November 2017 - Volume 21, No. 3

JMTA General Meeting

• Date: Wednesday, November 8
• Time: 9:15am: Meet and Greet; 9:30am: Business Meeting, 10:30am: Featured Program: The Reluctant Accompanist – Do’s and Don’ts with Dr. Anita Renfroe
• Location: Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, 32257

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President’s Pen
Dear Fellow Music Teachers,

Greetings and welcome to a “cooler” Florida. Fall has arrived. At our October meeting, Denise Homsley gave an informative presentation about preparing students for Student Day. She even included choice tips for general teaching. Thank you, Denise.

Be sure to put our November meeting on your calendar if you haven’t already done so: November 8 at Keyboard Connection. Meet and greet is at 9:15, with the meeting at 9:30 AM. We will have a report from those who attended the FSMTA Mini-Conference. We will also be treated to Anita Renfroe’s presentation about accompanying. You don’t want to miss this!

January’s meeting will be “Open Mic” at Keyboard Connection on January 10th. This is your chance to play, sing, yodel or whatever you have always wanted to do but didn’t have the opportunity! Surprise us with your fantastic entertainment! Let’s have fun, fun, fun. Maybe someone would even sing “Second Hand Rose.” ??

Since this is the last newsletter and meeting before the new year 2018, I wish you all a Blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas. May your days be merry and bright.

See you next year. May it be the very best year ever.
Dr. Sandra Roberts
JMTA President
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October General Meeting
October 11, 2017

• Location: Keyboard Connection
• Call to Order 10:00 AM
• Present:
  • Sandra Roberts
  • Lynn Freeman
  • Lorraine Eaton
  • Lorie Burningham
  • Denise Homsley
  • Angie Holt
  • Anita Renfroe
  • Stephanie Martin
  • Erin Bennett
  • Michael Mastronicola Kamila Shahtakhtinski Katherine Svistoonoff Shipman
• Visitors: None
• Sandra Roberts welcomed everyone.
• Minutes from May 2017 were read by Lorie Burningham, Motion to approve by Kathrine Svistoonoff Shipman and seconded by Anita Renfroe. Minutes stand as read.
• Treasurer report – Lorraine Eaton. Handouts were given with expenses from June to September as well as a budget sheet. (See attached). Lorraine mentioned that we are supposed to have our books reviewed every year. She had a hard time finding someone but found a person to review the Excel file. Everything looked fine.
• Erin Bennett asked Lorraine about what the Warren Fund can be used for. The membership agreed that if something furthered the education of our teachers, then it would qualify. It can also be used to pay people outside of JMTA who come and give us a presentation.
• Lorraine then explained the budget (see attached). Our dues do not cover our budget. We went over our budgeted amount last year. Lorraine asked that chair persons keep track of their own expenses. If expenses are expected to go over budget, the chair person should seek approval from the membership before proceeding.
• Motion made by Erin Bennett to approve the treasurer report. Seconded by Katherine Svistoonoff Shipman. Motion was approved.

Committee Reports

• Altruistic: Denise Homsley – We need to make a request to Denise when something needs to be done. Sandra asked Denise to send a card to Sarah Blazs. Motion made by Erin Bennett, seconded by Anita Renfroe to donate $25 from altruistic to the JMTA scholarship fund in Jeannie’s name. Motion was approved.
• Communications: Angie Holt – The deadline for the next High Notes is the 20th of October. No High Notes for December. The next one is the last one for this year.
• Community Service Awards: Sandra Roberts – The deadline is the end of December. Is it the county of the teacher or the student that counts? Erin Bennett mentioned that the state person in charge is Joanna and for Sandra to check with her.
• Ethics: We do not have someone in this position yet. We need someone who can become a third party to resolve disputes. We follow the MTNA code of ethics.
• Historian: We need someone for this position. This person would need to collect items and put them on Google Drive or give them to Amy Turon. Everything needs to be digital.
• Internet Media: Lorraine Eaton; Co-Chair, Chelsea Chacon – Chelsea has been putting several fun posts on Facebook. Lorraine updated the links on our website for the community service award and the MTNA code of ethics.
• Piano Festival: Anita Renfroe said that the music has all been selected. Sandra Stewart finished choosing the music for the teachers and advanced students. The list will be presented later.
• Programs: Anita Renfroe will do a program next month on accompanying – do’s and don’ts. January program is put on by the district – Lorraine is in charge of that one.
• Scholarships: Kamila Shahtakhtinski – The next High School Senior Scholarship Competition is March 3 at 9 am in the morning, application deadline is February 17. Deadline for summer camp scholarship will be March 24.
• Social: Angie Holt – Angie passed around a signup list for food. She’ll send out a reminder email a week in advance to those who signed up to help with food for our meetings.
• Student Recitals: Sandra Stewart/Gavin Taylor – first recital is October 22.

