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H i g h   N o t e s  Newsletters

September 2026

9/1/2026

 
  JMTA High Notes
 
September 2026 —Vol. 30, no. 1
The September JMTA meeting and luncheon will be held at the Charles Webb Wesconnett branch of the public library on Thursday, September 17, at 10:30am.
_______________________________________

Table of Contents
MEETING MINUTES
                  May   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 - 5
TREASURY REPORTS
                  May – August and
                  Proposed Budget . . . . 6 – 11
PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
JMTA Student Recitals . . . . . . . . . . .  13
    District IV News  
              Sonatina & Sonata Festival . . .14
              Concerto Competition . . . . . . . 14
              All About Student Day . . . 15 - 18
              State News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
  “Find a Teacher” on Website . . . . . . . . 20
 
  Photo Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 - 22
 
   Over Coffee With…
                 Mary Gniech . . . . . . . . . . . .23 - 25
AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS . . . . 26
 
Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28


President’s Pen 
Dear JMTA members,
 
Welcome back! We have an exciting year of opportunities, and we hope you will be able to join us.
We offer three JMTA Student Recitals, a Community Recital for advanced students,  - 10the District 4 Sonatina/Sonata Festival, the District 4 Concerto Competition, and the annual District 4 Student Day evaluations.
We also have a JMTA High School Senior Scholarship competition opportunity for upcoming college music majors, and a Community Service award competition for 9th and 12th graders! Catch all the details on our website, jaxmta.org.
Our monthly JMTA meetings/ programs are all held on the second Thursday morning of the month, at 9:30am, except for this month it is being held on the third Thursday, and in December and June through August we have no general meetings. The programs are full of enrichment and assistance for our music teachers. Thank you to Anita Renfroe for coordinating the programs for us. This year we will hold our meetings/programs at different locations; emails will be sent out ahead each month, and you can check the website calendar as well. All are welcome to attend!
 
We still have an opening on the board for someone to fill the wellness/ liaison position, to give wellness tips for our teachers and students at our meetings. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected].
In this issue of High Notes, we interview and get to know newer member Mary Gniech.
We look forward to seeing you this year and hope you’ll be able to engage your students in some of JMTA’s opportunities. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Angie Holt
President, JMTA 
 
___________________________________
MEETING MINUTESJacksonville Music Teachers Association
Thursday, May 14, 2026
UNF Recital Hall – 9:30 AM
 
Welcome & Call to Order - President Angie Holt called the meeting to order at 9:32 AM.
Attendance –
In person: Angie Holt, Daniel Holt, Rhonda Danielson, Lorraine Sears, Denise Homsley, Christine Couch, Kama and Kaya Rasmussen-Li, Erin Bennett, Mimi Zhang
Zoom:  Paulette Kilt, Mary McKee, Anita Renfroe, Cheryl Dubberly
 
Parliamentarian - Lynn Freeman
Secretary Minutes - Rhonda Danielson
          Minutes were accepted as corrected
Treasurer’s Report - Lorraine Sears
  • Any Reimbursements must be submitted and made by the end of the fiscal year.
 
  • Committee chairs are asked to give Lorraine all details regarding checks that are needed for reimbursement or to be sent for each event.
 
  • Rhonda will send $50 in a thank you card for each venue where we hold events.
 
  • Paulette suggested that we have a job description for the Scholarship Chair with detailed guidelines about expenses and reimbursements.
 
  • Motion made by Rhonda to accept the treasurer’s report, 2nd by Kama. (MSC)
 
