March 2020
PTG Convention, Educational Events and COVID-19 Updates
Many of you have been inquiring if the PTG Annual Convention and Technical Institute to be held July 29 through August 1 will still take place. At this time, there are no plans to cancel or reschedule the event. We will continue to monitor the coronavirus outbreak and will be in discussion with health authorities and the PTG Board of Directors. Watch for a decision to be made on or around May 15. The health and safety of all our participants is our highest priority. Please visit  Events at www.ptg.org to see if other events have been cancelled or rescheduled, or check with the event contact person.
PTG Office Closed
In order to protect the health of our staff, the PTG Home Office will be closed through Tuesday, March 31. PTG will reevaluate the situation at that time.
 
Effective immediately, PTG Store shipments will be temporarily suspended.
 
The HO staff will be working normal office hours (8:00 am - 4:30 pm CST) from our homes. Office phones have been forwarded to staff cell phones but email may still be the easiest way to assure that your message gets through. Staff will have computers and access to all necessary tools. We will strive to maintain the highest level of customer service and responsiveness possible in this unique situation.
PTG Academy Expands
PTG is in the process of adding content to the online educational PTG Academy to serve as an opportunity for members to expand and practice skills during this time. Please login to my.ptg.org and the PTG Academy link will be on the right-hand side. If you have a video you would like to share, please contact Clint Sears ( clint@ptg.org ).
Home Office Hosts Voicing Class
It was a full classroom early in March as the “Voicing: Pragmatic, Intuitive, and Inclusive Tone Building” class took place at the PTG Home Office. Led by RPTs Jim Busby and Vince Mrykalo, the class offered 10 students an intense three-day course of study into all aspects of voicing. More information about upcoming education opportunities can be found on the Events page of the website.
PTG Committee Positions Available
Make a difference in your organization by volunteering for a PTG committee. All members are eligible to serve. Contact your RVP or PTG Vice President Marc Poulin  (vp@ptg.org)  to volunteer or recommend someone else. See a committee list in the Member Area of www.ptg.org.
Foundation Update
The Jack Wyatt Museum got a makeover this month as three members of the PTG Foundation Board of Directors spent three days rearranging displays. The new layout should make for a better experience for museum visitors. Pictured, left to right, Melanie Brooks, Vice President; Joyce Meekins, RPT, President, and Lucy Urlacher, RPT, Secretary-Treasurer.

Convention & Exam Scholarships Applications Due April 1
Interested in a free registration for the 2020 PTG Convention? The Piano Technicians Guild Foundation offers scholarships for a convention registration and an exam fee for members who have passed two RPT examinations and plan to take the third exam at the annual convention. You can apply online . A downloadable application is also available if you prefer to mail your application. Applications must be received at the Home Office no later than April 1 to qualify.
2020 Council
Council books will not be mailed again this year. They will be posted in the Member Area under Forms and Documents on  www.ptg.org  by June 26. A notice will be sent when it’s available for downloading. Check your mail or region’s community at  my.ptg.org  for the latest Winter RVP Newsletter. It includes a summary of actions taken during the Winter Board meeting.
Upcoming Deadlines
May 22
  • Final chapter and committee Bylaws proposals due to the Bylaws Committee. Any chapter or committee needing assistance in wording proposals should contact the Bylaws Committee prior to the deadline. Send proposals to bylaws@ptg.org or visit the Bylaws Committee page at www.ptg.org. Please use the template to submit a bylaws change.
June 11
PTG Green Initiative
As adopted in 2005, the Council Book of Resolutions states, "Home Office and PTG membership shall be environmentally aware." Over the last year, the HO has been working towards eliminating the printing and mailing of such things as newsletters, supplements, invoices and monthly statements. Please  update your profile online  or contact the HO if we do not have your current contact information.