Unfinished Business, Old or New:

• FSMTA Conference rescheduled: Mini Conference at USF in Tampa on Sat., Oct 28. Executive Board Meeting 9:00-12:00. General sessions 1:00-4:30.
• Lorraine brought scrapbooks, photos and music to give away. Please take what you will. If you have old music, please bring it and we’ll put it out to share.
• Sandra Roberts got a box of easy play music given to her. They are brand new. If you want them, let Sandra know.
• Anita made a request to speed up the meeting. Can we please start right at 9:30. Presenters need to start at 10:30. Meet and greet will be at 9:15.
• Next meeting is November 8th at Keyboard Connection
• Meeting is adjourned at 10:47 AM
• Denise Homsley presented very informative information on Student Day.
• Michael mentioned the open mic meeting on January 10th at Keyboard Connection. Any teacher can share anything and it doesn’t need to be memorized.

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JMTA Treasurer Transaction Report
June 1-September 30, 2017

• Premier Business Checking June 1, 2017 $6374.20
• Expenses
  • 06/21 check 1077 Heartland Hospice—memorial donation $100.00
  • 06/27 check 1078 L. Eaton—domain name renewal 20.17
  • 06/29 check 1079 P. Searcy—Altruistic (cards)
  • Gifts (gift card to J. Melvin) 69.83
  • 08/11 check 1082 FSMTA Conference Fund Donation 100.00
  • 08/14 check 1081 L. Eaton—treasurer (stamps) 9.80
  • 08/24 check 1080 A. Holt—Provisional test reimbursement 30.00
• Deposits
  • 06/07 MTNA Dues $375.00
  • FSMTA Dues 25.00
  • 06/23 FSMTA Dues 25.00
  • 07/12 MTNA Dues 303.00
  • 07/21 FSMTA Dues 25.00
  • 08/10 MTNA Dues 125.00
  • 09/02 FSMTA Dues 25.00
  • 09/18 MTNA Dues 150.00
  • FSMTA Dues 6.00
• Current Checking $3522.32
• Piano Festival Fund 1305.65
• Warren Fund 2277.73
• September 30, 2017 $7105.70
• Business Money Market (Scholarship) $4207.99
• Business Shares (Piano Festival) 1635.58
• CD (matures 5/21/2018) 8780.94
• Total Assets September 30, 2017 $21,730.21
• Other Business:
  • Have not done a financial review because I have been unable to find someone to look at our books. I will have another member verify the excel sheets and bank statements from last year match.
  • Renewed the certificate for Solicitations of Contributions

– Submitted by Lorraine Eaton
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Attention Greater-Jacksonville Piano Teachers:

• There are a number of changes to this year’s Outstanding Young Pianists Competition at Friday Musicale! We have a later deadline for applications, and the audition day is in January, only a week before the winner’s recital! We are also accepting chamber ensembles for the Ensemble Category. In addition to piano duos, trios, and quartets, pre-formed ensembles are invited to perform with other instruments, such as a violin, cello, and piano trio or similar. These changes reflect suggestions from families who have participated and teachers like you.
• Applications Available: Online Now
• Applications Due: MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2018
• Audition & Competition Date: 9am-4pm, SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018
• Winners’ Recital Date: FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018, 7:30pm
• Teachers are to complete and submit applications at www.fridaymusicle.com by 1/1/18. Winners of the 2018 Outstanding Young Pianists Competition will be presented in concert on Friday, JANUARY 19, 2018, at 7:30pm. The categories are:
• Grades 5 and 6, Piano Solo.
• Grades 7 and 8, Piano Solo.
• Grades 9 and 10, Piano Solo.
• Grades 9 through 12, Piano or Chamber Ensemble
• Grades 11 and 12, Piano Solo.
• Grades 11 and 12, Concerto.

