October 2019 - Vol. 23, No. 2

JMTA High Notes
October 2019—Vol. 23, no. 2 
JMTA General Meeting
Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Time: 9:30am - Business Meeting; 10:30am - Featured Program:
The Alexander Technique with Mariel Brewster
Location:  Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, 32257 _________________________________________________________________________
From the President’s Pen
 
JMTA is off to a great start for the 2019-2020 season!  We convened on September 11th at Keyboard Connection for a brief business meeting, an overview of the outstanding sessions scheduled for the year and a delicious Potluck luncheon.  Dr. Michael Mastronicola, Program Director, gave a power point presentation of the upcoming sessions. Mariel Brewster, an Alexander Technique specialist and professor at the University of Florida will be the guest clinician for October. Put October 9th at Keyboard Connection on your calendar. The business meeting is at 9:30 am with the program at 10:30 am.
 
We welcome returning member, Lisa Barwell who teaches flute and piano and new member, Dr. Shigu Zhang who teaches piano. Please take time to introduce yourselves to them at the next meeting. 
 
Several members commented during the luncheon that “we should do this every month!”
We may not have a potluck every month, but I hope our plans for the future will include some more social events at other times so some of our members who are teaching in schools and universities can join us. We need to find ways to interact with all of our members. We will explore the possibility of recording some of our programs to make available for later viewing for those who cannot attend the Wednesday morning sessions.
 
As you welcome your students this month, (especially adults) share some of the benefits of music study:
“Playing the piano increases your life span by keeping the brain active, provides better eye exercise than watching TV, boosts your hearing as you listen carefully and improves your memory.  It increases your coordination, gives your fingers a workout and lifts your mood.”
This quote is from an article by Delores Fredrickson, “The Ultimate Anti-Aging Hobby” in the May/June 2009 Clavier Companion.
 
Check out our website and please send info and photos to Angie Holt to post there and on our Facebook page. We welcome your announcement of recitals and student musical events.
 
Dr. Anita Renfroe
President, JMTA
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JMTA General Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Keyboard Connection
Present: Anita Renfroe, Sandy Stewart, Lorie Burningham, Michael Mastronicolo, Lorraine Sears, Sandra Roberts, Shigu Zhang, Kama Rasmussen-Li, Lisa Barwell, Betty Atkinson, Lynn Freeman, Erin Bennett, Joan Cordell, Angie Holt, Kamila Shahtakhtinski, Ron Touchton
 
Call to Order: 10 AM by Anita Renfroe
 
Welcome of new members: Shigu Zhang, Lisa Barwell
 
Minutes from May approved
 
Finances: Lorie Burningham – The budget for 2019-2020 was approved. (Denise has a $50 gift card that can be added to the altruistic available funds.
 
Altruistic: Sandra Roberts. Nothing to report.
 
Community Service Awards: Joan Cordell – Joan put information in the last High Notes explaining the Community Service Ward. This is for high school students. When they are a senior, they can go on to the JMTA website and fill out the form and turn it into the state chair. We can have winners attend our spring meeting so that we can recognize them.
 
Ethics: Maureen Rhodes – Not Present
 
Historian: Lynn Roberts – Not Present
 
Communications and Internet Media: Angie Holt – The High Notes Newsletter goes out during the school year. Let Angie know by the 20th of each month for newsletter additions. Facebook and website changes can be sent to her any time at ([email protected]). If you change an email address or phone, please make the change on the MTNA site so that it filters down to us.
 
