Thursday, September 6, 2012

 Sep 6, 2012
Welcome Pasadena Members to a new year, 2012-2013.

The new executive Pasadena Board is as follows:
President                    Angela Whitaker
Vice President                       Eriko Geiger
Treasurer                               Fay Kau
Recording Secretary              Jamie Pedrini
Membership Secretary          Esther Chang
Correspondence Secretary    Lisa Fenderson
Director                                Anna Chan
Director                                Carol Lee
Director                                Winna Tan

The Annual Information Meeting will be on Sunday September 16, 2012 at 3.00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 201 N. San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91775. All members are asked to attend the meeting after which there will be a potluck dinner and the assignment is as follows:
Last names beginning:
A-J Main Dish, K-S Salads, T-Z Desserts

An email is sent to every member regarding this event - there will be more details there.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Dear Teachers:                                                     July 5, 2012
A Reminder to renew your MTAC dues. 26 more days till July 31 for you to renew and be eligible to participate in CM 2013. If you did not receive a renewal notice in the mail, please call the MTAC State Office at 800-834-3340.

Piano and Strings have a new Syllabus for CM 2013. You can purchase them through the State Office.

For those of you who are not aware - Pasadena Branch has a new Executive Board. Angela Whitaker is the new President - please direct all questions to her. If you have a CM question, you may direct it to Winna Tan.


Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Dear Teachers: This is an opportunity to own an heirloom piano. Please read all about this special piano.

You have to see this beauty to really appreciate it. This Steinway & Sons Grand Piano model B (6’ 11”) Serial #83530 was built in 1895 and has a matching bench.  It has been in our family for over 62 years and was refurbished before coming to our family.  It was recently appraised by a professional – an hour and a half of very thoroughly checking every detail.  He said it has such a wonderful big sound (enjoyed playing it very much!), original case, very shiny ebony finish, soundboard in great condition with no cracks.  Overall style design is beautifully simple, not overly ornate.  The technician is available to speak to for confirmation on any questions and said this beautiful heirloom instrument is ready to go to its’ new home without anything being done to it. $19,500.00. If you are interested please  email Gloria Caruso at gcaruso123@ca.rr.com. or call (818-353-1394).

Sunday, May 6, 2012

All CM Teachers:
Please take note that any errors on your students' results, must be reported to the CM Branch Chair for changes by May 31. The database will be closed on June 1. Please check this webpage for CM News throughout the summer.

All Teachers:
Please be checking this webpage for Branch News regularly. Formal invitations for the 65th anniversary celebration of Pasadena Branch will be sent out by Wed. May 9. We hope that many teachers will come to this occasion.

MTAC Renewal Invoice has been sent to members. Your renewal must be postmarked by July 31, 2012. If you have not submitted your renewal by that date, your membership will be forfeited. There will be a $40.00 Reinstatement Fee required to reinstate your membership after the July 31st deadline. If you did not receive the Invoice, please contact Melanie Doyle at melanied@mtac.org.

Dear Teachers:
Dang Thai Son will be the featured pianist at the MTAC Convention in San Diego. If you would like to hear him in a private fund raising recital, click the link and go to "Project Updates".

Thursday, April 26, 2012

 Dear Teachers:
There will be a memorial service for Peter Yazbeck. Please read the following:

