giants: Scott Watkins Solo Recital “Dr. Scott Watkins presents a solo recital of music by Franz Liszt, Cesar Franck, and Franz Schubert. The program opens with the poetic Three Petrarch Sonnets by Liszt, followed by the chromatic masterpiece, Prelude, Chorale and Fugue by Franck. Schubert’s epic Sonata in C Major, D. 840, closes the recital. Left incomplete at the composer’s death, the version presented in this program was completed in 1921 by Austrian composer Ernst Krenek. Schubert’s gift for melody and haunting harmonies is apparent in this symphonically conceived work.” Date: Tuesday, April 25 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Cost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php University of North Florida School of Music presents: UNF Orchestra Concerto Showcase Concert Dr. Simon Shiao, Conductor “Featuring Devon Pita, percussion and Nathan Ealum, cello, winners of the 2023 UNF Orchestra Concerto Competition.” Date: Tuesday, April 25 at 7:30pm Location: Lazzara Performance Hall, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html University of North Florida School of Music presents: UNF Music Tech Showcase Concert Dr. Joshua Tomlinson, Coordinator “Original music and sound design composed by UNF music tech students for various media.” Date: Wednesday, April 26 at 8:00pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html 35th Annual Great American Jazz Series presents: JE1 Plays the Music of JE1 J.B. Scott, Artistic Director Date: Thursday, April 27 at 7:30pm Location: UNF’s Andrew A. Robinson Theater, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html University of North Florida School of Music presents: UNF School of Music Honors Recital Dr. John Daugherty, Coordinator Date: Friday, April 28 at 12:00pm Location: Andrew A. Robinson Theater, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details:https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Friday Musicale presents: Architect Saxophone Quartet “What Summer Brings” “The Architect Saxophone Quartet was formed at the University of North Florida. Its members include Gavin Martellotti (soprano), Ruben Gedlaman (alto), Jack Beatenhead (tenor), and Kedrick Adams (baritone). Architect is currently based out of Jacksonville Florida, where the group performs local recitals and engages in the community.” Date: Friday, April 28 at 7:00-9:00pm Location: 645 Oak St., JacksonvilleCost: See link for details. Click on link for tickets and for details: https://fridaymusicale.com/event/architect-saxophone-quartet-what-summer-brings/ The Jacksonville Symphony presents: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” Opera Kevin Fitzgerald, Conductor Kristine McIntyre, Stage Director Jacksonville Symphony Chorus Students from UNF School of Music “An Adventure of Romance & Enchantment. Watch as Jacoby Symphony Hall shimmers and transforms into a fairy tale out of a storybook.” Date: Friday, April 28 at 7:30pm and Sunday, April 30 at 3:00pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: Starting at $29 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.jaxsymphony.org/concerts-tickets/22-23-season/ University of North Florida School of Music presents: UNF Flute Faculty Recital UNF flute professors, Gia Sastre and Sarah Jane Young with pianist, Galen Dean Peiskee, Jr. “Repertoire by Ian Clarke, Franz Doppler, Flutronix, Shulamit Ran and Yuko Uebayashi” Date: Monday, May 1 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Saint Augustine Orchestra presents: From Broadway to Blockbusters “Bring your popcorn and enjoy soundtracks from stage and screen! From Phantom of the Opera and My Fair Lady to Grease to Jurassic Park and Raider’s of the Lost Ark, you won’t want to miss this night at the movies!” Scott C. Gregg, Artistic Director Dates: Wednesday, May 10 at 8:00-9:30pm and Thursday, May 11 at 8:00-9:30pm Location: Lightner Museum, 75 King St., St. Augustine, 32084Cost: Adults $27.50, students 11-17 $12.00, youth 10 and under free Click on link for details and tickets: https://staugustineorchestra.ticketleap.com/ _________________________________ 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? 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. April 12 9:30 – Meeting After – Program JMTA General Meeting And Program – Yangmingting Fang Keyboard Connection/Zoom 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 April 23 3:00pm Student Day Honors Recital UNF Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, 32224 April 25 6:00pm Community “Proton Therapy” Recital UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., May 10 9:30 – Meeting 10:30 – Program JMTA General Meeting And Program - Recital Keyboard Connection/Zoom 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 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. JMTA High Notes
April 2023—Vol. 26, no. 7 JMTA General Meeting at Keyboard Connection and Zoom: Wednesday, April 12, 2023: 9:30am Program afterwards: Engaging Students with Autism in Music Lessons – Yangmingting Fang _________________________________ President’s Pen Does music envelop your life or is it tangential? Do you find that your daily schedule revolves around musical activities – practice, preparation for lessons, reading, listening, teaching, performing solo or in ensembles, accompanying for church or other events…or does music take on a minor role for a few hours a few days a week? Whether or not music steers our routines, we recognize the power of music to transcend experiences and make permanent impressions. Each of us can link specific pieces of music with moments in our past – some happy memories, others, sad. Just the first lines of a song will trigger emotions and take us to a place or experience in our past. Helping our students access their memories to impact pieces they are studying will open an array of expressions available whenever they want. We always talk about the musical form, phrasing, dynamics, touch – but leave off the mood or character the composer is suggesting in the score. This may be the element that captures the student’s imagination. Do we connect well with each of our students? Some days, yes – some days, not so much. I believe that many of my students have had ADHD or have exhibited traits of autism. Often I was unprepared for their needs. The following session that we will watch as our April program provides background and many suggestions for working with students who have degrees of autism. Title: Engaging Students with Autism in Music Lessons -This presentation serves as a guide for inexperienced music teachers who desire to elevate the quality of life for students with autism. It synthesizes information from neurologists and biologists to bring an increased awareness to the cause of the disorder, as well as psychologists’ recommendations for communication strategies and physical activity. Yangmingting Fang recently completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Perfor-mance with a secondary concentration in Piano Pedagogy at The University of Alabama. She enjoys being a performer, a teacher, as well as a collaborative pianist. Fang is currently a Piano Instructor and Collaborative Artist in Residence at Orpheus Academy of Music in Austin, TX. I hope you will join me at Keyboard Connection or online for this important event. Anita Anita Renfroe President, JMTA anita@renfroepiano.com _________________________________ JMTA General Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 9:30am Keyboard Connection/Zoom Present Zoom: Lynn Freeman, Kama Rasmussen-Li, Angie Holt, Mary McKee, Erin Bennett, Kamila Shahtakhtinsky, Angie Holt, Joan Cordell, Stephan Bernhard Present In-Person: Anita Renfroe, Lorraine Sears, Denise Homsley, Stefanie Batson-Martin, Paulette Kilts, Sandra Roberts, Lisa Barwell Call to Order: 9:32am (Anita Renfroe) Parliamentarian: (Lynn Freeman)
Secretary Minutes: (Stefanie Batson-Martin)
Treasurer’s Report: (Stefanie and Damon Martin)
Vice-President/Membership: (JohnWillard Utuk)
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Altruistic: (Sandra Roberts)
Communications/Internet Media: (Angie Holt)
Community Service: (Joan Cordell)
Ethics: (Betty Atkinson)
Historian: (Lynn Roberts)
Programs: (Open position) Scholarships: (Kamila Shahtakhtinski)
Social: (Angie Holt and Stefanie Batson-Martin)
Student Recitals: (Lorraine Sears and Gavin Taylor)
Student Day Report: (Angie Holt)
Wellness Liaison: (Lisa Barwell)
Old Business:
New Business:
Adjourned: 10:10am (Anita Renfroe) Program: “Sleep and Exercise: The Unsung Practice Strategies” by Lois Svard -Submitted by Stefanie Batson-Martin, Recording Secretary ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ JMTA Treasury Report February 2023 ___________________________________________________________________ JMTA MONTHLY PROGRAMS APRIL Engaging Students with Autism in Music Lessons This presentation serves as a guide for inexperienced music teachers who desire to elevate the quality of life for students with autism. It synthesizes information from neurologists and biologists to bring an increased awareness to the cause of the disorder, as well as psychologists’ recommendations for communication strategies and physical activity. Yangmingting Fang recently completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance with a secondary concentration in Piano Pedagogy at The University of Alabama. She enjoys being a performer, a teacher, as well as a collaborative pianist. Fang is currently a Piano Instructor and Collaborative Artist in Residence at Orpheus Academy of Music in Austin, TX. PROGRAM CHAIR JMTA is in need of a Program Chair to organize the monthly programs. In the meantime, Dr. Anita Renfroe is continuing to bring programs to us. If you have an interest in being the Program Chair, please contact Anita at anita@renfroepiano.com. ____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2023 JMTA High School Senior Scholarship The 2023 JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition was held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Keyboard Connection. The judges were Dr. Erin Bennett, Dr. Anita Renfroe, and Dr. Sandra Stewart. Applicants Spencer McKee, student of Mary McKee and Yunhan Shen, student of Kamila Shahtakhtinski, performed programs of contrasting pieces from different periods. Spencer McKee was declared the winner of the 2023 JMTA High School Senior Scholarship. He will be presented with the check in the amount of $1,000 of established scholarship money after his performance at the JMTA meeting on May 10, 2023. - Kamila Shahtakhtinski, NCTM, Scholarship Committee Chair _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ JMTA Recitals Community “Proton Therapy” Student Recital The annual Community “Proton Therapy” recital will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 6pm for patients and staff at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., Jacksonville, 32206. This recital is for late-intermediate to advanced students only. Volunteer hours will be given. View the website for more detailed information on applications and participation guidelines. https://www.jaxmta.org/community-proton-therapy-recital.html. If you have qualified students who would like to participate, please email information to Sandy Stewart at iunsuusc@att.net. - Dr. Sandra Stewart is the organizer of this event. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ DISTRICT IV NEWS District IV Concerto Competition Following are the winners of the FSMTA District Concerto Competition, which was held on March 11 at UNF’s Recital Hall: JUNIOR DIVISION Junior Strings Competition Winner: Amelia Harin
Alternate: Adriana Ossi
Winner: Ava Gong
Intermediate Strings Competition Winner: Louis Ossi
Senior Strings Competition Winner: Annelise Ossi
Senior Piano Competition Winner: Spencer McKee
These winners will go on to compete at the state competition, to be held at Jacksonville University on May 12-13. Many thanks to the judges: Strings: Siyu Zhang and Piotr Szewczyk Piano: Ileana Fernandez, JohnWillard Utuk, and Lynne Radcliffe - Dr. Erin Bennett, District Concerto Chair District IV Student Day District IV Student Day was held on March 25, 2023, at Mandarin Baptist Church. A total of 31 students participated from seven studios. 19 of those students have received State Honors and have been invited to perform in the Honors recital on Sunday, April 23 at 2pm at UNF’s Recital Hall. To receive State Honors, a student must receive Honors in both parts of the adjudicated audition and at least an Achievement in both Aural Theory and Written Theory. We are encouraging of each student who participates and works hard for Student Day, regardless of their grade; learning the Aural and Written theory has shown to be a valuable help when taking music classes in college. Many thanks are extended to this year’s adjudicators: Dr. Michael Mastronicola, Joan Cordell, and Rhonda Danielson, with help from Dr. Sandra Stewart, Stefanie Batson-Martin, Lorie Burningham, helpful advice from Denise Homsley, and Aural theory testers Dr. Jeannie Rose and Lorraine Sears, who also managed the recitals. In addition, a big thank-you to Dr. Erin Bennett for all her help in enabling us to use UNF’s Recital Hall for the Honors recital. Certificates, medallions, and State ribbons should be ready by the end of this month to be distributed in time for end-of-year studio recitals. Following are some scenes from this year’s District Student Day. - Angie Holt, District Student Day Chair (angiespianostudio7@gmail.com) Photo cred: Lorraine Sears __________________________________________________________________________________ Over Coffee With . . . This month we are getting to know a new member of the JMTA who has recently transferred to our area. Please welcome Stefan Bernhard. STEFAN BERNHARD
Q. What inspired you to begin music lessons? A. I suppose it was a decision made for me, but a good one. Our family would attend concerts throughout New Orleans at great music venues, including the Orpheum and the Mahalia Jackson Theaters, and we also had an extensive collection of classical music records and CDs at home. Classical music was always present one way or another, so I suppose I developed a taste and understanding for it naturally. My two older brothers took lessons, so I would imitate their pieces at the piano by ear! My parents thought this was a good sign, so I began formal lessons at 5. Q. Did you have a favorite music teacher(s) that made music more enjoyable? A. When I was about 12 I began lessons with Faina Lushtak, who is a Steinway Artist and head of the keyboard division at Tulane University. She had previously taught my older brother and has an excellent reputation. It was an exciting prospect because I enjoyed attending her studio recitals and solo/concerto appearances. Her refined interpretations and ample technique inspired me to get some serious work done. She was like a second mother and kept all her students motivated by frequently involving us in competitions, master classes, festivals, and concerts. These experiences laid the foundation for my motivation, technical standards, interpretive approach, and general workflow. Q. Tell us about some things you have been/are involved in musically. A. At about 16 I was lucky enough to win the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Concerto Competition and performed Rachmaninov’s Second Concerto with the LPO. It’s one of my most treasured musical memories, and I still play it from time to time. I’ve participated in festivals that included solo and chamber recitals, including the Schlern International Music Festival in Völs am Schlern, Italy, New Orleans Piano Institute, and Master Classes with renowned pianists including Walter Hautzig, Seymour Bernstein, Vladimir Krainev, and Santiago Rodriguez. I’ve performed at Tulane University, University of Miami, the Royal College of Music, and the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center in Miami. Other music related activities include music consultant for the TV show American Horror Story: Coven, blog critic for the 24th New Orleans International Piano Competition, and judge for the 2019 Steinway and Sons Junior Piano Competition. My students have taken prizes at the 2018 Steinway and Sons Junior Piano Competition, Clara Schumann International Piano Competition, Sound Espressivo Festival and Competition, South Florida International Piano Competition, and the Manolov International Piano Competition in New York. Additionally, they’ve participated in the Key Biscayne Piano Festival, University of Miami Piano Seminar, and New Orleans Piano Institute. Q. Do you have a story of something that happened during one of your performances and how you handled it? A. I had an incident happen when rushing to my senior recital at Tulane, forgetting my cufflinks. Right after I started playing the opening work, a Haydn Sonata in E flat, I noticed my right shirt cuff had been poking out of the right jacket sleeve. It was covering my entire right hand. I had two choices, either stop and fix it or play on. I decided to just continue playing and finish the first movement before adjusting it. Luckily it didn’t cause any issues. That was a gentle reminder to devise a preconcert routine! Q. What advice would you give to teachers to encourage students to practice more? A. This is one of the biggest struggles we face as educators, and of course a complex one. When I was completing my masters at the Royal College of Music in London, we had taken modules in music education, performance health and wellbeing, performance research, etc. So I had an understanding of some of the psychological and social underpinnings of motivation, goal setting, perseverance, and overall well-being of musicians. Here are 10 research-backed action steps teachers can take:
Q. What advice would you give to help curb nerves before a performance? A. This is another major issue we all face as both performers and teachers, so we have experience from both sides. My advice is usually tailored to my students’ personalities, aptitudes, and outlook. However, in general I use a “performance roadmap” that lays a path toward the main performance/audition over one month after their piece is sufficiently learned (in the most ideal case). At this point, students should already understand the piece’s form and harmonic structure to serve as a “safety net”. The purpose is to desensitize them as much as possible and provide quantitative feedback for an objective measurement of where they stand. I have them fill out a worksheet with a scale of 1-10 in categories of: nervousness before and during performance, technique, tempo, and interpretation. The performance roadmap has students:
Q. What is one of the most interesting places you've visited? A. When I was in the UK in 2015 and 2016, I was fortunate to travel Europe extensively. Perhaps my favorite country was Malta, as its ancient heritage, unique language, and stunning natural vistas were unforgettable. I’d love to return soon as they have a budding classical music scene and piano series. Q. Who are some of your favorite music composers? A. If you were to see my social media pages, you’d probably come across a lot of Rachmaninov and Scriabin! I’d say those two are endlessly inspiring to me due to the complexity and novelty of their emotional content. Also, the technical and interpretive challenges are immense, but satisfying to tackle once you take control over it. ____________________________________________________________________________________ AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Community Hospice Performances If you would be interested in performing a recital at the Hadlow Center 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. Sandra Stewart at 904-333-9280. Friday Musicale presents: UNF Wind Players in Concert Clarinet Choir, Flute Ensemble, Clarinet Quartet, Wind Octet. “Consisting of music performance, education, and technology students, they have been seen on the stages in Bunol, Spain, Ostend, Belgium, Reno, NV, and Knoxville, TN.” Directed by Dr. Erin Bodnar, Dr. Sunshine Simmons, and Dr. Sarah Jane Young Date: Thursday, April 13 at 7:00-9:00pm Location: 645 Oak St., JacksonvilleCost: Free admission for Musicale members, UNF affiliates, and youth under 13 years (with adult); General admission $10. Click on link for tickets and for details: https://fridaymusicale.com/event/unf-clarinet-and-flute-choir/ Amelia Island Singers present: The Road Home Spring Concert Dr. Anita Renfroe, Accompanist Dates: Friday, April 21 at 7:00pm, and Sunday, April 23 at 3:00pm Location: Amelia Plantation Chapel, 36 Bowman Road. Go to ameliaislandsingers.com for tickets. Read brochures below for more information. The Jacksonville Symphony presents: Picturesque Postcards: Featuring Music by Copland, Smetana, Delius and Elgar Symphony in 60 Series Courtney Lewis, Conductor “Visit four countries in only one hour – Mexico, the Czech Republic, the United States and the United Kingdom – and find yourself musically surrounded by their lush and lively landscapes.” Date: Thursday, April 13 at 6:30pm (Cocktail hour begins at 5:30pm, concert begins at 6:30pm) Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: $25Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/picturesque-postcards-sym60/3102?_ga=2.244809090.607439795.1681113566-757763258.1662407897 University of North Florida Percussion presents: Spring Showcase Featuring Guest Artist, Dr. Melinda Leoce, Percussion “With guest artists: Carol Maynard, flute; Kevin Clasen-LeBlanc, clarinet; and Matt Monroe, horn. Featuring music by Jacques Ibert, Eric Ewazen, Samuel Barber and Jean-Philippe Rameau.” Date: Friday, April 14 at 6:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html The Jacksonville Symphony presents: Disco Inferno Pops Series Grant O’Brien, Conductor Tamika Lawrence, Lorinda Lisitza, and Scott Coulter, Vocalists John Boswell, Piano “Dig out your platform shoes, satin pants and sequins and get ready to move! Jacoby Symphony Hall will sparkle under the spotlight for this wild 70s musical extravaganza.” Date: Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: $27 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/disco-inferno?_ga=2.148291248.607439795.1681113566-757763258.1662407897 Jacksonville University presents: JU Wind Ensemble Spring Concert “This spring pops concert will feature the Jacksonville University Wind Ensemble performing Latin inspired music from around the world.” Date: Saturday, April 15 at 3:00pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Cost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php Lawson Ensemble and University of North Florida Chamber Singers present: Viva Vivaldi! “With UNF Chamber Singers featuring Aurica Duca, violin; Grace Bahng Gavin and Nick Curry, cellos; and Cara Tasher, conductor. Works by Vivaldi.” Date: Sunday, April 16 at 6:00pm Location: The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 1100 Stockton St., Jacksonville, 32204Cost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Jacksonville University presents: Violin and Viola Studio Recital “Come and enjoy the talent and musicianship of the violin and viola students of Dr. Marguerite Richardson as they perform in their annual showcase concert.” Date: Sunday, April 16 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Cost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php University of North Florida School of Music presents: Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series Featuring Sam Handley, Bass-Baritone and Denise Wright, Piano Date: Tuesday, April 18 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: See link for details Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Guitar Ensemble and Studio Concert “Join us for a program of solos, duos, trios, and quartets written and arranged for the classical guitar and guitar ensemble featuring a diverse repertoire spanning the Renaissance through the 21st century.” Date: Tuesday, April 18 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Cost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php University of North Florida School of Music presents: Take Two! UNF Percussion Duo Recital Dr. Andrea Venet, Coordinator Date: Thursday, April 20 at 7:00pm (Updated Time) Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Florida State College of Jacksonville presents: Symphonic Band Concert “Under the direction of Dr. Paul Weikle, the band will perform diverse musical selections.” Date: Thursday, April 20 at 7:30-9:30pm Location: FSCJ South Campus, Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, 32246Click on link for details: https://www.fscj.edu/news-events/calendar?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D164426773 Florida State College of Jacksonville presents: Choral Concert “Under the direction of Dr. Tommy Shaphard, the Men’s Chorus, Women’s Chorus, and The Chorale will present a concert with various songs.” Date: Friday, April 21 at 7:30-9:30pm Location: FSCJ South Campus, Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, 32246Click on link for details: https://www.fscj.edu/news-events/calendar?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D164426775 University of North Florida School of Music presents: Clarinet Choir Recital Dr. Sunshine Simmons, Director Date: Saturday, April 22 at 2:00pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Jacksonville University presents: Spring FINALE: Jacksonville University Orchestra “The Jacksonville University Orchestra closes out the 2022-2023 season with Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ thrilling Symphony No. 2.” Date: Saturday, April 22 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Date: Sunday, April 23 at 6:00pmLocation: St. Anastasia Catholic Church, St. AugustineCost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php University of North Florida School of Music presents: Piano Play-Off: Dance, Dance, Dance! Dr. Erin Bennett, Director Date: Sunday, April 23 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html The Florida Chamber Music Project presents: All Schubert Quartettsatz, D. 703, and String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, D. 810, “Death and the Maiden”, both by Franz Schubert Date: Sunday, April 23 at 3:00-4:00pm Location: Beaches Museum Chapel, 505 BeachBlvd., Jacksonville Beach Cost: $27 Click on link for details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-schubert-tickets-378541426597 Dr. Michael Bovenzi presents: The Extremity Quartet A saxophone quartet recital featuring works by: Ligeti, Hegdon, Tomlinson, Lago, and Florio. “The Extremity Quartet (EQ) is a newly formed chamber music ensemble comprised of music faculty and alumni from the University of North Florida. Members include Michael Bovenzi, Ruben Gedlaman, Lukas Ferrell, and Kedrick Adams.” Date: Monday, April 24 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html University of North Florida School of Music presents: Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble Recital Dr. Marc Dickman, Director Date: Tuesday, April 25 at 5:00-7:00pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Jacksonville University presents: Romantic Giants: Scott Watkins Solo Recital “Dr. Scott Watkins presents a solo recital of music by Franz Liszt, Cesar Franck, and Franz Schubert. The program opens with the poetic Three Petrarch Sonnets by Liszt, followed by the chromatic masterpiece, Prelude, Chorale and Fugue by Franck. Schubert’s epic Sonata in C Major, D. 840, closes the recital. Left incomplete at the composer’s death, the version presented in this program was completed in 1921 by Austrian composer Ernst Krenek. Schubert’s gift for melody and haunting harmonies is apparent in this symphonically conceived work.” Date: Tuesday, April 25 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Cost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php University of North Florida School of Music presents: UNF Orchestra Concerto Showcase Concert Dr. Simon Shiao, Conductor “Featuring Devon Pita, percussion and Nathan Ealum, cello, winners of the 2023 UNF Orchestra Concerto Competition.” Date: Tuesday, April 25 at 7:30pm Location: Lazzara Performance Hall, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html University of North Florida School of Music presents: UNF Music Tech Showcase Concert Dr. Joshua Tomlinson, Coordinator “Original music and sound design composed by UNF music tech students for various media.” Date: Wednesday, April 26 at 8:00pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html 35th Annual Great American Jazz Series presents: JE1 Plays the Music of JE1 J.B. Scott, Artistic Director Date: Thursday, April 27 at 7:30pm Location: UNF’s Andrew A. Robinson Theater, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html University of North Florida School of Music presents: UNF School of Music Honors Recital Dr. John Daugherty, Coordinator Date: Friday, April 28 at 12:00pm Location: Andrew A. Robinson Theater, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details:https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Friday Musicale presents: Architect Saxophone Quartet “What Summer Brings” “The Architect Saxophone Quartet was formed at the University of North Florida. Its members include Gavin Martellotti (soprano), Ruben Gedlaman (alto), Jack Beatenhead (tenor), and Kedrick Adams (baritone). Architect is currently based out of Jacksonville Florida, where the group performs local recitals and engages in the community.” Date: Friday, April 28 at 7:00-9:00pm Location: 645 Oak St., JacksonvilleCost: See link for details. Click on link for tickets and for details: https://fridaymusicale.com/event/architect-saxophone-quartet-what-summer-brings/ The Jacksonville Symphony presents: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” Opera Kevin Fitzgerald, Conductor Kristine McIntyre, Stage Director Jacksonville Symphony Chorus Students from UNF School of Music “An Adventure of Romance & Enchantment. Watch as Jacoby Symphony Hall shimmers and transforms into a fairy tale out of a storybook.” Date: Friday, April 28 at 7:30pm and Sunday, April 30 at 3:00pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: Starting at $29 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.jaxsymphony.org/concerts-tickets/22-23-season/ University of North Florida School of Music presents: UNF Flute Faculty Recital UNF flute professors, Gia Sastre and Sarah Jane Young with pianist, Galen Dean Peiskee, Jr. “Repertoire by Ian Clarke, Franz Doppler, Flutronix, Shulamit Ran and Yuko Uebayashi” Date: Monday, May 1 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Saint Augustine Orchestra presents: From Broadway to Blockbusters “Bring your popcorn and enjoy soundtracks from stage and screen! From Phantom of the Opera and My Fair Lady to Grease to Jurassic Park and Raider’s of the Lost Ark, you won’t want to miss this night at the movies!” Scott C. Gregg, Artistic Director Dates: Wednesday, May 10 at 8:00-9:30pm and Thursday, May 11 at 8:00-9:30pm Location: Lightner Museum, 75 King St., St. Augustine, 32084Cost: Adults $27.50, students 11-17 $12.00, youth 10 and under free Click on link for details and tickets: https://staugustineorchestra.ticketleap.com/ _____________________________________________________________________________ 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? 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. DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION April 12 9:30 – Meeting After – Program JMTA General Meeting And Program – Yangmingting Fang Keyboard Connection/Zoom 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 April 23 3:00pm Student Day Honors Recital UNF Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, 32224 April 25 6:00pm Community “Proton Therapy” Recital UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., May 10 9:30 – Meeting 10:30 – Program JMTA General Meeting And Program - Recital Keyboard Connection/Zoom 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 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. JMTA High Notes