Communications & Internet Media - Angie Holt
High Notes Newsletter will be sent this week.
Vice President of Membership - Mary McKee
We have two new members, Tracy Morris and Hsiang Tu, from Gainesville.
Programs - Anita Renfroe
Our program today is performances by our Scholarship and Concerto winners, some in person and some by video.
Other Committee Reports:
Social - Sandy Stewart
Student Recitals - Christine Couch & Gavin Taylor
Proton Therapy Recital - Sandy Stewart
          Photos from the recital will be in the newsletter.
Scholarship - Kama Rasmussen-Li
We had two Scholarship applicants. Jorges Daniel Penaherrera video performance today will include one of his compositions. He will be attending UNF in the fall.
We may consider having the next Scholarship and Concerto Competitions on the same day at UNF, using the same judges for both events.
Student Day - Angie Holt
The Honors Recital on April 26 had a great number of attendees.
Altruistic - Rhonda Danielson
A card of encouragement was sent to Cheryl Dubberly, who will have hip surgery on June 3rd.
Thank you cards and $50 checks will be sent to the past three venues where we have held events.
Community Service Awards - Stefanie Batson-Martin
Nicole Wang, a student of Stefanie, was our JMTA winner and applied for the state award but was not chosen.
Ethics - Betty Atkinson
Archivist/Historian - Paulette Kilts
Paulette would like programs from the December, March, and Proton Therapy recitals.
 
Old Business
New Business
Voting was held for three Amendment Proposals.
Motion by Paulette to approve Amendment #1 regarding number of meetings per year, 2nd by Erin. (MSC)
Motion by Paulette to approve Amendment #2 regarding Collegiate Membership – 2nd by Erin. (MSC)
Motion by Paulette to approve Amendment #3 with new wording regarding awards and scholarships, 2nd by Rhonda (MSC)
Paulette will update our constitution and bylaws, then renew Sunbiz.
 
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 10:26 AM.
 
Respectfully Submitted,
Rhonda Danielson, Secretary
________________________________

TREASURY REPORTS
                  
May
 JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report         May 1-31, 2026 
 Checking:  Rate .10%   
Expenses    
05/13/26 Square-Domain name renewal $19.95  
05/20/26 Check 110 All Saints (recital donation) $50.00  
05/21/26 Check 107-S. Stewart- recital supplies $33.31  
05/27/26 Check 109--Arlington UMC (recital donation) $50.00  
     
Deposits    
05/27/26 MTNA--Dues $240.00 
05/31/26 Interest $0.79 
     
 Current Checking  $8,632.64
 Warren Fund  $727.73
 TOTAL Checking Account  $9,360.37
     
Business Money Market (Scholarship):  Rate .60% ($1000+)   
Expenses       
Deposits        
TOTAL Business Money Market Account  $138.23
     
Business Shares (Savings):  Rate .10% ($100+)   
Expenses      
Deposits    
5/31/26 Interest  $0.02 
 TOTAL Business Shares Account  $199.38
     
12 Month Business CD:  Rate 4.00%  Matures 6/7/26   
Expenses        
Deposits    
5/31/26 Interest  18.58  
 TOTAL Business CD Account  $5,587.58
 
13 Month Promo CD:  Rate 4.00%  Matures 10/16/26   
Expenses    
Deposits    
5/31/26 Interest 17.10 
 TOTAL Promo CD Account  $5,144.87
 TOTAL ASSETS as of Apr. 30, 2026  $20,430.43
     
Submitted by Lorraine Sears  06/08/2026    
 
 Treasurer's Report
 
Please review the following documents:
  • Transaction Report June 2026
  • Transaction Report July 2026
  • Transaction Report August 2026
  • Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
Summer transactions mostly included deposits from MTNA dues checks.  The matured CD balance was transferred to the Money Market/Scholarship winner account.  When our other active CD matures in October, $3500 will be withdrawn from the Money Market account and combined with the matured CD balance, and I will open a new CD at that time.  Interest rates for various terms will be reported at an upcoming meeting to decide new CD length.
 
The Proposed Budget has been approved by the board.  Questions can be asked at the meeting, and then the membership in attendance will vote to approve the budget for this Fiscal Year (July 1, 2026- June 30, 2027).
 
