Volume 56, Number 2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           November 2009

Do You Want a Hard Copy of Opus?

In an effort to be more cost effective, it was decided to publish OPUS online, almost eliminating the cost of printing and postage. It is recognized, however, that there are members who do not have email access. These members still received the last and the current issue of Opus in print. Due to the cost of printing and mailing OPUS, it is necessary to charge $15.00 to continue doing so, effective the June 2010 issue. Should you wish to receive a hard copy please submit this payment, with your membership fees in March, to the Registrar, Leanne Bowes.
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SRMTA Fall Conference in Swift Current
Gail Murray

YEE-HAA…!   Swift Current Branch of the SRMTA gave a warm welcome to teachers from across the province on Sept 25-26.  Following registration Friday evening, an inspiring organ concert was presented by Valerie Hall of Regina at First United Church . The  pipe organ’s lofty, rich tones brought us back in time to enjoy music of Handel and many composers with an English connection, to the present with an uplifting performance of Bedard’s “Variations on The Old Hundredth”.  An enjoyable time of fellowship and refreshments ended the evening.

On Saturday morning, Valerie Hall presented a very practical workshop on using the keyboard, whether it be organ, piano or harpsichord, as a teaching tool with the goal of teaching musicianship. We explored “What makes a musician?” with practical tips on sight reading, score reading, transposition, harmony, hymn playing, improvisation, accompanying, repertoire, ear training and theory all done at the keyboard. We were encouraged to inspire our students, help them think critically and set them up to succeed.

The trade fair this year was particularly good with it’s expanded variety of vendors- music, instruments, bath salts, note cards, art work etc.

Following the first turkey dinner of the fall season, we were entertained in true wild west style by the very talented musical theatre group “The Dazzlers” led by Heather Macnab, president of the Swift Current Branch.

The AGM took place in the afternoon when several exciting projects were  presented by the board including plans to launch  the new Jean McCulluch Junior Piano Competition, new provincial brochures being planned, new Community Service Awards for students to be implemented, and new available on-line Opus Newsletters. As well, after several years’ hard work, amended by-laws were passed, which among other things enables Affiliate members the right to vote. A lively discussion on fund-raising also took place which will hopefully mean another project or two will be implemented with the help of the general membership of the SRMTA.
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What is Happening Around the Province

Battlefords Branch
Diane Neil

We’ve had two meetings since summer holidays.  Several of our members thoroughly enjoyed the National Music Festival Competition in Saskatoon in August, with many volunteering at the various venues.  What a great opportunity for us!   Our main focus in the last meeting was putting the final touches on our upcoming Canada Music Week Concert. As it is the 100th anniversary of Saskatchewan music festivals, we decided our theme would be “Celebrate Saskatchewan Music”.  This concert is mainly a student recital.  We are encouraging Saskatchewan and Canadian composers and even have an own composition (you can’t get any more Saskatchewan than that!).  We are happy to have the Sweet Adelines as guest artists.   It should prove to be a wonderful afternoon of music.   Although there are no definite plans as to date, we are hoping to have a workshop in January or February.


East Central Branch
Angel Liebrecht

The East Central Registered Music Teachers started off our year with a technology workshop.  Clinician Darren Schwartz from Darren’s Music Place showed us how technology can enhance our music lessons as well as our studio.  We hosted an RCM workshop in September looking at the new RCM theory syllabus.  Our biggest event for the year is planning our “Technique Olympics”.  We are in the process of ironing out the rules – each student will have a chance to participate in studio trials and the winners of each grade will advance to “The Olympics” which will coincide with the 2010 Winter Olympics.  We are looking forward to our Christmas party.  We will once again be meeting for a potluck lunch followed by “Christmas jamming”.  We hope all our members are practicing because in spring we will be meeting for a “Chopin Celebration” where all teachers will perform a piece by Chopin and enjoy an evening of socializing. 

Regina Branch
Kim Engen

The Regina Branch is planning a number of workshops for this year.  In November the Yamaha Music Centre is hosting a workshop on the strengths and weaknesses of digital pianos, and understanding how acoustic pianos are constructed, and how to recognize quality products.  We also have upcoming workshops on yoga relaxation techniques for students, teachers and performers and a round table discussion on business policies.

In February we are excited to be hosting Nancy Telfer for a number of days to do workshops with choirs, master classes with students and a workshop for teachers.  The week will conclude with a concert of Nancy’s works performed by local students and choirs.

