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JMTA High Notes
October 2022—Vol. 26, no. 2 General Meeting (at Keyboard Connection, also available on Zoom): October 12, 2022: 9:30am - General meeting 10:30am – Program: What I Wish I’d Known (Nancy Breth) _____________________________________________________________________ From the President’s Pen: While pondering what to share for this article, it occurred to me that it may be useful this year or in the future to have a list of pieces for Halloween. I spent part of the summer looking for appropriate selections for my students in elementary and middle school and below is the result. I also encourage the students to improvise on minor pentascales with a “special” note thrown in for fun. Ex. In R. H. Play C minor pentascale omitting the “F” on the way up (C,D,Eb,G, F#- stay here for a while - then quickly down on G, F, Eb, D, C). Add a low C alternating with G for the LH and you’ve got a nice start. Halloween pieces in collections that I teach: “Haunted House Rock”- David Kraehenbuehl, Frances Clark Supplementary Solos, Level 2 I’m Not Scared – Nancy Telfair Frederick Harris Music, Intermediate (10 solos) “Spells Trouble” – Elissa Milne Little Peppers, Faber Music, Late Elementary “A Witch’s Cat” – William Gillock Lyric Preludes in Romantic Style, Intermediate-Late Int. “The Haunted Mansion” – Martin Kutnowski, Echoes, Pictures, Riddles and Tales for Piano Solo FJH Music Co., Elementary-Intermediate “Phantasietanz, Op. 124, #5 – Robert Schumann, Schott Music, Romantic Piano Anthology, Vol. 3, Late Intermediate-Advanced “Ballade Op. 100, No. 15” – F. Burgmuller, Focus on Melody, Vol I, Suzanne Guy & Victoria McArthur, FJH Music Co., Intermediate “Scaredy Cat” – Bela Bartok Contemporary Piano Literature Lev. 5 (Glover-Belwin Mills) -Int. “Scary!” -Joyce Grill Musical Scenes, Bk. 1, Alfred Pub. Co., Late Elementary-Early Intermediate “Halloween Night” – Linda Niamath Celebration Series, Piano Repertoire, Bk. 1, Frederick Harris “Spooks” – Clifford Poole Music, Elementary Some of these are in many different collections. I pulled these from my current teaching shelf and hope these suggestions will make good additions to the solos you already use. Please see the article about programs for info regarding October & November. Enjoy! See you in October, Anita Dr. Anita Boyle Renfroe, NCTM JMTA President anita@renfroepiano.com _______________________________________________________________________ JMTA General Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 14, 2022, 9:30am Keyboard Connection/Zoom Present Zoom: Angie Holt, Lynn Freeman, Mary McKee, Paulette Kilts, Kama Rasmussen-Li Present In-Person: Anita Renfroe, Lorraine Sears, Sandra Roberts, Sandra Stewart, Joan Cordell, Lisa Barwell, Stefanie Batson-Martin Call to Order: 9:38am (Anita Renfroe) Parliamentarian: (Lynn Freeman) •Nothing to report Secretary Minutes: (Stefanie Batson-Martin) •Read Treasurer’s Report: (Stefanie and Damon Martin) •Went over the proposed budget •Joan Cordell motioned to approve the budget, Sandra Roberts seconded •Current Checking: $10,705.82 •Business account: $1,844.28 •Business money market: $7,940.03 Vice-President/Membership: (JohnWillard Utuk) •Not present, sent Anita that we have 43 current active members •5 new members COMMITTEE REPORTS: Altruistic: (Sandra Roberts) •Please send anybody who needs a card to Sandra Roberts, an address would be appreciated as well •A card will be sent to Mary Lou Krosnick to let her know we are thinking about her •Margo Porter and Sarah Park never received a congratulations card for community service, this will be sent Communications/Internet Media: (Angie Holt) •Nothing to report Community Service: (Joan Cordell) •Two students sent in applications for the past school year, Sarah Park won, Margo Porter was a district (inaudible) •Students should keep track of any musical events, ex. Band or choir in school, retirement homes, church performances, recitals… Ethics: (Betty Atkinson) •Not present Historian: (Lynn Roberts) •Not present Programs: (Open position) •Anita chose five conference programs for us to vote on to watch for our fall programs Scholarships: (Kamila Shahtakhtinski) •Not present Social: (Angie Holt and Stefanie Batson-Martin) •Potluck will follow after the meeting (in-person) •Thank you to Angie for arranging this Student Recitals: (Lorraine Sears and Gavin Taylor) •Angie will look into Fruit Cove Baptist as a venue for October along with another church •The church where Piano Guild is held may be an option, Duane Carter would be a contact for that location •If anybody has a venue for October, please let Lorraine know •Two venues: •December: Arlington United Methodist, we chose December 4th in the meeting as the date •March: All Saints Episcopal, March 26th is available, Michael Mastronicola hinted that we should give a donation to continue to use their facility •Lorraine would like to go back to holding receptions after recitals, everybody seemed to agree we should be okay to resume this •We will look into donating money to the church from the budget Student Day Report: (Angie Holt) •Looking into the Greater Jax Festival to make sure Student Day is not on the same day as that event Wellness Liaison: (Lisa Barwell) •We did an exercise from “Breathe Like a Bear”, today’s was listening like an elephant Old Business: •Only elected positions (President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer) must be non-student members, but any other positions (like Programs Chair) could be a collegiate member or member(s) with supervision from Anita New Business:
Adjourned: 10:40am (Anita Renfroe) -Submitted by Stefanie Batson-Martin, Recording Secretary ______________________________________________________________________ JMTA Treasury Report August 2022 _________________________________________________________________ JMTA MONTHLY PROGRAMS OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER Wednesday, October 12th, and Wednesday, November 9th at Keyboard Connection and over Zoom (to start after the 9:30 general meetings, generally at 10:30am). All members are welcome to the general meetings and to the programs! Zoom links will be forthcoming soon. Programs for October and November Thank you for giving feedback on the program options for October & November. The selection for October received the most votes and the November choice was second. We will be watching two wonderful videos from the 2022 MTNA Conference. October’s selection is “What I Wish I’d Known” featuring Nancy Breth. She reflects on her years of teaching and valuable lessons she’s learned. It’s an informative and humorous session on technique, repertoire and running a studio business. November’s selection is “Asian Piano Music for Intermediate Learners.” Charissa Baldoria introduces music from China, Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines. We become acquainted with appealing music to capture the imagination of teens or adults. We need a new PROGRAM DIRECTOR! If you have an interest in doing this, please contact me - anita@renfroepiano.com. We’re set for the Fall but need someone to organize programs for February, March and April. - Dr. Anita Renfroe, president _________________________________________________________________ JMTA Student Recital Our next student recital will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at Arlington United Methodist Church, 1400 University Blvd. N. Recital begins at 3:00p. 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. 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) _______________________________________________________________ DISTRICT IV NEWS District IV Sonata / Sonatina Festival More information coming soon about the Sonata / Sonatina Festival. 2023 District IV Student Day District IV Student Day is being planned for a Saturday in the spring of 2023, TBA.. To start preparing your students, you can go to FMTA.org or use this link: https://www.fmta.org/fsmta-non-competitive-events.html. You’ll need the FMTA password of Mozart. Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions you may have at angiespianostudio7@gmail.com. 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 (for the Primary level there is no aural theory). I use the curriculum with my students and find it has been very helpful. To order, contact 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 (angiespianostudio7@gmail.com) ________________________________________________________________ Over Coffee With . . . This month we are interviewing a newer member of the JMTA, Dr. Michael Bovenzi, who is an Associate Professor of Music and Woodwind and Brass Area Coordinator at UNF. Welcome Dr. Bovenzi, thank you for sharing your experiences with us! DR. MICHAEL BOVENZI Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A. I was born in Rochester, NY and grew up in South Florida, Coral Springs. I am a product of the Broward County school system, Kindergarten thru 12th grade. I took three years of piano lessons before starting clarinet in the 5th grade, because of an afterschool program at my elementary school that gave students the opportunity to learn flute, clarinet, trumpet, or trombone. In 6th grade I began playing saxophone, and my background in piano and clarinet gave me a strong foundation for the middle school band. After investing so much time in high school music (marching band, concert, jazz, MPA), it felt natural to continue in music and get the answers to the musical questions I always had. What a relief it was to study music in college and get those answers and find a path for expression. Q. What instilled in you a desire to begin music lessons? A. My parents both played instruments in high school and we owned an old player-piano so it was a natural fit to have me study piano. I was 8 years old and not very interested in music yet, so the lessons didn’t take, but learning to read both clefs and a basic understanding of rhythm really paved the way for making music seem “easy”. We gravitate toward things that we display aptitude toward, and my early music training made music fun and something I felt confident in. Q. Tell us about some things you have been/are involved in musically. A. I think my favorite music endeavors have been collaborating with composers. Commissioning new works for my instrument, often times with composers who haven’t written for saxophone, provides a really wonderful experience to share my playing and the possibilities that can be written. These collaborations always result in challenging pieces that both highlight what I like to do on the saxophone and stretch my abilities to learn new techniques. Q. Do you have a story of something that happened during one of your performances and how you handled it? A. I can’t think of anything significant. I tend to over-prepare and plan out all the small details to avoid any surprises. Q. What advice would you give to help focus before a performance and curb nerves? A. Keep it simple. I’ve heard of performers taking medications to calm nerves and having less than ideal outcomes. I’ve heard that the potassium in bananas is supposed to have a calming effect. I told this to a student once and he ate ‘many’ bananas before a concert and felt awful. My advice is to keep the daily routine the same. Keep the warm-up the same. Try to reproduce the same environment that we rehearse and practice in. Making too many changes for the performance can create new obstacles. Q. What is one of the most interesting places you've visited, and why? A. Bangkok, Thailand was an eye-opener. To see the way that people live on the other side of the world and how fortunate we are to be able to make music daily and the modern conveniences at our fingertips. Any time a trip makes you appreciate what you have, there is opportunity to grow. Q. What do you find to be a challenge in teaching music and what do you find that helps? A. Each student is so unique in their learning style and their perception that it can be very challenging to teach some of the fundamental concepts on my instrument. I can teach the same technique to five different students and receive five different responses and levels of success. This has led to develop multiple approaches to teaching many of the cornerstone techniques, to help me find the exercise or example that ‘fits’ each student and achieves improvement more quickly. Q. Who is one of your favorite music composers? A. I really enjoy the music of Astor Piazzolla. I believe the Argentinian Tango music has a special place in concert programming. Our recital programs should not be limited to European and American composers, but should try to include as many cultures and styles as possible. ______________________________________________________________ 2022 FSMTA Conference The following is from the FMTA website:
https://www.fmta.org/fsmta-conference.html 2022 Florida MTNA Performance Competitions
https://www.fmta.org/mtna-competitive-events.html _________________________________________________________________ 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: “John Daugherty, Baritone, and Geoffrey Loff, Piano” Dr. James Hall, Art Director Date: Friday, October 7 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, 32224 Cost: Free Admission Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx “Organ Chamber Music” Joshua Stafford, Organ Date: Saturday, October 8 at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: Starting at $25 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/organ-chamber-music/3041 “Dia de los Muertos” Family Concert Latin American Melodies Date: Sunday, October 9 at 3:00pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: Adult - $10, Child - $8 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/dia-de-los-muertos/3117 “UNF Orchestra in Concert” Featuring works by Handel and Mozart Dr. Simon Shiao, Conductor Date: Tuesday, October 11 at 7:30pm Location: Lazzara Performance Hall, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, 32224 Cost: Free Admission; Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx UNF Wind Symphony and Concert Band presents: “Emblems” Performing music by Aaron Copland and Nubia Jamie Donjuan Dr. Erin Bodnar, conductor Date: Wednesday, October 12 at 7:30pm Location: Lazzara Performance Hall, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, 32224 Cost: Free Admission; Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx UNF Percussion Ensemble presents: “Edge of a Tide” Dr. Andrea Venet, Director Date: Friday, October 14 at 6:30pm Location: Lazzara Performance Hall, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, 32224 Cost: Free Admission; Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx “Cirque de la Symphonie: Spooktacular!” Pops Series“Cirque de la Symphonie returns to Jacoby Symphony Hall with a spooky twist” Date: Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15 at 7:30 Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: $27 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/cirque-de-la-symphonie/2921 “Piano Recital Featuring Spencer McKee” Spencer is the son of JMTA member Dr. Mary McKee Date: Sunday, October 16 at 5:00pm Location: St. Johns Cathedral, 256 E. Church St., Jacksonville, 32202 Cost: Free Admission Click on link for details: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/blog/piano-recital-featuring-spencer-mckee/?occurrence=43 Jacksonville University Department of Music presents: “Honors Recital” Outstanding Music Majors in Performance Date: Thursday, October 20 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211 Cost: Free Click on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php “Bach, Beethoven and Brahms” Florida Blue Classical Series Alessio Bax, Pianist Courtney Lewis, Conductor Dates: Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: $27.00 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/events?