~Lorraine Sears, JMTA Treasurer
 
June
JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report         June 1-30, 2026 
 Checking:  Rate .10%   
Expenses    
06/22/26Ck 106 E. Bennett (scholar. judge) $50.00  
Deposits    
06/10/26 MTNA--Dues $330.00 
06/30/26 Interest $0.79 
 Current Checking  $8,913.43
 Warren Fund  $727.73
 TOTAL Checking Account  $9,641.16
    
Business Money Market (Scholarship):  Rate .60% ($1000+)   
Expenses    
Deposits    
06/10/26 transfer from matured CD $5,592.53 
6/30/2026 Interest 2.31 
 TOTAL Business Money Market Account  $5,733.07
     
 Business Shares (Savings):  Rate .10% ($100+)   
Expenses   
Deposits    
6/30/26 Interest  $0.02   
 TOTAL Business Shares Account  $199.40
     
 12 Month Business CD:  Rate 4.00%  Matures 6/7/26   
Expenses    
6/10/26 Matured--transferred to Money Market 5592.53   
Deposits    
 TOTAL Business CD Account  $0.00
 
 13 Month Promo CD:  Rate 4.00%  Matures 10/16/26   
Expenses    
Deposits    
6/30/26 Interest 16.61 
 TOTAL Promo CD Account  $5,161.48
 TOTAL ASSETS as of June 30, 2026  $20,735.11
     
- Submitted by Lorraine Sears  07/10/2026    
 
July

JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report         July 1-31, 2026 
 Checking:  Rate .10%   
Expenses    
Deposits    
07/15/26 MTNA--Dues $483.00 
07/31/26 Interest $0.85 
 Current Checking  $9,397.28
 Warren Fund  $727.73
 TOTAL Checking Account  $10,125.01
     
 Business Money Market (Scholarship):  Rate .60% ($1000+)   
Expenses    
Deposits    
07/31/26 Interest $3.41 
 TOTAL Business Money Market Account  $5,736.48
     
 Business Shares (Savings):  Rate .10% ($100+)   
Expenses    
Deposits    
7/31/26 Interest  $0.02 
 TOTAL Business Shares Account  $199.42
     
 13 Month Promo CD:  Rate 4.00%  Matures 10/16/26   
Expenses    
Deposits    
7/31/26 Interest 17.22 
 TOTAL Promo CD Account  $5,178.70
 TOTAL ASSETS as of July 31, 2026  $21,239.61
     
- Submitted by Lorraine Sears  08/07/2026    
 
August
JMTA Treasurer Transaction Monthly Report         August 1-31, 2026 
 Checking:  Rate .10%   
Expenses    
Deposits    
08/18/26 MTNA--Dues $63.00 
08/31/26 Interest $0.87 
 Current Checking  $9,461.15
 Warren Fund  $727.73
 TOTAL Checking Account  $10,188.88
     
 Business Money Market (Scholarship):  Rate .60% ($1000+)   
Expenses    
Deposits    
08/31/26 Interest $3.42 
 TOTAL Business Money Market Account  $5,739.90
     
 Business Shares (Savings):  Rate .10% ($100+)   
Expenses    
Deposits    
8/31/26 Interest  $0.02 
 TOTAL Business Shares Account  $199.44
     
 13 Month Promo CD:  Rate 4.00%  Matures 10/16/26   
Expenses    
Deposits    
8/31/26 Interest 17.27 
 TOTAL Promo CD Account  $5,195.97
 TOTAL ASSETS as of August 31, 2026  $21,324.19
     
- Submitted by Lorraine Sears  09/02/2026    
 
Proposed Budget

 Proposed JMTA Budget 2026-2027
      
                                                Proposed        Actual             Proposed
Income                                  2025-2026      2025-2026      2026-2027
Dues                                      1,400.00         1,626.00           1,400.00
Interest earned
​   from checking                          8.00                8.77                   8.00
Luncheon                                     0.00                0.00                  0.00
Scholarship Audition Fees       70.00              50.00               70.00
Student Recitals                      300.00            310.00             300.00
Total                                         1,778.00          1,994.77           1,778.00
    
