Original Composition is an opportunity for pianists to grow their composing and performing skills. Students compose and record an original piece, and send it for evaluation, then perform the piece at a recital. This year, 90 compositions were submitted and our evaluator, Penni Scott, provided meaningful feedback to help them improve. The three recitals were held on November 15-16, 2024 at Southeast Valley Bible Church. Families and friends attended and heard some amazing compositions, and celebrated these students' accomplishments. Many thanks to the teachers who prepared and helped their students, and to Toni Tetreau and the Original Composition Committee. As usual in November, my thoughts turn toward gratitude. I have been richly blessed in many ways, but music has been a particularly large blessing in my life. As a child, organ lessons brought me closer to my mother, and I learned the importance of perseverance and practice.
As a teen, being in band and choir gave me wonderful friends and lots of opportunities to learn and grow. In college, music was both a course of study and an outlet for fun. In the years since, music has been a solace in difficult times, an unexpected source of income, a way to serve others, and a continuing bond for my husband and me. I have come to know many wonderful people singing together in choirs. I have made many friends, especially here in DVMTA—friends who understand my frustrations and my joys. I have no idea how many students have come through my studio over the years, but they have also taught me innumerable lessons. As we head into the busyness of the holiday music season, may we each take a moment to ponder the blessings in our lives. What are you grateful for? What has music done for you? Is there someone to whom you should express gratitude? About ten years ago, I was able to reconnect with my high school choir teacher in Virginia (let’s hear it for modern technology!). He saw talent in me that I was too shy to recognize at the time, and his encouragement basically altered the course of my life. I was planning on getting an MBA but instead decided to study music. That one decision led not only to meeting my husband, but to a lifetime of making music in a variety of ways. I was able to tell him how much I appreciated not only the amazing choral music he taught us, but how his encouragement made a profound difference in my life. I will always be grateful for him and for other musical mentors. Some of those mentors I found here in DVMTA and their influence is still felt in my studio. I’m grateful for each of you and for your contribution to making DVMTA the blessing it is to me. I’m grateful for each board member and for all who help make our events a success. It takes many hands, and I’m grateful you are willing to share your time and talents. I hope you each have a wonderful holiday season, filled with friends, family, and of course, music. With great love, Lorri McHardy DVMTA President Read the full November 2024 Newsletter Music Marathon was held on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Students love this annual fundraiser for DVMTA Student Awards, which allows them to perform at a location in the East Valley. Locations included Superstition Springs Mall, Copper Springs Retirement Community, Southeast Valley Bible Church, Clearwater at Agritopia, and Elmwood Senior Living. This year, over 450 students and 22 teachers participated. Families and friends were treated to these fun and entertaining performances. We saw many smiles and even some Halloween costumes! Many thanks to the Committee chairs, Joni Walker and Sharon Vance, and all the DVMTA teachers who helped make this event successful.
What a wonderful time of year! It’s finally cooling down a bit, and we’ve had a chance to rest and recharge during Fall Break (I hope!). Now it’s on to Music Marathon, fall recitals, recording compositions, and all the busy fun.
Many thanks to Carol Lancaster for presenting at our September meeting. One of the things I love most about DVMTA is the wide variety of teachers we have—brand new as well as “seasoned”, technology-lovers as well as those sticking to tried and true, the experimenters and the traditionalists—there are myriad ways to teach, and I find that students need a variety of approaches. I have students aged 7 to 62, at all levels. When I do my planning for the week, I must consider their individual needs and be prepared to adapt to them. I’m so grateful for my interactions with you over the last 25 years. I’ve learned how to tailor concepts to many levels and many styles of learning. Thanks also to our Fall event chairmen and committees. I’m looking forward to Music Marathon and seeing the creativity of you teachers. I’m always amazed at our Original Composition recitals. Thanks for making that extra effort we all know is necessary to help students get those pieces written down and recorded. And although Cavalcade is technically a spring event, they’ve been busy getting everything ready for us. I think our read-through on Friday the 25th will be such fun. It takes so many hands to make DVMTA work, and I’m grateful for each one of you! Lorri McHardy DVMTA President Read the full October 2024 Newsletter |
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