PMTA's For The Record Newsletter: December 2008

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

-Dr. Nanette Kaplan Solomon

Desperate times require drastic measures. So as the global economy ground to a halt this fall, forcing the government to promise multi-billions in bailouts, so too did PMTA experience a microcosmic meltdown in the unprecedented low numbers of pre-registrants for the annual conference. The Board’s response, with heavy heart, was, for the first time in half a century, to cancel the conference. We felt that it would be fiscally irresponsible on the part of the organization to incur large expenses for guest artists for a handful of participants; furthermore, we thought it would be an embarrassment to both PMTA and the guest artists to perform for such a small turnout. Tremendous thanks and apologies are due Conference Chair Gilya Hodos, who had put in countless hours to arrange what would have been an amazing event, and Nancy Boston and the Department of Music at Mansfield University, for their gracious offer of hospitality, facilities and local arrangements.

The PMTA Executive Board met in Mansfield in November to analyze the reasons for this year’s disappointing situation, as well as to chart a course for the future. From the over 100 survey responses I received from the membership, the numerical data pointed to the location, economy in general, and (then) price of gas as the main deterrents to participation. From the numerical data about future conferences, as well as suggestions from written comments, it also seemed apparent that our current format was not fulfilling the needs of our membership. Rather than doing the same thing next year and hoping for the best, it was perhaps time for a reevaluation of the entire event. Perhaps the days of “build it and they will come” are over.

Our discussion focused on specific suggestions made in your survey responses. Several respondents pointed out that with the conference in November, and beginning early on Friday morning, they need to miss Thursday teaching, which means two Thursdays and Fridays lost because of Thanksgiving. Some suggested October as a better time; others suggested June. Another issue raised was the time commitment in general. Several respondents said that it was extremely difficult to give up a whole weekend- for some PMTA members, Saturday is their big teaching day, and many members have church jobs on Sunday. There were suggestions to have the conference begin on Friday afternoon and end on Saturday afternoon- to allow people travel time back and forth without having to stay three nights. Some other members voiced their concern over having to choose between attending the competition event and conference workshops. There was a suggestion to separate the conference and MTNA competitions. (As you will see below, we have taken this very seriously). As I have learned from other state presidents at the MTNA Leadership summits, this is a practice done very successfully by many other states.

On a broader level, we felt that we need to reassess our constituency. Is it possible that our older members are not able to travel great distances anymore, and our youngest members are busy with family and other commitments? Some of the questions we as an organization need to ask ourselves are: who is our target audience? What can we offer you that you can get nowhere else? How can we get our message out? In an excellent presentation given at our 2007 summit, Gary Ingle, executive director of MTNA, pointed out the generational challenges facing organizations. We are comprised of members of the silent, boomer, generation X, and generation Y groups, all of whom have differing perceptions and expectations of loyalty to organizations, information delivery, and decision-making processes. We need to figure out how to balance the needs of various age groups and career points.

With all this in mind, we decided to try separating the conference from the MTNA competitions. We must have the competitions in the fall; we would then hold a conference in June. Although this might lessen attendance at the competitions, it may increase attendance at a teacher-focused, one or two-day conference event. We discussed having a theme such as the “business of making music”, which would appeal to teachers of all instruments and possibly entrepreneurs in other music related businesses. We also discussed ideas of using technology to communicate with membership via interactive webcasts, such as master classes from universities around the state and MTNA winners recitals.

Since we need more time to allow these ideas to marinate, the board will meet again at a mammoth meeting on June 12, 2009 at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College. Our plan is to hold a conference of some format yet to be determined in June of 2010, preferably at a central location. We intended to have the fall 2009 competitions at Penn State University; however, due to the football schedule, the campus was not available during our preferred time. Therefore, the competitions will be held at Slippery Rock University on Saturday, November 8, 2009. If we have a Dorothy Sutton chair in place, (see announcement elsewhere in this issue) the DSPF festival would take place that same weekend in Slippery Rock.

In the meantime, I would love to hear from all of you. The Board of Directors serves not itself, but the membership. We welcome your input on issues that affect the future of the PMTA. Please feel free to contact me, or any other board member with ideas about what types of events or services you would like to see PMTA sponsor. As President-Elect Obama stated a few days ago in a news conference, we need “fresh thinking and bold new ideas.” Let us together turn desperation into hope, and realize that sometimes change, while initiated under adverse circumstances, becomes something very positive and powerful.

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Gilya Hodos, Chair

It is with deep regret and disappointment that the Board was forced to cancel this year’s conference at Mansfield University. Many, many people were deeply involved in planning and execution of what would have been an outstanding and stimulating event.