Please contact us at (904) 355-7584 or [email protected] with questions.
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JMTA ‘Open Mic’ Event
Teachers are invited to perform! Join us at Keyboard Connection on Wednesday, January 10th, at 10:30 am for another JAMTA ‘open mic’ event. This is an informal recital for all members who want to perform a solo or duet or chamber music on one of Keyboard Connections’ wonderful grand pianos. You may perform on ANY instrument or voice. Memorization is not required, just an interest in sharing music that you want to perform for a friendly audience. The meeting is at 9:30 am at Keyboard Connection; the teacher’s recital is from 10:30-11:30 am. Let Michael Mastronicola know that you are interested in performing, and the length and title of your solo by January 5th. You have lots of time to prepare–so save the date and plan to play something! Contact Michael at 904-402-6480 or [email protected]
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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.
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Need a Sponsor?
Does anyone in the JMTA need a sponsor or need help in any way? If so, John Scott, owner of Great Scott Music School, is interested in helping our organization. If interested, contact John at [email protected]
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District IV News
District 4 Board Elections
The District 4 Board has approved a slate of nominees for your vote at our next General District Meeting, Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at Keyboard Connection. Please plan to be in attendance to cast your vote. This is also the day of our fun Music Teacher Open Mic event which you will not want to miss!
The board presents the following nominees. Additional nominations will be taken from the floor.

• President–Erin Bennett
• Vice President–Sarah Hartley
• Treasurer–Chelsea Chacon
• Recording Secretary–Lorie Burningham

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2018 District IV Student Day
Denise Homsley, Mus.M., NCTM, Chair, District IV Student Activities

• Plans are underway for the 2018 District IV Student Day! Begin preparing your students to participate in this excellent comprehensive evaluation program. Student Day is planned for Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Jacksonville University. There are four events; three of which are graded. The events for which the student will receive a grade are: Written Theory, Aural Theory, and Audition. There is no grade for the Recital performance (fourth event); however, the Recital is a wonderful opportunity to share a Student Day piece and polish performance skills.
• 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 is provided in your Student Activities Handbook. Contact information is as follows: Music Master, 4111 NW 79 Ave, Coral Springs, FL 33065, 954-752-2856 (teacher Sue Colvert) [email protected]
• The Student Day Handbook may be found online on the FSMTA website under Student Activities, Non-Competitive. There is no charge to print all, or any portion, of the Handbook. Please use the new password, which was emailed to you recently, to access the information.
• You may locate information specific to our District IV Student Day at the jmta.org website under “Special Events.” Please download the “Piano Interactive Adjudication Sheets” from the fmta.org website and the the “District IV Achievement Examination Application” from the jmta.org website. Please fill them in completely and mail to me with a check for each students’ fee ($30 each) plus the amount for your lunch ($15). The application deadline is January 6, 2018.
• Participation in District Student Day really helps advance a student’s music education. While the preparation is comprehensive, the rewards are great! Students, parents, and teachers are all pleased to see the student learn so much about theory and performance. As certificates and medals are awarded to the students, it is exciting for everyone to see the merits of their effort and how much they have progressed. Additionally, students often remark that school music classes are easy because of what they have learned from Student Day.
• Please contact me by email with any questions you may have regarding Student Day. I will look forward to seeing many of you and your students at Student Day on Saturday, February 17!

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District IV Concerto Competition
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Time TBA
University of North Florida – Recital Hall
Application deadline: February 24, 2018
Dr. Erin K. Bennett, NCTM
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Check out those shoulder pads!
We’ve had lots of pictures taken over the years. We have some dating back to the 80s! All of our photos and scrapbook pages have been digitally scanned and are available for viewing anytime on the archive page of the state website, fmta.org. All of the physical copies of the old pictures and scrapbooks will be put out for you to take at the next several meetings. Please take a look and keep any pictures you like. Whatever is left will be thrown away.
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