                                                Proposed        Actual             Proposed
Expenses                              2025-2026       2025-2026     2026-2027
Altruistic                                    50.00               0.00               50.00
Community Service Award    80.00             40.00               80.00
FSMTA Conference Fund      100.00          100.00              100.00
FSMTF                                         15.00             15.00                 15.00
Gifts                                             50.00               0.00                50.00
JMTA biannual (even year)
   site renewal                           216.00            240.00                 0.00
JMTA annual domain renewal 19.95              19.95                 19.95
Miscellaneous                            30.00             29.65                30.00
Programs (JMTA presenters)  100.00              0.00                25.00
Programs (Warren Fund -
   Outside Presenters)              100.00           100.00              175.00
Social                                            50.00              37.97                10.00
Scholarship Judges                 300.00            150.00             200.00
State Conference President   300.00           250.00              300.00
Student Recitals                       200.00            133.31               200.00
Sunbiz (Incorporation Fee)         61.25              61.25                 96.25
Total                                          1,672.20          1,177.13              1,351.20
Budget Difference                  $105.80          $817.64             $426.80
 
___________________________________

PROGRAMS 
Each month at the end of our General Meeting, we have an enrichment program for our teachers. The meeting usually starts at 9:30am (10:30am this month), followed by the program. All are welcome to both! Join us on Thursday, September 17 at 10:30am for our meeting and then our Welcome Back Luncheon afterwards!

General Meeting – 10:30am
Welcome Back Luncheon – afterwards, about 11:15am
Location: Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional Library, in the Auditorium, 6887 103rd St., Jacksonville, 32210
Our Programs Chair Anita Renfroe will be rolling out the exciting programs for the year at our meeting. Stay tuned! The programs will also be posted in the October newsletter.

Welcome Back Luncheon
Join us for our luncheon after the meeting. The meat dish, bottled water, and napkins, plates, and cutlery will be provided. Please email me at [email protected] with what side dish or dessert you would like to bring.
We hope to see you there! 
  • Sandra Stewart, Social Chair
__________________________________
JMTA Student Recitals
Following are the student recitals for the school year:

Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 3:00p​
St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church
3976 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207
Application deadline Oct. 2, 2026, submitted to [email protected]

Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 3:00p
Arlington United Methodist Church
1400 University Blvd., N., Jacksonville, FL 32211
Application deadline Dec. 4, 2026, submitted to [email protected]

Sunday, March 7, 2027, at 3:00p
All Saints Episcopal Church
4171 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL  32207
You may enter through any of the sanctuary doors.
Application deadline Feb. 26, 2027, submitted to [email protected]
For this location, assistance is needed from a few able-bodied adults both before and after the recital to move the piano into position.  If you have someone attending that can help, please ask them to arrive by 2:35p.
The cost is $5 per student. Here is the link for participation guidelines:
https://www.jaxmta.org/jmta-student-recitals.html
  • Christine Couch and Gavin Taylor are the Recital Co-Chairs.
In addition, there is an annual Community “Proton Therapy” Recital for late-intermediate to advanced students, held each April at the U.F. Proton Therapy Institute. More information will be coming at a later date from Community Recital Chair Sandra Stewart.
_________________________________
District IV News 
Sonatina and Sonata Festival
 
The District 4 Sonatina and Sonata Festival will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2027 in the UNF Recital Hall (Room 1200) in the Fine Arts Building, time TBD.
The application deadline is Friday, January 15, 2027. The cost is $15 for students of FSMTA members; an additional $10 (or $25 total) is required for students of non-member teachers.
Click here for more information:
https://www.jaxmta.org/district-4-sonatina--sonata-festival.html
 
Concerto Competition
 
The District 4 Concerto Competition will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2027 in the UNF Recital Hall (Room 1200) in the Fine Arts Building, time TBD.
The application deadline is Friday, February 19, 2027. The cost is:
FSMTA Members: Teacher fee-$0, Student Fee-$40, Total $40
FSMTA Nonmembers: Teacher fee-$40, Student Fee-$40, Total $80
Click here for more information:
https://www.jaxmta.org/district-4-concerto-competition.html
  • Erin Bennett is the District 4 Chair
 
__________________________________
 
All About  Student Day
 
FSMTA offers an annual evaluation program called Student Day, which is “structured and comprehensive,” according to the FSMTA website.
Students are tested annually, not only on their ability to perform,
but also on their understanding of music theory and their general
knowledge of music. Levels of difficulty range from Primary
through Level 12. Over one thousand students enroll in Student
Day every year in the state of Florida.
 
