Fall 2015 Number 89 - Kansas Music Teachers Association

Fall 2015
Number 89
2015 State
Conference
Table of Contents

President’s Letter

Summer Conference Report

KMTA Board

Music Progressions Report

Local Association Presidents

Honors Audition Information

Spring Board Meeting Minutes

A Note from Leona Dickman
KMTA Mission Statement
Kansas Music Teachers Association is dedicated to helping each student experience the joy of music.
Through its educational programs and activities, this organization will empower its members – teachers with
high professional standards – to foster in students a lifelong commitment to music as patrons, performers,
teachers and hobbyists. KMTA will also work in partnership with communities across Kansas to insure that
music is an ongoing, vital part of the cultural life.
The KMTA Update is published
by the Kansas Music Teachers
Association. For information
about membership and
publications, please contact:
KMTA PUBLICATIONS
Pat Ziegelmeier
Executive Secretary
2154 County Road 27
Gem, Kansas 67734
patz@st-tel.net
Free publications to members:
Music Progressions Resource - $12
Music Progressions Curriculum - $10
Also available online at ksmta.org
For submission or sponsorship
information, please contact:
Jamie Bone
Jamie0168@hotmail.com
405-365-0073
Power of One Brochures (1997)
Membership Brochure (1994)
Membership Directory (Request an e-PDF from president@ksmta.org)
KMTA Update (Winter/Summer)
Check out our website!
www.KSMTA.org
 A KMTA Directory is now available as a PDF by request from <president@ksmta.org>. This directory
is only for KMTA members’ private use and is not to be sold to or shared with any other parties for any
kind of mass distribution.
 KMTA provides those interested in publicizing their events a format via eNewsflashes. They can contact us at <president@ksmta.org>.
Fellow KMTA members,
I hope this message finds you excited as your
regular lessons begin this fall, and that your
summer was restful and enriching. There is
something satisfying about getting back to the
setup that has students more closely involved
with learning and achieving in music.
Before leaving the summer, we owe our thanks
for an informative and inspiring conference to
host and Vice President of Conference, Dr. James
McKnight, plus many who presented and assisted (see conference report). For those of us who
have been with KMTA for … a while, there were
also emotional high points in hearing and seeing
friends that have become quite dear to our
hearts.
It is important to recognize the connections that
are built as KMTA carries out its mission. Each of
us commit to the bigger-than-life goal of teaching music, helping students experience the joy of
music. KMTA, through the combined efforts of
its volunteer members, extends that commitment beyond what one can do on ones own, and
the camaraderie helps to reinforce and further
shape what we accomplish with our students.
This is what helps us in our being connected to
each other through our affiliate and state
events.
I’d like to welcome both the new and returning
members of the KMTA board in their leadership
positions. David Pickering is now Vice-President
of Associations; Lisa Studtmann is Vice-President
of Education; Shiao-li Ding agreed to be Vice
President of Conference and has already begun
squaring away ideas that will be part of the conference in the Fall of next year. David Tauscher
and Linda Featherston continue serving
(thankfully) as Vice President of Auditions, and
Vice President of Public Relations, respectively.
Kristi Baker has begun to serve as Presidentelect. I also express my to gratitude the service
and leadership of immediate Past Presidents,
Sally Buxton, as well as Nancy Blockolsky.
With these and others in Advisory positions, district,
and local associations, I hope we can all forge stronger connections with our efforts.
I will represent Kansas at the MTNA Summit
meetings in mid-September. Talk about feeling connected! One thing I took away from last year’s
meetings is that our umbrella organization is really
working to provide for us on the membership, affiliate and state level. I’d encourage any of you to signin with your membership number to see what is
available: discounts on software, printing/copying,
travel, and more. What they do on our behalf is
more than I expected. And the Kansas connection is
very strong with the recent elections of Sylvia Coates
as Secretary/Treasurer and Scott McBride Smith as
President-elect.
All in all, I think it is a VERY interesting, yes, even exciting time for us as music teachers, and for KMTA.
We all know that the Arts take it “on-the-chin” in
tough economic times; and our political environment
seems to add to the sense of not being valued. On
the other hand, as opportunities in schools diminish,
people often turn to private teachers; meaning,
we’re poised in ways to offer music learning to students that may not be available anywhere else. We
know the value of what we do, and we know that
people will want music to be a part of their lives.