March 2023—Vol. 26, no. 6 JMTA General Meeting at Keyboard Connection and Zoom: Wednesday, March 8, 2023: 9:30am (Program afterwards - Sleep and Exercise: the unsung practice strategies) _________________________________________________________ President’s Pen Spring is in the air! The azaleas are opening in many beautiful colors, the redbuds are showing off their tiny vivid blossoms along the stems and the warm sun and windy conditions are ushering in change. It’s easy to understand why there’s a tradition of “spring housecleaning.” Perhaps that’s what we need to do in our studios as well. Are we bold enough to make changes in the literature we teach? Can we make room for new composers or older ones who have been neglected due to their ethnicity? Can we take the time to find ways to include some improv training or encourage students to compose or do variations on one of their pieces? Some method books provide opportunities for limited composition but the examples may not appeal to your students. One suggestion is to ask a student the name of a pop piece they really like, then google it and most likely your will find an easy piano as well as a difficult version of the tune. I often opt for the easy version and help the student analyze the harmony and find ways to fill with broken chords, arpeggios, syncopated chords, octaves – whatever is within that student’s technical facility. They enjoy playing these for their friends and in group piano sessions. Now you as the teacher have given the student joy and success in being able to play a piece they think is cool and you’ve layered in theory and technique in the process. JMTA members have rich teaching experiences to share. If you would like to include one of those in our newsletter, please send it in to Angie Holt (jaxmta@gmail.com). Sometimes we just get stuck and need a little inspiration so please share your ideas. There is a niche for each of you in this organization. Not everyone can attend all the meetings but there are so many other activities outside of the meetings that need attention. (Please see the website and the monthly calendars for more on this topic.) The Nominating Committees for JMTA and for District 4 will be presenting candidates to take over as leaders in these organizations for 2023-2025 at the March meeting. Please make an effort to either attend the meeting in person on March 8th at Keyboard Connection at 9:30 or join us online. It’s important to hear from each member! See you in March! Anita Anita Renfroe President, JMTA anita@renfroepiano.com __________________________________________________________ JMTA General Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 9:30am Keyboard Connection/Zoom Present Zoom: Lynn Freeman, Kama Rasmussen-Li, Paulette Kilts, Angie Holt, Mary McKee, Lisa Barwell, Erin Bennett, Kamila Shahtakhtinsky Present In-Person: Anita Renfroe, Lorraine Sears, Denise Homsley, Stefanie Batson-Martin, Paulette Kilts, Betty Atkinson Call to Order: 9:30am (Anita Renfroe) Parliamentarian: (Lynn Freeman) • Nothing to report Secretary Minutes: (Stefanie Batson-Martin) • Minutes were read by Stefanie • Minutes were approved as read Treasurer’s Report: (Stefanie and Damon Martin) • Total checking: $10,776.88 • Business Shares (Piano Festival): $1,845.08 • Business Money Market (Scholarships): $7,971.50 • Paulette volunteered to assist Damon and Stefanie with CD rates Vice-President/Membership: (JohnWillard Utuk) • Not present • A few new members have come in, no names yet, we would like to reach out to them • Dean Allan Slickis, Director of Musical Studies at OM Studios International is a prospective new member that FSMTA forwarded to Angie and Anita. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Altruistic: (Sandra Roberts) • Two cards will go to the churches that held the recitals this school year • Kama proposed sending Anita a thank-you card for continued health • We'll talk about a card for Jack Melvin at the March meeting Communications/Internet Media: (Angie Holt) • Newsletter will be out today Community Service: (Joan Cordell) • Not present Ethics: (Betty Atkinson) • Nothing to report Historian: (Lynn Roberts) • Not present Programs: (Open position) • Wide open for somebody to help with, Anita hopes somebody will be inspired to take this on Scholarships: (Kamila Shahtakhtinski) • Nothing to report • Deadline is March 5 • Wanted opinion on moving it online Social: (Angie Holt and Stefanie Batson-Martin) • Angie, Betty and Jack provided snacks for after the meeting Student Recitals: (Lorraine Sears and Gavin Taylor) • Next recital, March 26, All Saints Episcopal, entries go to Lorraine, everything is on the website and in the high notes • Proposing to amend the budget to donate $50 to each church (two total) • Lorraine Sears motioned, Mary McKee seconded, approved unanimously Student Day Report: (Angie Holt) • Student Day is Saturday, March 25 at Mandarin Baptist • Honors Recital is Saturday, April 23 at UNF Wellness Liaison: (Lisa Barwell) • Want to schedule a copy of hikes soon Old Business: • Sonata and Sonatina Festival: Sunday, February 26, 2pm at UNF Deadline just passed Possibly two recitals, Erin will confirm if there are two recitals • Concerto Competition: Saturday, March 11, PM time frame Deadline is February 17 New Business:
Adjourned: 10:12am (Anita Renfroe) Program: 2022-2023 FSMTA Online Conference, Part 1: Ruth Greenfield Documentary and Presentation of the Breaking Barriers Award from FSMTA -Submitted by Stefanie Batson-Martin, Recording Secretary ______________________________________________________ JMTA Treasury Report JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report | January 1-31, 2023 Expenses 1/25/2023 Check Reorder #5580278260 $25.00 Deposits 01/31/23Interest - Business Checking $0.93 Current Checking $6,373.32 Piano Festival Fund (add to Business Shares Acct) $3,337.08 Warren Fund $1,127.73 TOTAL Checking Account $10,838.13 Other Accounts: Expenses Deposits 01/31/23Interest - Business Money Market $7.80 01/31/23Interest - Business Shares $0.16 Business Money Market (Scholarship) $8,071.50 Business Shares (Festival) $1,850.08 TOTAL $9,921.58 TOTAL ASSETS as of January 31, 2023 $20,759.71 Submitted by Stef & Damon Martin 02/20/2023 ______________________________________________________ JMTA MONTHLY PROGRAMS MARCH Our March program will be “Sleep and Exercise: the unsung practice strategies” by Lois Svard, DMA, NCTM, and Professor of Music Emerita at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. Lois is the author of the blog “The Musician’s Brain, about music, the brain, and learning”, and her new book The Musical Brain: What Students, Teachers, and Performers Need to Know is being published this month by Oxford University Press: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-musical-brain-9780197584170?cc=us&lang=en& “About twenty-five years ago – on the way to exploring something else – I discovered research that neuroscientists have been doing with music and musicians, and I quickly became hooked. The implications of this research for practicing musicians seemed enormous to me, and over the past twenty-five years I have read thousands of research studies, spoken with neuroscientists about their work, taken neuroscience courses, experimented with my students (they were willing – even eager – guinea pigs), and written about what this research means for a musician. While still on the faculty at Bucknell, I taught a course called ‘Making Music: Mind/Brain/Body,’ in which neuroscience students, music students, and students from other disciplines who were interested in music, explored the real-life applications of some of this brain research. I learned a lot from questions and observations raised by those students, as well as from students in Life Long Learning courses. I’ve given talks about the brain and music at a major teaching hospital, at national neuroscience and medical conferences, and at national and international music conferences.” – Lois Svard, https://www.themusiciansbrain.com/about-2/bio/ This program was part of the FSMTA 2022 Conference Wellness Committee originally scheduled for October 2022 but rescheduled as virtual on January 28, 2023. PROGRAM CHAIR JMTA is in need of a Program Chair to organize the monthly programs. In the meantime, Dr. Anita Renfroe is continuing to bring programs to us. If you have an interest in being the Program Chair, please contact Anita at anita@renfroepiano.com. ________________________________________________________ JMTA AND DISTRICT 4 BOARD NOMINATIONS JMTA Members: It’s time to think about how you want to support JMTA in 2023-2025. Would you like to serve as an officer or on the Board? If so, please contact Anita Renfroe (Anita@renfroepiano.com) to express your interest. A nominating committee will be presenting a slate of officers for the 2023-2025 term at the March meeting. District 4 is also putting together a nominating committee to present a slate of District officers. Please contact Kama Rasmussen (kamarasmussen@gmail.com) if you are interested in serving as a District officer. The District nominating committee will be presenting candidates at the March meeting as well. Dr. Anita Renfroe, NCTM anita@renfroepiano.com ____________________________________________________ JMTA Recitals JMTA Student Recital Our next student recital will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, 32207. It will be held at 3pm. Students should be checked in by 2:45p. Guests are welcome to attend. Photos and videos are permitted, however be sure devices don't make sound. Performances are welcome from any instrument and level. $5 per student must be paid before or at the recital. Michael Mastronicola requests that 2-3 men or high school boys help with moving the piano. This will need to be done 30 minutes before the recital begins. If you have someone who can help with this, please include that with your student information. View the website for more detailed information on applications and participation guidelines. https://www.jaxmta.org/jmta-student-recitals.html - Lorraine Sears, Student Recitals Co-Chair (jaxpeach13@gmail.com) Community “Proton Therapy” Student Recital The annual Community “Proton Therapy” recital will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 6pm for patients and staff at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., Jacksonville, 32206. This recital is for late-intermediate to advanced students only. Volunteer hours will be given. View the website for more detailed information on applications and participation guidelines. https://www.jaxmta.org/community-proton-therapy-recital.html. If you have qualified students who would like to participate, please email information to Sandy Stewart at iunsuusc@att.net. - Dr. Sandra Stewart is the organizer of this event. ________________________________________________ JMTA Scholarships JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition The JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 10:00am at the Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd. The deadline for application is March 6, 2023, no exceptions. Auditions will be open only to students who have studied for six or more months with a JMTA member in good standing and who state their intention to pursue a college degree in Music. Students seeking a dual major in Music and another field of study are eligible to apply. Three letters of recommendation, applicant’s repertoire list of three pieces from different time periods with duration no longer than 30 minutes along with signed application form and the fee of $25. Repertoire must be memorized. The winner of the Scholarship Competition is required to perform at a future JMTA function, TBA. Check the website for more information. Guidelines: https://www.jaxmta.org/jmta-high-school-senior-scholarship-competition-guidelines.html Application: https://www.jaxmta.org/uploads/1/2/6/2/126223255/jmta_high_school_senior_scholarship_application.pdf - Kamila Shahtakhtinski, NCTM, chair of JMTA Scholarship Committee. JMTA Summer Music Camp Scholarship JMTA Summer music camp scholarship is awarded annually only to pre-college students of JMTA members. The deadline for application is March 27, 2023. The scholarship may be awarded in full or partially. Students who receive scholarships may attend the summer camp of their choice. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of need. Only one scholarship per family may be awarded. Students who receive money for summer camps from other organizations are not eligible to receive assistance from JMTA. Teachers must submit a short outline of their students’ qualification for scholarship along with their name(s) to the JMTA Scholarship Committee for consideration by the JMTA board. Check the website for more information. Guidelines: https://www.jaxmta.org/jmta-summer-music-camp-scholarship-application-guidelines.html Application: https://www.jaxmta.org/uploads/1/2/6/2/126223255/jmta_summer_music_camp_scholarship_application.pdf - Kamila Shahtakhtinski, NCTM, chair of JMTA Scholarship Committee. Some Area Summer Music Camp Offerings: Jacksonville University Summer Chamber Music Intensive June 11-17, 2023; apply by April 1, 2023 https://www.ju.edu/music/chamber-music-intensive-competition.php For the following: Strings and Piano Activities include: Chamber Music Masterclasses Performances Private lessons All-State Audition Preparation University of North Florida Summer Music Camp June 18-23, 2023; registration will begin on March 6, 2023 https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/summer-camp.html For the following: Flute Bass Clarinet Clarinet Euphonium (Classical and Jazz) Horn Bass Trombone (Classical and Jazz) Jazz Bass Jazz Drumset Jazz Guitar Jazz Piano Oboe Percussion Saxophone (Classical and Jazz) Trombone (Classical and Jazz) Trumpet (Classical and Jazz) Tuba (Classical and Jazz) Jazz Combo Bb Jazz Combo Eb Jazz Combo Concert Key Jazz Combo Requirements Prelude Chamber Music Camp & Festival Music Camp and Festival June 19-24, 2023; check back with website for registration deadline - TBA https://preludechambermusic.org/music-camp For the following: Violin Viola Cello Bass Guitar Theory and Electives Friday Musicale Jazz Camp 2023 at Friday MusicaleJuly 31-August 4, 2023; check with facility for registration deadline. https://fridaymusicale.com/jazz-camp-2023/ _____________________________________________________ Center Stage with JohnWillard Utuk, JMTA VP of Membership FSMTA TEACHERS RECITAL JohnWillard Utuk participated in the Teachers Recital at the FSMTA online conference on February 18, 2023, representing District 4. He performed his composition The Etherea Suite Volume 1 for Solo Piano. Here is a link to the performance video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtV0JKybJdI “The music is available for teachers to use with their students, as single movements or the entire suite with program notes included. The link for digital copies is here:” https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/johnwillard-utuk-sheet-music/3024118 - JohnWillard Utuk CREATIVE MUSICIANS RETREAT JohnWillard was recently accepted into the Creative Musicians Retreat of the Walden School in New England for the summer (https://waldenschool.org/). “I'll be part of 40 selected participants from around the world in a week-long festival that includes classes focused on musicianship, composition, improvisation, choral singing, electronic music, and contemporary music. Everyone has the opportunity to work with The International Contemporary Ensemble and take part in three Composers Forums with composer-in-residence Amy Beth Kirsten.” FIRST FRIDAY MUSIC SERIES Also, JohnWillard will be performing at the Community Hospice and Palliative Care's First Friday Music Series on Friday April 7th, at 11:30am-12pm “with my duo partner cellist Marsel Malloli. We'll be playing classical cello/piano arrangements including ‘The Swan’ by Saint-Saëns and my meditative piano solo ‘Relax.’ It's at the Earl Hadlow Center for Caring - 4266 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257.” Do you have a performance or are participating in an event that could be included in the High Notes? Please email the information to Angie Holt at angiespianostudio7@gmail.com. _________________________________________ DISTRICT IV NEWS District IV Concerto Competition The Concerto Competition will take place at UNF School of Music’s Recital Hall on Saturday morning, March 11, 2023, at 10:00am. The application deadline was Feb. 17, 2023. - Dr. Erin Bennett, Concerto Competition Chair District IV Student Day District IV Student Day will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Mandarin Baptist Church. The application deadline was Saturday, February 11. Those who receive Honors will be invited to perform at the Honors Recital, to be held at UNF School of Music’s Recital Hall on Sunday, April 23, at 3pm. - Angie Holt, Student Day Chair (angiespianostudio7@gmail.com) _____________________________________________________ MTNA 2023 National Conference March 25-29, 2023, in Reno, Nevada “Welcome back! There is a place for you at the 2023 MTNA National Conference in Reno, Nevada. Mark your calendars to attend this grand, in-person reunion of the music teaching profession March 25–29, 2023.” – Conference Planning Committee To Register: https://www.mtna.org/Conference/Registration/Conference/Conference_Registration/Pricing.aspx?hkey=6898819c-fc14-4f86-821a-fcf703eb7905 ____________________________________________________ Over Coffee With . . . This month we are speaking with Paulette Kilts, longtime JMTA member, past president, and one who continues to help and mentor our association in many ways. Thank you, Paulette, you are greatly appreciated. PAULETTE KILTS Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A. I was born in southeastern Wisconsin on a small farm and was an only child for 6 years until my sister came along. That meant my Mom spent plenty of time reading to me and probably singing to me as well. I attended elementary and middle school in a small school and graduated High School in a class of about 50 as Valedictorian. Q. What inspired you to begin music lessons? A. (See photo) I wanted to make music at the piano from a very young age, think I am two on the photo and it was a happy Christmas for me. I heard music at church/Sunday School and then on TV through Lawrence Welk and later with Leonard Bernstein Young People’s concerts. Q. Did you have any favorite music teachers that made music more enjoyable? A. My parents got me a large upright piano when I was 10 and I began taking lessons from a local farm wife who had a piano which also made organ sounds as well. (Kind of radical for the early 60's.) From there I moved on to a teacher near the high school I attended who introduced me to early Bach and other classical works. During this time I played the piano for family sing-alongs and with my best friend as we picked up the local pop hits to sing together. In late junior high I had a brief teacher who started to teach me about music theory and then I went on to study with a teacher at Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin before attending Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. At Wartburg, Eugene Hudson was my piano professor, who some of you may know from his tenure at Jacksonville University and involvement in FSMTA. His teaching influenced my career more than my other teachers. His involvement in the Iowa Music Teachers Association inspired me to be of service to the MTNA affiliates in North Dakota, Arizona and Florida where I have taught and benefitted from being a certified MTNA teacher. Q. Tell us some things you have been / are involved in musically. A. Collaborative performance is my greatest joy. I have played for high school instrumentalists and vocalists in competitions, worked as rehearsal accompanist in college for vocalists and instrumentalists, played some duet and two piano literature there as well. After graduation along with starting private teaching, I worked as rehearsal/performance accompanist for a small high school in North Dakota, and in West Fargo, North Dakota I also coached the high school accompanists. I participated in Multi-Piano Festivals in Fargo, North Dakota and Mesa, Arizona. While living near Prescott, Arizona I worked as rehearsal/ performance accompanist for three community musicals “The Fantasticks”, “Camelot” and “Man of La Mancha”. In the Bradenton, Florida area I found a piano duet/duo partner in Mary Lee Coleman St. John and we performed in the area. It was my pleasure to assist with several of the last Multi-Piano Festivals for JMTA. I still enjoy singing in church choirs when that is possible and did sit in once a few years ago on Easter Sunday at a congregation in Gainesville at the piano when the pianist was ill. Q. Do you have a story of something that happened during one of your performances and how you handled it? A. When my high school friend and I were singing in an outdoor summer talent contest on a Saturday evening there were lots of mosquitos around but we just kept on singing, and during my college Senior Recital I forgot where I was during my performance of Debussy’s “L’isle Joyeuse” so I kept on trilling and finally remembered where to go next. Q. What advice would you give to help focus before a performance and curb nerves? A. Something that has helped me with performance nerves is visualization. Just seeing an event or performance in advance and how it will go seemed to help. Q. What is one of the most interesting places you've visited? A. In May of 1973 I was one of several Wartburg college students who did a brief term of study in New York City led by Eugene Hudson. During that time, we had the privilege of visiting the Steinway factory and participating in the selection of a new grand piano for the college. Q. What do you find to be a challenge in teaching music and what do you find that helps? A. As I look back on my teaching career, having retired in 2016, the biggest challenge was keeping my teaching relevant to the times while working to maintain the standards I felt were important. I taught in three different states, different sized communities and the longest teaching location was my 12 years in Jacksonville. During my career, I had home studios, taught in a church (because of zoning regulations), taught in public school on Saturday, taught in a private school and did some in-home as well as Skype teaching. I started my first computer lab for my students in 1988. My biggest assistant to meeting those challenges was MTNA and its affiliate Local and State Associations. I learned more from other colleagues than I did from my own teaching experiences. I am still involved in these activities because I feel it is important to mentor new teachers and encourage them to continue to train musicians who will benefit from these experiences all of their lives. My husband Dan and I continue to serve in other areas as well as we live on the road (primarily in Florida and Wisconsin) as full time RVers. (photo of Dan and me) ____________________________________________ AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Community Hospice Performances If you would be interested in performing a recital at the Hadlow Center 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. Sandra Stewart at 904-333-9280. Friday Musicale presents: Grandpa’s Cough Medicine at Friday Musicale “Jacksonville’s favorite outlaw bluegrass band returns to Friday Musicale for an evening of pick melting, foot-stomping, hard swinging good times.” Date: Saturday, March 4 at 7:00-10:00pm Location: 645 Oak St., JacksonvilleCost: Free admission for Jacksonville residents & Friday Musicale members – general admission $15 advance or $20 day of show. Click on link for tickets and for details: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=4z45shebb&oeidk=a07ejjl9q1s23689c2b University of North Florida School of Music presents: UNF Faculty Recital Featuring Dr. Ann Adams Valle, Oboe and Lee Goodhew, Bassoon “With guest artists: Carol Maynard, flute; Kevin Clasen-LeBlanc, clarinet; and Matt Monroe, horn. Featuring music by Jacques Ibert, Eric Ewazen, Samuel Barber and Jean-Philippe Rameau.” Date: Sunday, March 5 at 3:00pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html University of North Florida School of Music presents: UNF Faculty Recital Featuring Dr. Simon Shiao, Violin and Dr. Gary Smart, Piano Violin and piano sonatas by Grieg and Smart Date: Monday, March 6 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Jacksonville University presents: Jacksonville University Camerata “The Jacksonville University Camerata presents a program of music featuring Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings as well as the debut performance of a new work by Delius Composition Award Winner Nicholas Moseley.” Also featured will be Handel’s Concerto Grosso in G Major. Marguerite Richardson, Conductor Date: Tuesday, March 7 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Cost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php 35th Annual Great American Jazz Series presents: Composers Forum Featuring Internationally Renowned Composer, Jim McNeely with a Tribute to The Vanguard Orchestra J.B. Scott, artistic director Date: Thursday, March 9 at 7:30pm Location: UNF’s Andrew A. Robinson Theater, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Friday Musicale presents: Alex Lopez and Crystal Shawanda at Friday Musicale “Coming to Friday Musicale, Billboard chart topping blues/rock artist Alex Lopez and his talented band The Xpress perform a night of rocking British infused blues featuring his new ground-breaking album Nasty Crime… also features a performance by Juno-Award winning blues artist Crystal Shawanda and her fabulous band (featuring guitar wizard Dewayne Strobel.)” Date: Thursday, March 9 at 7:00-9:00pm Location: 645 Oak St., JacksonvilleCost: Free admission for Jacksonville residents & Friday Musicale members – general admission $15 advance or $20 day of show. Click on link for tickets and for details: https://fridaymusicale.com/event/alex-lopez-and-crystal-shawanda-at-friday-musicale/ Jacksonville University presents: From the Margins: Nothing Left Unsung Choral Concert “Due to a variety of social biases, many composers throughout history have struggled to find audiences for their otherwise beautiful music. In this concert, we will amplify the voices of marginalized artists and share our favorite hidden gems, both ancient and contemporary.” Date: Thursday, March 9 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., JacksonvilleCost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php The Jacksonville Symphony presents: “Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1” Florida Blue Classical Series Courtney Lewis, Conductor Tianxu An, Piano “Experience the sparkling string melodies in Dmitri Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, the playful and fiendish cascades in Stravinksy’s Petrushka and the thunderous piano chords in Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto.” Date: Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: $27 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/tchaikovsky-piano-concerto-1?_ga=2.178753828.1216515191.1677826608-757763258.1662407897 The Jacksonville Symphony presents: “Bruckner’s Brilliance” Florida Blue Classical Series Courtney Lewis, Conductor “Anton Bruckner's Fifth Symphony is a must for your symphonic journey. Join Music Director Courtney Lewis and the Symphony to indulge in the musical genius and unparalleled styles of a composer who ‘keeps his listeners tantalized until, finally, he erupts with wave upon wave of overwhelming fortissimo...stay the course [and] you'll be rewarded with some of the most unutterably pure and spiritually uplifting music ever composed’ (Classic FM).” Date: Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: $27 and upClick on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/bruckner-fifth-symphony?_ga=2.77508629.1216515191.1677826608-757763258.1662407897 Saint John’s Cathedral presents: Organ Recital Featuring Timothy Tuller Timothy Tuller, Canon for Music Reception Following Date: Sunday, March 19 at 5:00pm Location: Saint John’s Cathedral, Cathedral Nave, 256 East Church Street, JacksonvilleCost: Free Click on link for details: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/musical-events-and-special-services/ Friday Musicale presents: High Tea with the Palm Court Society Orchestra “The Palm Court Society Orchestra revives that era when music and dancing were the primary social entertainment. The ensemble are musicians who share an interest in the musical styles which are now heard only through old recordings. Their repertoire includes salon orchestral music from waltzes and light classics of the international music capitals in 1890’s Vienna, London, and Paris – stretching into the early 20th Century.” Date: Sunday, March 19 at 3:00-5:00pm Location: 645 Oak St., JacksonvilleCost: Free admission for Jacksonville residents & Friday Musicale members – general admission $15 advance or $20 day of show. Click on link for tickets and for details: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=4z45shebb&oeidk=a07ejjl9q29d2744c18 Jacksonville University presents: Nine, the Musical *ticketed event. “Celebrated but impetuous film director Guido Contini, succumbing to the pressures of filming his latest film epic (a musical version of the Casanova story), suffers a midlife crisis. One by one, women from his past and present – including his mother, his wife, his mistress, and his leading lady – haunt, instruct, scold, seduce and encourage him until he finally learns to grow up.” Professor Kimberly Beasley, director Dates: Thursday, March 23; Friday, March 24; Saturday, March 25; and Sunday, March 26 at 7:30pm Location: Swisher Theater, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211 Cost: Visit jutickets.com for pricing informationClick on link for more information and for tickets: https://www.jutickets.com The Jacksonville Symphony presents: “Sondheim, Webber & Friends: Songs of the Great White Way” Pops Series Kevin Fitzgerald, Conductor Kelli Rabke, Vocalist Kerry O’Malley, Vocalist “Relive your favorite Broadway shows as Kelli Rabke and Kerry O'Malley transport you back to the stage with classics from Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber and other virtuosos of American theatre. Don't miss the musicians as they breathe new life into the soundtracks from the best musicals like Company, West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Evita.” Date: Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: Starting at $27 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/sondheim-webber-and-friends?_ga=2.150253878.1216515191.1677826608-757763258.1662407897 The Florida Chamber Music Project presents: Mozart & Bruce “In this concert we have paired an undisputed established masterpiece by Mozart with a new masterpiece by a living composer, David Bruce. String Quartet No.19 in C Major, K. 465 ‘Dissonance’- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart The Lick Quartet - David Bruce” Date: Sunday, March 26 at 3:00-4:00pm Location: Beaches Museum Chapel, 505 BeachBlvd., Jacksonville Beach Cost: $27 Click on link for details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mozart-bruce-tickets-378540543957 Jacksonville University presents: Romantic Giants: Scott Watkins Solo Recital “Dr. Scott Watkins presents a solo recital of music by Franz Liszt, Cesar Franck, and Franz Schubert.” Date: Tuesday, March 28 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., JacksonvilleCost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php University of North Florida School of Music presents: NuMix Concert Directed by Dr. Andrea Venet and Dr. Erin Bodnar “Mixed chamber ensembles performing music composed in the last 50 years.” Date: Wednesday, March 29 at 6:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Jacksonville University presents: Jacksonville University Jazz Orchestra in Concert “The Jacksonville University Jazz Orchestra presents their signature Jazz Week Spring concert.” Stan Piper, director, and special guest artists Date: Thursday, March 30 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., JacksonvilleCost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php Saint Augustine Orchestra presents: Debussy and Sibelius “’Debussy and Sibelius’ features the innovative harmony and free form of Debussy’s Afternoon of a Faun as well as the famous three note motif which runs throughout Sibelius’ moving Symphony No. 2.” Scott C. Gregg, Artistic Director Dates: Thursday, March 30 at 8:00-9:30pm at the Lightner Museum; Friday, March 31 at Tocoi Creek High School Locations: Lightner Museum - 75 King Street, Saint Augustine; Tocoi Creek High School – 11200 St. Johns Parkway, St. AugustineCost: Adults $27.50, students 11-17 $12.00, youth 10 and under free Click on link for details and tickets: https://staugustineorchestra.ticketleap.com/Bottom of Form Jacksonville University presents: Bop and Beyond: The Jacksonville University Jazz Combos and Jazz Faculty in Concert “Featuring the chamber jazz ensembles and jazz faculty, this concert will explore the quintessential language of modern jazz.” Date: Friday, March 31 at 7:30pm Location: Swisher Theater, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Cost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php The Jacksonville Symphony presents: “Beethoven’s Fifth” Florida Blue Guest Conductor Series Giordano Bellincampi, Conductor “Join the Symphony and guest conductor Giordano Bellincampi for three classical masterpieces including the magic of Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream and its famous "Wedding March." In a grand conclusion, Beethoven's Fifth Symphony will steal you away with its emotional resonance and leave you purely triumphant.” Includes “Silvery Rills” by Sean Shepherd. Date: Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: $27 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/beethoven-fifth-symphony?_ga=2.170890400.1216515191.1677826608-757763258.1662407897 University of North Florida Opera presents: Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus: The Bat’s Revenge Dr. John Daugherty, director Curtis Tucker, conductor Dates: Friday, March 31 at 7:30pm and Sunday, April 2 at 3:00pm Location: Andrew A. Robinson Theater, 1 UNF Drive, JacksonvilleCost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Jacksonville University presents: Chamber Music Ensembles Concert “Brass, Strings, Woodwind, and Guitar ensembles perform chamber works.” Date: Sunday, April 2 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., JacksonvilleCost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php _______________________________________________ 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? 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. March 8 9:30 – Meeting After - Program JMTA General Meeting And Program TBA Keyboard Connection/Zoom 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 March 11 10:00am District IV Concerto Competition UNF Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, 32224 March 18 10:00am JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 March 25 As Scheduled District IV Student Day Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223 March 26 3:00pm JMTA Student Recital All Saints Episcopal, 4171 Hendricks Ave., 32207 April 12 9:30 – Meeting After – Program JMTA General Meeting And Program TBA Keyboard Connection/Zoom 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 April 23 3:00pm Student Day Honors Recital UNF Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, 32224 April 25 6:00pm Community “Proton Therapy” Recital UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., 32206 April 25-29 As Scheduled MTNA National Conference Reno, Nevada May 10 9:30 – Meeting 10:30 – Program JMTA General Meeting And Program TBA Keyboard Connection/Zoom 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 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. JMTA High Notes