60th Anniversary of District Student Day
Student Day began 60 years ago this past spring, with the first State Student Day in 1966, and the first District Student Day in 1967. If you would like to be a part of this historic and state-wide evaluation, our next Student Day will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2027, at Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd., 32223. The application deadline is Friday, March 5.
If you’ve been interested in registering some students for this rewarding annual event but need more information, we are happy to assist you! Student Day is not only available for piano, but also vocal, string, woodwind, classical guitar, percussion, brass, harp, organ, and accordion. The cost is just $30 per student, plus $15 for the teacher’s lunch that day.
Here is the link to register: https://www.jaxmta.org/district-4-student-day.html
 
When registering, choose which section each student would like, morning or afternoon. All their activities will fall into their chosen section, including a non-graded recital, where each student can play one of their Student Day pieces for their peers. The following breaks down what each level involves:
 
Primary level:
2 memorized pieces and keyboard skills before a judge
Written theory test
Level 1:
2 memorized pieces and keyboard skills before a judge
Written theory test
Aural theory test
Levels 2 through 4:
3 memorized pieces and keyboard skills before a judge
Written theory test
Aural theory test
Levels 5 through 12:
3 memorized pieces from different musical eras and keyboard skills before a judge
Written theory test
Aural theory test
Note: Memorization is required only for piano and vocal.
 
For repertoire lists, sample written theory and aural theory tests, keyboard skills information, adjudication forms, etc., they are all on the FSMTA website. Click on Student Activities on the home screen, and then FSMTA Non-Competitive Events. Scroll down to Members of FSMTA, click on log in here, and use the current password of Chopin, which is case-sensitive. (The FSMTA password changes every October, and as a member you will receive an email from their website admin with the new password each year.) Or, you can click here to go to the website, where there is also a Handbook of Student Activities for more detailed information:
 
https://www.fmta.org/student-day-handbook.html
 
Once you log in, you will see the following columns and more:
 
The Written and Aural Theory column includes sample tests for written and aural Theory.
The Piano Guidelines includes keyboard skills information including the musicianship questions and melodies for harmonization/transposition page where they pick one ahead of time to learn, as well as the suggested repertoire list.
The Interactive Examination Sheets are what you’ll partially fill out and turn in for each student when you register, an example is to the right. Note: There are columns of guidelines for voice and for each of the different instruments as well.
 
There are many excellent pieces listed on the repertoire lists for each level; however, you do not have to choose one of these pieces, as the lists are suggested guidelines.
Note: The pieces must be original pieces, no arrangements, popular, traditional, or folk music.
 
MUSIC MASTERS  STUDENT DAY CURRICULUM
 
In addition, an independent teacher has created a curriculum to help you prepare your students for the keyboard skills, written theory, and aural theory testing with helpful workbooks for each level. These follow the same leveling and guidelines that are provided in the Student Activities Handbook on the FSMTA website. These materials will assist students in mastering the FSMTA guidelines for Student Day.
The contact information is as follows: Music Masters, 4111 NW 79 Ave., Coral Springs, FL 33065. To order, email Sue Colvert at Music Masters at [email protected]. The phone number is 954-752-2856.
For their hard work and preparation, each student receives a beautiful certificate, and a medallion if they receive achievement. If they receive honors in their judge audition and at least an achievement in their written theory and aural theory, they also receive an honors ribbon from the State, and are invited to perform in the Honors recital held in the Recital Hall at UNF.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need assistance. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have!