We can have the tenacity (thank you, Natalie!) to
hold to our expectations of what students need to
learn in order to be contributing musicians of the future.
I encourage you to let KMTA be supportive of your
tenacity, whether through Fall Auditions, Music Progressions, or helping with your own associations performing events.
Best wishes,
Daniel J. Masterson
KMTA President
KMTA Executive and Advisory Board
2015-2016
President
Dan Masterson, NCTM
335 E. Swensson
Lindsborg, KS 67456
(785) 227 3380, ext. 8139
sallybuxtonwks@gmail.com
Vice Pres., Associations
David Pickering
1724 Little Kitten Ave
Manhattan, KS 66503
(785) 532 3830
dpickeri@ksu.edu
Immediate Past President
Sally Buxton, NCTM
5711 Kenawee
Bel Aire, KS 67220
785-468-3381
sallybuxtonwks@gmail.com
Vice-President, Education
Lisa Studtmann, NCTM
14509 Wedd St
Overland Park, KS 66221
(913) 681 1938
lkstudtmann@hotmail.com
President-Elect,
Membership Recruitment
Kristi Baker, NCTM
2901 Cedar Cove Ct..
Topeka, KS 66614
(785) 272-2746
kristibaker10@cox.net
District 1 President
Mara Balke, NCTM
10707 Walmer St.
Overland Park, KS 66211
913-648-0326
marajamie@yahoo.com
District 2 Pres., Vacant
Vice-Pres., Conference
Shiao-Li Ding
Department of Music
Washburn University
Topeka, KS 66621
(785) 231 1010, ext. 1517
Shiaoli.ding@washburn.edu
District 3 President
David Pickering
1724 Little Kitten Ave
Manhattan, KS 66503
(785) 532 3830
dpickeri@ksu.edu
Vice-Pres., Public Relations
Linda Featherston. NCTM
11007 W 100th St.
Overland Park, KS 66214
913-599-1586
featherston@everestkc.net
District 4 President
Irena Ravitskaya
FSHU Dept of Music
600 Park St
Hayes, KS 67601
iaravitskaya@fhsu.edu
Vice President, Auditions
Jr. High & High School Perf.
Chair
David Tauscher
5504 W 131st
Overland Park, KS 66209
913-385-3321
david@tauschermusic.com
District 5 President
Rebecca Dudrey
1900 Harrison
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-5603
rdudrey@yahoo.com
District 6 President
Christy Williams, NCTM
1852 S. 151st W
Wichita, KS 67052
316-721-6919
terrychristy@sbcglobal.net
IMTF Chair
JoAnn Gaunt Suchy
1016 Taft
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-617-3252
joanngaunt@gmail.com
College Faculty Chair
Brett Janssen, NCTM
1200 S. Main
McPherson, KS 67460
(816)916-1600
brett.janssen@centralchristian.
edu
Student Chapter Chair
_____________
College Student President
_____________
Historian
_____________
Collegiate Artist/Chamber
Music Performance Chair
Shiao-Li Ding
Department of Music
Washburn University
Topeka, KS 66621-001
785-231-1010 ext. 1517
shiaoli.ding@washburn.edu
KMTA Executive and Advisory Board, cont’d.
KS Music Review Editor
Kerry Woodward
4157 Danbury
Wichita, KS 67220
316-744-7171
gkkjwoody@cox.net
Music Progressions
Karla Conner
333 Sutton Drive
Newton, KS 67114
316-215-1083
karlaconner@gmail.com
Local Association Chair
Leona Dickman
PO Box 366
Grinnell, KS 67738
(785) 824-3755
ledi@st-tel.net
Newsletter Editor
J. Bradley Baker
501 N. Main ST., Apt. 21
Newton, KS 67114
(440) 781 0664
J.Bradley.Baker @gmail.com
KMTA Exec. Secretary
Pat Ziegelmeier, NCTM
2154 County Rd. 27
Gem, KS 67734
785-462-7808 (h)
785-460-5518 (w)