Peter Yazbeck (June 30, 1930-April 18, 2012): Commemoration of a Life in Music
Saturday, May 26, 2012
3:00 pm
United Methodist Church, Ventura
1338 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura
Please share with your family, friends and colleagues that a special event honoring the memories and accomplishments of Peter Yazbeck, is planned for Saturday, May 26, at 3:00 pm, at First United Methodist Church, Ventura, (1338 E. Santa Clara Street).
This gathering will feature performances by Peter’s past and current students, as well as many of his colleagues, interspersed with personal memories and highlights shared by those who loved and respected him for simply being “Peter” and for his work in the arts and education which all contributed to the legacy he left us.
With the help of his Pleasant Valley-Ventura MTAC branch, we were able to reserve the venue where the branch regularly hosts their recitals and festivals. It houses the branch’s new and beautiful Boesendorfer grand piano, which Peter helped select.
Those wishing to participate as a performer or to share memories, may contact Edward Francis with their repertoire selections or willingness to speak. Within reasonable limits, all those interested in participating will be part of the program. Indeed, if time permits, last-minute involvement will also be accommodated. edwardfrancis@roadrunner.com 805.498.7594
Afterwards, please join his family and friends for an early evening dinner at the church.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory should know that in his will and trust, Peter bequeathed two important gifts to non-profit organizations. One, with no limitations, is to the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, an organization that he helped build as an original board member. He was a regular sponsor and through the years, many of his students were featured soloists with the orchestra. At the time of his passing, he was a board member emeritus, continued to attend all of their concerts, and the Sunday before his death, he gave a master class for the TOPhil’s Honors Piano Performance Seminar, teaching 8 young performers. The TOPhil will use his gift in many ways, including the establishment of the “Peter Yazbeck Concerto Soloist Scholarship” which will be awarded to one or more students each year. Supplemental contributions by check can be made out to: TOPhilharmonic, with a memo notation: In Memory of Peter Yazbeck, and can be sent to: Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, PO Box 4195, Thousand Oaks CA 91359 Donations by credit card can be made by visiting www.tophil.org and clicking the “Give” link. A memo can be added to the notes area indicating it is in Peter’s memory.
His second gift is to be administered through his MTAC Pleasant Valley-Ventura County Branch, and will be used to establish scholarships in his name. As a long-time member of this branch, Peter’s students
participated in all of their festivals and programs. Peter was a member of the Music Teachers’ Assn. of California for what seemed to be “forever.” He served on the state board, where he chaired the annual convention for four years, and then eventually served as President in the early 1990’s. He continued to participate in his branch’s activities, actively entering his students in various programs and festivals. Contribution checks can be made out to: MTAC Foundation, with a memo notation: Peter Yazbeck Scholarship Fund, and may be sent to the branch treasurer: Lily Starobinets, 505 Avocado Place, Camarillo, CA 93010
Cards and words of sympathy to the family can be sent to:
The Family of Peter Yazbeck
c/o Thousand Oaks Philharmonic
PO Box 4195
Thousand Oaks, CA 91359
All correspondence will be forwarded to his family.
Thank you,
Edward Francis
Wayne Behlendorf
Co-Trustees & Executors of the Peter Yazbeck Estate

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Hillary Lin Santoso, student of Bernadene Blaha and daughter of Michelle Jo Santoso will be performing with the Glendale Youth Orchestra on Saturday May 5, 2012 at 2 PM at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles.  Please click Fliers and Forms for more information.
You are cordially invited to attend the Young Artist Guild (YAG) concert. The featured artist is Eleanor Dunbar, violinist. The concert will be held at Church of Our Saviour, 535 W. Roses Rd, San Gabriel, 91775 at 3.30 PM. Please invite your students and friends. Support the YAG program! Admission is free. Please click Fliers and Forms for more information.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

We have sad news to relate to you.  Peter Yazbeck, MTAC Past State President, died early this morning (April 18) at his home.
Peter served on the State Board of Directors from 1983 to 1992.  In 2011 he was honored, as an Outstanding Service Award recipient, for all of the work he provided to MTAC over the years.  He was a member of MTAC since 1963 and has touched so many lives within our organization. 
We have been told that there will not be any type of memorial service, at Peter’s request.

It is a very sad day for MTAC.  Peter will be truly missed.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

SAVE THE DATE! Sunday June 10, 2012 at 4.00 PM.

65th Anniversary of Pasadena Branch (Chartered in 1947). Celebration includes a concert at Church of Our Saviour, featuring the 4 disciplines - keyboard, strings, woodwinds and voice. Branch Members will be performing. 

Dinner follows at Mission 261 Restaurant in San Gabriel, across from the San Gabriel Mission. 

Formal invitations will be sent beginning of May. In the meantime, please mark your calendar for this auspicious occasion. Come and meet your fellow members and have a great time.  






Saturday, April 14, 2012

Attention Teachers:
The next Branch Recital is going to be on Sunday May 13 at 2.30 PM. Please note change of location - new location is Steinway and Sons Company, 150 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena 91105.