  • Angie Holt, District 4 Student Activities Chair
     [email protected]
___________________________________

State News
                      2026 FSMTA Mini-Conference
                                October 17 – 18, 2026
“United by Music: A Nation’s Celebration, A State’s Legacy, A Profession’s Excellence”
Tallahassee, FL
            Hyatt House Tallahassee Capitol – University
          1100 Railroad Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
  See FMTA.org for information
 
 
Florida Gulf Coast University, Bower School of Music
Fort Myers, Florida
See FMTA.org for information
 
__________________________________
 “Find a Teacher” Section
of JMTA Website

Hello all,
I need some help cleaning up the “Find a Teacher” section of the website. There are many new JMTA members not on the list, and many on the list that are no longer with JMTA.
When you join JMTA, you are not automatically added to “Find a Teacher,” as it is not a member directory like on the FMTA website, since we do not have password protection. The FMTA.org state member directory is for teachers to find contact information of their fellow teachers.
The “Find a Teacher” section of the JMTA website is for local prospective students and parents to find a teacher. It does not give the name, address, and phone number, unless you want it to. It can say whatever you’d like it to, to market yourself and advertise your availability. Entries are grouped together by zip codes so that prospective students/parents can search in their own area.
Following is the “Find a Teacher” format:
Teacher Name: 
  • Zip Code: 
  • Specialty: (lists your specialty, for example, things like the instrument taught, also maybe music theory, pedagogy, accompanying, etc.)
  • Contact Information: (can be phone number, email, etc.)
  • Additional Information: (can show degrees, background, teaching experience, job experience, what you participate in, whether you teach in studio or students’ homes, whatever you’d like to add)
So how do you get added to the “Find a Teacher” section? Simply email me with what you’d like put in, and I will add it to the website. Those no longer in JMTA will be removed. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you!
  • Angie Holt
__________________________________

PHOTO GALLERY 
The District 4 Student Day Honors Recital took place on April 26th at the UNF Recital Hall.
 
The Student Honors Recital featuring the winners of the District 4 Concerto Competition and the JMTA Scholarship Competition took place on May 14th at the UNF Recital Hall. Photos below.

___________________________________

 Over Coffee With . . .  
              Mary Gniech

This month we are getting to know one of our newer members better. Thank you, Mary, for joining us!
 
Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

A. I'm the oldest of six; I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers and was closest in age to my brothers.  We all grew up in the cold Midwest.  I was married (my mother-in-law gave me their piano before I married!)  I'm a mom and a Grama 🎵.  My son has a daughter and a son.  Fun Fact: I have an MBA degree (finance & banking), earned a graduate certificate in transportation and logistics (aka CTL), all earned long after receiving my Bachelor of Music degree.  Once I settled down in Florida, I started my private piano studio (thanks to my mother-in-law's long ago gift to me) and have kept my Studio going here for 37 years. I will keep it going for as long as I live.  It gives me great joy.
 
Q. What helped inspire you to take piano lessons?

A.  My Mom, her young sister, who was my favorite person, and my Dad's Mom played the piano very well.  I remember loving the sound and how the keys looked as they played their music.  There was a huge full upright piano in our house and in both grandparents' homes.  And a lot of piano music books - including books my mom learned from.  They seemed so magical and had star stickers on the pages that were pretty and shiny.

Q. Did you have a favorite music teacher(s) that made music more enjoyable?
 
A. When I was six, I was brought to Miss Molly Ulsed's house to have my first piano lesson and received my first music book - John Thompson 's teaching little fingers to play.  I credit those 2 years with her for instilling in me what resulted in never forgetting how to play or read music over the following 6 years without a piano. And I credit my Maternal Grandparents for keeping their piano and the relatives who gave them sheet music and music books that filled a big box, all for me to play on their piano, every year for the 2 weeks during the summer when my family went up north to stay at their house with them.  My parents finally bought a piano the summer before I started high school.  I was able to take piano lessons again.
 
Q. Tell us about some things you have been/are involved in musically.
 
A. When I was a freshman in high school, I practiced piano in the choir room and the director asked me if I would accompany the musical during rehearsals.  I said ok.  My piano teacher was not ready for that.  A neighbor told my mom to take me to Mrs. Hanson for lessons instead.  I owe my life to that neighbor!  Mrs. Hanson had a degree in music.  No one ever told me college was also for music and piano!  I told her I wanted to study music in college because piano is what I loved to do.  After accompanying a summer stock musical rehearsals, various singers and dance classes, I realized after a few years that I didn't really enjoy any of it..  I also didn't want to work in a school as a music teacher.  But teaching private piano lessons to children and adults, which I did through college and after I graduated, I enjoyed very much.
 