_ga=2.40851042.133670993.1665042206-757763258.1662407897 Friday Musicale presents: “Gainesville Brass Quintet” Date: Sunday, October 23 at 3:00pm Location: 645 Oak St., Jacksonville Cost: See link below for information on prices Click on link for tickets and for details: https://fridaymusicale.com/event/gainesville-brass-quintet-3/ “Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville” Performing Mussorgsky, Saint Saens, J.S. Bach, and Grieg. Marguerite Richardson, Conductor Date: Sunday, October 23 at 5:00pm Location: St. John’s Cathedral, 256 East Church Street, Jacksonville, 32202 Cost: Free Admission, but register first. Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/blog/civic-orchestra-of-jacksonville7489/?occurrence=44 Jacksonville University presents: “Jessica Welsh, Guest Artist Pianist” Creative Arts Series Date: Tuesday, October 25 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211 Cost: Free Click on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php University of North Florida School of Music presents: “Faculty Recital: Hello, Mr. Clarke! The Music of Herbert L. Clarke” Dr. Marc Dickman, trombone, euphonium; Dr. Randy Timm, cornet, trumpet; Dr. Gary Smart, piano Date: Wednesday, October 26 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, 32224 Cost: Free Admission Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx “At the Ballet” Symphony in 60 Series Roberto Forteo, Artistic Director and The Florida Ballet Music by Tchaikovsky – Swan Lake Kevin Fitzgerald, Conductor Date: Thursday, October 27 at 6:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: $25 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/at-the-ballet-sym60/3096 35th Annual Great American Jazz Series presents: “Saxophonist Joel Frahm and Douglas Anderson SOTA JE1” J.B. Scott, Artistic Director Date: Thursday, October 27 at 7:30pm Location: Andrew A. Robinson Theater, 1 UNF Drive, Unit 14A, Jacksonville, 32224 Cost: Free Admission; Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx Jacksonville University/Aegis Consulting presents: “Guest Artist Anastasiya Petryshak, Violin” Creative Arts Series Date: Thursday, October 27 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211 Cost: Free Admission, but must have ticket Click on link for tickets and for details: https://jutickets.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1716&r=c554378d52774890a3297391c96e7a90 University of North Florida School of Music presents: “Fall Choral Showcase” Dr. Cara Tasher, conductor Date: Sunday, October 30 at 4:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, 32224 Cost: Free Admission; Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx Jacksonville University presents: “Halloween Spooktacular” “Join the Jacksonville University Orchestra as it explores the spookier side of orchestral music! Put on that costume and get ready to hear music by Mussorgsky, Dukas, John Williams, and more!” Date: Monday, October 31 at 7:30pm Location: Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211 Cost: Free Click on link for more details: https://www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php “Haydn and Tchaikovsky” The Florida Chamber Music Project 2022-2023 Concert Season String Quartet Op 76 No 6 – Haydn; String Quartet No 1 in D Major, Op 11 – Tchaikovsky Date: Sunday, November 20 at 3:00pm Location: Beaches Museum Chapel, 505 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, 32250 Cost: $27 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://flchambermusic.org/concerts/ “Rocky in Concert” “Enter the boxing ring and take a jab at the World Heavyweight Championship with the original Rocky. Watch as the boxer goes from rags to riches in an empowering and musical story of the American Dream. As the Symphony performs Bill Conti’s legendary score, you’ll feel inspired, motivated, and ready to overcome any obstacles.” Date: Friday, November 18 at 7:00pm and Saturday, November 19 at 7:0pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: $34 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/events?_ga=2.40851042.133670993.1665042206-757763258.1662407897 ______________________________________________________________ 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. October 12 9:30am – Meeting After - Program JMTA General Meeting and Program: Nancy Breth “What I Wish I’d Known” Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 and over Zoom October 20-23 As Scheduled 2022 FSMTA Conference Hotel Venezia, Venice, Florida October 29-30 As Scheduled 2022 Florida MTNA Performance Competitions State College of Florida, Bradenton November 9 9:30am – Meeting After - Program JMTA General Meeting and Program: Charissa Baldoria “Asian Piano Music” Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 and over Zoom December 4 3:00pm JMTA Student Recital Arlington UMC, 1400 University Blvd. N., 32211 Stay tuned for more events to come! High Notes is distributed on the first of the month excluding June-August and December. All submissions are due by the 20th of the month prior to distribution. Submissions may be sent to jaxmta@gmail.com JMTA High Notes
September 2022—Vol. 26, no. 1 General Meeting and Potluck (at Keyboard Connection, also available on Zoom): September 14, 2022: 9:30am - General meeting and Overview of JMTA Activities 11:00am - Potluck _____________________________________________________________________________ From the President’s Pen: Welcome back from your travels around the country, across the seas or just through books in your own backyard. Our music journals and resources in public libraries offer us endless options to learn about different subjects – people, cultures, places as well as a chance to look within ourselves. MTNA President, Karen Thickstun speaks of Meaningful Participation in the opening article of the Aug/Sept issue of AMT. She states that “Our collective personal stories and perspectives impact how we move forward as an association.” We have an opportunity to share some of those stories in September at our first meeting. We all share the joy of music-making and teaching our art, but the paths we’ve taken to do that and the experiences we’ve had along the way make us unique. Let’s celebrate those differences and as Karen says, “make a space where everyone feels like they belong, where they can have a voice, share their story and meaningfully participate.” Before our September meeting would you take time to contact someone who has not been active in JMTA for the past couple of years and invite them to our Potluck event. We want to include recent college grads as well. They may not know that they can participate on zoom if they cannot attend the meetings. Let them know. The more we reach out and connect to fellow teachers in the area, the stronger our association will be. Be sure to check out the plans for our opening meeting. All the activities offered through JMTA will be introduced with follow-up information available. (See the newsletter for further details.) Just a little food for thought from Christine Whitlock’s Podcast – Beyond Measure - We are building relationships with our students. We need them to trust us, to respect us. Do we ask ourselves what our student’s takeaway is from the lesson this week. I look forward to seeing each of you in September! Anita Dr. Anita Boyle Renfroe, NCTM JMTA President anita@renfroepiano.com _____________________________________________________________________________ JMTA General Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 11, 9:30am Keyboard Connection/Zoom Present Zoom: Joan Cordell, Lynn Freeman, Mary McKee, Paulette Kilts, Kama Rasmussen-Li Present In-Person: Anita Renfroe, Damon Martin, Erin Bennett, Sandra Roberts, Lorraine Sears, Angie and Daniel Holt, Denise Homsley, Stefanie Batson-Martin Call to Order: 9:35am (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: (Lisa Barwell)
Scholarships: (Kamila Shahtakhtinski)
Social: (Angie Holt and Stefanie Batson-Martin)
Student Recitals: (Sandra Stewart and Gavin Taylor)
Student Day Report: (Angie Holt)
Wellness Liaison: (Lisa Barwell)
Old Business:
New Business:
Adjourned: 10:10am (Anita Renfroe) -Submitted by Stefanie Batson-Martin, Recording Secretary ______________________________________________________________________ JMTA Treasury Reports (June and July Reports and the Proposed JMTA Budget) June 2022 July 2022 Proposed JMTA Budget ________________________________________________________________________ JMTA MONTHLY PROGRAMS SEPTEMBER On Wednesday, September 14th at Keyboard Connection, to start by 11am (after the 9:30 meeting). Zoom link will be emailed soon for the meeting. Welcome Back Potluck! Please join us for a chance to mingle with your colleagues and eat some delicious food! We will also review the JMTA Student Activities for 2022-2023 at the 9:30 meeting, and more questions can be asked at the Potluck. Please email Angie Holt at angiespianostudio7@gmail.com by Sunday, September 11th with what main dish, side dish, or dessert you would like to bring. Thank you! We look forward to seeing you there. ________________________________________________________________________ JMTA STUDENT ACTIVITIES FOR 2022-2023 JMTA has many musical and academic opportunities during the school year for our students to participate in and to grow musically. Here is an overview of each, and they will be presented at our upcoming September meeting. JMTA Student Recitals One of the benefits of JMTA membership is the ability to have students perform in one of our public recitals. This is a great opportunity especially for a teacher who may have a few students that would be able to perform, but perhaps not enough students to plan and execute a recital of just your studio. JMTA does all the work for you! We secure a location, print the programs, and host a reception (if constraints allow). Specific guidelines are posted on the website, but here are the main points:
If you have a location that would be willing to host us, please contact Recitals Co-Chair Lorraine Sears at jaxpeach13@gmail.com to discuss. View the link for more info (new dates TBA): https://www.jaxmta.org/jmta-student-recitals.html There is also an annual Community Recital held in April, for late-intermediate to advanced students only (new date TBA): https://www.jaxmta.org/community-proton-therapy-recital.html FSMTA District IV Sonatina and Sonata Festival This District IV Festival is held annually at the UNF Fine Arts Center Recital Hall, and is founded and chaired by Dr. Erin Bennett. Students perform a movement of a Sonatina or Sonata in a recital setting before an adjudicator. The Sonatina or Sonata can be by any composer from the Classical Era onwards; contemporary or pedagogical Sonatina/Sonata composers are welcomed. The adjudicator provides a written evaluation of the performance. It is $15 for students of FSMTA members or $25 for students of non-member teachers. View the link for more info (new dates TBA): https://www.jaxmta.org/district-4-sonatina--sonata-festival.html FSMTA District IV Concerto Competition Held annually in the spring, the District IV competition is chaired by Dr. Erin Bennett. Students can compete in one of four levels: Elementary, Junior, Intermediate, or Senior, in one of the following instruments: Piano, Voice, Woodwinds, Strings, Brass, Percussion, or Organ. Per the Florida State Music Teachers website: “The FSMTA Concerto Competition is a two-stage competitive event. All applicants must first apply and compete at a District level. District Concerto winners (with the exception of the Elementary category) are obligated to represent their districts and compete in the State Concerto Competition.” The cost is $40 for students of FSMTA members, and $80 for students of non-member teachers ($40 for student and $40 for teacher). If the student advances to the state level competition, there is an additional $40 application fee for FSMTA members, $80 for non-members. View the link for more info (new dates TBA): https://www.jaxmta.org/district-4-concerto-competition.html FSMTA District IV Student Day Held annually in the spring, District IV Student Day is chaired by Angie Holt. Student Day is one of the most structured and comprehensive music evaluation programs and gives students a great sense of accomplishment. There are three areas of testing: 1. The Performance Audition: Takes place before an adjudicator and is graded on:
Honors Recital: If a Student receives an Honors in the Performance Audition and at least an Achievement in Written and Aural Theory, they will be invited to performance in the Honors Recital, typically held a few weeks later, wearing concert dress. To Get Started: For more info and for the application form (not due until spring 2023), go to our website or use this link (new dates TBA): https://www.jaxmta.org/district-4-student-day.html For the Written, Aural, and Performance audition information, go to FMTA.org or use this link: https://www.fmta.org/fsmta-non-competitive-events.html You’ll need the FMTA password of Mozart. Please email me with any questions at angiespianostudio7@gmail.com. You may want to get started soon in preparing your student(s). NOTE: An independent teacher in Florida has created a curriculum to help you prepare your students for the keyboard skills, written, and aural theory testing mentioned above. The guidelines follow the requirements provided in your Student Activities Handbook. I use it with my students and it has been very helpful. Contact Sue Colvert (Music Masters) at jwcsr@aol.com. (Music Masters, 954-752-2856, 4111 NW 79 Ave, Coral Springs, FL 33065) JMTA Community Service Awards The Jacksonville Music Teachers Association participates in the Community Service Awards program, which is chaired by Joan Cordell. These awards are given to deserving 9th and 12th grade students in recognition of their leadership, achievements, and service to the community in the field of music. The applicants must also be students in good standing with their music instructor, a member of JMTA who recommends them for this award. Ninth graders apply for the Local and District President's Community Service Award and may count their music activities from summer before seventh grade through fall of ninth grade. Twelfth graders apply for the FSMTA Community Service Award for 12th Graders and may count their music activities from spring of ninth grade through fall of twelfth grade. Prospective applicants are encouraged to keep a journal of their music participation so they can document their community music involvement in ninth and twelfth grades when they are ready to apply for the Community Service Award. This award encourages young musicians to use their music talents and skills within their community for the betterment of the community and society as a whole. It also helps them become more responsible and caring citizens as they reach out to others through their music activities. Winning at the county level, the student receives a certificate and a plaque, which is an honor that can be placed on future college or employment applications. The ninth grade state winner receives a plaque and $100.00, while the twelfth grade state winner also receives a plaque and $500.00. Each county in District 4 is eligible to have a ninth and twelfth grade representative, so let’s strive to have plenty of county winners that could compete at the state level! View this link for more info (new dates TBA): https://www.jaxmta.org/community-service-award.html JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition The JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition is chaired by Kamila Shahtakhtinski, NCTM, Chair of Scholarship Committee, and will be held in March of 2023, date and location TBA. If there is only one applicant, auditions will be held online. Auditions will be open only to students who have studied for six or more months with a JMTA member in good standing 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 a duration no longer than 30 minutes, along with the signed application form and the fee of $25 must be sent to Kamila by the date TBD. Repertoire must be memorized. The winner of the Scholarship Competition will be required to perform at a future JMTA function, TBA. View this link for more info: https://www.jaxmta.org/high-school-senior-scholarship-competition.html JMTA Summer Music Camp Scholarship The JMTA Summer music camp scholarship is chaired by Kamila Shahtakhtinski, NCTM, Chair of Scholarship Committee, and is awarded annually only to pre-college students of JMTA members. The deadline for application is March 27, 2023. 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’ qualifications for scholarship along with their name(s) to the JMTA Scholarship Committee for consideration by the JMTA board. View this link for more info: https://www.jaxmta.org/summer-music-camp-scholarship.html ________________________________________________________________________ DISTRICT IV NEWS 2023 District IV Student Day District IV Student Day is being planned for a Saturday in April of 2023, TBA. To start preparing your students, you can go to FMTA.org or use this link: https://www.fmta.org/fsmta-non-competitive-events.html. You’ll need the FMTA password of Mozart. Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions you may have at angiespianostudio7@gmail.com. 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.* (For the Primary level there is no aural theory.) I use the curriculum with my students and find it has been very helpful. To order, contact 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) For Levels Primary and 1, two original pieces will need to be memorized. For Levels 2 through 12, three original pieces will need to be memorized. From Levels 5 and up, the three pieces will each need to be in a different musical era. Please let me know if you have any questions about the acceptability of a piece. There is also the suggested repertoire list on the FMTA website, though you are not required to use this. * An example of the Music Masters curriculum, as well as a Student Day certificate, medallion, and State medal, will be on display at the September meeting. - Angie Holt, Student Day Chair (angiespianostudio7@gmail.com) ________________________________________________________________________ 2022 FSMTA Conference The following is from the FMTA website:
