DVMTA's night of recognition, Awards Plus, was held on Monday, May 12, 2025 at Southeast Valley Bible Church in Gilbert. This special night awarded thirteen DVMTA students who have participated in four out of five DVMTA events for three out of the last five years with the Devoted Performer Award. Additionally, three students were awarded Senior Scholarships for achieving excellence in DVMTA participation along with school and community music participation. Each student was recognized by his or her teacher and performances were given by the Senior Scholar recipients. Thank you to the Awards Plus Committee Chair Lori Sprague, and for all those who helped support these amazing students. It was a beautiful night. 

The end of the year would not be complete without DVMTA's Achievement Day. Students arrived at Chandler Gilbert Community College on Saturday, May 3, 2025 prepared to showcase all their advancements and learning this year. This event tests students in areas of performance, technique, music theory, ear training, sightreading, and music history and celebrates their achievements. We loved seeing their enthusiastic smiles and positive attitudes, and give them a big "hooray" for all their hard work and accomplishments since the beginning of the year. Many thanks to the Achievement Day Committee members Randi Buell and Hillary Bitter, and to the many teachers who helped with all the details that are needed to make the day successful. 

Although the end of the school year is packed to the brim with activities, I love the feeling of celebration that comes with it. As school choirs, orchestras, and bands perform their final concerts, they can look back on the growth they have made. Here in DVMTA, students participate in Achievement Day and can easily measure their progress through test results and evaluations. Awards Plus participants are honored for their hard work over many years. As our students play in spring recitals, I would hope that the same feeling of progress and measurable growth prevails. I include some sort of wall chart for my studio’s annual incentive program for that very reason. This year, we were learning about “E-fish-ient Piano”, so as students completed certain activities in theory, ear training, sight reading, performance, practice, etc., their fish on the wall got longer and longer. Throughout the year, when a student sight reads something well or nails a new scale, I sit back and remind them that they couldn’t have done that so well last year. It can be hard for students to see their own progress, so it’s up to us to show them.

Four of my students are seniors this year, graduating and moving on to new challenges. As I have been preparing posters for the two receiving the DVMTA Senior Scholarship, I’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic. Seeing photos of these boys as far back as ten years ago, their excited little faces—it’s made me ponder the lasting effect we can have on their lives. More than anything, I hope to foster a love of music that will last them a lifetime. I don’t expect to see my former students soloing at Carnegie Hall, but it’s fun to see them playing for their praise band or church choir. I had a former student text me a few weeks ago out of the blue, sending me a short video of him at the piano with his toddler son banging away. It brought tears to my eyes as he shared his excitement about sharing his love of the piano with another generation.

Friends, what we do is important. It’s easy to feel like a low priority in students’ busy lives. But I know that whatever music we can get into them will bless their lives in countless ways. Know that I see and appreciate the work you do. One of the best benefits of DVMTA for me is knowing there are many friends who understand my struggles and my triumphs. Teaching can be hard, but as we continue to support and share with one another, we are strengthened and inspired to press on, doing our best to pass on our love of music. THANK YOU for all you do and are! I look forward to seeing you at our August Brunch on Friday, August 15!

Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President

​Read the full May 2025 Newsletter

Each year the DVMTA April Brunch signals the end of the year and preparation for the final DVMTA events. This year's Brunch was held Friday, April 26, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building. Members enjoyed a delicious brunch and had a chance to relax and visit. DVMTA President Lorri McHardy recognized Board Members and Executive Officers and thanked them for their service. We have amazing members who volunteer their time and talents to make our meetings and events successful. Thank you to Rochelle Lee, the April Brunch Committee Chair, and all those who helped with set-up and food.