Hurray for another new year with DVMTA! The theme that came to my mind for this year is:

COLLABORATE, CREATE, AND CELEBRATE!

One of the greatest strengths of DVMTA is that we work together, harnessing our collective efforts to create something bigger and better than any one of us could ever do alone. Each of our events takes many hands, and we unite to serve our students and each other. I love hearing the “shop talk” at our brunches and meetings as friends ask each other how they have handled different challenges that arise in our studios. Every member brings unique strengths and experiences, and we openly share our ideas and help one another to succeed. That spirit of collaboration has blessed my life for over 25 years, making me not only a better teacher, but a better person.

Over the years, I have found that creativity is vital to the human soul. It has been linked to improved physical and mental health, as well as increased happiness and well-being. Creativity allows us to think outside the box, communicate better, and build relationships and connections with others. Whether in business, cooking, parenting or as musicians, creativity is necessary for our success. I love it when students decide a piece needs a final low note or they want to play in a different octave (as long as it’s not for Awards in Excellence!). Helping them discover the beauty of dynamics or the contrast between Romantic and Baroque music is exciting and keeps them engaged. We are constantly creating as we try out new repertoire or come up with new approaches to teach the same old concepts. DVMTA has helped me find ways to be a creative teacher.

And finally, I want us to celebrate together. This year marks our 40th Cavalcade of Rhythm!! Think about how many thousands of students have been able to participate over the years! I’ve spoken with students who graduated long ago, and they remember clearly the fun they had playing in Cavalcade or at the mall for Music Marathon. What we do as teachers is important, and we need to recognize the impact we are having on our students. I salute each DVMTA teacher, whether you have been teaching for 40 years or have just begun. You share something wonderful that will bless their lives for years to come, and that is certainly worth celebrating.

So join me at the August brunch on Friday, August 16 as we “Collaborate, Create, and Celebrate!”

Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President

​Read the full August 2024 Newsletter

The Awards Plus Event was held Monday, May 13, 2024, at Southeast Valley Bible Church. It recognizes and honors DVMTA students who have shown their commitment to progress and excellence in their piano and music study. Twenty Devoted Performers were awarded $125 and a trophy for three years  (twelve events) of participation in DVMTA events. Congratulations to them and their teachers. Three Senior Scholarship recipients performed for us and were given a cash award for six to eight years of participation in DVMTA, as well as musical achievement in school and community. Many thanks to Jenna Hartley and Jenni Caddy for the many hours spent in organizing this wonderful event, and to the teachers, friends and family who have supported each student in their journey.

DVMTA's annual Achievement Day allows students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have gained during the past year. It's a celebration of their achievements, and recognizes their hard work and devotion. This event was held Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Mesa Community College's Music Building. Students were tested in theory, scales technique, sight reading, ear training, and music history, and were evaluated in performance and composition. It takes many hands to put this amazing day together, and we thank the Achievement Day Chair, Carolyn Rooder, and her committee, Hillary Bitter and Anna Phelps. Also, a big thank you to all the DVMTA members and helpers who helped make each student's testing and evaluations run so smoothly. This is a great way to end the year!

The school year is quickly coming to an end, and so is my time as President. I have enjoyed associating with so many wonderful teachers! Thank you for supporting DVMTA by attending General Meetings, registering students for events, volunteering your time, and sharing your knowledge and skills freely with other teachers.

I would like to thank those DVMTA teachers who served in a leadership position for the last two years. It has been an honor and privilege to work side-by-side with the Executive Officers and Board who make this organization function so smoothly. I am amazed and inspired by your hard work, dedication, and creativity.

"The strength of the team is each individual member.
The strength of each member is the team." – Phil Jackson

Let’s give a big round of applause and thank you to each of the following teachers for a job well done! Toni Tetreau organized informative General Meetings with great speakers; Lorri McHardy kept thorough minutes for our Board Meetings and General Meetings; Randi Buell efficiently managed our finances; Sara Pratt kept track of our membership; Claire Westlake managed our social media presence; Shannon Payne kept our website and technology up-to-date; Lori Weidemann gave support to the Board as Parliamentarian; Lori Sprague kept us informed with a monthly newsletter; Wendi Heslop and Kelli Riding organized our fun and delicious social brunches with the help of Wendi King and Rochelle Lee; and Karen Garlington chaired Hospitality. Many thanks to Carolyn Rooder, Claire Westlake, Carolyn Eldredge, Jessica Heidt, Hong Zhu, Nancy Chase, Zoe Simmons, Lori Weidemann, Joni Walker, Lori Sprague, and Lori Kaye Faler who shared their ideas and expertise as presenters at General Meetings.

The following teachers organized our six events for the year that provided opportunities for our students to prepare, perform, and grow as musicians. Bravo! Sharon Vance, Nancy Chase and Diana Palmer organized Music Marathon at several great venues; Buffie Meeker, Jessica Heidt, Debbie Engelsman, and Joni Walker helped budding composers flourish at the Original Composition Festival; Carolyn Eldredge, Sara Pratt, Lisa Hunt, Charles Newton and many volunteers brought Cavalcade on Broadway to life; Claire Westlake and Hong Zhu allowed students to compete at the Award in Excellence competition; Carolyn Rooder, Hillary Bitter, and Anna Phelps organized our upcoming Achievement Day; and Jenna Hartley and Jenni Caddy will host the Award Plus recognition night for deserving students.

None of us could do this on our own, but together we can provide so many wonderful opportunities for our students. I wish the incoming Executive Officers and Board members the very best as they lead our organization going forward.

Our next General Meeting will be the August Brunch on Friday, August 16, 2024.

Have a wonderful summer!

Tammy Shorts
DVMTA President 2022-2024

Read the full May 2024 Newsletter