Greetings to all of you UMTA members! I hope this newsletter finds you in good health and great spirits, and that you've had a relaxing and rewarding summer. The new school year is almost here, and with it a return to normalcy (whatever that is!). I don't know about you, but about this time of year, I'm ready to be done with cancelled lessons due to scout camp, girls' camp, EFY, Youth Conference, vacations, etc. While I enjoy the more relaxed times of summer, it's always good to get back on a regular schedule.
As I attended the National Conference in Denver last spring, I was very proud of our Utah Music Teachers Association. We were named State Affiliate of the Year. The Weber State Student Association was named the outstanding College Chapter of the Year. And our national finalists gave outstanding performances in the MTNA National Competitions! What a wonderful organization we have!
I do hope that you're all planning to attend our State Conference October 24th-25th. Coila Robinson, our state vice president, has spent many hours planning an outstanding conference. Our guest clinician this year is Nelita True, chairman of the piano department at Eastman School of Music. Nelita is recognized the world over as an outstanding pedagogue, lecturer, judge and performer. We had to wait two years to get her here because of her scheduled appearances all over the world. Coila will have additional information about the Conference in this newsletter. Be sure to make plans for it.
Also the same weekend as the Conference, we are having the MTNA Junior, Senior and Young Artist Competitions. Patrice Hunt, our Competitions Chair, has scheduled the Piano Competitions at Daynes Music October 23rd, 24th, and 25th. Kathy Pope, the Instrumental Competitions Chair, has scheduled the Instrumental Competitions on October 25th at the University of Utah. All the auditions are open to the public at no charge. You will hear some of the most amazing talent if you are able to attend any of these competitions!
May we all have a wonderful teaching year this coming year! May our studios be filled with students who practice faithfully every day! May we be blessed with patience and serenity to endure those lessons we'll all have when they haven't practiced as they should. And as we grow and learn as members of UMTA, may we learn of ways to inspire and excite our students so that we don't have to endure those frustrating lessons because students haven't practiced!
We'll see you at Conference in October.
Lynn Dean, President
Utah Music Teachers Association
| 