patz@st-tel.net
MTNA Foundation Chair
Kristi Baker, NCTM
2901 Cedar Cove Ct.
Topeka, KS 66614
785-272-2746
kristibaker10@cox.net
Power of One Chair
____________
Outstanding Teacher
Reena Berger Natenberg
Pittsburg State University
Music Department
1701 South Broadway
Pittsburg, KS 66762
620-719-6226
reenarb@yahoo.com
Arts Advocacy Chair
_____________
Composer
Commissioning,
Composition Chair
Timothy Shook, NCTM
Southwestern College
Dept. of Performing Arts
100 College Street
Winfield, KS 67156
620-229-6270 (w)
316-651-0177 (h)
Timothy.Shook@sckans.edu
KMTA/KMEA Liaison
Shirley Wiebe
5618 Coe Court
Wichita, KS 67208
316-688-5209
pianogal@rocketmail.com’
Technology Chair
David Tauscher
5504 W 131st
Overland Park, KS 66209
913-385-3321
David@tauschermusic.com
Business Liaison
Lori Supinie
c/o Senseney Music
2300 E Lincoln
Wichita, KS 67211
316-262-1487
lori@senseneymusic.com
Collaborative Music Chair
Scott McBride Smith, NCTM
1006 Avalon Rd.
Lawrence, KS 66044
949-378-2960
scottsmith@iiym.com
Fundraising Strategist
Linda Featherston. NCTM
11007 W 100th St.
Overland Park, KS 66214
913-599-1586
featherston@everestkc.net
Antitrust Compliance Officer
Sally Buxton, President
5711 Kenawee
Bel Aire, KS 67220
316-744-3577
sallybuxtonwks@gmail.com
MTNA Local Association Presidents
Kansas
Northeast Kansas MTA
District 1
Kristi Baker
2901 SW Cedar Cove Ct
Topeka, KS 66614-4138
785-272.2746
785-479-6736
KristiBaker10@cox.net
Northwest Kansas PTA
District 4
Leona Dickman
PO Box 366
Grinnell, KS 67738
785-824-3755
ledi@st-tel.net
South Central Kansas MTA
District 6
Natalie Weber
131 E. Park Place Ct.
Derby, KS 67037
316-207-3134
Natalie@nataliespianostudio.com
Kansas City MTA
District 1
Dr. Janet Fetterman
310 E 125th Ter
Kansas City, Mo 64145
816-942-6692
jen@jenspianostudio.com
Central Kansas PTA
District 5
Rebecca Dudrey
1900 Harrison
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-5603
momdudrey@yahoo.com
Walnut Valley MTA
District 6
Melba Maechtlen
2017 E. Chestnut
Arkansas City, KS 67005
620-442-3719
rmaechtlen@cox.net
Manhattan Area MTA
District 3
Nancy Blockolsky
P.O. Box 4
Olsburg, KS 66520
785-313-2550
selahpianoservice@gmail.com
Hutchinson Area PTA
District 6
Judy Blauer
306 E. 14th
Hutchinson, KS 67501
620-669-0550
judyblauermusic@gmail.com
Wichita Metropolitan MTA
District 6
Susan Paige Cress
3902 N. Lakecrest
Wichita, KS 67205
316-214-5397
paigepiano@gmail.com
High Plains MTA
District 4
Karol Hickel
105 N. 12th
Wakeeney, KS 67672
785-743-6452
jkjbhickel@ruraltel.net
McPherson Area PTL
District 6
Tiffiney Harms
1210 E. Euclid
McPherson, KS 67460
620-617-4372
tiffiney.harms@centralchristian.edu
North Central Kansas MTL
District 4
Mary Smith
635 Jansonius Dr.
Phillipsburg, KS 67661
785-302-1046
pburgpiano@gmail.com
Newton MTA
District 6
Kristen Kliewer
506 E. 3rd
Newton, KS 67114
316-283-1308
dkliewers@sbcglobal.net
KANSAS MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
SPRING BOARD MEETING
Riney Fine Arts Center, Friends University, Wichita
June 4, 2015
Those present: Leona Dickman, Shirley Wiebe, Lori Supinie, Cheryl Metcalf, Dan Masterson, David
Tauscher, LeRoy DuBois, James Knight, Mary Ellen Sutton, Nancy Blockcolsky, Linda Featherston, Karla
Conner, Sally Buxton, and Pat Ziegelmeier.
President Sally Buxton called the meeting to order at 8:35 p.m. and reported on her work this past year.