Deadline to apply is April 30, 2012

For more information, please contact Carol Man Lee.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Steinway and Sons Company is presenting John Kimura Parker in a Master Class on Sunday April 29 from 11 AM - 12.30 PM at the New Steinway and Sons Store, 150 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena (corner of Arroyo Parkway and Colorado).
The Celestial Opera Company is presenting Lucia di Lammermoor on April 28, 29, May 5 and 6 at The Women's Club of South Pasadena, 1424 Fremont Ave, S. Pasadena. For more information on ticket purchase or make a donation, log onto www.celestialoperacompany.org or call 626-628-3305.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Geraldine Keeling and Judith Nesleny will be presenting and performing the Liszt Program, as described in the attached program notes (click Fliers and Forms), at the Pomona Valley Branch upcoming meeting, Wednesday, April 11, 2012 from 10 AM - 12 Noon. All are invited to attend. A $10.00 contribution will be appreciated. For more information, please contact Agatha Hou, Program Chair at 909-709-8362.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

For Sale: Steinway Grand Model"L", 1965
$12,000 or best offer
contact Karen Knecht
karenknecht @mac.com
H-626-529-3605
C-626-675-2969

April 5, 2012 - PIANO HAS BEEN SOLD.

Friday, March 30, 2012

IMPORTANT DETAIL ABOUT BACH FESTIVAL......

Bach Festival on March 31, 2012 will be held at 150 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena 91105. Please DO NOT go to Church of Our Saviour. That location is incorrect.

Thank you!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Concerto *Fest* Austria


Dear Friends of Concerto*Fest*Austria,

Mark Sunday May 27 at 3pm for a very special event.  Why so special?  Well, did you ever wonder what it would be like to be a guest for an afternoon "musical salon" in an aristocratic home on Vienna's Ringstrasse at the turn-of-the-last-century?  Moreover, that your host was a patron of Mahler and Klimt?  Imagine yourself, seated on furniture designed by Josef Hofmann and the Wiener Werkstätte, surrounded by art of the Vienna Secession and Art Deco eras, and listening to your host's newest musical protégé, a young piano virtuoso recently graduated from the Conservatory playing your beloved Viennese composers.  And ending... aber natürlich!... with an obligatory tour-de-force of Strauss waltzes.  Champagne, Viennese pastries and savories followed, while guests admired the elegant surroundings, engaged in animated conversation and the latest gossip swirling around the Imperial Court and State Opera House.  If that was ever your fantasy, then you won't want to miss joining us on May 27!

Unlike those special musical moments we have all experienced in the large music halls of today... on Sunday May 27 we are re-creating right here in Los Angeles that most intimate of musical experiences.... a true musical "salon."  You'll be taken back in time, surrounded by beautiful Austro-Hungarian Jugendstil - art nouveau furniture and artwork of SZALON Gallerie in Beverly Hills, where indeed, a young Vienna-trained piano virtuoso, Jovanni de Pedro, will perform Viennese music in this extraordinary setting.  And yes, he'll conclude with Dohnanyi's tour-de-force on Strauss's "Schatz-Walzer."  For this brief moment, the gallery district of La Cienega Boulevard becomes our Ringstrasse. The event is under the sponsorship of the Austrian-American Council West and our gracious host, Budapest-born Judith Hoffman of SZALON Gallerie.  It promises to be an elegant afternoon you will not soon forget.

This is a private invitation to my friends before official invitations are issued.  I want you to know about it early since the seating is very limited in this extraordinary but intimate space, and we recommend your reservations as early as possible. The event is to benefit Concerto*Fest*Austria, our summer festival celebrating now its 11th year in Austria.  Your contribution is tax-deductible and our "salon" is intended as a thank-you for your support.  In the event that you are unable to join us that day we would be delighted and grateful if you could consider a gift nevertheless. Gifts over $100 will be acknowledged in the printed program. For further information and reservations (required) please call 818-507-5904.  

Hope to see you on May 27.  Auf Wiedersehen!

Robert

East Meets West


Dear Friends & Students...
Join me in celebrating the birth centennial of composer JOHN CAGE on April 2!

EAST MEETS WEST:  The Gamelan Music of JOHN CAGE 
for Prepared Piano
  Monday evening, April 2, at 7:30pm
         Bird Studio at Occidental College
  Robert Ward, pianist

I'll be performing selections from his SONATAS AND INTERLUDES as a lecture-recital.  If you aren't prepared for these pieces you're in for a surprise and a real treat.  The sound of the piano is totally transformed into the sounds of a gamelan orchestra, those colorful pitched percussion ensembles still heard today in Java and Bali.  I'll talk about how Cage came up with the idea, explain and demonstrate the materials that produce these exotic sounds, and perform some of the loveliest, most colorful and rhythmic piano pieces you've ever heard.  The program lasts about an hour and you're invited to come up afterwards to try the piano yourself.