Gail Berenson and Charles Turon are co-chairs of this event. For more information: https://www.fmta.org/fsmta-conference.html 2022 Florida MTNA Performance Competitions
https://www.fmta.org/mtna-competitive-events.html ________________________________________________________________________ AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Community Hospice Performances If you would be interested in performing a recital at the Community Hospice and Pallative Care on Sunbeam Road, they sponsor a monthly performance titled First Friday Recital Series, with performances starting at 11:30 a.m. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Sandy Stewart at 904-333-9280. 35th Annual Great American Jazz Series presents: “UNF Faculty Scholarship Concert with special guest, UNF Combo 1” J.B. Scott, Artistic Director Date: Thursday, September 15 at 7:30pm Location: Andrew A. Robinson Theater, 1 UNF Drive, Unit 14A, Jacksonville, 32224Cost: Free Admission; Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx “Faculty Recital: Featuring Dr. Andrea Venet, Associate Professor of Percussion” With special guest, Paige DeDecker Date: Friday, September 16 at 6:30pm 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/Calendar.aspx “Two Piano Benefit Recital for Lutheran Social Services” An evening of music and charity supporting Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida. ”Mother & Son Piano Team, Chris and Michelle Kuo, will perform Classical and fan favorites” Date: Saturday, September 17 at 7:00-9:00pm Location: Friday Musicale, 645 Oak Street, Jacksonville 32204 Cost: Starting at $20 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/two-piano-benefit-recital-for-lutheran-social-services-tickets-388179263627 “Faculty Recital: ‘Potpourri’ Featuring Dr. Gary Smart, Professor of Piano, Composition and Improvisation” Featuring music by Mozart, Liszt, Debussy, and solo piano improvisations. Date: Sunday, September 18 at 3:00pm 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/Calendar.aspx “Season 10 Premier” The Florida Chamber Music Project 2022-2023 Season The new “Spring Tales” by local composer Piotr Szewczyk will be performed, as well as Beethoven’s Op 59, No 1 quartet. Date: Sunday, September 18 at 3:00-4:00pm 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/season-10-premiere-tickets-378533352447 Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series presents: “Classical Faculty Scholarship Concert” Dr. James Hall, Artistic Director Date: Tuesday, September 20 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/Calendar.aspx “Jacksonville SINGS! Choral Finale Concert with Andrea Ramsey” UNF 50th Anniversary Event; Dr. Cara Tasher, Artistic Director “UNF Ensembles alongside High School Honor Chorus with Andrea Ramsey, conductor; Middle School Performing Artists with ShanPatrick Davis, conductor; and Sachiko Frampton and Michael Mastronicola, collaborative pianists.” Date: Saturday, September 24 at 5:00pm Location: Lazzara Performance Hall, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, 32224Cost: Free Admission; Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx “A Cello Recital” Featuring Jin Kim Peña, cello and Timothy Tuller, piano Performing “works by Chopin, Elgar, Saint-Saëns, Offenbach, Rachmaninoff, Fauré, and Schubert. This concert will be held in a state-of-the-art, Gothic Revival style setting in Taliaferro Hall…The Concert is free and open to the public. Refreshments following the performance.” Date: Sunday, September 25 at 5:00pm Location: St. John’s Cathedral, Taliaferro Hall, 256 East Church Street, Jacksonville, 32202 Cost: Free Admission Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/blog/a-cello-recital/ UNF Wind Symphony presents: “A Chamber Recital” Dr. Erin Bodnar, conductor Date: Wednesday, September 28 at 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, 32224Cost: Free Admission; Suggested Donation: $10 Click on link for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx “Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1” Florida Blue Classical Series With Shostakovich’s Festive Overture and Stravinksy’s Petrushka Courtney Lewis, Musical Director Tianxu An, by special arrangement with Curtis on Tour, Pianist Dates: Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1, at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: $27.00 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/tchaikovsky-piano-concerto-1?_ga=2.155371900.634367264.1662407897-757763258.1662407897 “Cirque de la Symphonie: Spooktacular!”Pops Series“Cirque de la Symphonie returns to Jacoby Symphony Hall with a spooky twist” Date: Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15 at 7:30 Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: $27 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/cirque-de-la-symphonie/292 ________________________________________________________________________ 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. September 14 9:30am – Meeting Around 11am - Potluck JMTA General Meeting followed by Potluck Lunch Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 And over Zoom October 12 9:30am – Meeting After - Program JMTA General Meeting and Program: TBA Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 And over Zoom October 20-23 As Scheduled 2022 FSMTA Conference Hotel Venezia, Venice, Florida October 29-30 As Scheduled 2022 Florida MTNA Performance Competitions State College of Florida, Bradenton November 9 9:30am – Meeting After - 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
May 2022—Vol. 25, no. 8 General Meeting and Program (at Keyboard Connection, also available on Zoom): May 11, 2022: 9:30am – General meeting Program afterwards: Concerto Winners _____________________________________________________________________________ From the President’s Pen: “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain Most of us know what our calling is and are trying our best to fulfill it. When I began teaching I naively thought it would be easy to teach others to read music, play by ear, understand the theory behind the notes and learn a technical routine. Over the years it became apparent that the more I learned about teaching, the more I realized I didn’t know. I found a love not only for the process of practicing, but also for the preparation for teaching. MTNA workshops, publications and teacher mentoring in many music teacher associations in lots of states have provided a foundation well beyond my years of schooling. The beauty of this calling is that it never ends; it’s constantly challenged, motivated and rewarded. Our presenter for the April program, Rhonda Cassano, engaged each of us in her workshop. She used simple exercises to help us experience what it feels like to be in balance and out of balance – standing, moving and sitting at the piano. If you missed it, here is the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ1uPaHegIg Rhonda’s session inspired me to look for short video clips that show artistry in motion. Asher Armstrong wrote an interesting article in last October’s issue of AMT, Creating a Bridge to the Artistic Image. If we combine some of Rhonda’s suggestions with Asher’s, it may be possible to find images that show good body alignment with torso, shoulders, arms, hands and fingers moving with ease and creating beautiful music. I want images that I can view with students to observe how the gestures impact, tone, dynamics, balance and articulation. (This may be my quest for the summer!) It was wonderful to be back at Keyboard Connection for our meeting. It was impressive to arrive and see that Stefanie Batson-Martin had already set up the computer, monitor and camera so members could also attend the event online. Thank you to Stef, Erin Bennett, and Angie Holt for the prep to make our meeting special. Looking ahead…JMTA’s Board will meet in June. We would like input regarding programs or types of programs you would like to have next year. Please email me with your suggestions by June 1st so we can compile and discuss these at the June Board meeting. “When you come upon stumbling blocks, see them as stepping stones.” Bruce Pulver Anita Dr. Anita Boyle Renfroe, NCTM JMTA President anita@renfroepiano.com _____________________________________________________________________________ JMTA General Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 13, 2021, 9:30am Keyboard Connection/Zoom Present Zoom: Erin Bennett, Paulette Kilts, Mary McKee, Denise Homsley, Lynn Freeman, Sandra Stewart, Kama Rasmussen-Li, JohnWillard Utuk, Damon Martin Present In-Person: Lisa Barwell, Stefanie Batson-Martin, Sandra Roberts, Anita Renfroe, Kamila Shahtakhtinski, Joan Cordell, Betty Atkinson Call to Order: 9:35am (Anita Renfroe) Parliamentarian: (Lynn Freeman) •Nothing to report Secretary Minutes: (Stefanie Batson-Martin) •Read Treasurer’s Report: (Stefanie and Damon Martin) •Current Checking is $10,066.39 •Total assets are $20,839.24 •Total Piano Festival is $3,337.08 •Warren Fund is $1,127.73 •A check was sent to Erin Bennett for judging a competition •Student Recital checks are still coming in •Reimbursement checks have been sent out to those for JMTA supplies Vice-President/Membership: (JohnWillard Utuk) •Nothing to report COMMITTEE REPORTS: Altruistic: (Sandra Roberts) •Had receipts for treasurer •Daniel Holt won the JMTA Scholarship, a congrats will be sent to him •A thank-you card will be sent to Rhonda Cassano for her presentation after today’s meeting Communications/Internet Media: (Angie Holt) •Not present Community Service: (Joan Cordell) •Did anybody send in a community service person for state? •Betty Atkinson may have, not confirmed at the meeting •Somebody in Duval did •Joan does not find out unless there are two from the same county; Anastasia Naplekova runs this, she may be able to let Joan know Ethics: (Betty Atkinson) •Nothing to report Historian: (Lynn Roberts) •Not present Programs: (Lisa Barwell) •If anybody is interested in taking over as program chair, please let Anita know •Today's program will feature Rhonda Cassano •May’s program will be the Concerto Competition winners Scholarships: (Kamila Shahtakhtinski) •Daniel Holt won the JMTA Scholarship, two students applied •No candidates for the summer camp scholarship Social: (Angie Holt and Stefanie Batson-Martin) •Refreshments are provided Student Recitals: (Sandra Stewart and Gavin Taylor) •March Recital at All Saints Episcopal Church - 19 students and 5 teachers represented - big thanks to Michael Mastronicola for the location •Proton Therapy Recital, April 26, Tuesday night, 6pm (late intermediate/advanced students) deadline to register is Saturday, April 23 •Kamila, Anita, Lisa and Sandra Stewart has students so far, please let Sandra Stewart know if anybody else is interested •Students can perform one or two pieces •Students get community service credits •Masks are required in the building Student Day Report: (Angie Holt) •Angie not present •Saturday, April 30, Mandarin Baptist on San Jose Wellness Liaison: (Lisa Barwell) •Breathing warm-up: Listening with our elephant •Anita encourages anybody attending the virtual conference to watch the Wellness presentations Old Business: •Nothing to report New Business: •Lisa Barwell made the suggestion of a teacher retreat over the summer