Among the issues mentioned was the fact that the MTNA Code of Ethics is aspirational rather than
enforceable. MTNA does not have a procedure to mediate or decide ethics complaints by non-members
against members.
Nancy Blockcolsky moved that we approve the minutes as printed from both the June 5, 2014 board
meeting and also from the October 25, 2014 meeting. Cheryl Metcalf seconded the motion, and it passed.
Nancy Blockcolsky as Past-President and Dan Masterson as President-Elect reviewed their work for KMTA
this year. Pat Ziegelmeier presented the financial report and bank reconciliation for KMTA through the end
of May, 2015. Nancy Blockcolsky moved that the financial report be accepted as presented, and Shirley
Wiebe seconded the motion. It passed.
VP for Auditions, David Tauscher, reported on the auditions held last fall and recommended raising fees for
audition entrants. James Knight gave an update on conference activities including the conference artist,
Gila Goldstein. VP of Public Relations & Fundraising Strategist, Linda Featherston, reported that a total of
$3,230 has been raised for the upcoming year. Of this amount $1,137.50 will go to conference expenses;
$2,092.50 will go into the general fund.
Mary Ellen Sutton, the only district president at the meeting, shared events held in District III this year, and
Leona Dickman, Arts Advocacy Chair, reported that an article on advocacy will be distributed at the
conference registration table. Other chairs reporting included KMTA/KMEA Liaison Shirley Wiebe, Local
Associations Chair Cheryl Metcalf, Karla Conner, Music Progressions Chair, and Lori Supinie, Business
Liaison. It was announced that Joyce Unger will receive the Outstanding Teacher award this year, and Tim
Shook will receive the Outstanding Service award. It was also announced that Shiao-Li Ding and Washburn
University have agreed to host our next conference in the fall of 2016.
President Buxton, also our Antitrust Compliance Officer, reported that the compliance statement must be
read at meetings for the next five years. After discussion, Linda Featherston moved that we adopt the
antitrust compliance policy as required by FTC. Cheryl Metcalf seconded the motion, and it passed.
The nominating committee presented the following slate of officers for next year:
President-Elect
VP Associations
VP Auditions
VP Conference
VP Continuing Educ.
VP Public Relations
Kristi Baker
David Pickering
David Tauscher
Shiao-Li Ding
Lisa Studtman
Linda Featherston
Dan Masterson, incoming President, moved that the slate of officers be accepted as presented.
Shirley Wiebe seconded the motion, and it passed. The slate will be presented to the general KMTA
membership at our business meeting during the conference.
After discussion on our use of the Kansas Music Review, Nancy Blockcolsky moved that we no longer pay to
have articles printed in the Kansas Music Review but instead have a full page ad in the KMEA ISW program
booklet. Linda Featherston seconded the motion, and it passed.
Discussion followed on David Tauscher’s recommendation that we raise entry fees for auditions in the fall
of 2015. LeRoy DuBois moved that entry fees be raised to $24 per student for both solo and duet entries in
the auditions. Dan Masterson seconded the motion. After more
discussion, Nancy Blockcolsky moved to amend the motion by
changing duet fees to $15 per student for a total of $30 for duet
entries. Cheryl Metcalf seconded the motion. The original motion
for solo entries to be $24 passed with this amendment on duet
fees.
The Board then reviewed the proposed revisions to our by-laws
and discussed the matter of insurance.
Nancy Blockcolsky moved that we adopt the by-laws as amended
and restated. Linda Featherston seconded the motion, and it
passed.
No further business appearing, the meeting adjourned at 11:00
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Ziegelmeier
Executive Secretary
The Power of One
You are asking your colleagues, ‘What is the Power of One?’ It was established for creating public awareness
of music study benefits, which in turn invites you to honor one who impacted your music study, (e.g., teacher,
co-worker, KMTA member, clinician, composer), it challenges and helps you to make the same kind of impact
on others.
"Honor a special person and make your own impact on music study by mailing in the form below. The person
honored will be entered in our Book of Remembrance for display at State Conferences.