Robert

P.S.  I had the pleasure to perform these in New York some years ago and got this nice note from Cage afterwards. "Thank you for all that you are doing.  I enjoyed the expressive timing (rubato) very much, and the preparation is very colorful.  Thank you for playing so beautifully."

Friday, March 23, 2012

Please see the Fliers and Forms section for an announcement on To Russia and Back.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Presenting Judith Neslèny in concert on March 11 and March 18 - please click on the dates for more information.    


Thursday, February 16, 2012

Teachers who are interested in Composers' Today, please note the information below:

"The State Contest forms, branch chair instructions, etc. are on the MTAC website.  Go to www.mtac.org, Login with your teacher login and password, click on Composer's Today on the left and then Documents.  They are all in downloadable PDF files."

Pasadena Branch's Chair is Ron Anderson. Please contact him for more details.


The concert of "LA Phil LIVE"  is being broadcast live from Caracas, Venezuela on Feb. 18 to nationwide movie theaters.  It will feature more than 1,000 musicians on stage. For more information about the concert event, you can go to http://www.laphil.com/laphillive
 
This Concert will be shown live in Movie Theatres nationwide.  Maybe you have attended an opera in a theatre on a Saturday Morning in a movie theatre. This exciting event will be like that. The concerts will begin at 2 PM in most locations in Southern California. Mahler's 8th symphony is being performed. Take the opportunity to see this once in a lifetime performance!
 

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Reminder: The deadline for the Composers Today State Composition Contest is March 30 (actual, not postmarked). Please submit applications, compositions, and recordings to Ron Anderson by this date.

Ron Anderson
441 Crestvale Drive
Sierra Madre, CA 91024

626-355-9240
ronjanderson@gmail.com


The second announcement has to do with a special composition competition to commemorate the 100th birthday of San Diego:

Celebrating San Diego MTAC's 100th Birthday
Composition Contest

Who:   Open to young composers 21 years old and under,
including Young Composers Guild.  (Must be students of a current MTAC member) 
Compositions must be original unpublished works. What:  Compositions "Celebrating San Diego MTAC's 100th", which could include Spanish flavor, pictorial elements of ocean, surf, and all things San Diegan.
 Instrumentation: Solo instrument or voice to a small chamber or choral ensemble

Awards:  
the 1st ($1,000)and 2nd prize ($500) winners. 

Winners will be required to perform at the
 2012 MTAC Convention in San Diego

When:  Deadline for composition submission-March 30th 2012
Length of Composition: 
5-7 mins.


 
Where to submit compositions and request contest registration forms
San Diego MTAC Composer’s Today Branch Chairperson
Kathy Shoemaker
407 Pebblestone Place
Santee, CA 92071
 
Help us Celebrate 100 years of musical excellence
 in San Diego with new music!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Happy New Year to all of you! A few CM reminders have been sent to CM teachers' emails - CM teachers, please read your email regularly.

CM Database is now opened to teachers to enter students' repertoire. Students' schedule requests are strictly for those who need it. Please be considerate and not schedule all your students on the last day. Last day to enter students' repertoire is Monday, Feb 6, 2012 for Pasadena Branch.

CM Theory Schedule, Keyboard Performance Schedule and Teacher Help Assignment will be emailed to teachers on Feb. 18. Email Winna Tan if you didn't receive any of the above.

Please click on Calendar in this webpage and look at the events listed. There are several errors on dates in the directory - please do not refer to the yellow directory for event dates.

 A Master Class for Intermediate and Advanced Levels will be held on Sunday Feb. 19. Deadline to apply is Wed. Feb 1. Please send application forms and $50.00 per student  to Eriko Geiger. Application can be found on this webpage. Click on Fliers and Forms. Bernadene Blaha is the Master Teacher.











Monday, December 12, 2011

Apologies to Bolin Pan, Flute teacher, whose students' names were left out on the winners list of the Bach Complete Works Auditions.

Junior Flute winners: Emily Zheng, 1st place; Viola Chan, 2nd place

Senior Flute winner: Jamie Kwon, 1st place.