Elementary Piano Winner: Mark Chen Teacher: Kamila Shahtakhtinski Rep: Haydn Little Concerto in CM, mvt .1 Junior Piano Winner: YoYo Qu Teacher: Peggy Edwards Rep: Mozart Concerto No. 13 in C, K. 415, mvt. 3 Senior Piano Winner: Matthew Phan Teacher: Peggy Edwards Rep: Weber Konzertstück, op. 79 Alternate: Spencer McKee Teacher: Mary McKee Rep: Chopin Concerto No. 1 in E min, mvt. 1 Intermediate Strings: Winner: Leila Warren, violin Teacher: Sonja Foster Rep: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, mvt. 1 Adjourned: 10:05am (Anita Renfroe) -Submitted by Stefanie Batson-Martin, Recording Secretary ______________________________________________________________________ STUDENT RAISES CONTRIBUTIONS A local newspaper carried this photo and article of student Spencer McKee: “The Composers for Peace piano recital by Fernandina Beach High School student Spencer McKee raised more than $2,000 for the World Central Kitchen to provide meals for Ukrainian refugees.” Spencer is the son of Dr. Mary McKee. _____________________________________________________________________________ JMTA Treasury Report ________________________________________________________________________ JMTA MONTHLY PROGRAMS May: Wednesday, 5/11 in person at Keyboard Connection after the 9:30 meeting, with Zoom also available (link below) Performances by Concerto Competition Winners and JMTA Scholarship Winner May 11: If you choose to attend over Zoom instead, use link below. Join Zoom Meeting https://unf.zoom.us/j/96104411000?pwd=ZVA0ckszeElKMk5tekZGQlJhUmNvdz09 Meeting ID: 961 0441 1000 Passcode: 230047 ________________________________________________________________________ CONGRATULATIONS to 2022 JMTA HSS Scholarship Winner 2022 JMTA High School Senior Scholarship auditions were held online. The judge was Dr. Erin Bennett. Applicant Daniel Holt, home schooled High School Senior and student of Dr. Sandra Stewart, presented a recorded performance of the program of three contrasting pieces from different periods: Bach, Two-part Invention No.4 D-Minor; Beethoven, Sonata Op.79 G Major I. Presto Alla Tedesca; and Costley, Symphony of Spring. He was declared the winner of the 2022 JMTA High School Senior Scholarship. The check in the amount of $1,000 of established scholarship money will be presented to Daniel Holt after his performance at the JMTA meeting on May 11, 2022. Kamila Shahtakhtinski, NCTM JMTA Scholarship Committee Chair ________________________________________________________________________ DISTRICT IV NEWS 2022 District IV Concerto Competition I am delighted to announce the winners of the 2022 District IV Concerto Competition: Elementary Piano Winner: Mark Chen Teacher: Kamila Shahtakhtinski Rep: Haydn Little Concerto in CM, mvt .1 Junior Piano Winner: YoYo Qu Teacher: Peggy Edwards Rep: Mozart Concerto No. 13 in C, K. 415, mvt. 3 Senior Piano Winner: Matthew Phan Teacher: Peggy Edwards Rep: Weber Konzertstück, op. 79 Alternate: Spencer McKee Teacher: Mary McKee Rep: Chopin Concerto No. 1 in E min, mvt. 1 Intermediate Strings: Winner: Leila Warren, violin Teacher: Sonja Foster Rep: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, mvt. 1 Looking forward to hearing some of their performances at the May JMTA meeting! With thanks, Erin - Dr. Erin K. Bennett, NCTM, Concerto Chair 2022 District IV Student Day District IV Student Day was held Saturday, April 30, on the campus of Mandarin Baptist Church. Heartfelt thanks are extended to the staff of Mandarin Baptist for the gracious use of the church campus. Eight JMTA teachers enrolled 24 students to participate in this year’s Student Day. Many thanks to our adjudicators: Dr. Sandra Stewart, Dr. Michael Mastronicola, and Dr. Erin Bennett. Your expertise and helpful comments are so appreciated! Appreciation is also sincerely extended to the following for their assistance with the administration of Student Day: Denise Homsley, Lorraine Sears, and Stefanie Batson-Martin. Many thanks, as well, to Mark Homsley for all of his assistance at Student Day. Many students have qualified to perform in the Student Day Honors Recital, which will be held on Sunday, May 22, at 3:00pm at All Saints Episcopal Church. Many thanks to Dr. Michael Mastronicola for securing the location for our Honors Recital. Once the 2022 Student Day certificates and medals have been received, I will be in touch with all of the teachers for distribution. Thank you for helping make this a successful Student Day! - Angie Holt, Student Day Chair (angiespianostudio7@gmail.com) ________________________________________________________________________ Over Coffee With . . . This month we getting to know a newer member of our music teachers association, Dr. Mary McKee, who lives in the Fernandina Beach area. Welcome, Mary, and thank you for sharing your experiences with us! DR. MARY McKEE Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A. I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah until I left after my junior year in high school to attend The Juilliard School in New York City. I have a younger brother who also became a musician. This is my third time returning to live in Florida. I first lived in Fernandina Beach, moved, lived in Ponte Vedra Beach, moved, and am now back in Fernandina Beach with my husband and son. Q. What made you want to begin piano lessons as a child? A. My father loved classical music and would play the piano in the evenings after he returned from work. He played pieces he taught himself such as Chopin waltzes, and taught and accompanied us as we sang Japanese folk songs. The piano was the center of a happy family activity and I couldn’t wait to start lessons at age 5. Q. Who was your favorite music teacher growing up and why? A. My first piano teacher, Mrs. Melba Hoyt, was very kind and I still remember my first lesson where she brought out a colorful assortment of folders for me to choose my very own piano notebook. She also had a jar with pictures of dancing bears. The jar held a magic lotion which she would smooth over her hands before every lesson and then beautiful music would fill the air from under her fingers! She also understood how much I loved teaching even as a little girl and gave me a teacher’s book of accompaniments which I still have and use today, and encouraged me to teach my younger brother. She was a member of MTNA and I remember participating in events similar to Student Day, and playing in member teachers’ student recitals. She was a role model for constantly improving oneself as a teacher, even returning to school to earn a master’s degree in her retirement years. Q. Tell us about some things you have been/are involved in musically. A. I have been fortunate to have many musical opportunities such as playing solo concerts, playing concerti with orchestras, and serving churches, but my favorite has been playing chamber music, accompanying, and teaching piano to all ages and abilities. Since returning to Fernandina Beach, I have been trying to establish a new piano studio here. Q. Do you have a story of something that happened during one of your performances and how you handled it? A. When I was a child, I was invited to play on a program honoring royalty from Denmark. I had practiced earlier on the piano in the ballroom of the hotel but between that time and the evening performance something very sticky had spilled into the piano and at the performance some of the keys wouldn’t work and others were sluggish. I continued through the performance with missing notes and all as I didn’t know then that I might have had the option to stop. Now armed with this option, it has never happened again to me but have known of a classmate who opted not to stop after swallowing a fly during a performance. Q. What advice would you give to help focus before a performance and curb nerves? A. Find a quiet place to focus on the music before a performance, take slow, deep breaths and think positive thoughts centered around sharing the music’s message with your audience. Q. What is one of the most interesting places you've visited, and why? A. One summer I attended a music festival in Prague and coming upon Old Town Square for the first time was like suddenly stepping into a fairytale and was one of the most breathtaking experiences. Q. What do you find to be a challenge in teaching piano and how do you suggest meeting that challenge? A. One of the challenges I have is keeping students motivated and engaged in piano especially when they are in high school and demands from sports, theater and other programs take up more and more of their time. I have found it helpful to involve older students in a more responsible role of choosing and planning ahead for their year of activities including festivals, auditions and other performances. Know their interests and find creative ways to use them at the piano so they are eager to practice even during their busiest times. Prepare for their piano events far in advance so they can meet their goals successfully. Be flexible and patient and know that in their last year of high school, senioritis can be a real thing! ________________________________________________________________________ AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Community Hospice Performances If you would be interested in performing a recital at the Community Hospice and Pallative Care on Sunbeam Road, they sponsor a monthly performance titled First Friday Recital Series, with performances starting at 11:30 a.m. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Sandy Stewart at 904-333-9280. “JSYO Festival of Strings” Jacksonville Symphony of Youth Orchestras Daniel Wileyo, JSYO Music Director & Assistant Conductor Rose Francis, Helen Morin, David Song, JSYO Conductors Date: Monday, May 9 at 6:00pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: “Purchase your tickets in advance and receive a discount: $3/child, $8/adult (prices for tickets purchased day-of increase to $5/child, $10/adult).” Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.jaxsymphony.org/event/jsyo-festival-of-strings/ “Schubert/Handel/Walker: Voices & Strings Concert” Jacksonville Masterworks Chorale “Join us for our Post-Pandemic Reboot Concert. Our chorus of 30 singers will be joined by special guest soprano Brittany Fouché and a string quartet to share Schubert's ‘Mass in G’; Handel's ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo’, and Gwyneth Walker's ‘Gospel Songs’. Date: Friday, May 20 at 7:30pm Location: Grace Episcopal Church, 245 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, 32073 Cost: FREE Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/schuberthandelwalker-voicesstrings-concert-tickets-333120892557?aff=ebdssbdestsearch “Mozart’s Radiance: Piano Concerto No. 23” Florida Blue Classical Series Courtney Lewis, Musical Director Simone Dinnerstein, Pianist Dates: Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21, at 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: $25.00 and up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.jaxsymphony.org/event/mozart-radiance/ “The Florida Brass Quintet” “Featuring a wide variety of music, this brass quintet uses the American Brass Quintet model and has traded out the tuba for a bass trombone resulting in a brighter sound. Many of the arrangements performed by this group are the work of Jacksonville area musicians.” – Friday MusicaleDate: Friday, May 27, 7:00-9:00pm Location: Friday Musicale, 645 Oak St., 32204 Cost: FREE Click on link for tickets and for details: https://fridaymusicale.com/event/the-florida-brass-quintet “Season Finale: Mendelssohn and Ravel”Florida Chamber Music Project “Our season finale features String Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 12 by Felix Mendelssohn and String Quartet in F Major by Maurice Ravel.”Date: Sunday, June 5, 3:00pm Location: Beaches Museum Chapel, 525 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, 32250 Cost: $25 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/season-finale-mendelssohn-ravel-tickets-326667801187?aff=erellivmlt ________________________________________________________________________ Did you know? Residents of Duval county, if they have a Jacksonville Library card, can use the many electronic resources from the https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/digital-library. Getting a library card is free. All that's needed is your driver's license and sign up in person at any of the 21 branches. The card allows the use of Kanopy - which has free streaming movies, documentaries, educational resources [older teens/adults]. I saw a documentary "Making the Grade" which profiled Irish students and piano teachers whose students are preparing to take the Irish Royal Academy of Music Examinations. It was funny, moving, informative, and relatable, especially seeing snippets of the teacher's lessons in action and how the students feel about piano and their teachers overall. I highly recommend members watch it (and explore the other resources available from JPL)! - JohnWillard Utuk, Vice President of Membership _________________________________________________________________________________ Find A Teacher Section on Jaxmta.org Teachers, please take a moment to check out your information on our Find a Teacher page of the JMTA website (jaxmta.org). If you would like to edit, add, or delete any information, please email our Internet Media chair Angie Holt at angiespianostudio7@gmail.com. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Need a Sponsor? Does anyone in the JMTA need a sponsor or need help in any way? If so, John Scott, owner of Jacksonville School of Music & First Coast School of Music, is interested in helping our organization. If interested, contact John at schoolofmusicjax@gmail.com. His direction phone number is 904-248-1848. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Music Exchange Do you have too much music collected in your studio? Is there some you think you'll never use? Let's have a music exchange! Bring your unwanted music to any JMTA meeting. Bring home something new to you! Look for the "Free Music" spot. Music does not have to be brand new. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Have you found us on Facebook? Follow JMTA on Facebook for the latest happenings, photos, videos, and more! ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Events Calendar Please view our website for any updates or additions to these events, as well as for more details including application deadlines: www.jaxmta.org. DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION May 11 9:30 – meeting After: program JMTA General Meeting followed by program: Concerto Competition Winners & Scholarship Winner Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 May 22 3:00pm District Student Day Honors Recital All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave., 32207 Stay tuned for more events to come! High Notes is distributed on the first of the month excluding June-August and December. All submissions are due by the 20th of the month prior to distribution. Submissions may be sent to jaxmta@gmail.com. JMTA High Notes
April 2022—Vol. 25, no. 7 General Meeting and Program (at Keyboard Connection, also available on Zoom): April 13, 2022: 9:30am – General meeting Program afterwards: Rhonda Cassano _____________________________________________________________________________ From the President’s Pen: What a fun and educational program we shared March 9th! The rhythm games and ideas to use in lessons were contributed by many teachers. Check out the link from Angie for the rhythm resources. Thanks to Lisa Barwell for organizing this event. Guess what? We will be back at Keyboard Connection for our April & May meetings. Be sure to say “thanks” to Jack Melvin, the owner when you see him. Wearing a mask is optional. There is plenty of room to spread out so we should be able to accommodate everyone’s preferences. If you have gently worn music you no longer use and would like to offer, please bring it a little before 9:30 so teachers can browse before the business session. If your music is not acquired by another teacher, please be prepared to take it home. We will not ask Mr. Melvin to store it for us! Each of us have found a book or sheet music treasure at these exchanges, so let’s enjoy being able to share. On March 7th, a young Ukranian violinist shared a video in which 94 violinists from 29 countries joined together in playing an old Ukranian folk song, Verbovaya Doschechka. Many of the young Ukranian musicians had to put down their instruments to take up guns or throw Molotov cocktails. Many are in bomb shelters. Here is the link to the video if you missed it. New video: An international violin choir from 29 countries playing in solidarity with Ukrainian violinists. We have had some difficult times in the past two years with COVID and political decisions that we may not agree with but those pale in comparison to the struggle our musical colleagues are having in Ukraine. We can all pray for peace and if you can help in other ways, please do so. Music unites us all. In Bruce Pulver’s little book, Above the Chatter, our Words Matter, positive sayings abound. Here is one: Be Yourself Believe you are unique Embrace your gifts You are beautiful Offer your spirit Use your energy Respect yourself See possibilities Expect the best Live life as a blessing Forgive, forget, and forge onward Anita Dr. Anita Boyle Renfroe, NCTM JMTA President anita@renfroepiano.com _____________________________________________________________________________ JMTA General Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 9, 2021, 9:30am, Zoom Present: Erin Bennett, Lisa Barwell, Stefanie Batson-Martin, Paulette Kilts, Mary McKee, Denise Homsley, Lynn Freeman, Sandra Stewart, Kama Rasmussen-Li, Betty Atkinson, Anita Renfroe, Sandra Roberts, JohnWillard Utuk, Angie Holt, Kamila Shahtakhtinski Call to Order: 9:32 (Anita Renfroe) Parliamentarian: (Lynn Freeman) •Nothing to report Secretary Minutes: (Stefanie Batson-Martin) •Read Treasurer’s Report: (Stefanie and Damon Martin) •Two $40 checks were deposited for scholarship applications •Checking total: $10, 797.95 •Total: $20,797.95 Vice-President/Membership: (JohnWillard Utuk) •Nothing to report COMMITTEE REPORTS: Altruistic: (Sandra Roberts) •Sent