The last event of the year for DVMTA students is Awards Plus. This is a special night to recognize students for all their dedication to participating in DVMTA events. Nine students were recognized with Devoted Performer Awards, which signifies their participation in four out of five annual DVMTA events for three out of five years. This is a tremendous accomplishment, and these students, as well as their teachers and families, are well-deserving of this honor. In addition, two graduating seniors were awarded Senior Scholarships, which they earned by participating for many years in DVMTA events, and for school and community music involvement. These amazing young ladies each showcased their talents and performed for us, and we wish them all the best in continuing their musical journeys. Thank you to Wendi Heslop, the Awards Plus chairperson, for making this evening so special, and to the DVMTA teachers and families who have helped teach and support these dedicated students. 

After two years of holding Achievement Day online due to COVID-19 teachers and students were thrilled to be able to hold this event live and in person at Mesa Community College's Music Building. We saw many smiles as students arrived and completed their testing. This annual event allows students the opportunity to perform and show all that they have learned and accomplished this past year. Students were evaluated in the areas of performance, theory, technique, ear training, sight reading, composers, compositions and duets. Despite all the challenges of the past two years, students were amazing, and displayed their determination and resilience. We are so happy for all they have overcome. Many thanks to the Achievement Day chairperson, Toni Tetreau for all her work to make this event successful the past two years, to her committee, and to all the DVMTA members who helped prepare and evaluate students. 

As we race towards the end of another school year, and, for me, the end of my term as President, I want to thank all the DVMTA members who have taken on roles of leadership, volunteered service hours, registered students, and shared their expertise and skills. It has been an honor for me to work alongside some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met! We have faced challenges in which we have had to adapt and adjust, but the way members have pitched in to keep our organization strong has been truly inspirational. Tammy Shorts organized fantastic speakers for our monthly meetings; Randi Buell kept detailed minutes for our Board meetings and General meetings; Kelli Riding meticulously kept our financial records; Shannon Payne kept our website and technology up-to-date; Claire Westlake manages our Social Media presence; Denise Brown put our newsletters together; Lori Sprague kept track of Membership; Charles Newton, Lori Kaye Faler and Diana Palmer organized Music Marathon; Claire Westlake, Jessica Heidt and Debbie Englesman organized the Original Composition Festival; Sara Pratt, Carolyn Eldredge and an army of volunteers pulled together the Cavalcade of Rhythm; Lorri McHardy and a handful of volunteers ran our Awards in Excellence competition; Buffie Meeker and Autum Hunt shared their expertise and passion for teaching; Nancy Chase and Jenna Hartley organized social brunches; Karen Garlington chaired Hospitality; Toni Tetreau and Carolyn Rooder organized Achievement Day with the help of many volunteers; and Wendi Heslop will host our Awards Plus event. AND, if your name is included in “volunteers”, thank YOU so much!

The future of DVMTA looks bright! I want to welcome our DVMTA Executive Officers 2022-2024:

​Tammy Shorts: President
Toni Tetreau: Vice-President
Randi Buell: Treasurer
Lorri McHardy: Secretary

The strength of our organization depends on each member. How would you like to be involved this next term? Know that you will have the support you need as we work together, because we really do function “Better Together!”

Lori Weidemann
DVMTA President 2020-2022

Read the full May 2022 Newsletter

With another DVMTA year winding down, members met April 29th for our annual April Brunch. We love this opportunity to visit and share, and to celebrate the successes of the past year. We gathered at the home of Nancy Chase, who organized the brunch, and we thank her gratefully. President Lori Weidemann recognized Board members, and Committee Chairpersons and gifted all a celebratory bottle of sparkling cider. DVMTA wishes to thank her for her tireless efforts the past two years as DVMTA President. It has been a very challenging time, and has called for creative and thoughtful dialogue and ideas, and Lori has met every challenge with poise and grace. We could not have navigated this time without her! Her two-year term is ending, along with the terms of the current Board and Committee members, and we thank them all for their service and efforts in keeping our organization and events a success. The gavel was passed along to the new Executive Board: Tammy Shorts, President; Toni Tetreau, Vice-President; Randi Buell, Treasurer; and Lorri McHardy, Secretary. We wish everyone a wonderful summer and look forward to meeting together again in August.