February 2023—Vol. 26, no. 5 District IV Meeting (at Keyboard Connection, also available on Zoom): Wednesday, February 8, 2023: 9:30am – General Meeting and Program afterwards __________________________________________________________ President’s Pen As we begin the 2023 activities for JMTA, perhaps it’s time to reflect on what worked in 2022 and what needs to be improved. Here are a few ideas to consider:
Some of the many benefits of membership include: • Free or discounted attendance at high-quality teacher conferences • Fantastic performance opportunities for your students at recitals, competitions, festivals and special events held throughout the year • Free listing in our professional Teacher Referral Service to help build your studio • Free subscription to American Music Teacher – a premier professional journal published by MTNA • Access to MTNA grants for teacher education • Comprehensive personal health insurance & business insurance programs available exclusively to MTNA members. • Membership discounts available for students! • Access to adjudications locally and through MTNA Student Competitions Are there different kind of activities our students would like to do? Some independent studios raise money for a cause with practice hours and performances attached. Is that of interest to you? Perhaps we should explore more interactive events with the college members. They bring fresh ideas and exciting programs! We should plan now to feature them in at least one program next year. It’s difficult to extend a hand of friendship or a personal smile with “I’m so glad you are here today” when most of our members are attending meetings online. I understand that many members cannot attend in person and welcome the online meetings. Should we select a date at the beginning and/or end of the year (September/May) when we plan a luncheon with our meeting? This has worked well in the past and provided an excellent opportunity for teachers to chat and exchange ideas. How can we make our online sessions more welcoming? Looking forward to seeing you in February! Anita Renfroe President, JMTA anita@renfroepiano.com ____________________________________________________________ JMTA District Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 11, 2023, 9:30am, Keyboard Connection Present In-Person: Erin Bennett, Stefanie Batson-Martin, Paulette Kilts (and husband), Kama Rasmussen-Li Present Zoom: Lynn Freeman, Lisa Barwell, Denise Homsley, Mary McKee Call to Order: 9:39am (Kama Rasmussen-Li) Vice-President: (Erin Bennett) Secretary Minutes: (Stefanie Batson-Martin) • Read January 2022 Minutes • Change title from "General Meeting" to "District Meeting" • Erin motioned, Paulette seconded Treasurer’s Report: (Denise Homsley) • Checking account: $6,321.72 (last year) • Deposits: Sonatina: $365 District Concerto $280 Student Day $720 Total deposits: $1,365 • Expenses: Sonatina adjudication: $80 Concerto Competition: Erin Bennett background check: $79.25 Adjudication: $340 Concerto supply $60.25 Student Day Expenses: Janitor: $50 Church donation: $100 Adjudication: $450 Certificates $24 Total expenditures: $1,183.50 • Checking Account Balance: $6,503.22 (December 31, 2021) • Savings: $5,741.82 (January 2022), Currently: $5,740.62, under $6 dollars in interest COMMITTEE REPORTS: Student Day: (Angie Holt) • Could not be at meeting • Confirmed for Saturday, March 25, Mandarin Baptist Church • Application Deadline: Saturday, February 11 • Honors Recital tentatively scheduled: Sunday, April 8, UNF Recital Hall District Concerto Competition: (Erin Bennett) • Saturday, March 11 at UNF • Application deadline: February 7 • Applications are live on the state website Sonatina and Sonata Festival 2021: (Erin Bennett) • Sunday afternoon, February 26, UNF Recital Hall • $15 for FSMTA members, $25 for non-members • Application deadline: February 4 • Students must have a signed UNF waiver to perform • Erin could use a few volunteers to help Certification: (Kamila Shahtakhtinski) •Couldn’t be at meeting, traveling Community Service Awards: •Applications due January 17 Old Business: • None New Business: • Need to form a nominating committee for new committee officers • Looking at April for an election and installation Motion to adjourn: Stefanie, Paulette seconded Adjourned: 9:59am (Kama Rasmussen-Li) -Submitted by Stefanie Batson-Martin Program: Our Music Our Planet by Kama Rasmussen-Li _________________________________________________________ JMTA Treasury Report December 2022 JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report | December 1-31, 2022 Expenses 12/15/2022Check #1150 (LS - recital supplies) $28.64 Deposits 12/09/22Check #289 (LS - JMTA Dec. Recital) $40.00 12/09/22Check #3342 (SS - JMTA Dec. Recital) $20.00 12/09/22Check #1821 (KS - JMTA Dec. Recital) $30.00 12/31/22Interest - Business Checking $0.93 Current Checking $6,397.39 Piano Festival Fund (add to Business Shares Acct) $3,337.08 Warren Fund $1,127.73 TOTAL Checking Account $10,862.20 Other Accounts: Expenses Deposits 12/31/22Interest - Business Money Market $7.87 12/31/22Interest - Business Shares $0.16 Business Money Market (Scholarship) $8,063.62 Business Shares (Festival) $1,849.92 TOTAL $9,913.54 TOTAL ASSETS as of December 31, 2022$20,775.74 Submitted by Stef & Damon Martin 01/05/2023 _____________________________________________________ JMTA MONTHLY PROGRAMS JMTA MARCH AND APRIL PROGRAMS JMTA is in need of a Program Chair to organize the monthly programs. In the meantime, Dr. Anita Renfroe will be looking for programs for us for March and April. If you have an interest in being the program chair, please don’t hesitate to contact Anita at anita@renfroepiano.com. _____________________________________________________ JMTA AND DISTRICT 4 BOARD NOMINATIONS JMTA Members: It’s time to think about how you want to support JMTA in 2023-2025. Would you like to serve as an officer or on the Board? If so, please contact Anita Renfroe (Anita@renfroepiano.com) to express your interest. A nominating committee will be presenting a slate of officers for the 2023-2025 term at the March meeting. District 4 is also putting together a nominating committee to present a slate of District officers. Please contact Kama Rasmussen (kamarasmussen@gmail.com) if you are interested in serving as a District officer. The District nominating committee will be presenting candidates at the March meeting as well. Dr. Anita Renfroe, NCTM anita@renfroepiano.com ________________________________________________ JMTA Student Recital Our next student recital will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, 32207. It will be held at 3pm. Students should be checked in by 2:45p. Guests are welcome to attend. Photos and videos are permitted, however be sure devices don't make sound. Performances are welcome from any instrument and level. $5 per student must be paid before or at the recital. Michael Mastronicola requests that 2-3 men or high school boys help with moving the piano. This will need to be done 30 minutes before the recital begins. If you have someone who can help with this, please include that with your student information. View the website for more detailed information on applications and participation guidelines. https://www.jaxmta.org/jmta-student-recitals.html - Lorraine Sears, Student Recitals Co-Chair (jaxpeach13@gmail.com) Community “Proton Therapy” Student Recital The annual Community “Proton Therapy” recital will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 6pm for patients and staff at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., Jacksonville, 32206. This recital is for late-intermediate to advanced students only. Volunteer hours will be given. View the website for more detailed information on applications and participation guidelines. https://www.jaxmta.org/community-proton-therapy-recital.html. If you have qualified students who would like to participate, email information to Sandy Stewart at iunsuusc@att.net. - Dr. Sandra Stewart is the organizer of this event. __________________________________________________ JMTA Scholarships JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition The JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition will be held in March 2023, date and place TBA. If there will be only one applicant auditions will be held online. The deadline for application is March 6, 2023, no exceptions. Auditions will be open only to students who have studied for six or more months with a JMTA member in good standing and who state their intention to pursue a college degree in Music. Students seeking a dual major in Music and another field of study are eligible to apply. Three letters of recommendation, applicant’s repertoire list of three pieces from different time periods with duration no longer than 30 minutes along with signed application form and the fee of $25. Repertoire must be memorized. The winner of the Scholarship Competition is required to perform at a future JMTA function, TBA. Check the website for more information. Guidelines: https://www.jaxmta.org/jmta-high-school-senior-scholarship-competition-guidelines.html Application: https://www.jaxmta.org/uploads/1/2/6/2/126223255/jmta_high_school_senior_scholarship_application.pdf - Kamila Shahtakhtinski, NCTM, chair of JMTA Scholarship Committee. JMTA Summer Music Camp Scholarship JMTA Summer music camp scholarship is awarded annually only to pre-college students of JMTA members. The deadline for application is March 27, 2023. The scholarship may be awarded in full or partially. Students who receive scholarships may attend the summer camp of their choice. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of need. Only one scholarship per family may be awarded. Students who receive money for summer camps from other organizations are not eligible to receive assistance from JMTA. Teachers must submit a short outline of their students’ qualification for scholarship along with their name(s) to the JMTA Scholarship Committee for consideration by the JMTA board. Check the website for more information. Guidelines: https://www.jaxmta.org/jmta-summer-music-camp-scholarship-application-guidelines.html Application: https://www.jaxmta.org/uploads/1/2/6/2/126223255/jmta_summer_music_camp_scholarship_application.pdf - Kamila Shahtakhtinski, NCTM, chair of JMTA Scholarship Committee. _______________________________________________ DISTRICT IV NEWS District IV Sonatina–Sonata Festival This year’s District 4 Sonatina & Sonata Festival will take place at UNF: When: Sunday, February 26, 2023, 2:00 p.m. Where: UNF Fine Arts Center Recital Hall (room 1200) Building 45 on the following map; free parking in the adjacent Lot 44 Cost: $15 for students of FSMTA members; An additional $10 (or $25 total) is required for students of non- member teachers. Checks should be mailed to: Erin Bennett 12534 Ashglen Dr N Jacksonville, FL 32224 Checks payable to “FSMTA District 4” postmarked no later than February 4, 2023 Application: Application is available online here or at https://forms.gle/MdGz58rLivGnhVBR7 Deadline: February 4, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Please note: your application is not complete without a completed UNF Liability Waiver. This form is attached to this newsletter and should be linked on the website and can either be mailed in with your check, emailed to e.bennett@unf.edu, or brought with you to the event itself. Additional blank copies will be available to be completed on-site on February 26. No student will be permitted to perform without a signed waiver form on file per UNF policies. Festival Rules:
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at this year’s in-person event. Questions? Please email Erin Bennett (e.bennett@unf.edu) - Dr. Erin Bennett, Sonatina-Sonata Festival Chair District IV Concerto Competition The Concerto Competition will take place at UNF on Saturday morning, March 11, 2023. Exact start time TBD, but likely 10a. Application deadline will be Feb. 17, 2023. Here is the Link to the application, then click on District 4: https://www.fmta.org/district-concerto-application-form.html - Dr. Erin Bennett, Concerto Competition Chair District IV Student Day District IV Student Day will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Mandarin Baptist Church. The application deadline is Saturday, February 11 (if you need an extension, please let me know). If your student receives Honors in their audition, and at least an Achievement in their written and aural theory, they will be invited to perform in the Honors Recital, to be held at the UNF Recital Hall on Sunday, April 23, at 3pm, in addition to receiving the State Honors medal from FSMTA. Participation in FSMTA’s District IV Student Day is an excellent way to assist in teaching your students written theory, aural theory, keyboard skills, and music from each time period as they progress through the levels. For Student Day written and aural (ear) theory sample tests, keyboard skills information, repertoire guidelines, and interactive examination sheets, go to FMTA.org or use this link: https://www.fmta.org/fsmta-non-competitive-events.html, using the FMTA password of Symphony. (Here are additional guidelines on our website: https://www.jaxmta.org/student-day-application-requirements.html.) To enroll your student(s): Mail to me one application form (link below) with all the student names included on it, and an interactive examination sheet (link below) for each student (with student’s name, and title, composer, and time filled in), along with a check (made out to FSMTA District IV) for $30 per student, plus $15 for your continental breakfast and lunch, to: Angie Holt 408 Bridgeview Terrace Saint Johns, FL 32259 Student Day Application link: https://www.jaxmta.org/uploads/1/2/6/2/126223255/student_day_achievement_examination_application.pdf Interactive examination sheets link: https://www.fmta.org/fsmta-non-competitive-events.html (then login with “Symphony”, and choose the correct level in the Interactive Examination Sheets column for each student) Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions you may have! Hope to see you at FSMTA District IV Student Day. - Angie Holt, Student Day Chair (angiespianostudio7@gmail.com) _________________________________________________________ CONGRATULATIONS! Our best to Dr. Erin Bennett! UNF School of Music Spotlight On... Dr. Erin Bennett UNF Associate Professor, Dr. Erin Bennett, Piano and Piano Pedagogy and Coordinator, Keyboard Area, is a recipient of the 2022 Steinway & Sons Top Teacher Award. _____________________________________________________ Over Coffee With . . . This month we are hanging with FSMTA District IV President Kama Rasmussen-Li. Thank you, Kama, for taking the time to help us get to know you better! KAMA RASMUSSEN-LI Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself and some of your early musical experiences. Looking back, what are