The East Texas Music Teachers Association maintains an active calendar of events and projects throughout the year thanks to the contributions of our dedicated teachers.
For many of our newer teachers, the easiest event to get involved is the Fall Festival, held for two days each November, at which students perform one memorized piece in an open and friendly group recital format. Students are thus able to listen to each other’s performances, and they receive a certificate and valuable feedback from the adjudicator. For teachers and students seeking a higher level of performance preparation, the Achievement Auditions, held over two days each April, requires three memorized pieces of contrasting styles. Three adjudicators provide written feedback for the students and choose approximately 30 to perform in the Honors Recital held in the University of Texas at Tyler’s Braithwaite Recital Hall. Participant numbers this year (2024) were at a high.
ETMTA students also participate in TMTA theory tests, Levels 1 – 12, that we hold every October and January at TJC. For the TMTA Conference Piano Ensemble Concerts, we are proud to send three large piano ensembles, whose performances are well-received. Other TMTA opportunities that our association hosts and promotes include the Original Composition and Publication Contest (with local music composition professors providing coaching to students before state submission), performance contests (with local contests and performances held before state entry deadlines), World of Music education and testing, and the Essay Publication Contest.
Teacher enrichment events are a high priority. During the 2024-2025 year, our chapter has planned several, including presentations on eight-hand piano transcriptions by our own Dr. Kaden Larson, collaborative music for intermediate and early-advanced students from guest Carlie Ann Toliver, integrating composition into studio curriculum by our own collegiate student Cayden Chaffin, and a presentation and masterclass on pop music arranging and performance from guest Dr. Danny Milan. ETMTA also hosts Holiday Recitals each December, and this year we will be inviting non-affiliated music teachers and studios in the area. We are also active in inviting collegiate students to become involved as teachers and volunteers. Several collegiate members are submitting proposals to present at the 2025 MTNA Collegiate Symposium.
This summer (2024), our chapter also participated in Make Music Day (presented by the NAMM Foundation and part of the international Fête de la Musique), with impromptu “flash mob” piano ensemble performances at Mundt Music in Tyler. This was in response to and in support of the city of Tyler being recognized as a Certified Music Friendly Texas Community destination.
