From the President
Hello to everyone, and Happy Spring! Here’s hoping you’re all enjoying the warmer temperatures, bright blue skies, and all the wonderful things that come with Spring!
It’s been awhile since out last newsletter, so there are many things to let you know about! This Saturday, April 10th, is the Young Artist contest at MCC, ably chaired by Christina Mims and Carla Gibbs. Close to 60 young pianists will compete in this contest, with the Honors Recitals on Sunday afternoon, April 11th in RH-II at Baylor. Student Affiliate Senior Awards will be presented at the 2:00 recital. All hands will be needed “on deck” to make this event run smoothly - look forward to seeing you there!
There will be a short meeting in between the two recitals on Sunday April 11th to present the new officers for 2010-2012. The nominating committee is hard at work to find the best people for each office, and we need everyone there to vote on the slate to be presented!
You recently received an email regarding a Master Class to be presented by Dennis Alexander at the state convention. The deadline for having these recording in to the state office is May 1st. Please contact me at your earliest convenience if you are planning to submit a recording for this exciting event. The deadline for this on the local level is April 26th.
The Spring Theory Test in early February was a success - all tests have been returned to teachers, and medals will be on their way soon-thanks so much to Becky Ward for all of her hard work on this event!
We are so proud of our very own Ruth Pitts, who was named a Texas MTNA Fellow at the national convention held in March. This was a complete surprise for Ruth, and we’re thrilled for her to receive this well deserved national award!
The local Student Affiliate contest, chaired by Lydia Bratcher, was held at Baylor in late February. The results for our association are listed below:
9th-10th Piano Solo: Bryce Reed (student of Doyce Edwards and Jim Williams)
11th-12th Piano Solo: Katherine Scrivner (student of Barbara Boone Carter) & Shahrum Lillard (student of John Weems) These students will compete in the semi-final round on June 11 in Arlington at the TMTA Convention.
Young Artist Vocal: Amanda Garcia, soprano, and Edgar Sierra, tenor (students of Lise Uhl). Amanda and Edgar will sing in the final round of the state vocal contest at the convention. Congratulations to all of these students and their fine teachers! We’re very proud that Waco will be so well represented in June at the convention!
Our very own Lydia Bratcher has been nominated as candidate for Vice President for Business Activities for TMTA! Let’s do our very best to support her in the upcoming election. You’ll find an official ballot on page 12 of the Spring 2010 edition of the Texas Music Teacher magazine, along with instructions for completing it if you won’t be able to vote at the June convention. The deadline for mail ballots is May 24th. We’re very proud of you Lydia, and know you will do an amazing job in this important position in our state organization!
Please be sure to put May 19th on your calendar as the date for our Spring Luncheon and New Officer Installation. This was originally to be held at Doyce’s home, and will now be held at a place TBA. This will be a special time to gather and celebrate a successful year in WMTA and install the new WMTA officers for 2010-2012, and I look forward to seeing you there!
Please continue to have our dear colleague and friend Doyce and his family in your prayers.
--Mary Bashara, WMTA President
Ensemble News
Ensembles are beginning rehearsals this month. Many thanks to Terry Lynn Hudson for allowing our ensembles to rehearse in the Piano Lab in the Pedagogy Wing at Baylor!
Those who are attending the TMTA Convention on June 10-13 won't want to miss our local students performing in Texas/American and High School/Young Artist programs. Here is the schedule for convention:
Saturday, June 12, 7:30 PM - High School Ensemble performing "Preludes II & III" by Gershwin, directed by Lydia Bratcher
Sunday, June 13, 11:00 AM - Elementary Ensemble performing "Tarantella Brillante" by Catherine Rollin, directed by Mary Bashara
Sunday, June 13, 3:00 PM - Junior High Ensemble performing "Jitterbug" by Eugenie Rocherolle, directed by Becky Ward
--Lydia Bratcher, Ensemble Chair
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