Here’s the newsletter for August, with some dates and info for this season.
Well, I’m back. A very heartfelt thank-you to Stephen Longenecker for holding down the fort while I took a much-needed break. I’ve returned to teaching and ready for active duty. Thanks also to Secretary Holly Altenderfer, Treasurer Jenny Frecon-Smith and Past-President Barbara Lanza for their continued service and dedication to RMTA. Jenny has indicated she’ll be stepping down as Treasurer at the end of her term June 2024. One of you will need to assume her position at that time. If you want to know the job entails, speak to Jenny or me. We’re very appreciative of Immanuel UCC (and Stephen!) for continuing to host our two student festivals and very excited to be able to take advantage of the 9-foot concert Steinway that is now in the sanctuary. All are invited to try it out – call the church office to arrange your visit.
We had a delightful teacher meet and greet at the Wyomissing Restaurant on August 18th with 12 members in attendance. Not much was business accomplished, but it was good to catch up and enjoy each other’s company once again. Hope we can continue these gatherings throughout the year.
Our first meeting of the year will be held at Yocum Institute, 3000 Penn Ave., West Lawn on Friday, Sept. 15. (The entrance is the door with the planters on either side near the sign.) The Board meets briefly at 9:00 am – all are welcome to attend that. Please bring your own beverage – we’ll supply the snacks for the social part beginning 9:30 am. A piano will be available if anyone wants to share music for the open discussion portion of the morning. If anyone has any topics you want discussed either officially for the meeting portions (Board and/or General Meetings), or unofficially during the open conversation portion, please let me know. Otherwise, we’ll improvise!
As always, the calendar of events is a continual work in progress. In addition to our usual events, we hope to add some other activities depending on your response to yet another survey which can be accessed HERE – https://forms.gle/WyMDhBbtSKQUKnfp9. Or just email your ideas to me. I also have a list of potential clinicians if you want to see it.
For your planning purposes, here are the DSPF dates to keep in mind: (If you are new to DSPF and would like to know what it’s all about, please contact me. All forms are now on the website.)
Sept 29 Students return their permission slips to you Oct 13/noon Theory test scores to Millie
Oct 1-13 Theory testing in your studio Oct 14 Adjudications at IUCC
Oct 1 Online registration closes Oct 15 Showcase Recital at IUCC
Oct 3 Adjudication schedule will be emailed
Please welcome our newest members. Latest membership list is attached.
• VIRGINIA THORPE: Virginia teaches piano, guitar and ukulele in Elverson area and has a background in music education.
• LINDSAY EVANS: Lindsay is an elementary choral and general music teacher in the Reading School District and teaches piano at the Yocum Institute. And…she is my daughter!
A few reminders:
• if you haven’t paid your MTNA dues, now is the time to ensure you receive all the latest news from your professional organizations.
• If you plan on participating in the student festivals, confirm with Jenny that your clearances are up to date.
• If you’re included on the website “Find a Teacher” list, please review your listing for accuracy. If you’d like to be added, check out the other listings for what information to include and forward that to website manager Rod Nevin.
• To retired members: If you want to continue receiving RMTA news, please let me know.
Hope to see ya’ll September 15th!
Stay inspired!
Millie