a thank you card to Grace Scarborough thanking her for her program last month •We don’t have any more $50 gift cards, used it Communications/Internet Media: (Angie Holt) •Two more newsletters before summer break, let Angie know if she needs to include any news before summer Community Service: (Joan Cordell) •Not present •Students will get community service credit for participating at the Proton Therapy Recital Ethics: (Betty Atkinson) •Not present Historian: (Lynn Roberts) •Not present Programs: (Lisa Barwell) •If anybody is interested in taking over as program chair, please let Angie know •Today’s programs is on teaching rhythm to students •April’s program will feature Rhonda Cassano •May’s program will be the Concerto Competition winners Scholarships: (Kamila Shahtakhtinski) •Nothing new to report, all information is on the website and High Notes •High School Senior Scholarship Deadline is March 20, must be a student who will be a music major in college (any instrument) •Deadline for Summer Music Camp is March 27 •Student doesn’t have to be a pianist for these scholarships, can be any instrument or voice Social: (Angie Holt and Stefanie Batson-Martin) •Nothing to report Student Recitals: (Sandra Stewart and Gavin Taylor) •All Saints Episcopal Recital need people to move the piano, preferably dads or high schoolers •Proton Therapy Recital, April 26 (late intermediate/advanced students) deadline to register is Saturday, April 23 Student Day Report: (Angie Holt) •Saturday, April 30, Mandarin Baptist on San Jose •Saturday, March 19 is the deadline to register •Possibly 30-35 participating Wellness Liaison: (Lisa Barwell) •Nothing to report Old Business: •Sonata and Sonatina Festival is this Saturday at UNF, 2pm in the Recital Hall •JohnWillard will be adjudicating •Concerto Competition is Saturday, March 19 at Keyboard Connection New Business: •Meeting in person or online next month •Planning on hybrid meeting, in-person at Keyboard Connection and also on Zoom •Shout out: Angie does a fantastic job getting concerts and announcements in the newsletter Adjourned: 10:00am (Anita Renfroe) -Submitted by Stefanie Batson-Martin, Recording Secretary ______________________________________________________________________ JMTA Treasury Report JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report February 1 - February 28, 2022 Debits Credits Expenses Deposits 2/14/2022 #1135 Scholarship application fee, Margot Porter 40 2/14/2022 #1136 Scholarship application fee, Sarah Park 40 2/28/2022 Interest $0.78 Current Checking $5,561.97 Piano Festival Fund (add to Business Shares Acct) $3,337.08 Warren Fund $1,127.73 TOTAL Checking Account $10,026.78 Other Accounts: Business Money Market (Scholarship) $9,027.83 Business Shares (Festival) $1,848.32 TOTAL $10,876.15 TOTAL ASSETS as of February 28, 2022 $20,902.93 Submitted by Stef & Damon Martin 03/23/2022 ________________________________________________________________________ JMTA MONTHLY PROGRAMS April: Wednesday, 4/13 in person at Keyboard Connection after the 9:30 meeting, with Zoom also available (link below) Rhonda Cassano Rhonda Cassano is a flutist with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and an active recitalist and chamber musician whose teachers include Geoffrey Gilbert, William Bennett, Charles DeLaney, and Jean-Pierre Rampal. She Attended Florida State University where she received a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in performance degrees. She is licensed by the Association of Body Mapping Educators, teaching body mapping workshops, individual lessons, and a course in Body Mapping for musicians. She says, “One of my passions is teaching a subject called Body Mapping, which teaches musicians to move efficiently and easily, thus avoiding pain and tension when they play.” - Lisa Barwell, Program Coordinator April 13: If you choose to attend over Zoom instead, use the link below. Join Zoom Meeting https://unf.zoom.us/j/93751702771?pwd=djF6bmxseTBGb09iZ0wzZzZJNHBZUT09 Meeting ID: 937 5170 2771 Passcode: 779294 May: Wednesday, 5/11 in person at Keyboard Connection after the 9:30 meeting, with Zoom also available (link below) Concerto Competition Winners May 11: If you choose to attend over Zoom instead, use link below. Join Zoom Meeting https://unf.zoom.us/j/96104411000?pwd=ZVA0ckszeElKMk5tekZGQlJhUmNvdz09 Meeting ID: 961 0441 1000 Passcode: 230047 ________________________________________________________________________ STUDENT RECITALS Student Community Recital On Tuesday, April 26 the Community recital will be held at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., at 6 pm. This recital is for late-intermediate to advanced students only to perform for patients and families at the Proton Therapy Institute. Students who perform receive community service hours. Contact Sandy Stewart, 904-333-9280, by Saturday, April 23 if you have a qualified student who would like to participate. Under current conditions, there will be no reception following the recital. - Dr. Sandra Stewart, Recitals Chair ________________________________________________________________________ DISTRICT IV NEWS 2022 District IV Student Day The 2022 District IV Student Day will be held in person on Saturday, April 30, at Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223. Applications have been received from eight teachers, with a total of 25 students registered. Participating teachers, please plan your schedule to be available to help; everyone’s assistance is needed to make it a successful Student Day. I will be contacting you soon with available positions. You should receive your students’ schedules by mid-April, as well as an email regarding the day’s schedule and responsibilities. Thank you, in advance, to everyone for their assistance, and please contact me with any questions you may have. - Angie Holt, Chair (angiespianostudio7@gmail.com) ________________________________________________________________________ Over Coffee With . . . This month we getting to know a newer member of our music teachers association, Eunice Paliy, who is a student/collegiate member. Welcome, Eunice, and thank you for sharing your experiences with us! EUNICE PALIY Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A. I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. I am the oldest of seven children and have been living in Jacksonville for five years now. Something interesting about me is that I am fluent in Russian! Q. What made you want to begin piano lessons as a child? A. I can't recall what made me want to learn piano, but I know my parents were very insistent on my studying piano. They got me into lessons from an early age. Growing up, I looked up to my father a lot who played piano at the time and wanted to be like him. Q. Who was your favorite music teacher growing up and why? A. My favorite music teacher growing up was Nina Beloz. She was very strict and at the time I often didn't like going to piano lessons, but now I appreciate her teaching so very much and am thankful I got to study with such a great pedagogue. Q. What are some things you have been / are involved in musically? A. For over 10 years now I have been very involved in playing at church, whether this be for a choir or worship setting. I also enjoy playing at retirement homes, but with covid that is a bit hard to do with so many restrictions. Q. Do you have a story of something that happened during one of your performances and how you handled it? A. I can't recall anything that has happened to me during a performance, but I recall a silly situation where the zipper on my dress ripped after I had performed. I was very fortunate that this didn't happen during the performance. Q. What advice would you give to help focus before a performance and curb nerves? A. Advice I would give to help ease the nerves before a performance, is tell yourself that you have worked hard to learn this music and you know it really well, probably better than anyone in the audience. I learn to believe that and comfort myself with those words. I have found that surrounding myself with the correct people right before performing is important as well, although this isn't always possible. Q. What do you find to be a challenge in teaching piano and how do you suggest meeting that challenge? A. A challenge I have found in teaching piano is getting students to be consistent in relaxing their wrist when they play. Often, students will come from other teachers where they have developed a tight wrist, which is hard to correct sometimes. This of course depends on the student. Some students are quick at learning this, but others will get it during the lesson and then forget how to relax the wrist in their own practice time at home. For me, the challenge often is having them relax the wrist when they are on their own, without my presence. ________________________________________________________________________ AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Community Hospice Performances If you would be interested in performing a recital at the Community Hospice and Pallative Care on Sunbeam Road, they sponsor a monthly performance titled First Friday Recital Series, with performances starting at 11:30 a.m. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Sandy Stewart at 904-333-9280. “Mozart’s Groundbreaker: Piano Concerto No. 25” Florida Classical Blue Series Courtney Lewis, Music Director Jonathan Biss, Pianist Tarik O’Regan, Composer (on the state-of-the-art Grand Concert Piano) Dates: Friday, April 8, 7:30pm and Saturday, April 9, 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: $25 and Up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.jaxsymphony.org/event/mozart-groundbreaker/ “FSCJ Jazz Concert” Mr. John Thomas, Director Date: Saturday, April 9, 7:00-9:00pm Location: FSCJ Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd. Cost: FREE Click on link to register and for more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fscj-jazz-concert-tickets-261223766317?aff=erelexpmlt “Adderbury Ensemble” Chamber music performed by musicians from the UK Date: Friday, April 22, 7:00-9:00pm Location: Friday Musicale, 645 Oak St. Cost: FREE Click on link for more information: https://fridaymusicale.com/event/adderbury-ensemble/ “La Bohème”Special Presentation Courtney Lewis, Music Director Gregory Keller, Stage Director Opera Ensemble from the UNF Dept of Music Students from LaVilla School of the Arts Jacksonville Symphony Chorus Dates: Friday, April 29, 7:30pm and Sunday, May 1, 3:00pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 20 Cost: $29 and Up Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.jaxsymphony.org/event/la-boheme/ “JSYO Major/Minor” Michelle Merrill, Conductor “Join the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras for a special performance playing alongside members of the Jacksonville Symphony!” Date: Wednesday, May 4 at 7:00pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Suite 200 Cost: “Purchase your tickets in advance and receive a discount: $3/child, $8/adult (prices for tickets purchased day-of increase to $5/child, $10/adult).” Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.jaxsymphony.org/event/jsyo-major-minor/ The UNF School of Music has many musical events planned for the month of April. Many of them are free. Following is a list of them. To register and for more information, go to the following URL: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx UNF Percussion Spring Showcase ConcertThursday, April 7, 2022, 6:30 P.M. Clarinet Studio RecitalSaturday, April 9, 2022, 1 p.m. The Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series Presents Karen Vuong, soprano with Denise Wright, pianoTuesday, April 12, 2022, 7:30 P.M. UNF Concert Band presents 'Home Away from Home' with special guests, The Discovery Youth Band of Northeast Florida, Ted Shistle, directorTuesday, April 19, 2022, 7:30 P.M. UNF Wind Symphony presents 'And Whether Pigs Have Wings' with Brittany Fouche, Soprano, and Andrea Venet, percussionWednesday, April 20, 2022, 7:30 P.M. 34th Annual Great American Jazz Series presents UNF JE1 Plays the Music of JE1 with special guests, Danny Gottlieb, UNF Faculty and UNF Professor Emeritus, Dr. Bill PrinceThursday, April 21, 2022, 7:30 P.M. Lawson Ensemble in collaboration with the San Marco Chamber Music SocietySaturday, April 23, 2022, 7:30 P.M. Violin Studio RecitalSaturday, April 23, 2022, 3 p.m. UNF Choral Ensembles present Voyaging the WorldSunday, April 24, 2022, 4 P.M. UNF Orchestra presents A World Premiere in Celebration of UNF's 50th AnniversaryTuesday, April 26, 2022, 7:30 P.M Jazz Combo NightThursday, April 28, 2022, 7:30 P.M. ________________________________________________________________________ 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 (Will be on again once meetings are in-person) Do you have too much music collected in your studio? Is there some you think you'll never use? Let's have a music exchange! Bring your unwanted music to any JMTA meeting. Bring home something new to you! Look for the "Free Music" spot. Music does not have to be brand new. ________________________________________________________________________ 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 13 9:30 - meeting After: program JMTA General Meeting followed by program: Rhonda Cassano Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 April 26 6:00pm Student Community Recital UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., 32206 April 30 As Scheduled District IV Student Day Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223 May 11 9:30 – meeting After: program JMTA General Meeting followed by program: Concerto Competition Winners Keyboard Connection, 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 2022—Vol. 25, no. 6 General Meeting and Program (over ZOOM): March 9, 2022: 9:30am – General meeting 10:30am – Program: Fun with Rhythm _____________________________________________________________________________ From the President’s Pen: After all those good intentions in our New Year’s Resolutions, let’s take stock in what actually may help. Let’s Move! The February-March AMT magazine has a good Wellness article- “Tailoring Your Fitness Routine” by Regina Campbell. Check out her suggestions for strengthening the core and stretching. A little care of the body each day goes a long way to supporting our mental and emotional fitness. Let’s Breathe! Lisa Barwell has led JMTA in several breathing exercises that are simple and cleanse the mind. It only takes a few seconds to do these and feel refreshed. Take some deep breaths in between lessons or during a lesson when the things get frustrating. The students also need to breathe. Let’s Read! What an amazing array of books and articles on every topic is at our fingertips. We enrich our lessons and lives by learning something new each day. We also provide a good example for our students. I often ask them what they are reading in school and what they are reading for pleasure. Let’s Applaud! JMTA has so many talented members. Dr. Erin Bennett is one of the two nominees for Director of the Southern Division of MTNA. We know what a vital role Erin holds in our association and in the University of North Florida. She will be an excellent leader to represent Southern Division at the national level. If you have not already voted, please go to MTNA.org and vote. The deadline if March 1st. Let’s Spread Kindness! At the close of some of the news broadcasts, there are segments about folks who are doing good work in their communities, people who sacrifice to give opportunities to others, people who put others first. I find these stories inspirational. We can all do something to help others. There are so many ways to volunteer through community groups, churches, schools, etc…Smaller acts of kindness such as thanking the folks who pick up our trash, smiling at the cashier in the grocery store, letting someone in line ahead of you or checking on a neighbor