Our registration was extraordinarily poor this year. At the time of the Board’s vote to cancel the conference, there were only 21 people officially registered; this is approximately 4% of our total membership. It also meant that there would be barely more attendees than clinicians and guest artists. Although all the clinicians were willing to present their workshops for such a limited audience, the Board felt that it was not a viable option to go ahead with the programming.

Included with Board’s conference cancellation notification to the membership, was a brief survey to determine some of the factors involved in such a low registration. The results of that survey will be presented at the board meeting.

I would like to thank Mansfield University for graciously offering to host our conference as well as our two on-site coordinators, Nancy Boston, and Ben Moritz.

I would also like to express the PMTA’s deep gratitude and appreciation towards our Artist-in-Residence, Brian Ganz, and our Pedagogue-in-Residence and IMT Keynote Speaker, Suzanne Guy. Happily, both artists have agreed to share their artistry with us at our next conference. We are also looking forward to enjoying a performance of Conference Composer, Cynthia Folio’s, work Zawa at next year’s conference. Her work will now receive its premiere at Temple University.

This year’s conference had such an outstanding and dynamic line up of clinicians including: Elizabeth Burnett, Joao Paulo Casarotti, Shellie Gregorich, Sarah Hager, Kay Hooper, Maria Hubler, Marja Kaisla, Christine Moulton, Susan Nowicki, Judith Radell, Karen Saylor, Nanette Solomon, and Crystal Whitaker. We thank them for their workshop submissions, and will be following up with them in advance of our next conference.
I would also like to acknowledge the following PMTA Chapters for their generous sponsorship of the post-recital reception in honor of Brian Ganz and Suzanne Guy: Capitol, Greater Pittsburg, Lehigh Valley, MLMTA, Philadelphia, Reading, Westmorland, and York.

A special thanks to Yvonne Ailing for all of her work organizing the DSPF and to Jackie Herbein for her MTNA Competition work. Of all the events that were to take place during the conference weekend, only the MTNA Competitions will continue to be held. The DSPF also suffered from a very low turnout and was cancelled along with the conference.

I would also like to take a moment to publicly thank Karen Nagle. The hours that she has spent preparing the website, coordinating the publication and layout of both the newsletter and conference booklet among many other unnamed tasks, are as numerous as the stars!! I am deeply grateful to her professionalism and kind spirit.

On a personal note, I would like to express my deep gratitude and appreciation to Millie Eben for mentoring me through this enormous task of conference chair. I would also like to thank Nanette Solomon for her guidance and sound judgment, and Jackie Herbein for her inspiring ideas. I deeply appreciate the generous sharing of their expertise, experience, and friendship.

Conferences like our PMTA Annual Conference require a basic love and dedication to music and although we were not able to see the culmination of all our efforts, I feel honored to have been able to work with such outstanding educators and inspiring musicians.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gilya Hodos, NCTM
Conference Chair
Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association

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For personal reasons, Yvonne Alling, who was doing a wonderful job as Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival Coordinator, regretfully resigned the position. We are therefore in great need of someone to step up to fill that post. Yvonne is very willing to mentor the new person to allow for a smooth transition. Below is the detailed description of both the DSPF and Concerto/Ensemble responsibilities. We are looking for the PRIMARY COORDINATOR. Please e-mail Nanette Kaplan Solomon (nanette.solomon@sru.edu) if you are interested. PLEASE NOTE THAT IF THERE IS NO CHAIR IN PLACE BY THE END OF MARCH, 2009, WE WILL NOT HOLD A SUTTON FESTIVAL NEXT YEAR.

DOROTHY SUTTON PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL/CONCERTO ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL Updated 2008

Supervise the activities of both the DSPF Local Preliminary Auditions, and the State Level Festivals. Refer to DSPF records for specifics. Subject to change and improvement.

Local Preliminary Audition Requirements
Determine deadlines and post on website.
Work with the LA chairs.
Provide LA’s with latest forms and information.
Provide PMTA Administrative Assistant with current information for the website.

State Level Festival –

PRIMARY COORDINATOR
Determine deadlines and location and post on website.
Select and work with the State Area Coordinator(s) to determine room availability, set up.
Provide PMTA Adm Asst with website information, deadlines, etc.
Manage the funds to run the State Festival.
Purchase supplies, materials, certificates, and medals.
Reimburse Area Coordinators upon receipt of approved expenses incurred at the Area State Festivals.
Supervise the printing and distribution of all certificates and medals.
Keep the PMTA members informed about the DSPF via the website.
Registration – Monitor online registration process, download final database to sort for Certificates (info to PMTA Adm Asst); for recitals (to Recital Planner); for volunteer schedule (to Recital Planner).
Oversee on-site event.

