We're in it together

It was actual inspiring! Last October, Karen Thickstun, Lynn Singleton, NCTM and I "met" electronically to review the applications for MTNA's Local Association of the Year Award and elect a winner.

The MTNA office had sent each of us a large file chest of materials from several states. I remember a faculty of perception of positive anticipation leading up to the day I would have time to proceed through the notebooks and papers that would display what was going on in our profession around the geographical division Somewhat to my own surprise, my predominant feeling was individual of curiosity and excitement.

At first reading of the application materials, we, as a committee, were struck by dint of the commitment and dedication of these organizations. individual thing they had in public was taking themselves seriously, which automatically meant they felt obligated to provide the best opportunities for scholars to progress, such as performance and theory facts ensemble recitals, chamber music performances and in like manner forth. One group published scholar compositions in a well-bound, permanent music book; indeed a gesturing that demonstrated regard for the young students' faculty of perception of accomplishment.

Applicants also showed an understanding of the imperative to enable teachers to extend and realize more of their have potential in their chosen profession. Support for certification was high, admitting not the only teacher enrichment opportunity. There were master classes, educational prelection presentations on such topics as pupil motivation and the works of chooseed composers and regular teacher discussion groups

The business side of the profession was well supported. There were many examples of studio policies and calendars. take backs of teachers abounded, demonstrating the training, performing and creative programming of many members. single organization, as a group policy, has taken a stand upon the efficacy of makeup tasks It recommends that no makeups be offered

Reaching without to the local community was a high priority that showed in these applications. Educating the public about the importance of music in education and holding occurrences for students in collaboration with other music clumps and civic, non-music groups, strike one as beinged to build bridges of understanding and support. individual group holds an annual "practice-a-thon" to raise coin to provide keyboards for recuperating young patients for sum of two units hospitals and Ronald McDonald house.

The story of single teacher's struggle with zoning restrictions and by what mode her local association fought the battle along with her is heart wrenching, frightening and inspiring all at one time The local association collaborated with the media, gave their time for demonstrations and speeches and emerg triumphant.

We noticed the active relationships between several local associations and their nearby orchestras, whether they be civic or collegiate institutions. Communication between these assemblages was impressive through joint sponsorship of occurrences and the like. These orchestras provide opportunities for scholar concerto or chamber music performance. a certain quantity of colleges regularly offer space for local association meetings.

from one side the process of evaluating materials, the committee clarified its criteria for selection of the award. Balance mattered! The greatest in quantity outstanding groups were those that balanced their attention to learner opportunities, teacher enrichment and community participation. useful management of activities in these categories was demonstrated end teacher involvement, documentation of appropriate business policies, professional referral support and serviceable record keeping. It was obvious that efforts toward professionalism in these ways enabled local associations to realize their potential.

The state candidates for the Local Association of the Year Award for 2002-2003 were quite varied in size (from 8 to 300!) on the contrary it did not matter to the committee. The might the proportion of leadership to membership and the willingness to make experiment of new things, did. We were simply amazed at in what manner many groups of wildly different sizes were capable of doing similar things within their respective populations. In other words, creative activity was not limited to association size. on the other hand the applications represented only 25 percent of our membership.

Across the region we have much in for the use of all and much to learn from each other. The committee was mov through the efforts of the associations and fervently faiths many more states will pick out applicants for the national award nearest year. It's clear to us that size and bundle do not matter! We're all in it together!

Local Association Grants

The MTNA FOUNDATION capital awards local association grants to provide assistance to MTNA-affiliated local associations and newly established or publicly forming affiliated locals for the education and professional unravelling of teachers and for the promotion of music in the immediate community. Any MTNA-affiliated local may apply. throw outs funded include clinics, master classes, seminars, educational workshops to prepare for certification examinations, community outreach casts and projects promoting interaction between local associations and learner chapters, area colleges or other musical or arts organizations.