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. 

DVMTA teachers and students were excited and grateful to be able to participate in this event, after last year's Awards in Excellence was canceled due to COVID-19. Auditions were held on April 10th, and the Winners Recital was held on April 24th, both at Hammer & Strings Conservatory in Gilbert. We were so thankful to have a venue willing to host, and judges willing to meet in person, with safety protocols, so that this event could be held. Students were well-prepared, and delivered amazing performances. Thank you to all participating teachers and students. Even those who are not awarded are able to learn and grow from their preparation and performance. Thank you to the Awards in Excellence Chair, Lorri McHardy, and her committee members, Yali Luo and Hong Zhu, for a job well done!

Students waiting to audition ​

The challenges of the past year have caused us to adapt to the times and circumstances we are in, and DVMTA members have been up to the task of reimagining our Student Events. Cavalcade has always been an exciting time for students to gather in groups and perform duet ensembles, with as many as 15 pianos onstage. This year looked much different, but thanks to our talented and innovative Cavalcade Committee, the show was able to go on. This year's performance occurred virtually, with students and teachers submitting their "Rock On!" themed pieces with a digital recording. Sara Pratt, head of the Cavalcade Committee, compiled the recordings and put together an amazing video performance, which was released on YouTube. Sara and her committee, Carolyn Eldredge and Yuerong Gong,  deserve much thanks, for their hours of dedication to this project and event. Similarly, teachers deserve a huge thanks for helping their students learn and record their pieces, with most even playing along. Great job, everyone!