October 15, 2021
President’s Note

Coming Soon ­-- To an Inbox Near You!

It is with a great deal of excitement that we announce that the 2021 Fall Texas Music Teacher magazine will now be distributed digitally and arriving very soon to your inbox. The TMT is now able to be an all-color publication, with working links, videos, and so many other features that we haven’t begun yet to implement. TMT Managing Editor Dr. Scott Donald is working to create a magazine with more scholarly content, contributed by our regular and collegiate members. We hope you will enjoy the convenience of having the publication close at hand on any and all of your devices. As well as allowing us to have a more creative and flexible publication, it also cuts down on our continuously increasing printing and postage costs. We know you will find the new edition visually appealing, easy to navigate, and oh so convenient. Welcome to the new 2021 Fall Edition of Texas Music Teacher magazine.

Since next year is an even-numbered year, TMTA Elections are on the horizon. Please take the time to suggest someone you feel would be a great leader for TMTA. (Even yourself if you have the interest!) Information from Past President Celinda Hallbauer is in her article.
 
Also see Carol Crisp’s note below about the Original Composition Contest. This might be something to spice up your students’ musical journey this fall. Please consider it.

Be Healthy, Be Kind, Be In Tune with TMTA

Dr. Roy Wylie, NCTM
TMTA President
Deadlines

Suggestions for nominees for TMTA Officers and Board of Directors - November 1

Dates

MTNA/TMTA Performance Contest - November 13-14
SEARCHING FOR TMTA LEADERS…
Celinda Hallbauer, NCTM, TMTA Nominations and Elections Chair
There are many outstanding leaders in Texas Music Teachers Association. The Nominations and Elections Committee requests that each member and association consider members who would consider leading this great association as a state officer. This year, nominations are sought for President-Elect, VP for Business Activities, VP for Student Activities, and Board Directors.

Submitting a name for consideration does not automatically name this person as a candidate. The recommendation shall be presented to the TMTA Nominations and Elections Chair according to procedures specified by the TMTA Bylaws and the TMTA Policies and Procedures. To submit a name, go here for the TMTA Officers and for the Board of Directors.

For more information, contact one of the members of the Nominations and Elections Committee: Celinda Hallbauer, NCTM, Chair and Past President of TMTA; Janelle Schlaudt, NCTM, TMTA Past President; Mario Ajero, Scott Donald, Stathia Orwig, and Lillian Simmons.
Original Composition Contest News
Carol Crisp, NCTM, TMTA SA Original Composition Contest Coordinator
Because we have been living in a world afflicted with a pandemic, we have had to learn to carry on with our teaching sometimes using different means. Many of us have had to learn to record our students’ performances in order to enter them in virtual festivals, auditions and contests. This skill will help us when we enter our students’ original compositions this year. The new requirement for including an MP3 for every entry was waived for the contest last year because it was not as widely publicized as possible. This year the requirement will be enforced. If you do not know how to make an MP3, please ask an associate to help you.
 
Entering the 2021-2022 TMTA SA Original Composition Contest:
  • Find out the entry deadline and other requirements for entering your local association’s contest.
  • Carefully read and follow the instructions listed in the TMTA Handbook.
  • Students must pass the TMTA Theory Test in order to enter the contest.
  • Be sure to send an MP3 file with each original composition!
Meet Your TMTA Board
Paula Wong, NCTM, TMTA Awards Director (2021-2023)
Paula Wong began taking piano lessons at age 5 in Kansas City, Missouri. Inspired by one of her teachers, she began teaching piano lessons at age 11. Paula received a Masters degree in Piano Pedagogy from the University of Texas at Austin in 2003, where she studied with Dr. Betty Mallard. While completing her Masters degree, Paula founded her west Austin piano studio in 2000. Since then her studio has grown to include additional teachers, and approximately 90 students of all ages and experience levels. She has served on the board of the Austin District Music Teachers Association (ADMTA) since 2005, serving currently as the Immediate Past-President. Paula also holds a JD (law degree) from Baylor University School of Law (1988). Prior to obtaining her masters degree in music, Paula practiced law for ten years, and has served on several boards of directors of non-profit corporations.
 
“I am honored to serve on the TMTA board with so many dedicated music professionals. As the Awards Director, I will be overseeing the Teacher of the Year Awards as well as the Best of State Award. One of my goals is bring my legal and business experience into my work on the board where needed. I enjoy participating in quality decision-making, communicating with like-minded professionals, and problem-solving. Most of all, I hope that I can help our organization grow and improve upon the many ways in which we serve our teachers and students.”
~ fine ~