After many months of practicing and rehearsals, over 200 DVMTA students performed in their duet ensemble groups at DVMTA's Cavalcade of Rhythm on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The event was held at Mountain View High School in Mesa. Groups met for one last dress rehearsal in the morning and then performed for an exuberant audience in the evening. The "Rock On!" themed songs were so fun! The students loved them, and parents and families felt the good vibes. Rock and roll fashion was on display, toes were tapping, and pianos were blazing. All of the hard work from the students, and the teachers, was rewarded, and everyone had a blast. Many thanks to Cavalcade committee members Sara Pratt and Anna Phelps, and to all the DVMTA members who contributed their time and efforts to making this evening a huge success. 

February for DVMTA students brings Cavalcade of Rhythm, a favorite event. Students performed duets in ensemble groups and we were so excited to begin rehearsals for this year's "Rock On!" songs. Groups met one night a week between February 2nd and February 19th at Mountain View High School in Mesa to practice their duets together. It's amazing how well everything came together so quickly. The excitement builds for the performance at the end of February! Thank you to all the teachers who helped out at the rehearsals, and to the families for making sure students could attend. It's a team effort!

Ah, February, when red and pink dominate the stores and thoughts turn to love. I was very blessed to grow up in a loving home and have experienced many kinds of love throughout my life. My husband and I have been married for over 40 years and that relationship has only deepened as we have faced life’s challenges together. I love my children and their families and treasure the time we spend together.

Having lived in the same house for almost 30 years, we have put down deep roots, developing love for our neighbors and friends. Co-workers, church friends, and people we serve with in the community—I love them all. I especially love my students. I find great satisfaction in their progress and enjoy their enthusiasm and excitement.

As I come closer to the end of my time as president, I want to express my love for each of you as well. Some of you I don’t know very well; some are my dear friends. But I am grateful for the influence you have had on me. Your ideas have benefited my teaching, and your friendship has enriched my life.

Anyone who has served as DVMTA president knows that it takes the efforts of many, many hands to make this organization flourish. I’m grateful for the time and energy you give, for the way you prepare your students for our events, for the service you render, and for the wonderful examples you are to me.

Thank you for being who you are and doing what you do. You have blessed my life.

With love,
Lorri McHardy

​Read the full February 2026 Newsletter

DVMTA members met on Friday, January 30, 2026 at NextGen Pianos Recital Hall and were privileged to hear from a professional piano tuner, Paul Shawcroft. Paul  discussed all things pertaining to the care and keeping of, the tuning and the buying of pianos. Our pianos are a critical investment for our teaching studios. It is important to know how our pianos work and how to take care of them. It is also important for students to have a quality piano to practice on.  Discussion topics included the magic and math of tuning a piano; the importance of keeping pianos tuned and regulated in our unique Arizona climate; what to look for when buying a quality used piano; and the pathway to becoming a piano tuner. We benefitted from his knowledge and experience, and will be able to help our students and families as they purchase and practice on these amazing instruments. Thank you to Paul Shawcroft!