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

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.