DVMTA loves to recognize students for their hard work and dedication to participating in DVMTA events. These students are recognized at our annual Awards Plus ceremony, which was held Monday, May 15, 2023 at Southeast Valley Bible Church in Gilbert. Sixteen students were awarded with Devoted Performers, which recognized them for participating in four out of the five DVMTA events each year, for three years out of five years. They were presented with trophies and monetary gifts. Three high school seniors were presented with Senior Scholarships, which awards them scholarship money based on their participation in DVMTA events over the years, and their involvement in school, church and community music programs. We love this opportunity to recognize this dedication and commitment to the learning of music. Their teachers and families were also recognized and thanked for all their support. Thanks to Jenna Hartley and Jenni Caddy for putting this wonderful evening together. 

DVMTA held our annual Achievement Day at Mesa Community College on Saturday, May 13, 2023. We gathered in the Music Building, a wonderful facility, and students were able to display many of their achievements for the year. They were tested on Theory, Sight-Reading, Ear-Training, Composers and Duets. Students who chose the standard option played two pieces for an adjudicator, and one piece was memorized. Students who chose the expanded option played three pieces, all memorized, for an adjudicator. Hats off to all of the students and their teachers for their hard work.  Many, many hours of practice goes into getting ready for an event like this. Thanks also to all the DVMTA teachers and helpers who made the day successful. A special thank you to the Achievement Day chair, Carolyn Rooder, and her committee, Lisa Wallace and Hillary Bitter.

The annual DVMTA Awards in Excellence competition allows students to thoroughly prepare two pieces from a leveled repertoire list and audition for a judged score. Winners are selected, and showcase their pieces at a winner's recital, and also receive a trophy and cash prize. This year's auditions and recital were held at Hammer & Strings Conservatory in Gilbert, AZ, and were a wonderful success. Students presented their accomplishments, and teachers, students and families were able to witness the amazing growth and development that occurs with this kind of event. We were so proud of all who auditioned on April 8, 2023, and all who were awarded as winners and honorable mentions. The two winner's recitals on April 22, 2023 were beautiful, and the audience showed great appreciation for the music that was shared. What a tremendous accomplishment for these young pianists. Many thanks to Claire Westlake, the Awards in Excellence chairperson, to her committee, Yali Luo and Hong Zhu, and all DVMTA teachers who helped to prepare their students.

Awards in Excellence Auditions April 8, 2023

After months of preparation, the performance day for Cavalcade of Rhythm 2023 arrived. Rehearsals were finished, and 210 performers were ready to put on a great show in the auditorium of Skyline High School in Mesa. Performers were dressed in their best, and the audience was excited to hear all that they had accomplished. The "Pirate Partners" show began with Pirate Bill entertaining everyone, and the audience playing along as he tried to search for his pirate treasure. Duet groups performed their pirate-themed pieces, and they were amazing. They were well-prepared by their teachers and directors, and showed great confidence in their playing. It was a huge success, and at the end, the treasure was discovered, which stated, "Music is a treasure best shared with others." We agree, and we thank the many teachers, students, parents and volunteers who helped make this evening so memorable. A very big thank you is also extended to the Cavalcade committee: Carolyn Eldredge, Sara Pratt, Charles Newton and Lisa Hunt.