Friday, December 9, 2011

 Pasadena Teachers:
Posted are more details regarding Dr. Tyler Tom's celebration of life service. Dr. Tom was a member of Pasadena Branch when he passed away and many Pasadena members know of him. 

In the Fliers and Forms section, there is more information on the service. (Please keep scrolling down to read about his life history)



*Please note*  The Celebration will be similar to an Open House.  If you are unable to attend at start time, we will be taking breaks inbetween for delicious food and a glance through
 moments in Dr. Tom's Life,
 pictures etc.  And there is NOT an end time to this Celebration*
 
 
 



Please Join Us in Celebrating the Extraordinary Life ofDr. Tyler W. Tom(December 22nd, 1958 – September 6th, 2011)
and remember him in all the ways that he touched our lives
.
The Celebration will take place on
 Sunday, December 18th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
at the home of Ronna Binn-Hersh and Louis R. Hersh,
19365 Lemmer Drive Tarzana, CA 91356.
There will be speakers, music and reception to follow.
Please contact Ronna Binn-Hersh
(818) 343-3095, ronnaandlou@roadrunner.com
or Rosanna Marzaroli, torosannamusic@yahoo.com
for additional information.
If you are unable to attend and would like to share any memories of Dr. Tom,
please let us know and we will be sure to include you in the Celebration.

View the youtube to always remember him and his talent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpCjbiVpd-M

Tyler Tom began his piano studies at age nine in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has since gone on to perform as soloist, recitalist and chamber musician throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. In a recent appearance at the Los Angeles Convention Center, he performed before an audience of chief executives in marketing and promotions of all the major Television Broadcast Studios worldwide.
Dr. Tom has been awarded first prize winner of the Los Gatos Artist Series, the Young Artist Series, Young Artist Guild, and the Fairworld Piano Competition in San Francisco.
Dr. Tom is sought after not only for his dynamic appeal onstage as a pianist, but also for his expertise as clinician and master teacher. He maintained an active schedule of clinics, teaching residencies, master classes, and concert appearances on the stages of the National Conference on Piano Pedagogy, the California Association of Music Teachers, and the Music Teachers National Association. He was recognized as a leading adjudicator, and has reside as chair of the MTNA’s Collegiate Artist Performance Competition.
Dr. Tom received his Bachelor of Music Degree at the Eastman School of Music, and continued his studies at USC with John Perry, where he was awarded the June Davison Prize honoring outstanding achievement in the field of piano pedagogy. He received two graduate degrees from USC: a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts. Dr. Tom has been an assistant Lecturer at USC for five years, and has served on the faculties of Irvine Valley College and Chapman University.
 

A Kwortet Christmas Album Launch Party
Dec. 11, 2011 - 6pm
Paul Kwo and his fusion ensemble Kwortet will celebrate their Jazz/Rock/Classical fusion holiday album "A Kwortet Christmas" release with a live performance at the wonderful Gallery Nucleus.

Admission: $10 - General, $25 - VIP.
Location: Gallery Nucleus
210 East Main Street Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 458-7482

Saturday, December 3, 2011

CM panel teachers, please click Fliers and Forms and read about Important Dated Panel information.

Dr. Tyler Tom Memorial Concert, Dec. 18, 2011 - please read details in Fliers and Forms section.

Very Important Change:  VOCE Audition Date has been changed to February 12, 2012. Please take note of it. Same time and same location. 

CM Teachers: Your local teacher number is found in the Fliers and Forms section.






Wednesday, November 23, 2011

CM Tip.....

Students who are playing pieces with multiple movements should follow these guidelines for CM Evaluations:
Suite - only one movement is required for evaluations; multiple movements may be played if the students is applying for  Theme or Ensemble Recitals
Variations - play the opening movement, a few variations, and the closing movement only
Sonatas and Sonatinas - play one movement only
Preludes and Fugues - play the Prelude or Fugue, not both.

The list of movements for a Theme and Variations is just a suggestion.  Here is a better explanation:
 
Students need not prepare all the variations of a longer work, but should prepare enough variations to demonstrate the student’s abilities and show the varied characters.  (For example, if playing  Mozart's "Twinkle, Twinkle," just use 2 or 3 minutes worth of music....maybe 3-4 variations plus the theme and the closing variation.)  Evaluators will hear only the variations the student has prepared.  If the student has submitted the Variations for a convention recital, the evaluator must hear all prepared variations within the recital time limit.