Programs: Michael Mastronicola – Michael presented a fabulous slideshow on the upcoming presentations.
                October 9th, Mariel Brewster. She is an expert on the Alexander Technique
                November 13th, Josh Mills. UNF Graduate. PianoMarvel Social Media Manager. He will teach ‘Using Technology to Make Lessons Fun and At-Home Study More Interactive and Successful.’
                December – No program
                January 8 – Sarah Hartley will present at UNF. She will be sharing new, accessible and motivating repertoire for elementary and intermediate students.
                February 12 – Charlotte Mabrey. ‘Sharing Good Vibes Through Percussion: Learning, Improvising and Teaching Rhythms.’
                March 11th – Dr. Lori Rhodes, Professor of Music, Ball State University. ‘Sightreading Boot Camp: Making our Students Competent and Confident Sightreaders.’
                April 8th – Concerto Winners Perform
                May 13th – End of the Year Luncheon
 
Anita encouraged those present to bring a friend to these programs.
 
Scholarship: Kamila Shahtakhtinski. Deadlines are March 28. We have a music camp scholarship, which is $500. Applications are sent to Kamila. This is for pre-college age students. Preference is given to high school juniors and seniors. There is another scholarship for seniors who are planning to be music majors.
 
Social: Angie Holt and Stephanie Batson Martin – they are over providing refreshments for each meeting. She will have a signup at the next meeting where people can offer to bring food.
 
Student Recitals: The next one is October 27. See website for information on all student recitals. Michael confirmed the location for the one on March 22nd is All Saints Episcopal Church. There will be a Community Recital in April at Proton Therapy. More information to follow.
 
Student Day: Denise Homsley was not able to be here. Erin Bennett mentioned that Student Day is confirmed for February 1st at First Baptist Church. Honors recital date is TBA. More information is on the website.
 
Old Business:
Anita encouraged all to attend the FSMTA conference in Gainesville. She encouraged people to at least go for one day. Anita will also be performing during the conference. More information is on the website. The dates are October 17-20.
 
New Business: Anita Renfroe
                Anita spoke about the survey that was sent out a couple of months ago. 14 members turned in surveys. Reference handout. She would love to have someone signup to be over publicity and advertising with a goal to acquire more funding for our organization. She is happy to work with anyone who is willing. Also discussed, was those who would like meetings elsewhere or can’t come in the morning. She suggested having a social on a different day and time to include those people.
 
Sandy Stewart: She is volunteer at Community Hospice on Sunbeam Road. She has started the Compassionate Music Series. One of the programs is called First Fridays and will begin on October 4. She would love to have people volunteer to come and play for the patients. This can include high school students. They can play hymn arrangements, classical, movie themes. Students can contact Sandra and schedule a time to be there and she’ll meet them there.
 
District IV: Erin Bennett, District President – Our district will welcome new officers at the State Conference. Erin mentioned that Paulette proposed at an earlier meeting to take the current district officers and renominate them so it lengthens their service by a year but it will help us match the rest of the state’s schedule for voting on officers.   
 
Adjournment at 11:08
 
Thanks to all those who provided food for the luncheon!
 
- Submitted by Lorie Burningham

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OCTOBER JMTA PROGRAM: "Alexander Technique for Musicians and Music Educators"
October 9th, 10:30a.m., at Keyboard Connection

Join us for our first program of the fall, featuring Mariel Brewster, a professor of Alexander Technique at the University of Florida School of Theater and Dance.  She studied Alexander Technique with master teachers Ruth Kilroy and Rivka Cohen, and her studies have reshaped how she uses her body to make music with a healthy, tension-free technique. Visit her at www.AlexanderTechniqueAmelia.com  
 
- Michael Mastronicola, DMA, NCTM
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JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report     |  September 1 - September 30, 2019

Premier Business Checking Total
30-Sep-19
$9,383.18

Current Checking
$4,333.42

Piano Festival Fund (add to Business Shares Acct)
$3,322.03
 
Warren Fund
$1,727.73
 
TOTAL Checking Account as of July 31, 2019
$9,383.18
 
Other Accounts:

Business Money Market (Scholarship)
$3,266.23
 
Business Shares (Festival) (add to amt in chking)
$1,643.49
 
22-Month CD (matures 3/31/2020)
$7,045.53
 
TOTAL as of September 30, 2019
$11,955.25
 
TOTAL ASSETS as of September 30, 2019
$21,338.43
- Submitted by Lorie Burningham 10/01/19
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COMPASSIONATE MUSIC SERIES
 