all add up to a better world. Let’s Practice! Playing our instrument or singing is part of who we are. Even if our practice on some days is limited to a technical warmup of 20-30 minutes, we need to do it. It keeps us connected to our instrument and also helps prevent injury. Nelita True once told me when I was complaining about not having hour-long blocks of time to practice that she had become the greatest 20- minute practicer. She could grab 20 minutes several times a day and accomplish more than in her longer sessions because she was more focused and had several new beginnings. Let’s Teach! Anita Dr. Anita Boyle Renfroe, NCTM JMTA President anita@renfroepiano.com _____________________________________________________________________________ JMTA General Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 9:30am, Zoom Present: Paulette Kilts, Stefanie Batson-Martin, Erin Bennett, Mary McKee, Anita Renfroe, Lisa Barwell, Sandra Stewart, Denise Homsley; Grace Lewis, Joan Cordell, JohnWillard Utuk, Kama Rasmussen-Li, Kamila Shahtakhtinski, Lynn Freeman, Sandra Roberts, Michael Mastronicola Call to Order: 9:35 (Anita Renfroe) Parliamentarian: (Lynn Freeman) •Nothing to report Secretary Minutes: (Stefanie Batson-Martin) •We caught up on District minutes from the January meeting, Kama moved, Paulette seconded district meeting minutes (2021) •November minutes were read Treasurer’s Report: (Stefanie and Damon Martin) •$20,980.61 in account, waiting on two checks for $40 each to go through Vice-President/Membership: (JohnWillard Utuk) •Two new members: •Eunice Paliy, UNF Masters student, collegiate member •Peggy Edwards who is reinstating her membership COMMITTEE REPORTS: Altruistic: (Sandra Roberts) •Sent sympathy card to Kathy Brown, received a response from Kathy Communications/Internet Media: (Angie Holt) •Nothing to report, let her know of any website or newsletter updates from the membership Community Service: (Joan Cordell) •Checks were sent for two students to apply Ethics: (Betty Atkinson) •Not present Historian: (Lynn Roberts) •Not present Programs: (Lisa Barwell) •If anybody else wants to take over Programs Chair, talk to Anita •Lisa needs help with the rhythm program, so please send any rhythm ideas you use with your students to Lisa to compile for the March presentation Scholarships: (Kamila Shahtakhtinski) •All the information is on the high notes, application and video due by March 20 •Deadline for Summer Music Camp Scholarship is March 27 Social: (Angie Holt and Stefanie Batson-Martin) •Nothing to report Student Recitals: (Sandra Stewart and Gavin Taylor) •Did have Recital in December at Gavin Taylor’s church, they were very strict on rules which we followed •Hoping to do the same thing on March 27, at Michael Mastronicola’s church, he needs help to move the piano, 15 minute time limit per teacher •Proton Center Recital: April 26, Tuesday evening at 6pm, upper-intermediate or advanced students only, let Sandy Stewart know if you want to have a student participate Student Day Report: (Angie Holt) •April 30 has been canceled, offered April 2 but Angie is looking at another venue to keep the later date Wellness Liaison: (Lisa Barwell) •1, 2, 3 clap exercise from “Breathe Like a Bear” Old Business: •MTNA Conference is virtual, look at magazine or online for schedule, $145 extended to March 15, collegiate before March 15 is $45 •Need a new Program Chairperson •We should stay virtual for March, not sure about April New Business: •Erin is running to represent us for the Southeastern Division Director Elect, votes are due by end of February •Sonata and Sonatina Festival •Application deadline is February 21, online application, easy to fill out •Two applications have been received so far •Event is Saturday, March 12, likely start time of 2pm •$15 to participate (members), $25 for non-members •A waiver needs to be filled out by participants •Students please bring original copies of work, any movement from a Sonatina or Sonata, one movement, repeats optional, can be by pedagogical composer, does not have to be Sonata form •Volunteers welcome to help out •Concerto Competition •Only one student has applied so far •Competition is March 19 •Application deadline is February 28 •Anne Falik is chair of state competitive events, those are live and in-person in Gainesville, May 21 Adjourned: 10:29am (Anita Renfroe) - Submitted by Stefanie Batson-Martin, Recording Secretary ________________________________________________________________________ JMTA Treasury Report ________________________________________________________________________ JMTA MONTHLY PROGRAMS March – 3/9 at 10:30am over Zoom (after the 9:30 meeting) “Fun with Rhythm – engaging ways to present and teach rhythm to our students.” March 9 - Zoom Meeting: https://unf.zoom.us/j/92039597902?pwd=OXR3M0RYWHMvd0x2YkxLaEgrWFR3QT09 Meeting ID: 920 3959 7902 Passcode: 839395 ________________________________________________________________________ JMTA WEBSITE UPDATE On the Find-A-Teacher page of the JMTA website (jaxmta.org), some teachers listed have moved out of the area or are no longer with JMTA. In addition, many current members are not listed. When I receive requests sent to the website looking for a piano teacher, this is the page I refer them to. If your name and information is not listed, please consider having it added. Also, if you know of any who have left the area or are no longer JMTA members, please let me know, so that we can have the most up-to-date information listed. Thank you. Please send information (plus any other website updates) to me at angiespianostudio7@gmail.com. - Angie Holt ________________________________________________________________________ STUDENT RECITALS JMTA MARCH STUDENT RECITAL On Sunday, March 27 there will be a student recital held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Avenue, at 3 p.m. Participants are encouraged to wear masks; however, students do not need to wear a mask while performing. Teachers who would like to enter students should send the information to Sandy Stewart, 904-333-9280, one week in advance. Under current conditions, there will be no reception following 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. In addition to name, title and composer, please give the age of the student and the length of the piece to be performed. STUDENT COMMUNITY RECITAL On Tuesday, April 26 the Community recital will be held at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., at 6 pm. This recital is for late-intermediate to advanced students only to perform for patients and families at the Proton Therapy Institute. Students who perform receive community service hours. Contact Sandy Stewart, 904-333-9280 if you have a qualified student who would like to participate. Under current conditions, there will be no reception following the recital. - Dr. Sandra Stewart, Recitals Chair ________________________________________________________________________ JMTA Scholarships (go to jaxmta.org for applications) JMTA High School Senior Scholarship The JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition will be held online. The deadline for application is Sunday, March 20, 2022. 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, the applicant’s repertoire list of three pieces from different time periods with duration no longer than 30 minutes, unedited recording via YouTube link along with the PDFs of the scores must be submitted 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. JMTA Summer Music Camp Scholarship The JMTA Summer music camp scholarship is awarded annually only to pre-college students of JMTA members. The deadline for application is March 27, 2022. 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 the 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. - 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 live at UNF: When: Saturday, March 12, 2022 Where: UNF Fine Arts Center Recital Hall (room 1200) Building 45; free parking in the adjacent Lot 44 District IV Concerto Competition * venue change * This year’s District 4 Concerto Competition will take place live at Keyboard Connection: When: Saturday, March 19, 2022 Where: Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 COVID-19 Protocols:
- Dr. Erin Bennett, Chair District IV Student Day Saturday, April 30, live at Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223 (application deadline: Saturday, March 19) Student Day is a comprehensive yearly evaluation in 1. repertoire and keyboard skills, 2. written theory, and 3. aural theory, in levels primary through level 12, for piano, instrumental or voice, and held in districts throughout Florida, usually in the spring. Many students that have gone on to take music in college say their college music courses are easier after having been in Student Day. 1. AUDITION BEFORE JUDGE For the "repertoire and keyboard skills" audition, the student performs three memorized pieces before a judge (two pieces if primary level). The pieces must be in original form (no arrangements or traditional pieces) and from different composers, from any musical period. Once the student is in level 5, the pieces must each be from different musical periods. The judge audition is also where the keyboard skills are evaluated. Students will be assigned a time and room for this audition. Go to FMTA.org (see information below) for repertoire guidelines and what keyboard skills the student will be evaluated on. 2. WRITTEN THEORY Students take a written theory test based on their level. They can go to the Written Theory room at any time within the prescribed hours to take their test. Go to FMTA.org (see information below) on what will be tested at their level. 3. AURAL THEORY Students are assigned a time to meet, with others in their level, with a teacher who will play various intervals, chords, scales, etc. (appropriate to their level) on the piano and students each choose the correct answers on their tests. Go to FMTA.org (see information below) on what will be tested at their level. 4. RECITAL Each student is also assigned a recital to perform in that day. The recital is not a graded segment, but is a wonderful opportunity to perform in front of other students. FMTA.ORG Go to the Florida State Music Teachers Assoc website (https://www.fmta.org), click on the "Student Activities" drop-down, and click on "FSMTA Non-Competitive Events". Under Student Day, click on "Members of FSMTA Only" with the password of Mozart (since you're a JMTA/FSMTA member). This will take you to the Student Day page: - Written and Aural Theory Guidelines are in the first column, for each level. This will tell you what they will be tested on in both written and aural theory, along with practice tests. - Piano Guidelines are in the second column, for each level. This houses the repertoire guidelines for the "repertoire audition" (you don't have to choose from these pieces, but you can and it is a helpful guide), as well as what the judge will test them on for "keyboard skills". Print the MELODIES FOR HARMONIZATION AND TRANSPOSITION page (except for primary level), as the student needs to choose a melody ahead of time and practice it, so that they can play it for the judge. - Piano Interactive Examination Sheets are in the third column, for each level. Download the correct level and fill out the interactive areas for the student (Student name, and whether they are being evaluated for Achievement or Progress, and the Titles of the pieces, as well as Composer name and Time of piece). Or you can just fill out by hand. One sheet must be filled out for each student. (Don't bother with the Fully-Interactive Examination Sheets in the fourth column, that's for when Student Day is held virtually, and it is in-person this year.) NOTE: You can also email Music Masters at jwcsr@aol.com, or call them at (954) 752-2856, to purchase a practice packet for the student's level that covers all the written theory, aural theory, and keyboard skills they will need to know, with practice sheets. This is helpful, but of course not required. The Student Day Handbook is also available on-line at the top of the fmta.org Student Day page for your perusal. STUDENT DAY REGISTRATION FORM For the Student Day registration, please use the form on the JMTA website (jaxmta.org), as you choose whether the student prefers a morning or afternoon block of time, and put the student's choice of Student Day pieces for the recital piece. Here is a link to it here (it is also on the jaxmta.org website under Special Events, and District 4 Student Day): https://www.jaxmta.org/uploads/1/2/6/2/126223255/student_day_achievement_examination_application.pdf To register for Student Day, please mail to me: 1.) one completed registration form of your students (from the jaxmta.org link above) 2.) a completed Piano Interactive Examination Sheet for each student (from fmta.org) 3.) a check made out to FSMTA District IV (each student is $30, plus $15 for the teacher's continental lunch), by Saturday, March 19 (or at least email me by that time that you will be sending it), to me: Angie Holt 408 Bridgeview Terrace Saint Johns, Florida 32259 Please don't hesitate to let me know of any questions you may have. - Angie Holt, Chair (angiespianostudio7@gmail.com) ________________________________________________________________________ Over Coffee With . . . This month we getting to know a newer participant in our music teacher association. Damon Martin is our new Treasurer this year, and is married to Stefanie Batson-Martin, our Recording Secretary. Welcome to Damon, and thank you for sharing your experiences with us! DAMON MARTIN Damon Martin was born and raised in Bradenton, Florida. He began piano lessons at age 5 as his sister started the year prior and he found a piano in the house interesting. He studied mostly with Geri Zandstra of MCMTA. He played baritone/euphonium throughout middle school and high school in the wind ensemble and marching band. He received his first guitar at 14 and then his first bass guitar at 15, which became his primary instrument. After high school, Damon was bassist and manager of a punk band which released a few albums that are thankfully unavailable. During this time, he worked for his family’s concrete business, later working in lawn maintenance, appliance hauling/appliance warehouse management, and even working one summer in a cemetery. Damon began studying music in college at 26. He attended Manatee Community College, studying bass under John Miller, principal bassist of the Sarasota Orchestra, who convinced him to play the upright bass. While there he took class piano with Dr. Charles Turon. He was also bassist and manager of a jazz combo. He graduated from MCC with an Associate of Arts degree. Damon moved to Jacksonville, transferring to the University of North Florida’s jazz program. He studied jazz bass with Dennis Marks, classical bass with Dr. Jason Lindsay, and composition with Dr. Gary Smart. He graduated from UNF with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. Damon has played four dozen musical theatre productions throughout Florida including at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre in Sarasota, Florida. Most local performances outside theatre have been contract work. Damon fell into tutoring math just before starting his music program at MCC and actually considered pursuing a math degree over a music degree. He worked as a peer math tutor at both MCC and UNF. While pursuing his jazz degree he took several math courses. As of Fall 2021 he has returned to UNF to complete the remaining courses of a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics degree. Upon completion of this degree he intends to pursue grad school. He is married to Stefanie Batson-Martin. They met while studying music at UNF. He has collaborated with her on many theatre shows; they both teach music at Music and Arts. They have two cats, Jiji and Lily. In his spare time Damon restores antique furniture, brews beer, and is writing a family cookbook. His favorite pastime is napping. ________________________________________________________________________ 2022 MTNA National Conference The 2022 MTNA National Conference has been changed to a virtual-only event. It will be held on March 26–30, 2022. From the MTNA website: “While we were looking forward to a return to a live and in-person conference, for the health and safety of everyone involved, the in-person conference has been cancelled, and we have pivoted to a virtual-only format. The virtual conference will still be the most inclusive conference program ever, now delivered to you in the comfort of your own home or studio. In addition to experiencing well over 100 sessions, master classes, keynote addresses and recitals, you will also have multiple opportunities for live interactions with presenters and colleagues from around the nation and the world.” https://www.mtna.org/Conference/Conference_Home/Conference/Home.aspx ________________________________________________________________________ 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 ________________________________________________________________________ AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Community Hospice Performances If you would be interested in performing a recital at the Community Hospice and Pallative Care on Sunbeam Road, they sponsor a monthly performance titled First Friday Recital Series, with performances starting at 11:30 a.m. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Sandy Stewart at 904-333-9280. “The Ten Tenors Concert” Singing favorite romantic tunes Date: Sunday, March 6, 7:00pm Location: Florida Theater Jacksonville Cost: $35-$55 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://concerts50.com/show/the-ten-tenors-in-jacksonville-tickets-mar-06-2022 “International Women’s Day Violin Recital” Presented by Dr. Simon Shiao and UNF violin students. Music by Amy Beach, Julia Wolfe, Jennifer Higdon and Reena Esmail. Date: Tuesday, March 8, 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall at UNF Cost: Free Admission Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx “The French Impressionists” Symphony in 60 series. Music of Debussy, Chabrier, Fauré, and Ravel. Gonzalo Farias, Associate Conductor. Date: Thursday, March 10, 6:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall Cost: $25 Click on link for tickets and for details: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/2838/2840?_ga=2.136101809.1278606101.1646577292-569685453.1646577292 “Jazz Combo Night”Lynne Arriale, Director Date: Thursday, March 10, 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall at UNF Cost: Free Admission Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx “André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra” Date: Friday, March 11, 8:00pm Location: VyStar Veterans Arena Cost: Various Click on link for tickets and for details: https://concerts50.com/show/andre-rieu-in-jacksonville-tickets-mar-11-2022 “That Motown Band” Date: Wednesday, March 23, 7:30pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts - Terry Theater Cost: Various Click on link for tickets and for details: https://concerts50.com/show/that-motown-band-in-jacksonville-tickets-mar-23-2022 UNF Opera Theater presents: “Purcell's Dido and Aeneas” Daniel Wiley, Conductor Dr. John Daugherty, Stage Director Dates: Friday, March 25 at 7:30pm and Sunday, March 27 at 3:00pm Location: Andrew A Robinson Theater at UNF Cost: $20 Adults/Free for UNF faculty and students with I.D. Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx The Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series presents: “Richard Cox, tenor, with Denise Wright, piano” Dr. James Hall, Artistic Director Date: Thursday, March 31, 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall at UNF Cost: Free Admission. Please register to confirm your attendance. Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx “Solo Organ Recital with Greg Zelek, Artist-in-Residence” Concert Organ Series Date: Sunday, April 3, 3:00pm Location: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts – Jacoby Symphony Hall Cost: Various Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.jaxsymphony.org/event/solo-organ-recital/ ________________________________________________________________________ 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 your 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 (Will be on again once meetings are in-person) Do you have too much music collected in your studio? Is there some you think you'll never use? Let's have a music exchange! Bring your unwanted music to any JMTA meeting. Bring home something new to you! Look for the "Free Music" spot. Music does not have to be brand new. ________________________________________________________________________ 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 9 9:30 – meeting 10:30 – program JMTA General Meeting followed by program: Fun with Rhythm Zoom March 12 As Scheduled District IV Sonatina & Sonata Festival UNF Recital Hall March 19 As Scheduled District IV Concerto Competition Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257 March 26-30 As Scheduled MTNA Nat’l Conference Held Virtually March 27 3:00pm JMTA Student Recital All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville April 13 9:30 – meeting 10:30 – program JMTA General Meeting followed by program: TBA Zoom April 26 6:00pm Student Community Recital UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson April 30 As Scheduled District IV Student Day Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223 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 2022—Vol. 25, no. 5 General Meeting and Program (over ZOOM): February 9, 2022: 9:30am – General meeting 10:30am – Program: UNF Senior Student’s Recital _____________________________________________________________________________ From the President’s Pen: A Place to Thrive JMTA members are providing a valuable service to the greater Jacksonville Metropolitan area. We are providing places for people to thrive. We offer a wide array of types of lessons, different areas of interest and many levels of achievement. Some focus on the classics, some on jazz or Broadway show tunes, others on church music. Some follow specific methods; others use a combination of sources. Some include theory and technique; others focus on music history or composition. I expect many of us incorporate all of the above and teach many levels from children to adults. We provide safe environments for students to learn, experiment and create music. We accept them where they are in terms of preparation, musical ability and desire to excel. We instill good practice habits, foster discipline in setting and meeting goals and encourage sharing their music through a variety of performance opportunities. We offer a musical education while the students develop technique and skills to play an instrument with ease. We also are sounding boards for students who need someone to listen. We share their joys and challenges, rejoice when they excel in school or in a music festival. We develop a rapport so we can stimulate their thinking about composers, titles and settings for works. Playing a piece by Mozart without understanding the time in which he lived and how extraordinary he was as an entrepreneur would be like reading a book by Dickens and knowing nothing about the Industrial Revolution. We are analysts who must make quick assessments of mood and attitude when a student walks in the door. We sometimes chuck the lesson plan and do what seems to fit the situation – a game off the bench, deep breathing exercises to lower anxiety levels or sightreading duets. Self-analysis is vital to us as we prepare lessons. Taking care of our bodies, minds and spirits enables us to pass on the knowledge and interact with others. The resources musicians have for Wellness is abundant and readily available. Inspiration is also a much-needed component for our teaching. In February, Grace Scarborough, a graduate piano student at UNF will present her recital as our program. Please see her bio and exciting program repertoire listed in this newsletter. Grace is one of our new members and we are so glad she will share her program. I look forward to seeing each of you on Zoom in February. Anita Dr. Anita Boyle Renfroe, NCTM JMTA President anita@renfroepiano.com _____________________________________________________________________________ District IV Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 12, 2022, 9:30am, Zoom Present: Erin Bennett, Stefanie Batson-Martin, Joan Cordell, Paulette Kilts, Lynn Freeman, Angie Holt, Anita Renfroe, Kama Rasmussen-Li, Lisa Barwell, JohnWillard Utuk, Sandra Roberts Call to Order: 9:33am (Erin Bennett) Vice-President: (Sarah Hartley) Secretary Minutes: (Stefanie Batson-Martin) •Reading of minutes was postponed to February Meeting Treasurer’s Report: (Denise Homsley) •There was $6,281.72 in the account as of July 1, 2021, we had one deposit, which was a post dated District Concerto check for $40 •There is $5,741.82 in the Savings Account COMMITTEE REPORTS: Student Day: (Angie Holt) •Still planning on holding it in person •Asked the three judges to judge in person Concerto Competition: (Temporarily Erin Bennett) •Erin shared the results:
•The 2022 FSMTA State Concerto Competition is May (Date TBA) in Gainesville, FL •Grace Scarborough (new student member) will be Co-Concerto Chair with Erin Bennett Sonatina and Sonata Festival 2021: (Erin Bennett) •Postponed because Erin had to learn new ropes on setting events up at UNF •Was scheduled for January 16, postponed for Saturday, March 12 at UNF, application deadline is February 21 •Required background checks for volunteers (around $75 a person) and liability waivers must be signed by all participants •MTNA provides the university with proof of liability insurance, but additional Health/Accident Insurance must also be purchased (nominal fee - maybe $0.09 per participant) Certification: (Kamila Shahtakhtinski) •Couldn’t be at meeting, but no news Community Service Awards: •Applications due January 17 Altruistic: •Fred Brown passed on New Year’s Eve, Sandra Roberts will send a sympathy card to his wife Student Recitals:
Old Business: •Sonatina Festival rescheduled to Saturday, March 12, 2022 at UNF •One movement of a Sonatina or Sonata from any composer/stylistic period •Audience will be required to be masked; performers TBD based on county Covid stats closer to the event New Business: •Election of new District Officers, unanimously voted in: •President: Kama Rasmussen-Li •Vice President: Erin Bennett •Secretary: Stefanie Batson-Martin •Treasurer: Denise Homsley •Competition date: Saturday, March 19 at UNF •Application deadline: February 28, 2022 •applications are now open on the state website for competitive events Adjourned: 10:17am (Erin Bennett) Program: Building a Diverse Music Studio (MTNA Webinar)
- Submitted by Stefanie Batson-Martin, Secretary ________________________________________________________________________ JMTA Treasury Report ________________________________________________________________________ JMTA MONTHLY PROGRAMS February – 2/9 at 10:30am over Zoom (after the 9:30 meeting) Grace Scarborough, UNF Senior, will be performing the following program on the piano: Italian Concerto - J. S. Bach I. Allegro II. Andante III. Presto Sonata in C Major K. 330 - Wolfgang Mozart I. Allegro Moderato II. Andante Cantabile III. Allegretto Dance in the Canebrakes - Florence B. Price I. Nimble Feet II. Tropical Noon III. Silk Hat and Walking Cane Pour Le Piano - Claude Debussy I. Prelude II. Sarabande III. Toccata Grace Scarborough has been studying and performing piano since she was 5 years old. Music has become a passion and lifelong friend for Grace. She is currently a piano pedagogy major at the University of North Florida, studying with Dr. Gary Smart. Grace has made several musical accomplishments during her time at UNF such as winning the Avalonia Inspirational Film award, winning first place in the Piano Playoff Fall 2019, and winning first place in the Music Technology Composition contest 2021. She also teaches her own students in her music studio “Amazing Grace Studio”. In April 2020, she married her best friend Ryan Scarborough and together they are using their gifts to bring glory to God. February 9 - Zoom Meeting: https://unf.zoom.us/j/98926611130?pwd=U09GOU03dHZRL3ZNWjFPM0g4eXNWZz09 Meeting ID: 989 2661 1130 Passcode: 019285 March – 3/9 at 10:30am over Zoom (after the 9:30 meeting) Fun with Rhythm – engaging ways to present and teach rhythm to our students. March 9 - Zoom Meeting: https://unf.zoom.us/j/92039597902?pwd=OXR3M0RYWHMvd0x2YkxLaEgrWFR3QT09 Meeting ID: 920 3959 7902 Passcode: 839395 ________________________________________________________________________ STUDENT RECITALS JMTA MARCH STUDENT RECITAL On Sunday, March 27 there will be a student recital held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Avenue, at 3 p.m. Participants are encouraged to wear masks; however, students do not need to wear a mask while performing. Teachers who would like to enter students should send the information to Sandy Stewart, 904-333-9280, one week in advance. Under current conditions, there will be no reception following 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. In addition to name, title and composer, please give the age of the student and the length of the piece to be performed. STUDENT COMMUNITY RECITAL On Tuesday, April 26 the Community recital will be held at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., at 6 pm. This recital is for late-intermediate to advanced students to perform for patients and families at the Proton Therapy Institute. Students who perform receive community service hours. Contact Sandy Stewart, 904-333-9280 if you have a qualified student who would like to participate. Under current conditions, there will be no reception following the recital. - Dr. Sandra Stewart, Recitals Chair ________________________________________________________________________ JMTA Scholarships (go to jaxmta.org for applications) JMTA High School Senior Scholarship The JMTA High School Senior Scholarship Competition will be held online. The deadline for application is Sunday, March 20, 2022. 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, the applicant’s repertoire list of three pieces from different time periods with duration no longer than 30 minutes, unedited recording via YouTube link along with the PDFs of the scores must be submitted 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. JMTA Summer Music Camp Scholarship The JMTA Summer music camp scholarship is awarded annually only to pre-college students of JMTA members. The deadline for application is March 27, 2022. 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 the 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. - Kamila Shahtakhtinski, NCTM, Chair of JMTA Scholarship Committee. ________________________________________________________________________ DISTRICT IV NEWS Sonatina & Sonata Festival This year’s District 4 Sonatina & Sonata Festival will take place live at UNF: When: Saturday, March 12, 2022 (finalized start time TBD determined based on number of participants, but likely 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 made payable to “FSMTA District 4” and postmarked no later than February 21, 2022 Application: Application is available online here or at https://forms.gle/dLScnJH36ycbjAy77 Deadline: February 21, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Please note: your application is not complete without a completed UNF Liability Waiver. This form will be provided in the High Notes [see attachment] and hopefully 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 March 12. No student will be permitted to perform without a signed waiver form on file per UNF policies. - Dr. Erin Bennett, Chair (See attachment for festival rules and Covid-19 protocols. Apply on-line at Jaxmta.org) Concerto Competition This year’s District 4 Concerto Competition will take place live at UNF: When: Saturday, March 19, 2022 Where: UNF Fine Arts Center Recital Hall (room 1200) Building 45 on the following map; free parking in the adjacent Lot 44 Information and application for the Concerto Competition is on-line at Jaxmta.org. COVID-19 Protocols:
Application Addendum:
- Dr. Erin Bennett, Concerto Competition Chair (Liability Waiver is attached.) Student Day The Date and Venue for 2022 Student Day is pending. An email will be sent out as soon as it has been confirmed. The Student Day application deadline is Saturday, March 19, 2022. Please include one check for all fees, payable to FSMTA District IV ($30 per student, plus $15 for teacher’s continental breakfast/lunch). You can help your students prepare for this annual evaluation by choosing and helping them learn the repertoire, and working on their keyboard skills, written theory, and aural theory. The November 2021 High Notes houses detailed information regarding Student Day, as well as the jaxmta.org website. In addition, Student Day guidelines may be found on the fmta.org website. Click on Student Activities at the top of the screen, then on FSMTA Non-Competitive Events. Scroll down to the “Members of FSMTA” and login with the case-sensitive password that was recently emailed to you, for Student Day tests, guidelines, suggested repertoire, and other materials, for each of the levels primary through 12. In addition, the Student Day Handbook may answer more questions that you have; refer to your student’s level in the handbook for specific requirements. You can print all or any portion of the handbook. An independent teacher in Florida has devised a curriculum to help you prepare your students for the technique, aural theory, and written theory portions of Student Day. The guidelines follow the same leveling and guidelines that are provided in your Student Activities Handbook. These materials will assist students in mastering the FSMTA guidelines for Student Day. Contact information is as follows: Music Master, 4111 NW 79 Ave., Coral Springs, FL 33065; 954-752-2856 (teacher Sue Colvert); email address is jwcsr@aol.com. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding Student Day at angiespianostudio7@gmail.com. - Angie Holt, Student Day Chair ________________________________________________________________________ JMTA WEBSITE UPDATE On the Find-A-Teacher page of the JMTA website (jaxmta.org), some teachers listed have moved out of the area or are no longer with JMTA. In addition, many current members are not listed. When I receive requests sent to the website looking for a piano teacher, this is the page I refer them to. If your name and information is not listed, please consider having it added. Also, if you know of any who have left the area or are no longer JMTA members, please let me know, so that we can have the most up-to-date information listed. Thank you. Please send information (plus any other website updates) to me at angiespianostudio7@gmail.com. - Angie Holt ________________________________________________________________________ 2022 MTNA National Conference The 2022 MTNA National Conference has been changed to a virtual-only event. It will be held on March 26–30, 2022. From the MTNA website: “While we were looking forward to a return to a live and in-person conference, for the health and safety of everyone involved, the in-person conference has been cancelled, and we have pivoted to a virtual-only format. The virtual conference will still be the most inclusive conference program ever, now delivered to you in the comfort of your own home or studio. In addition to experiencing well over 100 sessions, master classes, keynote addresses and recitals, you will also have multiple opportunities for live interactions with presenters and colleagues from around the nation and the world.” https://www.mtna.org/Conference/Conference_Home/Conference/Home.aspx ________________________________________________________________________ Over Coffee With . . . This month we have a special guest we are getting to know. Grace Scarborough is a senior at UNF and performing for our February JMTA program. She is also a JMTA member and has a piano studio. Welcome to Grace and thank you for sharing your experiences with us! GRACE SCARBOROUGH Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Hi, I am Grace Scarborough and I am currently a piano pedagogy major at the University of North Florida, studying with Dr. Gary Smart. I am also getting a certificate in music technology at UNF and I am working to get MTNA certified. I have made several musical accomplishments during my time at UNF such as winning the Avalonia Inspirational Film award, winning first place in the Piano Playoff Fall 2019, and winning first place in the Music Technology Composition contest 2021. I teach students in my music studio “Amazing Grace Studio”. In April 2020, I married my best friend Ryan Scarborough and together we are using our gifts to bring glory to God. What made you want to begin piano lessons as a child? It was one moment in time that began my desire for piano lessons. I was 5 years old in the car with my parents and they played a piece by Yanni “One Man’s Dream”. I remember the way it made me feel and it created a dream in me to learn the piano. After the song finished, I told my parents I wanted to take piano lessons and the rest is history. Who was your favorite music teacher growing up and why? My favorite music teacher is Mrs. Aida Mechetti. Within the first year of lessons, I experienced a radical change in my skill and understanding of the piano. I came from a background of piano method books and I was never taught technique or classical repertoire. Mrs. Aida pushed me and by the end of my first year, I could play all my major scales 4 octaves (in the beginning of the year I did not even know what a scale was!). I began playing large pieces that challenged me and helped me exceed to new levels in piano. Mrs. Aida helped me understand the art that could be achieved on the piano. There is a world of musical color that can be created when you understand the technique and put in the practice. I was fortunate to have 3 years with her and I flourished. I went from a level of intermediate playing to advanced difficult. I participated in musical competitions and one of which I won 1st place. At the end of my time with Mrs. Aida, I was a different pianist. Piano had become my lifelong friend and it became more than just hobby; it became a passion. Tell us about some things you have been/are involved in musically. Since music is a passion, I have been exploring different opportunities. One of which, is a passion project on the life and music of Florence B. Price. A few years ago, a family found an abandoned home in the woods filled with music, it was the music of Florence Price. She was the first African American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer and her story is one the world needs to her. I discovered her in my junior year upon listening to a playlist of women composers (created by Dr. Bennett). When I stumbled upon one of her pieces, it filled me with such nostalgia, I was determined to learn the piece and learn more about her. I am learning her music to bring recognition to her life and legacy. I am also researching how I may go about exposing and teaching students her music. Do you have a story of something that happened during one of your performances and how you handled it? When I was 9 years old, I had to perform two long pieces by memory. I was terrified. I remember sitting and waiting with such anxiety that I was convinced I had forgotten my pieces altogether. When it was my turn, I sat down on the bench and indeed my worst fear had come true. I couldn’t remember where to place my hands nor could I remember the music. I gulped and reached out my hands to play, then suddenly the bench completely collapsed under me. Before I knew it I was on the floor and the whole audience was horrified. The bench apparently was super old, but the big surprise was I managed to be its downfall (considering there were people way heavier than me that had just performed on it). However, the bench collapsing was the best thing that could have happened to me because the second I fell down I could remember all my music!! I was brought a new chair and I played a perfect performance of my pieces. To this day, I think that was one of my best childhood performances. What advice would you give to help focus before a performance and curb nerves? My faith in God is the source of my peace, especially before performances. When I set my mind to play for God alone, I am filled with focus and filled with joy at the chance to worship. J. S. Bach said it best “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” My advice to any performer is to pray to the Lord God who created music and to whom all music should be played. The Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of all praise and all glory. He is the one who can calm your nerves and give you a successful performance. What is one of the most interesting places you've visited, and why. Cumberland Island is by far one of the most interesting places I have visited. The island is a barrier island off of Georgia and you can only get to it by ferry. The history of the land is also fascinating. It was a beach getaway for the Carnegie family. It was also the place that John F. Kennedy Jr was married. One of the mansions was struck by lightning and burned down into beautiful ruins. Wild horses roam the island and so do sea turtles! I was able to stay in the Greyfield Inn, which had the best bread I have ever tasted. All the food is made on the island. The best part was I was able to play a grand piano that was over 100 years old. What do you find to be a challenge in teaching piano and how do you suggest meeting that challenge? One of the biggest challenges I have faced in teaching piano is keeping students consistent in practice and in taking lessons. I find many of them practice well their first year, but by year two they struggle in consistency. I also have seen students stop lessons for a year and then come back or just quit altogether. I have seen several students choose sports instead of piano. For one, I believe sports offers a lot of community and success. Students work in teams and work to win games. To compete, I believe piano lessons need to have the same benefits. Group piano lessons could be a great way to give students weekly community and fun games to win. Students could learn from one another and grow. After I graduate, I want to explore the possibilities of teaching group piano. I think some students benefit privately, but not all students do. I want to offer private lessons and group lessons to accommodate. ________________________________________________________________________ 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 ________________________________________________________________________ AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS Community Hospice Performances Community Hospice and Pallative Care on Sunbeam Road sponsors a monthly performance titled First Friday Recital Series. In the coming months, two of our member performers will be giving piano recitals for staff and patient families. February 4 was Dr. Anita Renfroe (classical works and spirituals) and on March 4 JohnWillard Utuk will perform. All performances are at 11:30 a.m. If you would like to attend, please be advised that you must wear masks. Anyone else who would be interested in performing, please contact Sandy Stewart, 904-333-9280. – Dr. Sandra Stewart March 4 – JohnWillard Utuk “It will be recorded and be on their facebook page afterwards. I'll be featuring a classical-pop arrangement (Debussy/Legend), my original 3 movement work (The Etherea Suite), Scarlatti, and some Chick Corea Children's Songs. The first movement of the Suite "Vayriel's Theme" is available on Sheetmusicplus.com for purchase (great for sightreading, or expression, phrasing, and pedaling practice)!” – JohnWillard Utuk “Lawson Ensemble” with Siyu Zhang, violin Featuring works by Mendelssohn and more. Date: Sunday, February 20, 3:00pm Location: Recital Hall at UNF Cost: Free Admission Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx UNF Orchestra presents the: “11th Annual Concerto Showcase Concert” Winners of the annual UNF Orchestra Concerto Competition (TBD) perform with the UNF Orchestra. Dr. Simon Shiao, conductor Date: Tuesday, February 22, 7:30pm Location: Lazzara Performance Hall at UNF Cost: Adults $10 / Students free with ID Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx The Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series presents: “Krzysztof Biernacki, baritone with Denise Wright, piano” Dr. James Hall, Artistic Director Date: Tuesday, February 22, 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall at UNF Cost: Free Admission Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx “Sing into Spring: Singing Ospreys in Concert” Dr. Cara Tasher, Director of Choral Activities Location: Recital Hall at UNF Cost: Free Admission Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx “Rhythm Reflections” Dr. Andrea Venet, Director Date: Wednesday, March 2, 6:30pm Location: Lazzara Performance Hall at UNF Cost: Adults $10 / Students free with ID Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx 34th Annual Great American Jazz Series in Collaboration with the Beaches Fine Arts Series Presents: “Drummer and Vocalist, Jamison Ross and Saxophonist, Bob Reynolds” J.B. Scott, Artistic Director Date: Thursday, March 3, 7:30pm Location: Andrew A. Robinson, Jr. Theater at UNF Cost: Free Admission Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx “International Women’s Day Violin Recital” Presented by Dr. Simon Shiao and UNF violin students. Music by Amy Beach, Julia Wolfe, Jennifer Higdon and Reena Esmail. Date: Tuesday, March 8, 7:30pm Location: Recital Hall at UNF Cost: Free Admission Click on link for tickets and for details: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx ________________________________________________________________________ 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 your 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. Thank you JohnWillard Utuk for the update! ________________________________________________________________________ Music Exchange (Will be on again once meetings are in-person) Do you have too much music collected in your studio? Is there some you think you'll never use? Let's have a music exchange! Bring your unwanted music to any JMTA meeting. Bring home something new to you! Look for the "Free Music" spot. Music does not have to be brand new. ________________________________________________________________________ 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 9 9:30 – meeting 10:30 – program JMTA General Meeting followed by program: UNF Senior Student Recital Zoom March 9 9:30 – meeting 10:30 – program JMTA General Meeting followed by program: Fun with Rhyth Zoom March 12 As Scheduled District IV Sonatina & Sonata Festival UNF Recital Hall March 19 As Scheduled District IV Concerto Competition UNF Recital Hall March 26-30 As Scheduled MTNA Nat’l Conference Held Virtually March 27 3:00pm JMTA Student Recital All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville April 13 9:30 – meeting 10:30 – program JMTA General Meeting followed by program: TBA Zoom April 26 6:00pm Student Community Recital UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson TBA As Scheduled District IV Student Day TBA Stay tuned for more events to come! High Notes is distributed on the first of the month excluding June-August and December. All submissions are due by the 20th of the month prior to distribution. |
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