Saskatoon Branch
Mark Turner

The fall has been a wonderful time to recharge our batteries and get some inspiration for the teaching year.  We kicked off the year with our annual fall pot-luck.  We had a general meeting and amazing supper at the home of Shirley England - it was a wonderful warm September night and having supper in the garden pool-side gave a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues.  We were lucky to be entertained that evening with a performance by soprano Danika Steckler.
 
October seemed to be a month all about education.  We kicked it off with the RCM Theory Workshop on the new syllabus, and followed it up by a workshop on technology in the studio.  Darren Schwartz gave a great presentation on what the advancements in technology can do for our studios - people loved the workshop and have already requested that we do it again!  Many of our members attended a clinic with pianist/composer Heather Schmidt - Ms. Schmidt was brought in for a Sunday recital series at Gustin House, and was co-sponsored by Yamaha Piano and Darren's Music Place.  Our branch would like to thank Gustin House for this amazing workshop - hopefully Ms. Schmidt will be back very soon.

Heading in to winter we have lots to be excited about.  In November we have a presentation on "Motivation in the Studio" by member Nicole Elliott.  Nicole is a Master Teacher for Suzuki and is the program coordinator of Community Music Education Program at the University of Saskatchewan.  In February we welcome back psychologist Darcia Evens who will be discussing topics of music and the brain - last year Darcia gave a brilliant presentation filled with insight and humour.  In March we'll be celebrating Chopin's 200th birthday with a presentation by member Bonnie Nicholson on "Chopin for the young...a teacher's perspective" - Bonnie is a well known pianist who teaches piano at the University of Saskatchewan, and is excited to have the chance to speak about this beloved composer.

We have also kicked off a fundraising campaign.  One of our goals of the last few years has been to strengthen our partnerships with other organizations in the music community.   We have a long standing partnership with the Saskatoon Symphony and this fall we're helping to sell Symphony Gourmet Guides.  We'll make a profit off every book we sell, and as a branch would like to donate that profit as an honorarium in appreciation to the provincial Registrar.  Although we're only days in  to the campaign, our members are enthusiastic and Gourmet Guides are selling like crazy!

Last year we started a new tradition of having a branch Christmas party, and what a brilliant success it was.  Live music, decadent food, fruit cake, christmas sweaters, and wine - it was a night that people are still talking about.  This year the tradition continues and hopefully will be more merry and jolly than last year!

We are so excited to invite teachers from across the province to the provincial convention next fall.  We are planning an awesome weekend of music and workshops.  In the upcoming weeks we'll be able to offcially announce our dates and the concert pianist and workshop clinicians.  We hope everyone can come to help make music happen!

Swift Current Branch
Rebecca Chilton

Swift Current branch had a busy and rewarding September. As hosts of the SRMT AGM, September 25 & 26, we presented organist, Valerie Hall in concert at the First United Church.   The president's reception following was enjoyed by the concert goers giving members an opportunity to renew acquaintances and to meet new members. Thirty-six registered for the workshop Saturday morning given by Valerie. She inspired us to teach musicianship and create musicians using instruments as tools. We had 11 trade tables, giving our membership a variety of music, art work, and instruments to browse over during breaks. Fifteen door prizes were drawn for as well as the  four paper oragami table decorations.  Heather Macnabs'  "Dazzlers" entertained us  after a delicious turkey dinner served by the United Church ladies. The AGM was followed by goodbyes for another year. We thank all who came to Swift Current. We hope your stay was enjoyable.

Executive for 2009-2010  are: 
Past President- Lois Noble;   President- Heather Macnab;   Vice-President- Diana Martens:   Secretary- Rebecca Chilton;   Publicity/Archives- Marilyn Ginther,
Phoning- Sharon Carsen;   Music Festival liasons- Karen MacCallum and Rebecca Chilton

At our October 30th gathering, several members presented  test pieces from the new Music festival syllabus. Discussion resulted on teaching techniques and interesting information on the  composers  We are planning a Canada Music Week Recital on November 29, 2009 at Swift Current Art Gallery. Exam students from the last year will also be recognized.   

We are sad to announce the passing of Margaret Anderson, a long time member of  SRMTA.
We wish you all a happy holiday season.

Yorkton Branch
Barb Waldbauer

Greetings from the Yorkton Branch. We are planning activities to celebrate Canada Music Week in November. We will be hosting Saskatchewan’s own David MacIntyre on November 27th and 28th. On Friday November 27 he will conduct a Masterclass for piano and vocal  Students followed by a Concert of his own compositions at St. Andrew’s United Church, 7:00 P.M. The next day`s Masterclasses will be for younger students, and David will conduct a Teacher`s Workshop at 3:30 .