Friday, November 18, 2011

CM News...

November 15 has come and gone. Thank you teachers for being so prompt in sending your CM envelopes. However, there were several who had missing documents and checks. Registration is not complete, unless the missing items are in CM Chair's hands. Please note that you can get help from this new webpage. Once again, please log onto this webpage as often as possible, not just once a month.

NEW: Local teacher numbers have been assigned. Please click Fliers and Forms and you will see Local Teachers Numbers listed.  Most teachers have the same number as last year, but because we have new teachers and because some teachers are not participating in CM, a few teachers' numbers are changed. Please remember these numbers from now till the end of CM in June, 2012. Thank you for your cooperation.

January 2, 2012 - Database will open for teachers to enter repertoire, enter students for Branch Honors and/or Convention Recitals. These are the level eligibility:

Branch Honors for Pasadena Branch - Levels 4 and above

Convention Festival Recital - Levels 3 and above
Convention Theme Recital - Levels 3 and above
Convention New Materials Recital - Levels 1 and above. Selection must be composed no earlier than 2002. Please refer to Syllabus 2007 for more information.

Here are some answers on frequently asked questions.
Students who are playing pieces with multiple movements should follow these guidelines for CM evaluations:

Suite - only one movement is required for evaluations; multiple movements may be played if student is applying for Theme or Ensemble Recitals.

Variations - Students need not prepare all the variations of a longer work, but should prepare enough variations to demonstrate his/her ability and show the varied characters. (For example, if playing Mozart's "Twinkle, Twinkle", just use 2 or 3 minutes worth of music ---maybe 3-4 variations plus the theme and the closing variation). Evaluators will hear only the variations prepared. If the student has submitted the Variations for a Convention Recital, the evaluator must hear all prepared variations within the recital time limit.

Sonatas and Sonatinas - play one movement only.

Preludes and Fugues - play either the Prelude or the Fugue, not both.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Important for CM Teachers....

Please take note that you are to only register your students from now till Nov. 15. No other information is needed from you at this time.

Please do not enter repertoire for students at this time.  You will do that after January 2, 2012. The computer will block you from doing that.


Thursday, November 10, 2011

String Festival....

The guidelines and application for the String Festival is in the Fliers and Forms Section. This festival is a Branch music event and is not to be confused with VOCE, which is a MTAC State event. Students may participate in both events. Teachers, please go online to www.mtac.org to read more about the VOCE program.

The String Festival is chaired by Linda Stone and VOCE is chaired by Angela Whitaker and Bolin Pan. 


Teacher Help Form for Strings and Winds Teachers

The Teacher Help Form for Strings and Winds Teachers  is found in the Flier and Forms section, separately listed from the CM 17-page document. Please use the appropriate form - do not revise the keyboard form to send to Winna Tan.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Attention String and Woodwind Teachers......

It has been pointed out that the Teacher Help Form in the CM Document is only for Keyboard Teachers. We apologize that we didn't make provision for other disciplines.

Please do not revise the keyboard teacher help form. The form for Strings, Winds and Voice will be posted in a couple of days, in time for you to fill it out and send to CM Chair, Winna Tan. They will be listed separately in the Fliers and Forms section.

Apologies for the inconvenience caused. Thank you for your patience.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Register for CM now!

Only ONE more week before CM registration deadline and a few teachers are having questions.

One very common question is "What do we do when the student changes his/her mind about taking CM?". Go into your student's page and unclick the check mark that says Enrolled. The student will not be registered anymore.

Another question is "Recalling a student who did not participate in CM 2011". Most of those students cannot be registered because they don't have a 6-digit password. Therefore, you need to contact Winna Tan who needs to contact our state representative to get a password for the student.

Then there are students who transfer to other teachers. They have to be transferred by the state representative or else the student cannot be registered.

Therefore, you can see that all the above procedures take time and if you leave registration till Nov. 15, you may not be able to complete registration. Reminder: There is NO late registration. The database closes at midnight of Nov. 15 and not even your Branch Chair can help you out.

As of Sunday, Nov. 6, many teachers are not registered yet. REGISTER NOW!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Reasons for Ineligible for Certificate (IC)

Many teachers continue to question why their students received an IC for the evaluations. Here are the reasons why.