THEORY ADMINISTRATOR
Update and revise tests as needed in consultation with DSPF Committee.
Provide Local Chairs with the test for each year.
Provide State Administrate Assistant with name of the students who receive Certificates

RECITAL PLANNER – CEF CHAIR
Schedule judges (CEF), students, and volunteer teacher assignments.
Schedule all recitals.
Provide State Administrate Assistant with name of the CEF students who receive Certificates
Sort Certificate/Ribbon packets for Recital Monitors. (Certificates will be added to each on-site;
prepared by PMTA Adm Asst)

IN THE CASE OF REGIONAL EVENTS -- STATE AREA COORDINATORS' RESPONSIBILITIES
Work with the DSPF Chairperson to coordinate the Area Festivals.
Confer with the Local Chapter Presidents to set the date and location of the State Area Festival -send this information to the DSPF Chairperson prior to April 10 each year.
Schedule the number of rooms and recital halls needed to accommodate each area festival.
Select and supervise Co-chairs to help in the following areas:
Judges - Processing - Recitals - Site scheduling - Volunteers.

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With great sadness, I report the death of Sister Immaculate Severino, long-time PMTA member and one of our long-term state certification chairs. Those of us who knew “Sister Mac” will remember fondly her no-nonsense demeanor that was tempered with a genuinely warm spirit and kind heart.  Below is the obituary from the Immaculate Hearts of Mary website….. -Dr. Nanette Kaplan Solomon

Sister M. Immaculate Severino, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, died on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at the IHM Center in Scranton.

She was born on July 9, 1928, in Fairview, N.J., and given the name Rosalie. She was the daughter of the late Ludovico and Liberty Marcucci Severino. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1950 and made her temporary profession of vows on May 3, 1953, and her final profession of vows on August 3, 1956. She received a Bachelor of Music degree in education from Marywood College and a Master of Music degree from the University of Notre Dame. In addition, she pursued post graduate study in piano and piano pedagogy at the Peabody Conservatory, Baltimore, Md.; Boston University, Boston, Mass.; Manhattan School of Music, New York, N.Y.; Westminster Choir College, Princeton, N.J.; and at Penn State University, University Park.
 
Sister served as a music and piano teacher at Holy Rosary Elementary School in Scranton from 1953 to 1955; Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Elementary School in Forest Hills, N.Y., from 1955 to 1957; Holy Trinity Elementary School in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., from 1957 to 1959; St. Bernadine Elementary School in Baltimore, Md., from 1959 to 1961; Monsignor McHugh Elementary School in Cresco from 1961 to 1963; Sacred Heart Elementary School in Mount Holly, N.J., from 1963 to 1964; St. Aloysius Elementary School in Cresson from 1964 to 1966; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Clinton, Md., from 1966 to 1969; and as an associate professor of music at Marywood University from 1969 to 2000.

During her tenure at Marywood her responsibilities included the teaching of studio piano, group piano for college students, piano pedagogy, piano literature, and keyboard harmony.  She was awarded Master Teacher Certification by the Music Teachers National Association in 1984. She served as adjudicator for local and state competitions and as clinician for master classes for high school students. She was an active member of the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association and was recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in 1982. She had served as State Chairman for Certification and was elected president of that organization. She also served as the MTNA Eastern Division Chairman and National Chairman of the Baldwin Piano and Selmer Instrumental Competitions. She was a member of the Executive Board of the Music Teachers Association. She was an active member of the Board of Directors of Scranton’s Community Concerts Association.

At Marywood University, The Severino Presidential Scholarship was established in honor of Sister Immaculate who “taught her students to value a passion for music; a commitment to the discipline of practice; a oneness with the composer’s spirit; and a dedication to the ideal of excellence.”

Her own academic and artistic preparation was impeccable. She spent untold hours graciously accompanying student and faculty soloists, chamber ensembles, campus choir, and both campus and IHM Congregation worship services.

Upon retiring from academia, Sister Immaculate served at Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, Colo., as liturgist, organist and retreat director from 2000 to 2001. From 2001 until the time of her death she served at the IHM Center in Scranton as liturgist, organist and piano teacher.

She is survived by two sisters, Antoinette Madden Forte of Brick, N.J.; Jean Devrous of Arvada, Colo.; and nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to support the retired IHM Sisters c/o the IHM Sisters Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.

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From Jane O’Mara, NCTM, Chair

Longtime PMTA member, Sr. Immaculata Severino, NCTM, of Marywood College passed away on 10/11/08.

A comment from Elaine Donaldson, Director of Membership Processing for MTNA: I am so sorry to hear about Sister Severino. I worked with her throughout her time as a national competitions coordinator and other responsibilities throughout the organization. I always enjoyed seeing her at the national conference and she would call me every once in a while. I know she will be deeply missed."

For more information on membership, click HERE.