Our Christmas Luncheon takes place Saturday Nov 21 at The Parkland Greenhouse. We will enjoy all the beautiful greenery, poinsettias  and decorations,as well as socializing with our colleagues.This year we will give a $10 donation  to charity rather than exchanging gifts.

We are planning a Spring Gala concert in March. We will invite all of our students to participate, performing solos,duets  and ensembles.This will take the place of our Duet Concert, and our Boy`s Concert.

As a group we would like to say farewell to Bev Tillman who passed away after a brave fight with cancer. He was an active member of our organization before moving to Regina, and will be remembered fondly by all of us who knew him.

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SRMTA Music Writing Competition Winners
Noreen King

The 2009 SRMTA Music Writing Competition was an astounding success due to an absolutely overwhelming response from many budding young composers around the province.  Our adjudicator, Nancy Telfer from Bracebridge, Ontario, was very impressed with the quality of submissions at all levels… which ranged from ages 8 & Under to the Open Class (for those over age 19). For the first time, we had a financial backer, Prairie Malt of Biggar, SK, who provided SRMTA with award money.  We are indebted to Prairie Malt, because the prizes being offered moved this competition into high-gear.  Rather than receiving only a handful of entries, for the first time we had 27.  First place entries were awarded a certificate and cash prize.  Second and third place winners were awarded certificates.  In addition, there was one special prize, the Adjudicator’s Choice Award, which received an additional cash award.

This past July, our 1st place provincial winners advanced to the national competition, the CFMTA Canada Music Week Music Writing Competition, and were judged at the CFMTA National Convention in Sackville, NB.  Our Senior Open winner, Rachel Fowlie-Neufeld, placed 2nd at the national level.  For the first time ever, two of our winners posted their winning compositions on YouTube:   Katja Keszaros of Biggar  (winner of our 19 and Under category)  posted her composition “Aeolian Ostinato” on YouTube.  And Rachel Fowlie-Neufeld of Saskatoon  (winner of our Open Category, and 2nd place winner of the CFMTA Canada Music Week Music Writing Competition)  posted her composition “Ravens” on YouTube as well.  To see and hear these two winning compositions, go to www.youtube.com, and search for “SRMTA Music Writing Competition”.

The application form is now online for the 2010 SRMTA Music Competition.  The spring deadline is April 1, 2010.

8 YEARS AND UNDER  –  PREPARATORY, CLASS 1 ($50 PRAIRIE MALT AWARD)

First Place: Janae Hunter (Saskatoon)
Composition: “Going to Edmonton”
Student of Raena Barnes

Janae Hunter is eight-years-old and is a grade two student in Saskatoon.  At school, her favourite subject is art.  This is her third year of playing piano, two of which have been with the Music for Young Children program.  Last year she wrote her first composition, and she has enjoyed writing many more since!  Janae’s other interests include soccer, swimming, skating, and singing

Second Place (tied): Kai Gaboury (Saskatoon)
Composition: “Pancakes”
Student of Raena Barnes

Kai Gaboury is 5 years old.  He lives with his family in Saskatoon, takes piano lessons from Miss Raena (Barnes), and thinks it’s a lot of fun. She plays lots of fun music games to help him learn his notes and beats.  Kai started piano lessons last fall, and is entering his 2nd year of piano instruction. This fall, he started Kindergarten. He loves listening to the radio, classical music, and kids’ songs.  His favourite songs are people who sing high notes (opera).  He also like to play games, loves going swimming, and reading “Mr. Men” books.

Second Place (tied): Brynja Bayda (Saskatoon)
Composition: “The Fairy Dance”
Student of Raena Barnes                   

Brynja is eight years old, and has entered Grade Four. She has been doing Music for Young Children with Raena Barnes for three years. Brynja enjoys playing piano and likes to have her Dad help her practice. Her reward for getting through a challenging practice is to jam with him on the piano while he plays guitar. Brynja’s musical experience has helped her enjoy dance, singing, and drama. She has had the opportunity to perform at Folkfest, participate in her school’s production of The Sound of Music, and work with children’s performer Brenda Baker to put on a show called ImagiNation at the Children’s Festival. This fall Brynja is very excited to be joining the Saskatoon Children’s Preparatory Choir.