Kansas Music Teachers Association
Power of One Recognition Project
I wish to make a donation of________in recognition of_________________________ who
made a difference in my professional life by:_________________________________________
Name and address of person honored or their family: _________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Name and address of person making the donation: ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Please send this information along with your donation to:
Pat Ziegelmeier, 2154 County Road 27, Gem, Kansas 67734, patz@st-tel.net
Power of One Honorees
Dr. Gordon Terwilliger
Frances A. Wallingford
Nelle O. Taylor
Dr. Robert Steinbauer
Mary Ann Saulmon
Marjorie Cogswell
Marguerite Miller
Verda Jones Billips Pfeifer
Ida Dafee Hardy
Nell Hoyle
Betty Watt
Nell Taylor
Esther Wessel Farmer
Naomi Bauer
Sister Susanna Collister
Jo Stimson
Joan Wellman
Elaina Duncan
Judy Plagge
Pat Ziegelmeier
Lesta Anderson
Della Cranmer
Dee Ann Brown
Rosamund Nyman
Jeanette Waters
Virginia Downing
Lois Moon
Mary Hanson
Mildred Finfrock
Dora Zemp
Robyn Gibson
Naegeli Metcalf
Linda Stogner
Jana Magrath
Margaret Gillespie Vogel
Mr. and Mrs R. A. Fischer
Ruth Lighter
Mary Ann Hanschu
Sharon Kriss
Jan Shumway
Mary Jo Kurtz
Sharon Montgomery
Bernice Schoneweis
Dr. Carole Ross
John Huber
Dr. Jack Winerock
Betty Werner
Kathy Judd
Judith Fear
David Tauscher
Sylvia Coats
Linda Featherston
Nancy Blockcolsky
Marles Dudley
Mara Balke
Melody Stroth
Paul Reed
Jennifer Fink
Julie Watson
Betty Todd Smith
MTNA Nationally Certified Teachers of Music
Debra Alexander
Kristi Baker
Mara Balke
Julie Brown
Sally Buxton
Lisa A Cattanach
Sylvia Coats
Jean Confer
Susan Cress
Julie Dean
Patricia Dixon
Slawomir Dobrzanski
LeRoy DuBois
Marles Dudley
Karole Erikson
Melissa Falkner
Judith Fear
Linda Featherston
Jennifer Fink
Michelle Gehring
Jacqueline Gilpin
Celia Goering
Elizabeth Grace
Steven Gustafson
Carol Hadduck
Marlene Hallstrom
Karen Halverhout
Nancy Hampton
Enid Hickman
Janet Jamison
Brett Janssen
Kathy Judd
Linda R Kennedy
Carol Klingenberg
Jessica Koebbe
Kairy Koshoeva
Sharon Kriss
Mary Jo Kurtz
Myra Lemons
Christina T Liu
Trilla Lyerla
Peg Mahoney
Dan Masterson
Karen McClellan
Carole Pracht
Jean Pratt
Mark Pretzel
Michal Rector
Paul Reed
Tatyana Rubchinsky
Janette Rupert
Julia Scherer
Karen Schlabaugh
Timothy Shook
Charyl Singer
Annetta Smith
Betty Smith
David Smith
Kathy Smith
Mary Smith
Scott Smith
Melody Stroth
Lisa Studtmann
Patricia Thompson
Joyce Unger
Laura Vollen
Julie Watson
Natalie Weber
Joan Wellman
Christy Williams
Pei-In Yang
Ying-Yu Yeh
Pat Ziegelmeier
KMTA Continuing Ed
Romona Adams
Darlene Boley
Ruth Cline
Margaret Dietz
Carol Dodderidge
Carol Kliewer
Laurel Tiger
Outstanding Teacher Award & Outstanding Service Award
KMTA presents two awards each year to members who are making contributions to our state organization and
to the music profession overall. Forms and instructions are available at the KMTA website, ksmta.org.
Individuals or associations nominating a teacher should submit the nomination forms and any supporting
materials to Reena Berger Natenberg. The postmark deadline for nominations is April 13th, 2015. The
awards will be presented at the banquet on Friday during the KMTA State Conference. It is preferable that
nominations be emailed to: reenarb@yahoo.com. You may also mail your nomination to: Dr. Reena Berger
Natenberg, Pittsbur g State Univer sity, Music Depar tment, 1701 S. Br oadway, Pittsbur g, KS 66762.