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At the most recent Board meeting, November 6, 2008, the Board voted to present the following Bylaws Amendment to the General Membership.  This Amendment in essence adds the Concerto/Ensemble Festival Chair as a Standing Chair and a voting member of the Board of Directors, and renames the 'DSPF/Festivals Chair' to simply 'DSPF Chair.'  The new Amendment would read:

ARTICLE VII - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Executive Committee and all Standing Chairs as appointed by the President and defined in these Bylaws.  Standing Chairs shall include but not be limited to:  Membership/Mentoring Chair, Certification Chair, Arts, Advocacy and Awareness Chair, Foundation Chair, Local Association Chair, Student Chapters Chair, Technology Chair, Independent Music Teachers Forum Chair, College Faculty Chair, DSPF Chair , Concerto/Ensemble Festival Chair , MusicLink Chair and Local Association Representative.

Voting will close January 30, 2009.  

To vote, use your membership database login information. Click here to cast your vote.

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Jackie Herbein, Chair

The Pennsylvania state level of the MTNA Performance Competitions were held at Mansfield University on Friday, November 7. Congratulations to the following teachers and students:

JUNIOR PIANO
Winner: Cathy Li, student of Marina DiPretoro
Alternate: Beatrice Hsieh, student of David Brown
Honorable Mention: Daniel Song, student of Igor Resnianski

JUNIOR STRING
Winner: Elaine Kang, student of Charles Castleman
Alternate: Beatrice Hsieh, student of Sylvia Ahramjian

SENIOR PIANO
Winner: Joyce Xi, student of Cecilia Dunoyer
Alternate: Kevin Zhang, student of Benjamin Whitten
Honorable Mention: Ian Duh, student of Steven Smith
David Liu, student of Steven Smith

SENIOR WOODWIND
Representative: Reba Meyers, flute student of Wendy Webb Kumer

SENIOR BRASS
Representative: Elisabeth Shafer, trombone, student of Paul Bryan

YOUNG ARTIST PIANO
Winner: Hyun Joo Park, student of Timothy Shafer
Alternate: Christopher Lin, student of Enrique Graf
Honorable Mention: Erin Behler, student of Carl Cranmer

YOUNG ARTIST WOODWIND
Winner: Matthew Allison, flute, student of David Fedele
Alternate: Christine Douglass, flute, student of Therese Wacker
Honorable Mention: Angela Sollenberger, flute, student of Therese Wacker

YOUNG ARTIST STRING
Representative: Raymond Mallari, viola, student of Sylvia Ahramjian

YOUNG ARTIST BRASS
Gretchen Renshaw, euphonium, student of Velvet Brown

CHAMBER MUSIC
Representative: Mansfield University Woodwind Quintet, coached by Susan Laib
Emily Kirsch, flute
Kristi Kaster, oboe
Ian Miller, clarinet
Keri Maldonado, horn
Max Grube, bassoon
Judges for the events were:

Junior Piano - Millie Eben, Nancy Zipay DeSalvo, Joann Kirchner
Senior Piano - Shellie Gregorich, Gerald Lee, Tsukasa Waltich
Young Artist Piano - Nancy Boston, Deborah Martin, Nanette Kaplan Solomon
Junior String - Kenneth Sarch
Young Artist Woodwind - Christine Fish Moulton

Composition Winners*
Warren Magid, Chair

ELEMENTARY
Winner: Benjamin Chu, student of Warren Magid
Honorable Mention: Ryan Muzzio, student of Warren Magid
Jonathan Rothermel, student of Warren Magid

JUNIOR
Winner: Alison Liu, student of Warren Magid
Honorable Mention: Joanna Chen, student of Warren Magid
Benjamin Litwack, student of Paula Skutnick-Henley

SENIOR
Winner: George Woskob, student of James Robinson
Honorable Mention: Jadcob Coppage-Gross, student of Paula Skutnick-Henley
YOUNG ARTIST (College)
Winner: Nicolas Carter, student of Warren Magid

*MTNA allows for Winners and Honorable Mentions only; there are no second places.

PMTA gratefully acknowledges Mansfield University for hosting the Pennsylvania state MTNA Performance Competitions. In addition, we thank site coordinator Dr. Nancy Boston, Mansfield professor Dr. Ben Moritz and the student service organizations for their contributions in the organization and running of these competitions.

MTNA/PMTA Performance Competitions Chair
Jacqueline Herbein, NCTM

Competition Coordinators
Junior: Ben Moritz
Senior: Jack Stevenson
Young Artist: Ellen Flint

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The Eastern Division competitions will be held at West Chester University Friday- Saturday, January 9 and 10th, 2009. Hotel and travel information is on the MTNA website via the Eastern Division portal.

The MTNA national conference will be held in Atlanta, Georgia from March 28-April 1, 2009. Consult the December/January issue of the American Music Teacher or the MTNA website for registration and travel information.

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