Third Place: Quinlin Wotherspoon (Saskatoon) 
Composition: “A Little Girl Lost in the Forest” 
Student of Noreen King

Quinlin, born December 2001, has been exposed to music from a very early stage of her life.  Since her parents enjoy classical music and her mother also plays the piano, she has enjoyed music since her ears were developed…...in the womb!  Anytime she heard any sort of music, she'd move to the music.  Once she entered the world, anytime there was music in the air, she would try to sing or dance. She also loved "playing" the piano from an early age as she respected the instrument for what it was.  As soon as she could get up to the piano, she would play…. and to her parents’ amazement, the songs sounded like songs.  At the age of 4 , she was enrolled in the Music for Young Children Program for a year, and has been studying piano for several years with Noreen King.  Quinlin is always playing or making music, singing, or dancing.


11 YEARS AND UNDER  –  CATEGORY A, CLASS 1  ($75 PRAIRIE MALT AWARD)

First Place: Owen Muri (Swift Current)
Composition: “Bells of Narnia”
Student of Rebecca Chilton

Owen Muri is 10 years old, and is enrolled in Grade 4 French Immersion at Ecole Oman in Swift Current.  He has been playing piano for 4 years, and has always loved to doodle on the piano.  This year he learned that his doodling is actually composing. His music teacher is Rebecca Chilton.  Owen also plays soccer, and this fall he started to play football.  He lives on a farm, and is also in 4-H beef.

Second Place: Erik Andvaag (Regina)
Composition: “Shattered”
Student of Karen Klassen

Erik Andvaag is 11 years old, lives in Regina, and has just completed Grade 6 in school.  He wrote his first song in 2006, has written three others since, and is currently working on his 5th composition.  Aside from studying piano with Karen Klassen, Erik enjoys drawing, reading, writing, and video games.

Third Place:Jeena Achkar( Biggar)
Composition: “Twinkling Stars”
Student of Peggy L’Hoir

Jeena lives in Biggar, Saskatchewan and is ten years old. She loves composing because when she sits on that piano bench she starts pushing the keys, making wonderful songs. She loves the certificate presented to her from the Music Writing Competition, and feels very proud.  Jeena also loves dancing (which she has studied for 7 years with Peggy L’Hoir), and feeling the art of music.  She thinks there’s nothing greater than piano, and loves the sounds of all musical instruments.


15 YEARS AND UNDER   –   CATEGORY B,  CLASS 1   ($100 PRAIRIE MALT AWARD)

First Place: Graeme Studer (Saskatoon)
Composition: “Journey Home”
Student of Raena Barnes

Graeme Studer is not only the winner of the 15 Years and Under Category, but was also awarded the Adjudicator’s Choice Award.  He has played piano since he was 4 years old, and he also plays trumpet in his school band.  In addition to piano he enjoys painting, soccer, is a hockey goalie, and does track and field.

Second Place: Anwen Rees (Saskatoon)
Compositions: “After the Rain”
Student of Kelly Parker Cates

Anwen Rees was born on August 16, 1996.  Even as a small child she showed great interest in music and was involved in “Parenting with Music “ and “Music in early Childhood” classes offered through the Extension Division of the University of Saskatchewan. At the age of five, she started taking piano lessons at home, and at age six, she moved her lessons to her current piano teacher’s studio, Kelly Parker Cates. During the next few years, and under the supervision and encouragement of her teacher, she began to compose a few shorter pieces for piano like “The Little Elf” and “Stars”.  In 2008 she wrote a playful piece called “Cats and Dogs” which she played at the Saskatoon Music Festival, winning her first prize for a self-composed piece in the 13 and under category. Last spring, she submitted  “After the Rain”  (a solo piano piece) and ”Cockroach Tango”  (a piano duet which she co-wrote with her long time friend and piano teacher’s daughter Zoe Parker Cates) to the SRMTA Music Writing Competition.  “After the Rain” was awarded second place in the 15 and Under Category. Anwen continues to enjoy playing piano and has also learned to play the clarinet and tenor saxophone.

Third Place (tied): Zoë Parker Cates (Saskatoon)
Composition: “Being 13”
Student of Kelly Parker-Cates

Zoë Parker Cates is in 8th grade at Greystone Heights School in Saskatoon. She plays trumpet, piano, and violin, and enjoys composing music.   Zoë is also in her school's concert and jazz bands.  In her spare time, she has a lot of fun running cross-country and playing flag football.  This spring, Zoë was the lone girl in the Saskatoon 6-A-Side tackle football league, and will proudly be joining again in May.  Zoë would like to thank the SRMTA for offering this music writing competition.