Q. Do you have a story of something that happened during one of your performances and how you handled it?
 
A. In high school I was asked to play the piano with the school orchestra.  Because my mom had terrible stage fright when she performed as a child, she assumed all her fears were also mine.  They weren't.  Anyway, I found out after the fact, that she told the orchestra director to not let me know I was the soloist; he told the orchestra not to let me know (it included my trumpet playing brother).  By her design, I didn't see the program until afterward and after people were complimenting me on my performance and me saying to them I was just part of the orchestra.  That was bizarre and embarrassing and not very laughable.  I learned that people can be robbed of an experience that's rightfully theirs and theirs alone by someone's unnecessary interference disguised as help.  I also realized I didn't really know anything about the music world and didn't want to ever be so unaware and uninformed again.
 
Q. What advice would you give to help focus before a performance and curb nerves?
A. It's all about the music and an audience who came to hear it.  It's about knowing you're human and letting yourself play what you know while the normal feelings we call "nerves" show up and then disappear unnoticed as you shape the sound-story in the music you create for all..  And, if you use the pedal, be sure to practice in the shoes you plan to wear.
 
Q. What is one of the most interesting places you've visited?
A. It's a tie:  Marrakesh, Morroco; and Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands.  I went to both in the early '80's.
 
Q. What do you find to be a challenge in teaching music and what do you find that helps?
A. The most challenging thing in teaching piano is teaching transfer students.  I find that honesty and patience and music they like helps the most.  Keeping good humor in the lesson is essential. A clear and solid Studio Termination Policy that works both ways is a necessity.
 
Q. Who are some of your favorite music composers?
A. Chopin; Cyril Scott; Scott Joplin; Jon Batiste; me...
 
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AREA CONCERTS AND RECITALS 
Click on each link for a calendar of upcoming performances:

The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra EventsClick on link for more information and tickets:
Events | Jacksonville Symphony
 

University of North Florida Music Events Click on link for more information and tickets:
https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/events.html
 
 
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Click on link for more information and tickets:
fine-arts-calendar.jpg (2550×3300)
 

Friday Musicale Events
Click on link for more information and tickets:
https://fridaymusicale.com/events/
 

St. Johns Cathedral Music Events Click on link for more information and tickets: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/events/
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Find A Teacher Section on Jaxmta.org
Teachers, please take a moment to check out your information on our Find A Teacher page on the JMTA website (jaxmta.org). If you would like any changes made, or if you’re not listed yet and would like to be added, please contact Angie Holt at [email protected] with the verbiage you would like put in. This is a page that has information for prospective parents and students.
______________________________________
 
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
______________________________________
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 [email protected]. His direction phone number is 904-248-1848.  
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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?  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.
 
Thursday, 9/17
10:30am
General Meeting and Welcome Back Luncheon
Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional Library, 6887 103rd St., Jacksonville 32210
 
Thursday, 10/8
9:30am
General Meeting and Program: Bridget O’Leary, “Sage advice with teaching senior students”
Over Zoom

Saturday, 10/10 – Sunday, 10/11
As Scheduled
MTNA Competitions
Florida Gulf Coast University, Bower School of Music,
Fort Myers, Florida

Sunday, 10/11
3:00pm
JMTA Student Recital
St. Mark’s Evangelical
Lutheran Church, 3976
Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville  32207

Saturday, 10/17 – Sunday, 10/18
As Scheduled
FSMTA State Mini-Conference
Hyatt House Tallahassee Capitol – University
1100 Railroad Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32310

Thursday, 11/12
9:30am
General Meeting and Program: “Favorite Recital Themes”
Mandarin Presbyterian Church, 2501 Loretto Rd., Jacksonville 32223

Sunday, 12/13
3:00pm
JMTA Student Recital
Arlington UMC, 1400 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville 32211

Stay tuned for more events to come! High Notes is distributed on the first of the month excluding June-August and December.  All submissions are due by the 20th of the month prior to distribution. Submissions may be sent to [email protected]. 
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