Outstanding Teacher Award: Anyone may nominate a teacher for this awar d: another teacher , a
parent, a local teaching association, etc. One award may be given per year to an active KMTA
member. This is considered to be a “local” award; a nominee who is active on the local level may
receive this award, whether or not he/she has ever served on the state board. It focuses especially on
the teaching aspect of a member’s activities. The award may be received more than once by a
teacher.
Outstanding Service Award: Only a KMTA boar d member or local association may nominate a
teacher for this award. One award may be given per year to an active KMTA member. This is to be
considered a “state” or “national” award; the winner of this award will be someone who has made
significant contributions to the state organization or to MTNA or to the profession at large. The
award focuses especially on the service aspect of a teacher’s role. A teacher may receive the award
more than once.
Outstanding Teacher and Service Award Recipients
2015
Teacher - Joyce Unger
2004
Service - Timothy Shook
Teacher - John Huber
Service - Betty Werner
Teacher - Elizabeth Grace Mueller
2000
Teacher - John Huber
Service - Sally Buxton
1999
Teacher - Sharon Kriss
2012
Teacher - Lisa McClure
1998
Teacher - Judy Plagge
2011
Teacher - Jennifer Fink
1997
Teacher - Lois Moon
Service - Julie Watson
1996
Teacher - Virginia Downing
2010
Teacher - Melody Stroth
1995
Teacher - Dee Ann Brown
2009
Teacher - Mara Balke
1994
Teacher - Pat Ziegelmeier
2008
Teacher - Marles Dud1ey
1993
Teacher - Mary Ann Hanschu
Service - Nancy Blockolsky
1992
Teacher - Barbara Ellis
Teacher - Sylvia Coats
1991
Teacher - Joan Wellman
Service - Linda Featherston
1989
Teacher - Mary Jo Kurtz
Teacher - David Tauscher
1988
Teacher - Betty Werner
Service – David Tauscher
1987
Teacher - Paul Reed
Teacher - Judith Fear
1985
Teacher - Marguerite Miller
2014
2007
2006
2005
Service - Kathy Judd
KMTA 2015 Annual Conference
Report
June 3-5 at Friends University,
Wichita
Dr. James Knight, VP of Conference
and Host
Conference Comments: “Wonderful
overall!” “I especially enjoyed the
master class.” “The Duet session was so useful!” “Natalie’s session was so
practical.” “Loved the jazz and technology sessions.” “Lisa Hittle’s session (on
jazz improv) the best we’ve heard in KMTA!” “Don’t have the marketing session
presented by a piano teacher!”
Requests for the future: a session on stretches, Judy Blauer-on connecting to
the community, opportunity for teachers to play music together, new apps and
marketing to appeal to younger members, “more snacks on the first day!”
The faces in our pictures reflect joy and gratitude at the opportunity for reconnection and reinforcement at this year’s conference. Friends University’s
Stephen Eaves and James Knight provided us a wonderful greeting and browsing
area in their art gallery and meeting rooms for all our needs. Our conference
artist, Gila Goldstein, provided us with an exciting concert filled with sparkling
performances from a Bach/Busoni Chaconne, through beautifully-voiced Brahms
and Chopin, and a collection of delightful pieces by
Poulenc, Israeli composer Lior Navok, and Spanish
composers Frederico Mompou and Manuel DeFalla.
What an evening!!
Our conference banquet at the lovely
Larkspur Restaurant was highlighted by
congratulation our “own” Sylvia Coats as the
new MTNA Secretary-Treasurer, and by two
special presentations: to Joyce Unger for
Teacher of the Year, as she was lauded for her
constant and impassioned
learning style that she
shares with her
students—and all!, and
to Tim Shook for his
years of dedicated service and effective leadership
from WMMTA to KMTA, and on to MTNA as past
West Central Division Director, and now WCD
Certification Commissioner and Junior Coordinator
for Competitions!
Thursday and Friday’s program was full
of innovation: from Dan Racer’s
comprehensive review of Finale technology,
through Lisa Hittle’s “best ever”
presentation of practical jazz improvisation
techniques for lesson-times, to the personal-research-results
presented by Natalie Weber on making sure our teaching strategy is
effective, and those of her former teacher Sylvia Coats, on early-student
discovery-based-approaches that are grounded in a “Top Ten” tier of
learning importance. Our luncheon gave us opportunity to hear from
our Local Associations about all the wonderful learning-opportunities
they’re providing Kansas students.