Third Place (tied):Illya Ostashewsk (Regina)
Composition: “Pirates of the Dead Coast”
Student of Lyndi Blakley

Illya Ostashewski (b. 30 March 1997)   -  Illya had a great year in Regina before moving, to Hamilton, Ontario with his family. He enjoyed taking piano lessons with Lyndi Blakley, Grade 6 with Ms. Gellner at Marion McVeety School, as well as learning Kung Fu at the Chung Wah Centre downtown.  Illya loves all things fantastical - dragons, pirates, magical beings, and worlds.


19 YEARS AND UNDER   –   CATEGORY C,  CLASS 1   ($150 PRAIRIE MALT AWARD)
First Place: Katja Meszaros (Biggar)
Composition:“Aeolian Ostinato”
Student of Peggy L’Hoir

Katja Meszaros is sixteen years old and has lived in Biggar, Saskatchewan all her life.  She is currently in grade eleven at BCS 2000.  Activities she enjoys include piano, voice, musical theatre, drama, stage band, cross-country running, and track, as well as youth group, singing in church, being a counsellor at Ranger Lake Bible Camp, going to musical theatre camps and workshops, and musicals.  For a couple years she has been a volunteer teacher in the “Heart of the City” piano program in Biggar.  Last June she did her grade nine piano and grade five voice practical exams.  She composed “Aeolian Ostinato” this year mainly because she composed a song called “Premonition” last year and it was a good experience for her so she decided to do it again.  Also, Katja thinks composing is a fun thing to do in her spare time, and it’s a good way to express yourself.  (And her mom said if she didn’t write down her musical ideas, she wouldn’t leave her alone until she did!!)   Katja sends a huge thank-you to her piano teacher Peggy L’Hoir for all the time she has spent helping her on her musical journey.

Katja has posted her composition “Aeolian Ostinato” on YouTube.  To see and hear her composition, go to www.youtube.com and search for “SRMTA Music Writing Competition”.

Second Place: Kristofer Hosaluk (Saskatoon)
Composition: “Gone”  (voice and piano)
Student of Bonnie Nicholson

Kristofer Hosaluk is an active composer, performer, instrumentalist and vocalist.  Kristofer was born and raised in Saskatoon and has been musically inclined since the age of three when he began The Music for Little People program at the Yamaha Piano Centre.  Kristofer has completed RCM Grade 9 saxophone, studying with Dr. Glen Gillis.  He is currently working on RCM Grade 10 piano with Bonnie Nicholson, RCM Grade 9 voice with Dr. Garry Gable and Kathleen Lohrenz Gable and level five theory with Audrey Bayduza.  In previous years, Kristofer has studied with Marilyn Whitehead, Chris Kelly, Noreen King, Doug Gilmour, Martin Janovsky, Penny Joynt, Janet McGonigle and Sheldon Corbett.  Kristofer participated in the Provincial Honour Choir, the Saskatoon Boys' Choir, Saskatoon's Fireside Singers, and four High School Jazz Intensives with the Saskatoon Jazz Festival. He has studied oboe and violin and plays three kinds of saxophones. He is a member of Saskatoon Opera and has performed chorus roles in Rigoletto and La Boheme.  Including Musical Theatre performances, Kristofer has won numerous first and second place awards at the Saskatoon Music Festival. Kristofer performs at weddings and fund-raisers in Saskatoon.  "Gone" is Kristofer's first complete composition for voice and piano. Kris is one of newest SRMTA members, and has recently joined as an Affiliate Level 2. He plans to continue creating music wherever he goes!

Third Place: Bevan Buhler (Yorkton)
Composition: “Victoria Harbour”
Student of Laurel Teichroeb

Bevan Buhler is a grade twelve student at the Yorkton Regional High School. There he is a part of choir, vocal jazz, and plays trumpet in the concert and jazz bands. Currently working on his Associate in piano with CNCM, Bevan plans to pursue a career as a music teacher and continue composing on the side.


OPEN   –   CATEGORY D,  CLASS 1   ($175 PRAIRIE MALT AWARD)

First Place: Rachel Fowlie-Neufeld (Saskatoon)
Composition: “Ravens”
Student of Noreen King

Rachel is currently studying piano with Noreen King in Saskatoon, and will be entering her final year of a B.A. Honours in English this fall.  She is an avid supporter of the Canadian music scene and also enjoys many different composers and musical styles. Although Rachel has always been involved in creating and playing music, she only recently stepped back into formal music lessons after taking some time off after high school.  She hopes to follow her musical journey wherever it leads and continue to explore new modes of musical expression.  In addition to music, Rachel's interests include literature, pottery, language/culture, coffee, and many other forms of human interaction and expression.  She is currently a proud Saskatonian, but hopes to explore new cities and towns in the near future.

