Association news

AMT: In your opinion, what is the part of the FOUNDATION FUND in MTNA?

JR: I've always believed that MTNA has the responsibility to provide as many opportunities and options for its members as possible; generally the FOUNDATION FUND supports a number of admirable programs for both individuals and affiliate associations. I foresee an level broader and more substantial character for the FOUNDATION FUND in the near future; we have the potential to create and support additional programs and services, which will be available to an plane greater number of MTNA members and their students

AMT: in what way does the FOUNDATINO FUND affect the average music teacher?

JR: The FOUNDATION assists MTNA in the accomplishment of its mission; notably, " to provide professional support for colleagues and communities." For example, any member has the opportunity to take advantage of the Teacher Enrichment Grant program, and associations who receive Local Association or State Affiliate Grants Contribute greatly to the professional expansion of all their members. MTNA lift on highs its commitment to the Independent Music Teacher through offering assistance to a fledging teacher via the Studio Teacher Fellowship, and learners of ANY teacher can take advantage of the healthy support the capital gives to Student Competitions. The knowledge that members' dollars help to support these and other programs--plus any potential fresh and expanded offerings--should have a actual positive effect on all members. MTNA is doing its best to help me in my profession!

AMT: What are your goals for reconnecting the FOUNDATION to the membership?

JR: Members are the backbone of MTNA, and it's my faculty of perception that an overwhelming majority wants the association to succe in achieving its goals and meeting its responsibilities. If each single member were a regular and generous donor, there's no extreme point to what we could accomplish, and the result of the FOUNDATION FUND upon the aforementioned members would be level more significant?!

for a like reason I want to increase awareness of--and participation in--current FOUNDATION capital offerings, and I want to make secure that every member is excited about the FUND'S potential and eager to be a part of its increase To this end, I'm asking Sate Chairs to rally their local counterparts to establish a network of FOUNDATION Friends primarily for the aim of sharing information and felicitous fundraising strategies and promoting the startling "FOUNDATION FELLOW" program. I'd like to diocese increase visibility of FOUNDATION issues at state talks and in state and local newsletter and I trust there soon will be a "FOUNDATION Moment" as part of each state and local meeting.

I plan to assist these and other efforts from one side regular communication--lots of e-mails and phone calls--and by the agency of seeing that the excellent FOUNDATION stock materials are widely circulated (and that the Annual Campaign is a gigantic success). It will also be my pleasure to work with the unfolding Committee and the Board of Directors, those hard-working individuals who can be numbered upon to supply the necessary vision and creative thought

AMT: What do you think it will be like being a member of the MTNA staff, rather than a volunteer?

JR: Working with Gary Ingle was individual of the many pleasure of being MTNA president; we be delighted withed brainstorming and sharing our vision for MTNA, and neither made decisions without consulting the other. I don't diocese that changing much except for the fact that this time around, he'll be MY bos It's a pleasure for me to join my friends upon the MTNA staff--I've always set them to be totally dedicated to the association and its members, and already they've welcomed me to their ranks and tendered help and timely suggestions. And--working with members is no different now than before--these folk are my colleagues and spirit mates, and the idea of renewed interaction with them is the primary reason I accepted this position.

Editor's Note

Joan Reist, MTNA past president, is now MTNA's special assistant for Foundation unfolding AMT talked with her about her ideas, her plans and her switch from present to staff.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Music Teachers National Association, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group