Saturday began with a few brave
souls braving early morning-hours to
hear Dan Masterson share all MTNA is
making possible for us, and continued
through Dee Ann Brown’s words of
wisdom borne of many successful years
coaching young people to the nationallevel of competition, complemented by a
delightful presentation of new duets by
DeAnn Diller and Kathy Ferhrmann of
Senseney music fame. Following our
luncheon, we were delighted that our
2015 Commissioned Composer was back to present for us. Chris Schmitz
introduced the performance of a lovely piano trio, “Gentle Light,” played
beautifully by Tim Shook, Cindy Watson and Madeleine Harder.
Following the composition presentation, a few hearty souls stayed
through the afternoon to hear another sparkling performance, this time
by the Tower Wind Quintet and Dr. Knight. After their wonderful
ensemble-work, the artists answered questions concerning coaching
students in ensemble to musical success. As we concluded, LeRoy
DuBois presented 3 first-time attendees with prizes (hoping they’ll come
again!), as we hope everyone will come again!
James Knight and the Friends University
Tower Quintet performing The Poulenc Sextet
Commissioned Composer Chris Schmitz with trio
Tim Shook, Cindy Watson and Madeleine Harder,
performed “Gentle Light.”
Thank you to everyone who participated in Music Progressions this year. Whether you
were a teacher, judicator or both, your hard work and encouragement to the students
is very appreciated.
After many hours of going over the materials the last couple of years, we think that all
the corrections have been made in all the testing materials. As always, if you see
anything that still needs corrected, please bring it to my attention and we will make
sure the correction is made. I want to thank Sally Buxton for all her hard work in
getting all the materials corrected and up to date. Thanks Sally!!
2015 Music Progressions had 461 students participating. This is an increase from last
year of 45 students! However, we had the least amount of sites this year compared to
the last 6 years. We only had 6 sites. We had 61 teachers participating. That is down
3 from last year and also the lowest number in the last 6 years.
We are glad our number of students increased
this year, however, we need to encourage more
participation. This is a wonderful opportunity for
our students to get encouragement from other
teachers and to be tested on what they know in
their level. It is such a great experience. If you
are not very familiar with Music Progressions,
feel free to ask any questions you may have.
You could also go to one of the scheduled
progressions around the area and observe how
it is run and see what all is involved.
Also, thanks to all who hosted progressions and
sent me your reports of when and where the
event was taking place and what the numbers
were after the event. I look forward to next year
being even better!
Sincerely,
Karla Conner
316-215-1083
KMTA - Capitol Federal® Honors Auditions
The Honors Auditions were created to allow any student to participate. Music students of any age
level and experience are eligible to participate. Even though the event is a competition, the Honors Auditions
are specifically designed to be a positive learning experience for all students who enter them.
Teachers first register their students for the District Auditions (see below); if you do not know your district,
contact David Tauscher. See the District Schedules under the Auditions tab for more information. Students
receiving a “one” rating at District can proceed to State.
2015 State Information
Pre-College – November 7, 2015 (Postmark deadline – October 13, 2015)
Collegiate – November 8, 2015 (Postmark deadline – October 21, 2015)
University of Kansas, Lawrence
About KMTA Honors Auditions
We are into the sixteenth year for the KMTA Honors Auditions. KMTA offers this audition program in the fall
for music students wishing to perform for a judge in a competitive setting. Students gain so much by being a
part of a group that shares their interest. Listening to other student auditions and being a part of a larger
musical community, including parents, teachers, students and other arts supporters makes all of their diligent
work worth the effort.
Competitions are available for pre-college piano, collegiate piano and chamber music and pre-college
strings. For more details see the Honors Auditions, see <www.ksmta.org>.
Recent Enhancements!
We are going paperless! All enrollments will be online this year. If you are unable to do the online enrollment
on ksmta.org, that is fine—contact VP for Auditions, David Tauscher at 913-385-3321 or
david@tauschermusic.com and he will email or mail the enrollment forms to you. Payment will be by Paypal
or you can write a check and mail it after you enroll your students online.
As a Reminder
Teachers are required to help with the auditions. A few hours working as a door monitors, check-in, and
recording is needed. Click on the above link and email the information, email the form or mail the form to
your District President.
Encourage your students to participate! Please be in touch with me if you have any questions and I look
forward to seeing you in Lawrence!