some things your teachers did to encourage your love of music? A. I’m from the small town of Goldfield, Iowa and grew up on a farm. I remember playing around on my mom’s home organ when she had her hand over the phone receiver and asked me if I wanted to take piano lessons. I had no idea what that meant, but I automatically said “Yes!” My first year of piano was the only year my teacher, Kathryn Hansen, taught group lessons to all the interested first graders. In second grade, we all had private lessons. Whether it was a good or bad lesson, afterwards Kathryn always let us choose a piece of candy. Offering a treat, in one form or another, at the end of lessons is one practice I’ve adopted in my studio. It’s important for students to know our support and encouragement are unconditional. That same year, our organ was upgraded to a real piano, and I couldn’t walk by it without sitting down to play. Growing up, I suppose it helped that our piano was in the middle of the house. I could look out the patio door to my left and see the backyard. To my right, I could see out the front window and watch TV. I knew what everyone else was doing and had sufficient distraction to keep me playing. In the summer, I chose practicing to avoid going to the garden with my family to pick vegetables with the gnats, flies, and mosquitos. In my upper elementary and middle school years, I would practice my lesson music, then spend a long time just playing and singing songs from Disney, Phantom of the Opera, and pop music books, old recital and church pieces, or pieces from my old lesson books that had become easy. We belonged to the same Presbyterian church as Kathryn, and I grew up always playing for church. I played the flute and piccolo in band and All-State auditions, piano in jazzband, danced in showchoir, played and sang in honor bands, honor choirs, small and large group contests, sang in the fall musicals, acted in the spring plays, designed and painted set pieces for the musicals and plays, competed in art contests, speech contests—you name it. If it was in the arts or related to the arts, I did it. Having many diverse experiences was one big advantage of living in a small town. The downside was being far away from more advanced opportunities and having to drive an hour and a half one way for my weekly piano and flute lessons in high school. Kathryn said it was time for me to transition to a new teacher and handed me a newspaper article about a student who would later become one of my good friends and his teacher, Cyndie Caruth. Under Cyndie’s guidance, I worked so hard those last two years of high school, learning, performing, and competing as much as I could. Winning the Iowa Music Teachers Association Auditions, I performed on public television. My calendar was always full, but I managed to graduate as valedictorian. My heart was always in solo piano, and I found it simultaneously challenging and personally rewarding. The quote, “When I count my blessings, I count you twice” applied to Cyndie since she showed me the path towards the musical career I’d always wanted and made it possible. For many years, I wished and wondered, “What if I had had a teacher like Cyndie from the very beginning?” But through my teaching over the years, I’ve thought a lot about motivation and cultivating a student’s love for music, two elusive intangibles that can’t really be taught no matter how much knowledge or expertise a teacher has. In that respect, Kathryn gave me the world. Dr. Ron Albrecht at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa was my next excellent mentor. He invested in rebuilding my playing from the ground up, although it took me over a year to fully appreciate the invaluable work we were doing. During my senior year three-week May Term, Dr. Albrecht and I created an independent study in which I gave recitals and masterclasses, presented at IMTA meetings, adjudicated, and shadowed other piano teachers. He also encouraged my diverse musical collaborations at Simpson College, such as accompanying wonderful opera singers and opera scenes; playing flute and piccolo in wind ensemble, flute choir, and opera orchestras, tenor and soprano recorder and continuo (organ/harpsichord) in early music ensemble; counseling summer jazz camp; counseling the incoming undergraduate music seminar; and starting organ lessons. I accompanied the Chancel Choir at Dr. Albrecht’s Trinity United Presbyterian Church, the same church in which I would later marry my husband. I graduated summa cum laude with special honors in music history, accompanying, and performance, earning my B.M. in piano performance and a minor in religion. I loved how balanced I felt with just one religion class a semester, getting me outside my little practice room box. I taught as a Graduate Assistant in Piano at the University of Florida in Gainesville, graduating summa cum laude and studying with Professor Boaz Sharon. I performed at international festivals in Russia, Prague, China, Washington D.C., and the Steinway Piano Festival at the University of Florida, which allowed studies with renowned teachers such as Joseph Banowitz, Ian Hobson, Robert Roux, Boris Berman, Douglas Humphreys, Zhang Jin, Paul Schenly, Maria Gambarian, Volker Banfield, Nelson Delle-Vigne, Logan Skelton, Alexander Tutunov, Yong-Hi Moon, Nikita Fitenko, Ivo Kaltchev, Daniel Shapiro, and David Dubal. At UF, I collaborated with composers and also accompanied strings, other instrumentalists, and singers. I was the featured guest artist at a Society of Composers, Inc. exchange concert in Atlanta, Georgia. My recordings of Dr. Chan Ji Kim’s Memoria No. 2 and Some Beautiful Things in Life and Dr. Chet Udell’s Hands Resist Him were included on the University of Florida chapter of the Society of Composers, Inc. CDs. I developed my own private studio as well. After reviving and chairing the Gainesville Music Teachers Performer’s Group, I led as president of GMTA. As the Associate Organist at First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville, I served for nine years alongside Music Director and Organist Dr. Mark Coffey in televised services and worked with notable conductors such as René Clausen and Jonathan Willcocks. It was an invaluable experience, and we made a lot of wonderful music together. Q. What are some highlights from your teaching so far? A. When I moved away from Florida for my husband’s career, I had to find new teachers for my students. When we returned to Florida, it was a wonderful surprise to be invited to their senior recitals, see my former students earn full scholarships, win collegiate competitions, solo with orchestras, and continue their careers in music. I always love the funny things that young children do and say in their lessons, and I like to ask questions that invite those sorts of responses. I try to archive stories or tell them so many times that I don’t forget them. Those memories are definitely worth keeping and remembering on the tough days! Q. Any funny performance stories? A. At Simpson College, I was the first performer on one of our Tuesday convocations. During this particular performance during my junior year, I was playing the slow movement from the Ginastera sonata followed by a Brahms Rhapsody. I started the Ginastera, a contemporary piece beginning pianissimo, slowly with one random-sounding note at a time moving from the low register to the high register. Somewhere mid-register, there was a big metallic ringing sound “wheeoww!” on one of the notes—what was that?! Something was in the piano. I snuck a peek between notes and discovered a pencil had been left on the strings from Madrigal Choir rehearsal in the hall just prior to convocation. So, I followed the rule of never stopping for anything and played the whole movement with a pencil stuck on the strings. Then, between pieces, I took out the pencil, and continued with my Brahms. Another time, I was accompanying a string graduate recital at UF, and there was a bird in the recital hall. It chirped during our rehearsal but stayed quiet during the actual recital. People said that a bird in the hall is a good-luck charm, but I’d never heard that saying before. Q. Any interesting travel stories? A. There is a composer’s retreat a few hours’ drive outside Moscow in which Prokofiev and other famous composers took residence. Each little cabin had about three rooms, a grand piano, and a bathroom. It was like the summer dachas referenced in music history books. But…we were having international masterclasses there in the February winter. Coming from Iowa, I thought -20 degrees F was similar to -40 degrees F…but no. We had fires in our little cabins, stoked by a lady that came around everyday until 3:00. We thought our flue needed to be open to let out the smoke, and four of us slept in the same bed and woke up freezing. We knew the water needed to run continuously, but we had no idea what to do when the water in the toilet froze. Walking from cabin to cabin for lessons, masterclasses, and concerts, our eyelashes froze. We had to spend five minutes warming fingers by the fire before thinking about trying to move our fingers to play. At one evening concert, the heater in the hall broke. We drank cup after cup of hot tea at each meal to warm our hands. At each meal, we got so excited telling each other, “Guys! We have hamburger today!!” only to discover that it was liver…cooked a different way each time…accompanied by beets and cabbage. We made jokes to survive. The music, people, and parties were wonderful!! After a few days, we learned to shut the flue to help keep in the heat. Our two-hour return trip to the airport was in a vehicle too small for all of us. We crammed in together with luggage on laps and the trunk bungeed closed, and the heat didn’t work. Q. What advice would you give to help focus before a performance and curb nerves? A. My best advice would be to expect to always work at this and keep searching. We have to accept that the uncomfortable feelings are never going to completely disappear, and we wouldn’t want them to completely disappear since energy from anxiety, when refocused, can lead to magical musical moments. Figuring out what to tell oneself, figuring out a functional perspective, and preparing in many different ways is always a moving target. We come at each performance from slightly different circumstances. There is so much to discover and learn about performance psychology these days, as opposed to even twenty-five years ago. It’s possible to learn a lot and have a lot of tools to use whenever you need them, but it’s a continuous journey. We, as individuals, and our music, are never static—we’re always changing, and our art is created in the present moment. __________________________________________________ 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. Sandra Stewart at 904-333-9280. The Jacksonville Symphony presents: “Brass, Organ & Percussion” Grant O’Brien, JSYO Music Director & Assistant Conductor Greg Zelek, Organ “Take a journey to the heart of Jacoby Symphony Hall and discover a truly historical monument: the Symphony’s world-class pipe organ.” Date: Saturday, February 11 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: $25 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/brass-organ-percussion/3089 University of North Florida School of Music presents: “UNF Concert Band Outdoor Concert” Dr. Erin Bodnar, conductor Date: Wednesday, February 15 at 5:00pm Location: On the Green (weather permitting) at UNF, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, 32224Cost: Suggested Donation: $104 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Dreamboat presents: “Laura Jaramillo, Liz Robbins, Andres Rojas, and Brian Luckett” At the Friday Musicale: “Please join us for Dreamboat Reading Series, a UNF-sponsored event series that combines poetry and music performances at the historic Friday Musicale.” Date: Friday, February 17 at 6:00pm-8:00pm Location: 645 Oak St., JacksonvilleCost: Free Click on link for tickets and for details: https://fridaymusicale.com/event/dreamboat-presents-laura-jaramillo-liz-robbins-andres-rojas-and-brian-luckett/ Jacksonville University faculty artists present: “Voice Faculty Showcase” An evening of classical, opera, and musical theater repertoire. Date: Friday, February 17 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Cost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php Jacksonville Symphony presents: “1,001 Nights: Scheherazade” Elinor Rufeizen, Conductor Jacksonville Symphony Chorus Rimsky-Korasakov’s Scheherazade Featuring Adelya Nartadjieva, Concertmaster “One of the greatest fantasies ever told entirely through music, Scheherazade is a storybook world of vivid colors and heroic characters.” Dates: Friday, February 17 at 7:30pm and Saturday, February 18 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: Starting at $27 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/1001-nights-scheherazade/3019 Jacksonville University presents: “Cabaret” *ticketed event. “Based on the famous novel, I am Camera, this musical is set on the eve of the Nazi takeover of Germany. It frames this tumultuous time in global history at a nightclub, where its various players explore love, life, and loss.” Directed by Erik DeCicco with choreography by Professor Yidi Lin. Dates: Friday, February 17 and Saturday, February 18 at 7:30pm; Sunday, February 19 at 2:00pm Location: Phillips Fine Arts – Studio North, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Cost: General Admission: $10Click on link for more information and for tickets: https://www.jutickets.com Jacksonville University Wind Ensemble and the First Coast Wind Symphony present: “The music of Brian Balmages” “This joint concert of the Jacksonville University Wind Ensemble and First Coast Wind Symphony will feature the music of Brian Balmages who will conduct both ensembles in performances of his own compositions.” Date: Saturday, February 18 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Cost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php University of North Florida School of Music presents: “Lawson Ensemble” With pianist Yukino Miyake, featuring works by Schumann Date: Sunday, February 19 at 3:00pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, 32224Cost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html University of North Florida Orchestra presents: “Saint-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals” Dr. Simon Shiao, conductor With Dr. Gary Smart and Eunice Paliy, pianos Date: Tuesday, February 21 at 7:30pm Location: Andrew A. Robinson Theater, 1 UNF Drive, 32224 (revised venue)Cost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.htm University of North Florida Wind Symphony Presents: “In the Spotlight Featuring the Winner of the 2023 UNF Wind Symphony Concerto Competition” Dr. Erin Bodnar, conductor With clarinetist Nicole Graham, winner of the 2023 Wind Symphony Concerto Competition Date: Wednesday, February 22 at 7:30pm Location: Lazzara Performance Hall, 1 UNF Drive, 32224 Cost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Florida State College at Jacksonville Presents: “Symphonic Band Concert””Under the direction of Dr. Paul Weikle, the band will perform diverse musical selections.” Date: Thursday, February 23 at 7:30-9:30pm Location: South Campus – Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd., 32246 Cost: Free Click on link for details: https://www.fscj.edu/news-events/calendar?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D164426648 The Jacksonville Symphony presents: “Sounds of Spring – Symphony in 60” Kevin Fitzgerald, Conductor “Feel the refreshed passion of the pieces you’ve heard your entire life as they are performed live by the Jacksonville Symphony. Listen to the tranquil refrains of nature with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, “Pastorale” and rejoice in the sonorous sounds of spring with Flight of the Bumblebee and Waltz of the Flowers.” Featuring music by Beethoven, Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, Debussy and Sibelius. Date: Thursday, February 23 at 6:30pm (Cocktail hour begins at 5:30pm) Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: $25 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/sounds-of-spring-sym60/3093 Florida State College at Jacksonville Presents: “Choral Concert” ”Under the direction of Dr. Tommy Shapard, the Men’s Chorus, Women’s Chorus and The Chorale will present a concert with various songs.” Date: Friday, February 24 at 7:30-9:30pm Location: South Campus – Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd., 32246 Cost: Free Click on link for details: https://www.fscj.edu/news-events/calendar?