The "Ineligible for Certificate" rating shall be used for students who perform a proficient CM Performance Evaluation, but who have violated rules and regulations not related to performance quality.

STUDENTS WHO RECEIVE AN IC RATING ARE PERMITTED TO MOVE TO A HIGHER CM LEVEL AT THEIR NEXT PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, BUT MAY NOT PERFORM AT CONVENTION OR BRANCH HONORS RECITALS OR RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE. HOWEVER, THEY MAY STILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR SENIOR AWARD.

Students shall receive an IC rating for any one of the following:
1. Performing incorrect repertoire categories, Syllabus piece, or not having a required Syllabus piece.
2. Performing technique from an incorrect Syllabus or level.
3. Advanced Level required Etude not from the Etude list.
4. Failing to provide original music scores for the Evaluator, including a second original score if the piece is not memorized.
5. Performing an Not Acceptable Repertoire.

Repertoire....

Teachers, To make sure all repertoire is acceptable for evaluations, carefully check your CM Syllabus and the Teacher Training PowerPoint for your instrument at www.mtac.org.

To view the Teacher Education PowerPoint, login to www.mtac.org, select CM Resources, then CM Documents. You will see a grid with the various CM related materials; select the Teacher Education file in the format of your choice (in the second row).

Piano Teachers: Method Book pieces are NOT acceptable for evaluations unless they are standard literature.

Composers Today...

Ron Anderson is the Chairperson for Composers Today for the Pasadena Branch. Please note:

January 10, 2012: Contact Ron Anderson with number of students you wish to enter into the Evaluations.
January 15, 2012: Send applications, fees, and compositions to Ron Anderson.

You may contact Ron if you have any questions: ronjanderson@gmail.com. Phone 626-355-9240

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

New for 2012 CM...

FOR ALL INSTRUMENTS: Sight Reading Study Time has been increased to 45 seconds for Levels 8 and above. Sight reading time for Levels Prep through 7 remain at 30 seconds.

Winners for Bach Complete Works...

The Bach Complete Works Auditions were held on Sunday, Oct 2, 2011. The winners from the Pasadena Branch are as follows:

1. Roza Yoder's students: Rachel Chen, 1st place; Jingfu Peng, 3rd place; Gabrielle Sipen, 1st place.
2. Vera Hoalim's student: Andrew Cuyekeng, 2nd place.
3. Bernadene Blaha's student: Asana Onichi, 2nd place.
4. Kevin Fitz-Gerald's students: Sabrina Kozak, 1st place; Justin Yew, 1st place.
5. Akiko Hasunuma's student: Arisa Ogino, 2nd place.
6. Jamie Pedrini's student: Chelsea Pan (flute), 3rd place.
7. Bolin Pan's students:
    Junior flute winners - Emily Zheng, 1st place; Viola Chan, 2nd place
    Senior flute winner - Jamie Kwon, 1st place

CONGRATULATIONS, students and teachers!!!

Bach Festival Online Registration.....

Teachers are reminded that the online registration for Bach Festival is now opened. The deadline for application is Friday March 9, 2012. Please send fees ($30.00/student and 10.00 teacher participation fee) and a copy of the Student List to Anna Chan, Chairperson. Please make check payable to MTAC Pasadena. The Bach Festival (Branch Level) will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at Church of Our Saviour, 535 W. Roses Rd, San Gabriel, 91775.

Monday, October 31, 2011

REMINDER....

Teachers who are planning to participate in the CM program, whether it is Path A or Path B, you have TWO (2) more weeks to register online. Deadline is 11.59 PM on Tuesday, November 15, 2011.

Please take note: If your student did not participate in CM in March 2011, you may not be able to re-enroll him or her unless he or she has a 6-digit password. Winna Tan, the CM Chair is not able to provide you with the 6-digit password. She has to contact the CCSR to receive the password and that takes time. If you ask her for that password on Tuesday evening, the 15th,  she may not be able to get it in time for you to register, and as a result, your student may be left out of the list. There is no late registration after Nov. 15.

PLEASE, REGISTER TODAY! 

Thursday, October 27, 2011

CM Teachers, please note...

New this year! Students registering for CM Path A must be age 5 or older as of November 15, 2011. There is no age limit for Path B.