IN THIS ISSUE

Masterclass Spots Still Available!

Board Meeting Schedule

Adopt-A-Piano

Member News

KMTA Announces KMEA
In-Service Workshop

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sep. 26 - Masterclass

Oct. 4 - Fall Auditions Recital

Oct. 10 - District VI Fall Auditions

Oct. 23 - Coffee Chat
(Topic: Music Progressions)

Nov. 1 - The Magic of Holiday Music

Nov. 7-8 - KMTA Honors Auditions

Dec. 19 - Christmas Recitals

Jan. 15 - Coffee Chat
(Topic: Gadgets and Gizmos)

Feb. 7 - The Classical Spillover Effects of Teaching from Jazz Fakebooks

Feb. 25-27 KMEA/KMTA Workshop

Mar. 6-7 Back to the Future Festival!

Mar. 20-24 - MTNA Conference

Apr. 9 - Coffee Chat
(Topic: Sharing Ideas for Personal and Professional Growth)

May 1-2 - Music Progressions

Jun. 1 - Recap & Potluck Dinner

Jun. 11-12 - KMTA Conference

Masterclass Spots Still Available!
There are still some spots open for signing up for the September 26 Masterclass at the home of Karen Wagner. The deadline for registration is September 12. The open spots are two duet performances with Christi Williams (student levels late elementary to intermediate), and one solo performance with Brad Nix (any level). Paul Reed's spots are full.

If you have students who would like to participate, email Joanne Ehrlich at ancey7@cox.net or call at 685-1619. The music need not be memorized; however, if it isn't, please bring a second copy for the masterclass teacher. This is a great event, and marks our kick-off for the year. Also, WAPTL members join us as guests. Don't forget! Bring some yummies for the pot-luck!

Board Meeting Schedule
The quarterly WMMTA Board meetings are scheduled as follows:
October 16th 12:30 p.m.
January 22nd 10:00 a.m.
April 19th 10:00 a.m.

Adopt-A-Piano
WMMTA is still looking for individuals willing to be part of a committee to look into the logistics of participating in the WSU Adopt-A-Piano campaign. We have one volunteer, but could use several more. The goal of the campaign is to provide 26 new rehearsal programs for the Duerksen Fine Arts building practice rooms. If you are interested in serving on this committee or would like additional information, please contact Laura Vollen (773-2373 or lavollen@cox.net).

Member News

Wendy Stevens
Hal Leonard has published two new pieces of Wendy Stevens in the Piano Recital Showcase series. Her pieces are in the new Pre-Staff book, which features early level pieces on the black or white keys. Cheerokee Lullaby is the first piece in the book and presents a lyrical, modal sound, perfect for the young female student. Fire Dance is a piece especially for those students who enjoy energetic, Native American pieces. All pieces in the book include creative teacher accompaniments and are excellent repertoire for recitals and festivals. Other composers in the book include Jennifer Linn, Deborah Brady, and Carol Klose. This book is available at Senseney Music.

Nancy Trier-Metzger
Camp Allegro, the music day camp that I co-directed with Helen Griffin for several years, was discontinued by Chamber Music at The Barn this year for budget reasons. Many parents, campers and teachers asked us to form a new camp and, after doing a bit of research (and having taken classes and gained experience working in the nonprofit sector), I formed a nonprofit organization to continue the program of the camp; the name of the new organization is Camp Allegro Wichita. In the meantime, Laura Black, violinist in the Wichita Symphony and well-known violin teacher, planned to hold a small, informal mini-camp for any interested musicians but the response was overwhelming and we decided to make this summer's camp our inaugural season.

We had over 100 campers at Immanuel Lutheran Church (the congregation graciously allowed us to use their building; several parents contributed a donation to cover for the costs of using the church). Every room was filled with campers playing piano, string, wind, and brass instruments, chamber ensembles, beginning classes, choir, art and photography (we will be having band, jazz band and orchestra again next summer). Laura Black and Becky Schmidt made arrangements for the kids to have an activity each afternoon such as fishing, bowling, swimming and a trip to Exploration Place to see the whale exhibit. I was amazed what these fabulous women accomplished! All of the teachers volunteered their time as well. The response from parents was very positive and the kids' enthusiasm was a wonderful reward for the hard work and many hours needed to create the camp.

I am in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status, attending many nonprofit seminars and working on raising the funds necessary to keep our program going. Soon I will be taking over the responsibility of updating our website as well. Please have a look-- www.campallegrowichita.org We are also on Facebook. Thanks to all of the encouraging comments I have had from many of you! Please feel free to contact me at nancy@campallegrowichita.org if you have any suggestions or questions.

If you have any news you'd like to submit for inclusion in the next issue of WMMTA eNews, please submit it to Natalie Wickham by e-mail.

KMTA Announces KMEA In-Service Workshop
KMTA is pleased to announce that their sponsored session during the KMEA In-Service Workshop on Friday, February 26, 2010 will feature Dr. Janice Wenger and the opportunity to explore collaborative playing and chamber music ensemble opportunities for the young pianist. Make plans now to attend this insightful workshop!