    Community Hospice has begun a music series at their facility on Sunbeam Road.  There is a "Music Minors" performance program for teen volunteers who wish to play piano for an hour in the patients wing on Sunday afternoons.  Flyers were handed out at the recent JMTA meeting; anyone wishing more information should contact Sandy Stewart, [email protected].
    In addition, the First Friday program will feature an adult performer on the first Friday of each month.  The inaugural recital will be held October 4 at 11:30-12:15 in the lobby of the Hadlow Center.  Our performer will be John Willard Utuk, JMTA member and local pianist, educator and performer. He will be performing a program including selections by Debussy, Beethoven and Brahms. The public is invited to attend this free program.
 
- Sandra Stewart, DMA
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OCTOBER JMTA STUDENT RECITAL
 
Our first student recital of the year will be held on Sunday, October 27 at 3 p.m.  We are trying a new location - River Garden Home at 11401 Old St. Augustine Road in Mandarin.  They have an auditorium with a Yamaha grand piano. Please send all information to Sandy Stewart, [email protected], one week in advance. 
 
In the recent past, there has been a problem with collecting the $5 fee for each student.  The Board agreed that we should be more efficient in collecting.  Therefore, the fee must be sent to me BEFORE each performance or the student will not be allowed to perform.  If you forget and bring the money on the day of the recital, I will accept it.  But please try to make arrangements for this to be taken care of early.  We love having all the students perform.  This small fee helps us with program printing and paper products needed for the receptions.  If you cannot attend, but have a student who would like to perform, just let me know so that I will be aware.  Thanks!
Sandy 
 
- Sandra Stewart, DMA
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DISTRICT IV NEWS
 
2020 District IV Student Day
Denise Homsley, Mus.M., NCTM, Chair, District IV Student Activities

2020 District IV Student Day will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at First Baptist Church.

Although First Baptist Church is downsizing their campus, I have spoken with a church representative, and we may continue with our plan to hold Student Day there on February 1st.
 
Student Day guidelines may be found on the fmta.org website.  Please remember there are a few changes at each level, so please go over these with your students as they prepare.
 
We look forward to 2020 District IV Student Day!  It should be another very successful District Student Day!!
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Over Coffee With . . .
 
                                     LYNN FREEMAN
 
This month we’re meeting up with long-time JMTA member Lynn Freeman. Lynn is currently the Parliamentarian for JMTA.
 
Q: First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I was born in Jacksonville, Florida and have lived here my entire life. I even chose to stay in Jacksonville for college and earned my degree from Jacksonville University.
Q: What made you want to start piano lessons as a child and what inspired you to make music your life-long career?
A: My brother who was 15 years older than me was a great influence on my career. He was a church organist, high school band director, and member of the symphony about the time I was entering junior high.   I had been taking piano since 2nd grade and playing clarinet in the band since 7th grade.  He often encouraged me to join him in performing piano and organ duets at his church.  When he gave an organ recital, I would be his page turner.  All of these little actions caused me to become more and more involved in music.  Before long I was playing piano along with the organist at my own church on Sunday mornings.  I began studying the organ the summer before college.  As a sophomore I was asked to sub for a friend at his church for 2 weeks. The friend ended up not returning and I stayed there for 22 years as organist!
Q: Who was your favorite music teacher growing up, and why?
A: My first teacher was Elizabeth Merrick who was very involved in JMTA.  She introduced me to the 40 Piano Duet Festival.  Yes, 40 pianos (80 students) on stage!  We had to audition at JU and be chosen to participate.  I loved playing in those!  By high school, I knew that I wanted to major in music and began studying piano with Helen Stanley Gatlin.  She was a wonderful teacher who prepared me beautifully for the challenges ahead especially getting me ready for college theory!
Q: What do you find to be a challenge in teaching piano and how do you suggest meeting that challenge?
A: One of the biggest challenges to me is all of the demands on a student’s time (sports, clubs, etc.).  I have tried to learn to be patient, knowing that once the sports season is over the student will hopefully return to better practice habits for piano.  I think this attitude helps me keep students in music who would otherwise have to give it up.  It is not unusual for me to have high school seniors graduating who have studied with me since 2nd grade!
Q: Do you have a story of something that happened during one of your performances and how you handled it?
A: This happened to one of my students in the early days of my teaching.  We were holding our recital in a hall that had absolutely no windows.  All of a sudden the lights went out!  It was pitch black!  The student at the piano was an older elementary school child and she just kept playing.  I don’t know how she could see at all.  It was quite a long piece and just as she finished, the lights came on!  She received thunderous applause from the audience and exited as if nothing had happened!
Q: What is one of the most interesting places you have visited or lived in, and why?
A: A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit England and France. I loved seeing the beautiful cathedrals and was fortunate to hear the choirs and organists perform at both Bath Abbey and Notre Dame.  It was divine! 
Q: Is there any advice you might give to a new music teacher starting out?
A: Never underestimate the importance of a good policy letter! 
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COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
 