Rachel has posted her composition “Ravens” on YouTube.  To see and hear her composition, go to www.youtube.com, and search for “SRMTA Music Writing Competition”.

News Flash:  Rachel‘s winning piece, “Ravens”, advanced to the CFMTA Canada Music Week Music Writing Competition, where it completed against all other provincial winners, winning second place.

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Memorial Donations

In memory of loved ones, former music teachers, colleagues or students, you may receive a tax receipt for donations of $50 or more. The method for receiving such a tax receipt is as follows:

Make the cheque out to CFMTA
Send the cheque and indicate to where you would like acknowledgement be sent, to: SRMTA

These memorial donations will be used to help a deserving music student to attend a music camp of his or her choice. Donations of less that $50 will also be welcomed but a regular receipt rather than a tax receipt will be sent to the donor. The method for submitting this type of donation is as follows:

Make the cheque payable to SRMTA
Send the cheque along with where you would like acknowledgement to be sent to SRMTA

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SRMTA Music Camp Bursary

The Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers’ Camp Bursary Fund was established to provide financial assistance to music students who wish to attend a summer music camp. Originally established as a memorial fund, it is funded by donations from families of former SRMTA members, and from the Provincial Music Teachers’ Association on behalf of music teachers who were formerly part of our Association. The amount of the Bursary for 2010 will be $150.00, and will be awarded to one candidate, or divided among several candidates.

Students applying for this Bursary may be studying music in any discipline (piano, voice, strings, theory, etc.), must be between the ages of 8 and 18 years (as of December 31, 2009), must be studying under the direction of a music teacher who is a current member of the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers Association, and must attend a music camp during the summer of 2010. The winner of the SRMTA Memorial Bursary must submit a short report to SRMTA about their experiences at music camp, after which time the Bursary money will be forwarded to the winner.

The SRMTA Music Camp Bursary honours the memory of the following past members:

Margaret Kippen
Marguerite Richards
Marjorie Temple
Beverly Tillman

The recipients of the SRMTA Music Camp Bursary for 2009 were:


Simon Garez (Student of Karen Hill and Rebecca Hankins Vopni)
Kaitlyn Kasha (Student of Rebecca Hankins Vopni)
Meagan Milatz (Student of Cherith Alexander)

To download an application form, click here . . . . .

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My folks were not campers. Living outdoors, sitting around a fire, was not my Dad's idea of comfort. So naturally, when I got married, I was careful to choose a girl who had spent all her childhood summers traipsing the countryside in her family's tent trailer.  My wife has wonderful memories of taking off on her bike at the campsite and meeting other kids at the playgrounds and beaches and making friends all across the country.  So I a have decided to make a few summer memories of my own. Next summer, 2010, I will travel from town to town in Saskatchewan, occasionally setting up my tent trailer, and offering keyboard workshops in six areas of the province.

Each summer since 1995, I have been offering a week-long keyboard workshop in Saskatoon.  The idea was to provide new skills for classically trained pianists, which would enhance their ability to play keyboard for contemporary Christian worship.  I initially called the course "Play Piano by Ear" and advertised in local churches. Sessions ran Monday through Friday, starting at 9 am and finishing at 3:30 each day; I catered lunch and snacks.  Each of the five participants had access to a piano and practice room.  The workshops were a great success and many of my students now play in worship bands.  As time went on, I made some changes to the format, shortening the day to 3 hours and changing the title to "Contemporary Keyboard Workshops - Gospel and Worship Music."  But my basic approach has not changed, and I still provide snacks! 

Now, in order to share this with a wider audience, I am taking the workshop on the road.  To add value and accommodate those who do not have the flexibility to attend daytime sessions, I will also offer opportunities in the evenings for individual tutoring sessions as well as personalized coaching for worship and contemporary bands. The proposed locations and dates for next summer's workshops are:

North Battleford: July 5 - 9
Saskatoon: July 12 - 16
Swift Current: Aug 16 - 20
Regina: Aug 23 - 27  

Each workshop runs Monday – Friday for 3 hours in the morning or afternoon (2 hrs. on Fridays). The sessions alternate between group instruction and individual practice time.  Only 5 students are accepted for each session, allowing each student access to a private practice room and individual tutoring.  This structure gives ample time for each student to spend at the keyboard,   turning the information from head knowledge into practical skill.

