DVMTA recognizes students who excel in their participation of DVMTA events. Students who participate in four out of five of our annual events, for three out of a five year period, can earn a Devoted Performer Award. This year, fourteen students were given this honor and awarded a trophy and monetary gift. In addition, DVMTA honors Senior High School Students who have demonstrated outstanding participation in DVMTA events, as well as participation in school and community music performance and events. We were honored to award Senior Scholarships and trophies to two outstanding students this year, and wish them all the best in their future musical endeavors.

The presentation of awards took place on Monday, May 17th at Southeast Valley Bible Church. We were thrilled to gather in person, and enjoy the ceremony. Many thanks to Wendi Heslop and the Awards Plus Committee, and to the DVMTA teachers who have taught and mentored these amazing students. 

DVMTA's Achievement Day is an opportunity for students to showcase all they have learned during the year. Because of the pandemic, this event was held virtually, for the second year in a row, but it was still an amazing success! Teachers helped students submit performance videos for evaluation, and helped test them on their scales and technique, theory, sightreading, eartraining and composers. We miss not meeting together, but devoted DVMTA members have done all they can to make this event happen, and for students to be recognized for their achievements and success. 125 students from 14 DVMTA teachers participated, earning certificates, ribbons and trophies, and celebrated their progress as they accomplished their goals. Thank you to all DVMTA members who helped, and especially to Toni Tetreau, Carolyn Rooder, and the Achievement Day Committee. 

As we finish up our events for the year and prepare for summer, I hope you can breathe a sigh of relief, while at the same time feel a sense of exhilaration that, even in the midst of a pandemic, we have all learned innovative ways to do what we love: teach young minds and provide opportunities for growth and musical expression. Resilience at its best!
It’s been a wonderful year for DVMTA thanks to those of you who organized and who volunteered at events. I can’t thank you enough for helping to make these events successful. I’m so proud of our chairmen and their willingness to think outside the box to come up with new ways to provide similar experiences for our students.
I want to thank Wendi Heslop and Amy King for organizing our recent April Brunch, and Toni Tetreau for opening up her beautiful home and backyard. The delicious food, great conversations, and time together were enjoyed by all those who were able to attend. I also want to thank Tammy Shorts, our Vice President, who has organized the speakers for our General Meetings. The topics have been so helpful and fun, and she has put in so much time and energy to bring us relevant topics presented by amazing guests and friends.
The greatest DVMTA moments for me this past year have been being able to associate with and learn from so many talented and amazing friends and peers, who give so much to DVMTA. This organization doesn’t happen without the dedication and service of so many, and I truly appreciate all you do.
I wish everyone a wonderful, safe and blessed summer, and look forward to seeing you again at our August Brunch, Friday, August 20th to begin a new year!
Lori Weidemann, DVMTA President

Read the full May 2021 DVMTA Newsletter