The Jacksonville Music Teachers Association participates in the Community Service Awards program. These awards are given to deserving 9th and 12th grade students in recognition of their leadership, achievements, and service to the community in the field of music. The applicants must also be students in good standing with their music instructor, a member of JMTA who recommends them for this award.
 
This award encourages young musicians to use their music talents and skills within their community for the betterment of the community and society as a whole.  It also helps them become more responsible and caring citizens as they reach out to others through their music activities.
 
Winning at the county level, the student receives a certificate and a plaque, which is an honor that can be placed on future college or employment applications.  The ninth grade state winner receives a plaque and $100, while the twelfth grade state winner also receives a plaque and $500.
 
For more detail, please go to the website. Under competitive events, you will find the application and detailed instructions.  You must have all paperwork in to the state chair by December 31st.
 
Please encourage your lower grades to journal all their musical activities and volunteering to make the application process much easier.
  
JMTA Community Service Award Chair,
Joan Cordell
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Find A Teacher Section on Jaxmta.org
 
Teachers,
 
Please take a moment to check out your information on the Find a Teacher page of our website.  If you would like to edit, add, or delete your information, please send whatever you would like changed to our Internet Media Chair Angie Holt at [email protected].
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Have you found us on Facebook?
 
Follow JaxMTA on Facebook for the latest happenings, photos, videos, and more!
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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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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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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 October 9
TIME 9:30am
EVENT JMTA General Meeting followed by Program:
 The Alexander Technique
LOCATION Keyboard Connection,
9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257

DATE October 17-20
TIME As Scheduled
EVENT FSMTA State Conference: Music Meets Medicine
LOCATION Hilton UF Conference Center, Gainesville, FL

DATE October 27
TIME 3pm
EVENT JMTA Student Recital
LOCATION River Garden Home, 11401 Old St. Augustine Rd., 32258

DATE November 13
TIME 9:30am
EVENT JMTA General Meeting followed by Program:
LOCATION Josh Mills of PianoMarvel Social Media
Keyboard Connection, 9912 San Jose Blvd., 32257

DATE December 8
TIME 3pm
EVENT JMTA Student Recital
LOCATION Arlington United Methodist Church, 1400 University Blvd. N., 32211

DATE January 8
TIME 9:30am
EVENT District IV Meeting followed by Program:
Sarah Hartley with new and motivating repertoire
LOCATION University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, 32224

DATE February 1
TIME As Scheduled
EVENT District IV Student Day
LOCATION First Baptist Church downtown, 124 W. Ashley St., 32202
Stay tuned for more events to come!  High Notes is distributed on the 1st of the month excluding June-August and December.  All submissions are due by the 20th of the month prior to distribution.  Submissions may be sent to [email protected].