An essential skill needed to play for contemporary worship is the ability to play from a chart -- music containing the lyrics, melody line, and chords of a song.  To play adequately from a chart, a musician needs a good knowledge of chords, so thoroughly mastering the chords is the first step in the workshop. However, merely moving from chord to chord becomes pretty dull, pretty fast; it is important to create some interest and beauty in the music.  This leads to learning what to do with the chords. In step two of the workshop, students are given specific ideas to learn and apply in a song; techniques include using broken chord patterns, inverted chords, altered chords and more.  We also explore examination technical requirements such as scales, triads and arpeggios as the basis for creating an enjoyable arrangement. 
Piano instructors are welcome to attend the workshop as participants or as auditors. All instructors will receive “Teaching Piano for Contemporary Christian Worship,” a manual which outlines my methods and provides ideas for teachers to build on the workshop principles.  The material includes tips on introducing chart playing, information on creating basic harmonic and melodic structures, as well as simple arranging and accompanying techniques.  It also offers some advice on preparing students to play in a worship band. 

What students would find this training most useful and appealing?  Previous workshops have included participants aged 15 to 65 years, with a variety of musical backgrounds. The typical teenage student has been taking lessons for a number of years, working at a gr. 5 RCM level or higher, and is interested in playing in a worship band. Adult students often have had earlier piano training and want to renew or expand their skills.  

Updated information and application forms are available at Vist out Sponsors; click on workshops.  For more information, please feel free to contact me.  I hope to see you (and your students) next summer!

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Call for Compositions

CFMTA is calling for compositions for performance during Canada Music Week 2010. For more information click here . . . .
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Are you missing Festival Focus? You can read this on SMFA's website. Click here . . . .

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A Week with Nancy Telfer
Gregory Chase

The Regina Branch is honoured to have Nancy Telfer work with choirs, students, and teachers the week of February 23 - 27, 2010. Workshops for teachers will occur on Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27. Nancy will work with students on compositions, and masterclasses in both piano and voice. The week will end with an evening concert on Saturday, February 27, featuring the vocal, choral, and piano works of Nancy Telfer, along with a massed choir under the direction of Nancy. For further details download the brochure by clicking here . . . . [link removed due to time-dated material}

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CFMTA What's New

CFMTA has added a "What's New" link to their website. Check it out . . .

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Jean McCulloch Junior Piano Competition
Karen Langlois

The Jean McCulloch Junior Piano Competition is a new piano competition hosted by the SRMTA, and made possible through the generous donation of Regina piano teacher Jean McCulloch. This competition recognizes the hard work and talent of Saskatchewan piano students working in grades 3 through 8.  It will hopefully be a stepping stone for students into the SRMTA senior level competitions. The Jean McCulloch Junior Piano Competition will travel throughout the province, with this inaugural year taking place in Regina on May 29, 2010.

For the rules and regulations, and application form, click here . . . .

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Community Music Award Program
Sarah Clark Gregory

PURPOSE:To encourage students to take their music out into the community.

ELIGIBILITY:
Students of any age or level of music study, studying with a Saskatchewan Registered Music Teacher.

BENEFITS TO THE STUDENT AND THE COMMUNITY:
1. To give students recognition for sharing their music and encouraging a practical use for their musical education.
2. To take students out of the private music studio and their homes and into the greater musical community.
3. To give students a greater awareness of how their music can be used throughout their lives.
4. To give a student a goal to strive for regardless of musical capabilities.

VOLUNTEERING SUGGESTIONS:
Musical volunteering ideas are not to be judged and might include:
1. Playing music at care homes, hospitals, or to shut-ins.
2. Taking a senior citizen to a concert.
3. Helping with musical programs in churches.
4. Helping with extracurricular music programs at schools.
5. Assisting a music therapist.
6. As a piano accompanist for singer (s) or instrumentalists.
7. Helping with various tasks at music festivals.
8. Volunteering at concerts with such activities as helping with programs, staging, lighting, etc.
9. Providing music at a senior citizen luncheon.

AWARD LEVELS:
BRONZE CERTIFICATE: requires 10 hours
SILVER CERTIFICATE: 10 hours from Bronze Certificate plus 25 hours =35 hours
GOLD CERTIFICATE: 35 hours from Silver Certificate plus 25 hours = 60 hours 

Application forms will be available to download from the SRMTA website by December 1st, 2009. 
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Competition Deadlines and Application forms

CFMTA Young Artist Competition
Entry deadlines are January 8, 2010. Click here to download an application form.

Dorothy Bee Scholarship
Entry deadlines are January 31, 2010. Click here to download an application form.