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D164426649 Jacksonville Symphony presents: “The Queens of Rock & Soul: Tina Turner & Aretha Franklin” Grant O’Brien, Assistant Conductor Tamika Lawrence, Vocalist Shaleah Adkisson, Vocalist John Boswell, Piano “The Queens of rock, roll and soul rule the night in this empowering and emotional performance. Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin are two dynamos that put the spirit in Soul and R&B music. Exciting Broadway vocalists bring classics to the stage like Respect, Natural Woman, What’s Love Got to Do With it, River Deep-Mountain High, Proud Mary and so many others.” Dates: Friday, February 24 at 7:30pm and Saturday, February 25 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: Starting at $27 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/queens-of-rock-and-soul Friday Musicale presents: “San Marco Chamber Ensemble featuring Rance Adams and Kevin Day: Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” “An exciting concert featuring new music composed by Kevin Day and performed by the San Marco Chamber Ensemble with narrator Rance Adams. This family-friendly concert celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” Date: Sunday, February 26 at 3:00-5:00pm Location: 645 Oak St., JacksonvilleCost: Free admission for Jacksonville residents & Friday Musicale members – general admission $15 advance or $20 day of show. Click on link for tickets and for details: https://fridaymusicale.com/event/martins-big-words-the-life-of-dr-martin-luther-king-jr/ Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra presents: “JSYO Winter Concert” Aaron King Vaughn, Helen Morin, and Grant O’Brien, Conductors “Founded in 1993, the Jacksonville Sy8mphony Youth Orchestras (JSYO) are Northeast Florida’s premier developmental orchestral ensembles serving more than 350 young musicians, ages 7-21, who are admitted through introductory interviews or competitive auditions.” Date: Sunday, February 26 at 5:00pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: Adult $8, Child $3 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/jsyo/winter-concert Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series presents: “Guest Artist Recital featuring Renée Tatum, Mezzo-soprano and Denise Wright, piano” Dr. James Hall, artistic director Date: Tuesday, February 28 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the UNF Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, 32224Cost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Jacksonville University presents: “Bach, Boulanger, and Britten” “Jacksonville University faculty Dr. Shannon Lockwood and Dr. Scott Watkins perform music for cello and piano by Johann Sebastian Bach, Nadia Boulanger, and Benjamin Britten.” Date: Thursday, March 2 at 7:30pm Location: TerryConcert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N, Jacksonville 32211Cost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php University of North Florida School of Music presents: “Timbral Constructions: UNF Percussion Spring Concert” Dr. Andrea Venet, Director Date: Thursday, March 2 at 6:30pm Location: Andrew A. Robinson Theater Recital, 1 UNF Drive, 32224Cost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html University of North Florida School of Music presents: “Jazz Combo Night*” Lynn Arriale, Director *New event! Date: Thursday, March 2 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, 32224Cost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html ________________________________________________________ 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? 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. February 26 2:00pm District IV Sonatina-Sonata Festival UNF Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, 32224 March 8 9:30 – Meeting After - Program JMTA General Meeting And Program TBA Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 And over Zoom March 11 Time TBD District IV Concerto Competition UNF Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, 32224 March 25 As Scheduled District IV Student Day Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223 March 26 3:00pm JMTA Student Recital All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave., 32207 April 12 9:30 – Meeting After – Program JMTA General Meeting And Program TBA Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 And over Zoom April 25 6:00pm Community “Proton Therapy” Recital UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., 32206 May 10 9:30 – Meeting 10:30 – Program JMTA General Meeting And Program TBA Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 And over Zoom 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. JMTA High Notes
January 2023—Vol. 26, no. 4 District IV Meeting (at Keyboard Connection, also available on Zoom): Wednesday, January 11, 2023: 9:30am – District IV meeting Program afterwards – “Our Music - Our Planet: Using our unique opportunities as musicians to affect real action on climate change.” Presenter: Kama Rasmussen-Li _______________________________________________________ District President’s Letter You can’t change the weather, but you can change the climate. As musicians, we occupy a unique position to affect real action on climate change. Climate change should not be a partisan issue, and we, as musicians, reach everyone on all sides of the political spectrum in a very personal, non-threatening way. As independent artists, we are not silenced by others in what we can and can’t say. In other words, we have our own voice and know how to use it. And, what we do literally creates vibrations in the air. Additionally, we work directly with both people and big, intangible ideas on a daily basis. Seems like such a great fit, right? Why haven’t we all thought of this before? We need massive, real, profound grassroots action. Our human race is like a bus on a cliff, and we are tasked with helping get everyone back on the land-side of the bus as soon as possible. We only have a few critical years right now to act in a manner that might make change in the long run. It’s time to get this ball rolling. We can do this together—we took on Covid-19 in a cold-turkey, 180 degree-type change! At our meeting in January, we’ll talk about selecting repertoire for students that relates not only to aspects of climate change, but also to our common discourse (or lack thereof sometimes), because our very existence depends on us getting everyone on board toward this common goal. We’ll get familiar with some common climate change links that already list big concrete actions we can take in our everyday lives. We’ll look at greening our studio practices and conferences. We’ll look at studio outreach projects we can do in our communities. We’ll talk about actions we can take to further awareness, whether it’s the pieces we and our students play, themed recitals and concerts we give, festivals or music marathons we organize, pieces we write and commission, not only in the classical piano repertoire, but all music mediums and genres. Any music is fair game when it comes to climate change because it’s Our Music and Our Planet. I hope you’ll join us in January for this timely topic that you won’t want to miss! Wishing you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year, Kama Rasmussen-Li, M.M. President, FSMTA District IV (The views expressed are those of the writer and may or may not necessarily reflect the views or position of the organization.) _____________________________________________________ JMTA General Meeting Minutes Wednesday, November 9, 2022, 9:30am Keyboard Connection/Zoom Present Zoom: Sandra Stewart, Lynn Freeman, Kama Rasmussen-Li, Paulette Kitts, Angie Holt, Mary McKee, Kamila Shahtakitinsky, Ronald Touchton Present In-Person: Lisa Barwell, Anita Renfroe, Lorraine Eaton, Denise Homsley Call to Order: 9:30am (Anita Renfroe) Parliamentarian: (Lynn Freeman) • Nothing to report Secretary Minutes: (Stefanie Batson-Martin) • Minutes read by Anita • Minutes were unanimously approved Treasurer’s Report: (Stefanie and Damon Martin) • Total assets: $20,672.42 • Total checking: $10,799.02 • Business Shares (Piano Festival): $1,844.60 • Business Money Market (Scholarships): $7,948.80 • Paulette wants to do a review of accounts • There should be a treasurer's committee which has been long inactive, treasurer is chair of committee with other members appointed by the president, according to the bylaws • The previous two bullets will be new business for February, Damon will be contacted about it Vice-President/Membership: (JohnWillard Utuk) • One new member, transfer from Miami, Stefan Bernhard COMMITTEE REPORTS: Altruistic: (Sandra Roberts) • Not present • She sent cards to Peggy Edwards who had two winning students for State Competitions, they will be going to represent Florida and Georgia in Regional Competitions • Matthew Phan and Yo-yo Qu were sent congratulations for winning the State Competition Communications/Internet Media: (Angie Holt) • The newsletter went out • Please get things to Angie a little earlier for the newsletter • Due date is December 20 for the January newsletter • Emphasis of the January Newsletter is for the District Community Service: (Joan Cordell) • Not present • There is information on the website Ethics: (Betty Atkinson) • Not present Historian: (Lynn Roberts) • Not present Programs: (Open position) • Wide open for somebody to help with Scholarships: (Kamila Shahtakhtinski) • Nothing to report • Kamila needs to set a date for application, this will most likely be the first weekend of March Social: (Angie Holt and Stefanie Batson-Martin) • No volunteers signed up to bring snacks to today's meeting Student Recitals: (Lorraine Sears and Gavin Taylor) • December 4, Arlington United Methodist, 3pm, information is on the website, and Gavin should be contacted about registering • March 26 Recital, All Saints Episcopal Student Day Report: (Angie Holt) • Tentative date of Saturday, March 25, waiting to hear a confirmation from Mandarin Baptist and Angie will email everybody once they confirm Wellness Liaison: (Lisa Barwell) • There was a good walk this past Saturday morning at Rosco Regional Park • Lisa would like to schedule a few more walks in Spring Old Business: • Denise informed us the State Board is working on a Virtual State Conference in lieu of the canceled conference New Business:
Adjourned: 10:05am (Anita Renfroe) Program: “Asian Piano Music for Intermediate Learners” by Dr. Charisse Baldoria - Submitted by Stefanie Batson-Martin, Recording Secretary _____________________________________________________________ JMTA Treasury Reports October 2022 JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report | October 1-31, 2022 Expenses 10/14/22Check #1149 (SBM - social supplies) $19.12 Deposits 10/07/22Check #16598 (JMTA membership dues) $100.00 10/31/22Interest - Business Checking $0.92 Current Checking $6,309.21 Piano Festival Fund (add to Business Shares Acct) $3,337.08 Warren Fund $1,127.73 TOTAL Checking Account $10,774.02 Other Accounts: Expenses Deposits 10/31/22Interest - Business Money Market $5.13 10/31/22Interest - Business Shares $0.16 Business Money Market (Scholarship) $8,048.80 Business Shares (Festival) $1,849.60 TOTAL $9,898.40 TOTAL ASSETS as of October 31, 2022 $20,672.42 Submitted by Stef & Damon Martin 11/07/2022 November 2022 JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report | November 1-30, 2022 Expenses Deposits 11/07/22Check #16995 (JMTA membership dues) $25.00 11/30/22Interest - Business Checking $0.89 Current Checking $6,335.10 Piano Festival Fund (add to Business Shares Acct) $3,337.08 Warren Fund $1,127.73 TOTAL Checking Account $10,799.91 Other Accounts: Expenses Deposits 11/30/22Interest - Business Money Market $6.95 11/30/22Interest - Business Shares $0.16 Business Money Market (Scholarship) $8,055.75 Business Shares (Festival) $1,849.76 TOTAL $9,905.51 TOTAL ASSETS as of October 31, 2022$20,705.42 Submitted by Stef & Damon Martin 12/08/2022 December 2022 JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report | December 1-31, 2022 Expenses 12/15/2022Check #1150 (LS - recital supplies) $28.64 Deposits 12/09/22Check #289 (LS - JMTA Dec. Recital) $40.00 12/09/22Check #3342 (SS - JMTA Dec. Recital) $20.00 12/09/22Check #1821 (KS - JMTA Dec. Recital) $30.00 12/31/22Interest - Business Checking $0.93 Current Checking $6,397.39 Piano Festival Fund (add to Business Shares Acct) $3,337.08 Warren Fund $1,127.73 TOTAL Checking Account $10,862.20 Other Accounts: Expenses Deposits 12/31/22Interest - Business Money Market $7.87 12/31/22Interest - Business Shares $0.16 Business Money Market (Scholarship)$8,063.62 Business Shares (Festival)$1,849.92 TOTAL $9,913.54 TOTAL ASSETS as of December 31, 2022$20,775.74 Submitted by Stef & Damon Martin 01/05/2023 JMTA MONTHLY PROGRAMS JANUARY PROGRAM For information regarding the January program, look under the District IV News below regarding the District IV Meeting (each January is a district meeting instead of a JMTA meeting). JMTA FEBRUARY, MARCH, AND APRIL PROGRAMS JMTA is in need of a Program Chair to organize the monthly programs. In the meantime, Dr. Anita Renfroe will be looking for programs for us for February, March, and April. If you have an interest in being the program chair, please don’t hesitate to contact Anita at anita@renfroepiano.com. _________________________________________________________ JMTA Student Recital Our next student recital will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, 32207. It will be held at 3pm. Students should be checked in by 2:45p. Guests are welcome to attend. Photos and videos are permitted, however be sure devices don't make sound. Performances are welcome from any instrument and level. $5 per student must be paid before or at the recital. Michael Mastronicola requests that 2-3 men or high school boys help with moving the piano. This will need to be done 30 minutes before the recital begins. If you have someone who can help with this, please include that with your student information. View the website for more detailed information on applications and participation guidelines. https://www.jaxmta.org/jmta-student-recitals.html - Lorraine Sears, Student Recitals Co-Chair (jaxpeach13@gmail.com) Community “Proton Therapy” Student Recital The annual Community “Proton Therapy” recital will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 6pm for patients and staff at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., Jacksonville, 32206. This recital is for late-intermediate to advanced students only. Volunteer hours will be given. View the website for more detailed information on applications and participation guidelines. https://www.jaxmta.org/community-proton-therapy-recital.html. If you have qualified students who would like to participate, email information to Sandy Stewart at iunsuusc@att.net. - Dr. Sandra Stewart is the organizer of this event. _________________________________________________________ JMTA Scholarships JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition The JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition will be held in March 2023, date and place TBA. If there will be only one applicant auditions will be held online. The deadline for application is March 6, 2023, no exceptions. Auditions will be open only to students who have studied for six or more months with a JMTA member in good standing and who state their intention to pursue a college degree in Music. Students seeking a dual major in Music and another field of study are eligible to apply. Three letters of recommendation, applicant’s repertoire list of three pieces from different time periods with duration no longer than 30 minutes along with signed application form and the fee of $25. Repertoire must be memorized. The winner of the Scholarship Competition is required to perform at a future JMTA function, TBA. Check the website for more information. Guidelines: https://www.jaxmta.org/jmta-high-school-senior-scholarship-competition-guidelines.html Application: https://www.jaxmta.org/uploads/1/2/6/2/126223255/jmta_high_school_senior_scholarship_application.pdf - Kamila Shahtakhtinski, NCTM, chair of JMTA Scholarship Committee. JMTA Summer Music Camp Scholarship JMTA Summer music camp scholarship is awarded annually only to pre-college students of JMTA members. The deadline for application is March 27, 2023. The scholarship may be awarded in full or partially. Students who receive scholarships may attend the summer camp of their choice. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of need. Only one scholarship per family may be awarded. Students who receive money for summer camps from other organizations are not eligible to receive assistance from JMTA. Teachers must submit a short outline of their students’ qualification for scholarship along with their name(s) to the JMTA Scholarship Committee for consideration by the JMTA board. Check the website for more information. Guidelines: https://www.jaxmta.org/jmta-summer-music-camp-scholarship-application-guidelines.html Application: https://www.jaxmta.org/uploads/1/2/6/2/126223255/jmta_summer_music_camp_scholarship_application.pdf - Kamila Shahtakhtinski, NCTM, chair of JMTA Scholarship Committee. ______________________________________________________ DISTRICT IV NEWS District IV Meeting The District IV meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 11, at 9:30am. It will be held at Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., and over Zoom for those who cannot attend in person. Kama Rasmussen-Li, our district president, will be chairing this meeting. She will also be presenting the program afterwards: “Our Music – Our Planet: Using our unique opportunities as musicians to affect real action on climate change.” Here is the Zoom link for those who cannot be there in person: District 4, 1/11/23 Join Zoom Meeting https://unf.zoom.us/j/91210623221?pwd=VllielU1M3ExQ2JXdk5LNWRWV3Zidz09 Meeting ID: 912 1062 3221 Passcode: 286618 District IV Sonatina–Sonata Festival This year’s District 4 Sonatina & Sonata Festival will take place at UNF: When: Sunday, February 26, 2023, 2:00 p.m. Where: UNF Fine Arts Center Recital Hall (room 1200) Building 45 on the following map; free parking in the adjacent Lot 44 Cost: $15 for students of FSMTA members; An additional $10 (or $25 total) is required for students of non- member teachers. Checks should be mailed to: Erin Bennett 12534 Ashglen Dr N Jacksonville, FL 32224 Checks payable to “FSMTA District 4” postmarked no later than February 4, 2023 Application: Application is available online here or at https://forms.gle/MdGz58rLivGnhVBR7 Deadline: February 4, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Please note: your application is not complete without a completed UNF Liability Waiver. This form is attached to this newsletter and should be linked on the website and can either be mailed in with your check, emailed to e.bennett@unf.edu, or brought with you to the event itself. Additional blank copies will be available to be completed on-site on February 26. No student will be permitted to perform without a signed waiver form on file per UNF policies. Festival Rules:
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at this year’s in-person event Questions? Please email Erin Bennett (e.bennett@unf.edu) - Dr. Erin Bennett, Sonatina-Sonata Festival Chair District IV Concerto Competition The Concerto Competition will take place at UNF on Saturday morning, March 11, 2023. Exact start time TBD, but likely 10a. Application deadline will be Feb. 17, 2023 Here is the Link to the application, then click on District 4: https://www.fmta.org/district-concerto-application-form.html - Dr. Erin Bennett, Concerto Competition Chair District IV Student Day District IV Student Day will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Mandarin Baptist Church. The application deadline is Saturday, February 11. Participation in Student Day is an excellent way to assist in teaching your students written theory, aural theory, keyboard skills, and music from each time period as they progress through the levels. To start preparing your students, go to FMTA.org or use this link: https://www.fmta.org/fsmta-non-competitive-events.html, using the FMTA password of Symphony. Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions you may have at angiespianostudio7@gmail.com. Guidelines: https://www.jaxmta.org/student-day-application-requirements.html Application: https://www.jaxmta.org/uploads/1/2/6/2/126223255/student_day_achievement_examination_application.pdf If you would like curriculum for your students that matches the Student Day requirements, an independent teacher in Florida has created a curriculum to help you prepare your students for the keyboard skills, written, and aural theory testing (no aural for primary level). I use the curriculum with my students and find it has been very helpful. To order, you can email Sue Colvert (Music Masters) at jwcsr@aol.com with your name and address and the levels you would like, and she will mail them to you with the invoice. (Music Masters, 954-752-2856, 4111 NW 79 Ave, Coral Springs, FL 33065) - Angie Holt, Student Day Chair _____________________________________________________ Over Coffee With . . . This month we are interviewing JMTA member Peggy Edwards, whose students won the junior and senior state concerto competition in May and the regionals in October. Thank you, Peggy, for sharing your experiences with us! PEGGY EDWARDS Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A. I was born in Wilmington, N.C. My father was transferred to Jacksonville when I was 4 months old. So basically, I am a native of Florida. I was raised in Jacksonville. Q. What inspired you to begin music lessons? A. As many of you probably know, my mother is a piano teacher (still teaching). Actually she started my older sister at a very young age. I had to beg her to start me, she waited until 3rd grade. She always would say, “I never thought I would have two daughters both very interested in music." Hearing the piano all the time and loving it, motivated me to practice. Q. Did you have a favorite music teacher that made music more enjoyable? A. I had two outstanding teachers in Jacksonville. I started with Gwen Hernandez. She was a wonderful teacher, very organized in her assignments. She also stressed theory, which I still love to teach. I feel she did an excellent job in the formative years. She used the Francis Clark Series at a time when it was very new and innovative, quite different from other popular methods. I started studying with MaryLou Krosnick in the 9th grade. She was an amazing, tireless perfectionist about everything, I really loved her style of teaching. I always remember, and still tell my own students, her insistence about having no nails! Even though I would have them clipped to the limit, she would say, “Oh, they can be shorter”. I still remember her nail clippers with fear! She gave everything to her teaching, she would not stop until a passage was just how it should be musically and technically. I am indebted to both of these teachers and of course my amazing mother’s help at home! I also had several excellent college teachers, but these are the two that stand out. Q. Tell us about some things you have been involved in musically. A. I have been involved in many areas of the musical field. I taught theory, sightsinging, class piano and applied piano at three different colleges before coming back to Jacksonville. I especially loved teaching theory. I feel it is so important in understanding how we interpret and “hear” musical works. I also minored in organ and played as a church organist for 15 years. I have done much accompanying throughout my years, and have learned a lot from great vocal teachers. The singing voice is so applicable to pianists! When returning to Jacksonville I taught at Douglas Anderson from 1995-1998. Then I decided to have my own studio and have never looked back! Q. Do you have a story of something that happened during one of your performances? A. Probably the funniest story I have while performing is when I was accompanying a student on a very difficult piano concerto. The second piano was in terrible shape, the damper pedal lever was barely on the back bar and so I knew I had to be very careful or it would fall off. Sure enough, halfway through it came apart while the student was playing. Luckily, I had eight measures of rests and I was able to fix it, and resume playing. Half of the audience was laughing. My poor student had no idea I did this, and wondered why they were laughing! He was very relieved when I explained to him what happened, he thought they were laughing at the piece!! To this day I can’t believe this didn’t distract him! Q. What advice would you give to help focus before a performance and curb nerves? A. When in a tense performance atmosphere, I always tell the student ahead of time how very proud I am of their playing and hard work. Also reminding them, yes some passages will not go as planned, be ready for this! I also tell the students that are playing extremely difficult works that the first few times of performing these great works are always learning experiences, they will get easier to perform. Reminding them, even the great artists play these pieces for many years. I always make them review videos from recitals to “hear” what really happened. I also stress listening to classical works - piano, orchestra, vocal, really any type of great literature. Q. What is an interesting place you have visited? A. I think one of the most interesting places I have visited was in Salzburg, Austria. I visited one of the historical piano museums; this was very enlightening. At the time, we could play the pianos. The touches and sound production were so different than what we are used to. It was mind boggling! Q. What do you find to be a challenge in teaching music and what do you find that helps? A. I think the most challenging aspect of teaching is finding out what makes each individual student learn to the best of their ability and what will capture their interest. Other than being very adamant about technical exercises, scales, arpeggios, hand position, theory, sight-reading etc. I teach them all a bit differently according to their uniqueness. I do worry and think a lot about “how” they practice at home. I like to make detailed lists for their performance pieces and make them adhere to them. Also a lot of slow / medium practice. I also am fanatical about fingerings, probably too much! Q. Who is one of your favorite music composers? A. After a long day of teaching, nothing is better than listening to Mozart. It is soothing and a stress reliever for me. I find it most uplifting! However, I don’t really have one favorite composer. There are so many great ones! ___________________________________________________________ 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. Sandra Stewart at 904-333-9280. Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series presents: “Guest Artist Recital” Featuring Louise Toppin, Soprano and Denise Wright, Piano Dr. James Hall, artistic director Date: Tuesday, January 10 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, 32224Cost: Free Admission Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Jacksonville University presents: “Contralto Classics” Dina Barone, Contralto and Sachiko Frampton, Collaborative Pianist “Classics such as from Handel’s Semele, Verdi’s Un ballo in Maschera, Wagner’s Das Reingold and Elgar’s Sea Pictures.” Date: Friday, January 13 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211Cost: FreeClick on link for more details: https://viewer.joomag.com/creative-arts-series-2022-2023/0546091001658934607?short& The Jacksonville Symphony presents: “Lush Life: Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn” Grant O’Brien, JSYO Music Director & Assistant Conductor; Bernard Holcomb, Vocalist “The big band compositions of icons Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn are brought to life by the musicians of the Jacksonville Symphony for an evening of classic jazz.” Dates: Friday, January 13 at 11:00am (Coffee Concert), Friday, January 13 at 7:30pm, and Saturday, January 14 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: Coffee concert starting at $23; Others starting at $27 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/events?_ga=2.55602603.1283876774.1673247682-757763258.1662407897 “Gershwin & Mendelssohn” The Florida Chamber Music Project 2022-2023 Concert Season A “lullaby by George Gershwin”, and “the Mendelssohn Octet”. Date: Sunday, January 15 at 3:00pm Location: Beaches Museum Chapel, 505 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, 32250 Cost: $27 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gershwin-mendelssohn-tickets-378539209967?aff=ebdssbdestsearch University of North Florida School of Music presents: “‘Hello, Mr. Clarke!’ The Music of Herbert L. Clarke” Dr. Marc Dickman, trombone and euphonium Dr. Randy Tinnin, coronet and trumpet Dr. Gary Smart, piano Date: Wednesday, January 18 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, 32224Cost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html Jacksonville Symphony presents: “Jurassic Park in Concert” Kevin Fitzgerald, Associate Conductor “Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, the action-packed adventure of Jurassic Park pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Experience it now, projected in HD with a full symphony orchestra performing John Williams' iconic score live to picture.” © Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Dates: Friday, January 20 at 7:00pm and Saturday, January 21 at 7:00pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: $34 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/events?_ga=2.55602603.1283876774.1673247682-757763258.1662407897 Jacksonville Symphony presents: “Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody” Courtney Lewis, Conductor Natasha Paremski, Piano “Natasha Paremski performs Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody alongside works by Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky” (includes the 18th Variation from movie Somewhere in Time) Dates: Friday, January 27 at 7:30pm and Saturday, January 28 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: Starting at $27 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/events?_ga=2.55602603.1283876774.1673247682-757763258.1662407897 Friday Musicale presents: “Songs of Joseph Marx and Franz Schubert, featuring James Hall (tenor) and Michael Landrum (piano)” “James Hall, tenor, and Michael Landrum, piano, present an afternoon of songs by Joseph Marx and the Heine settings of Franz Schubert’s Schwanengesang.” Date: Sunday, January 29 at 3:00pm-5:00pm Location: 645 Oak St., JacksonvilleCost: Free admission for Jacksonville residents & Friday Musicale members – general admission $15 advance or $20 day of show. Click on link for tickets and for details: https://fridaymusicale.com/event/vocal-recital-dr-james-hall/ Jacksonville Symphony presents: “Country Legends: Dolly, Kenny & More!” Alex Getlin, Vocalist; Carole J. Bufford, Vocalist; Brian Wilson, Vocalist Grant O’Brien, JSYO Music Director & Assistant Conductor “Grab your boots and join the hoedown as the orchestra and guest vocalists perform classics from the Queen and King of country: Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.” Dates: Friday, February 3 at 7:30pm and Saturday, February 4 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200Cost: Starting at $27 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/handels-messiah?_ga=2.79403031.2031909327.1667898787-757763258.1662407897 University of North Florida School of Music presents: “Faculty Recital: Dr. Erin Bennett, piano” Date: Monday, February 6 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, 32224Cost: Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html _______________________________________________________ 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? 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. January 11 9:30am - Meeting District IV Meeting And Program: “Our Music–Our Planet” Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 And over Zoom February 8 9:30 – Meeting After – Program JMTA General Meeting And Program TBA Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 And over Zoom February 26 2:00pm District IV Sonatina-Sonata Festival UNF Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, 32224 March 8 9:30 – Meeting After - Program JMTA General Meeting And Program TBA Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 And over Zoom March 11 Time TBD District IV Concerto Competition UNF Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, 32224 March 25 As Scheduled District IV Student Day Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223 March 26 3:00pm JMTA Student Recital All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave., 32207 March 28 6:00pm Community “Proton Therapy” Recital UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. 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 jaxmta@gmail.com. |
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