MTNA Competitions
All details for the MTNA Junior, Senior, Young Artist and Collegiate Chamber Music Performance
Competitions, and Student Composition Competition are found in the April/May 2015 American Music
Teacher or online at mtna.org.
For more information, contact David Tauscher.
2014 Fall Auditions Schedule
District 1
District 4
Postmark deadline: September 3, 2015
Audition date: October 10, 2015
Location: Mid-America Nazarene Univeristy,
Olathe
Send to: Mara Balke, 10707 Walmer Street
Overland Park, KS 66211
913-648-0326
E-mail: marabalke@live.com
Postmark deadline: September 12, 2015
Audition date: October 10, 2015
Location: Malloy Hall, Rm 115, FHSU, Hays, KS
Send to: Irena Ravitskaya
Department of Music and Theatre
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street, Hays, KS 67601
E-mail: iaravitskaya@fhsu.edu
District 2
District 5
Postmark deadline: September 3, 2015
Audition date: October 10, 2015
Location: Mid-America Nazarene Univeristy,
Olathe
Send to: Mara Balke, 10707 Walmer Street
Overland Park, KS 66211
913-648-0326
E-mail: marabalke@live.com
Postmark deadline: September 29, 2015
Audition date: October 10, 2015
Location: Barton County Community College
(Dorothy Morrison Chapel)
Send to: Karole Erikson
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-617-5620
E-mail: Eriksonk@bartonccc.edu
District 3
District 6
Postmark deadline: September 12, 2015
Audition Date: October 3, 2015
Location: Kansas State University
Send to: Mary Ellen Sutton
1624 Plymouth Road
Manhattan, KS 66603
785-537-9051
E-mail: suttonme@cox.net
Postmark deadline: September 5, 2015
Audition date: October 3, 2015
Location: McPherson College
Send to: Christy Williams, 1852 S. 151st St. W.
Goddard, KS 67052
316-304-3871
E-mail: terrychristy@sbcglobal.net
IMPORTANT!
We are going paperless! All enrollments will be online this year. If you are unable to do the online
enrollment on ksmta.org, that is fine—contact VP for Auditions, David Tauscher at 913-385-3321 or
david@tauschermusic.com and he will email or mail the enrollment forms to you. Payment will be
by Paypal or you can write a check and mail it after you enroll your students online.
A Note from the New Local Associations Chair, Leona Dickman
With all the changes in leadership this year, President Dan Masterson agreed to
extend the time allowed for KMTA Grant Applications from August 31st , to September 28,
2015. I have received 5 applications so far.
The KMTA Board sets aside a fund of $3,000.00 to divide among all the Local
Association applicants. The application can be found on the website, or in this Update. The
funds are to be used for a project that your local association is pursuing for this year. You
will be asked to fill out a Grant Report within 30 days of your project completion. A
committee will make the preliminary decisions, and then it is approved by the full Board of
KMTA.
Mail your grant application, or scan and email to ledi@st-tel.net. Mailing address is:
Leona Dickman
PO Box 366
Grinnell, KS 67738
I would appreciate a call, email or text if you have put your application in the mail, so I can
be on the lookout for it, and email you a note that I have received it. 785-672-1201, cell &
text.
KMTA Local Association Grant Application
Local Associations and Student Chapter applications must be postmarked or electronically received
by the published deadline in order to be eligible. Grants will be awarded following the fall executive
board meeting.
Name of Local Association/Student Chapter: ______________________________________
President: __________________________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________
Please complete the following questions. Use the back of this sheet when needed.
Name of project: _____________________________________________________________
Purpose of project: ___________________________________________________________
Description of project: ________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________________________________
Prospective number of students and teachers participating: ___________________________
Number of members: _________________________________________________________
Budget: Please attach a separate line item budget, to include anticipated receipts from all sources
and detailed budgeted expenses.
KMTA Local Association Grant request: $____________________________________
Submitted by: ______________________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________
Email: _____________________________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________ Date submitted: ____________________
Please send this application to: Leona Dickman
PO Box 366
Grinnell, KS 67738
785-824-3755 or text cell 785-672-1201
Note: Applications my be submitted electronically if Leona is contacted prior to submission and
submission is received on or before the published deadline (September 28th, 2015): ledi@st-tel.net