Lyell Gustin Memorial Piano Scholarship
Entry deadlines are January 31, 2010. Click here to download an application form.

Jean McCulloch Junior Piano Competition
Entry deadlines are Friday, March 26, 2010. Click here to download an application form.

SRMTA Music Camp Bursary
Entry deadlines are May 15, 2010. Click here to download an application form.

SRMTA Music Writing Competition
Entry deadlines are April 1, 2010. Application form coming soon.

Gordon Wallis Competition
Please remember to refer to the Fall 2009 OPUS for information and application forms for the upcoming Gordon Wallis Competition, or click here. The competition will be held at St.James Anglican Church in Saskatoon on the week-end of May 29, 2010.

Entry deadlines are January 31, 2010.

Please send completed forms to: Eunice Koehler
                                                     419 Steiger Way
                                                     Saskatoon, SK    S7N  4K2

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Executive and Board Members 2009 - 2010

President: Sandra Kerr, Regina
Vice President: vacant
Past President: Gregory Chase, Regina    

Board: Audrey Bayduza, Saskatoon
           Sarah Clark Gregory, Watrous
           Karen Langlois, Prince Albert  
           Gail Murray, Yellow Grass
           Audrey Watson, Rosthern

Registrar: Leanne Bowes, Saskatoon    
CFMTA:   First Delegate: Sandra Kerr
              Second Delegate: Vacant

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SRMTA Appointments 2009 - 2010

Archives: Anne McGilp
Dorothy Bee Scholarship: Gail Murray
Canada Music Week: Gregory Chase
CNCM: Laurel Teichroeb
Community Service Award: Sarah Clark Gregory
Composer Division: Janet Gieck
Gustin Scholarship: Lynn Ewing
London College: Mark Turner
McCulloch Piano Competition: Karen Langlois
Music Camp Bursary Sandra Kerr
Music Writing Competition: Audrey Watson
RCM: Kathy Lohrenz Gable
SMEA:  
SMFA: Verna Veikle
SRMTA Journal: Gregory Chase
SRMTA Webmaster: Gregory Chase
Trinity College: Mary Friesen
University of Regina Senate: Karen Frandsen
University of Saskatoon Senate: Lynn Ewing
Wallis/Bowes Scholarship: Eunice Koehler
Young Artist: Cathy Donahue
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Branch Presidents and Secretaries 2009 - 2010

Branch                                         President                                                                                 Secretary
Lloydminster         Pamela Rollheiser.................... (306) 825-4168                         Betty Skinner.............................. (780) 872-3633
                             email: ............................. pberdine@sasktel.net                     email: .............................. bskinner@lloydmail.ca

Prince Albert         Karen Langlois ........................ (306) 763-4674                        Karen Langlois .......................... (306) 763-4674
                            email: ...................... langloismusic@sasktel.net                     email: ........................ langloismusic@sasktel.net

Battlefords             Marjorie Klassen...................... (306) 342-4946                        Diane Neil................................... (306) 228-3782
                             email: ..............................cklassen@sasktel.net                    email: ............................. jdneil228/@sasktel.net

Saskatoon             Mark Turner............................. (306) 652-4413                        Verna Olfert............................... (306) 384-8431
                             email: ........................ turnerstudio@sasktel.net                     email: .................................. vjolfert@sasktel.net

West Central         Cathy Donahue..........................306) 237-4790                        Helen Barclay..............................(306) 463-6695
                            email: ........................... bdonahue@sasktel.net                      email: .................................. barros@sasktel.net 
 
Yorkton                 Diane Jones ............................ (306) 542-2238                       Sheri Weinmaster....................... (306) 782-4239
                            email: ........................ diane.jones@xplornet.ca                      email: .......................... sourcesheri@sasktel.net

East Central         Maureen Loeffelholz................. (306) 256-7105                         Angel Liebrecht...........................(306) 365-9989
                           email: ........................... loeffelholz@sasktel.net                      email: ............................ liebrecht.a@sasktel.net

Swift Current         Lois Noble................................ (306) 773-1468                        Celia Hammerton ....................... (306) 778-0576
                                                                                                                         email: ......................... celiajane13@hotmail.com

                                                                                                                         Rebecca Chilton ....................... ( 306) 773-2353
                                                                                                                         email: ............................ thechiltons@sasktel.net

Regina               Kimberly Engen........................ (306) 585-7810                          Marina Wensley ........................ (306) 546-2890
                         email: ................................ engenk@gmail.com                        email: .............................wensleytm@sasktel.net

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Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers' Association is a proud member of