NFMC Junior Keynotes, Autumn 2015

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF MUSIC CLUBS

Junior Keynotes Autumn 2015 • Vol. 88, No. 1

2015 Winners’ Edition

HAL LEONARD STUDENT PIANO LIBRARY CHRISTMAS PIANO SOLOS MORE CHRISTMAS Following up on the success of the Christmas Piano Solos books for levels 1-5 of the Hal Leonard Student Piano Library, these books contain additional holiday selections for each grade level that will work great with any piano method.

Arranged by Fred Kern, Phillip Keveren, Carol Klose, Jennifer Linn, and Mona Rejino.

PRESTAFF LEVEL

Away in a Manger • Deck the Hall • The Huron Carol • I Saw Three Ships • Jolly Old St. Nicholas • O Come, Little Children

• Up on the Housetop.

00296818 Book/CD Pack .............................. $10.99 00296790 Book .............................................. $6.99

LEVEL 1

Blue Christmas • Do You Hear What I Hear • Frosty the Snow Man • Here Comes Santa Claus (Right down Santa Claus Lane) • Joy to the World • Over the River and Through the Woods • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer • The Snow Lay on the Ground.

00296819 Book/CD Pack .............................. $12.99 00296791 Book ............................................. $6.99

LEVEL 2

Angels We Have Heard on High • Auld Lang Syne • Hallelujah Chorus • He Is Born, the Holy Child • A Holly Jolly Christmas • I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas • Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Let It Snow! • Silver Bells • The Twelve Days of Christmas • We Are Santa’s Elves.

00296820 Book/CD Pack .............................. $12.99 00296792 Book .............................................. $6.99

LEVEL 3

Angels from the Realms of Glory • Blue Christmas • Christmas Time Is Here • Coventry Carol • Here We Come A-Wassailing • I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus • Jingle Bells • Once in Royal David’s City • Pat-A-Pan • Silver and Gold • Suzy Snowflake • White Christmas.

00296821 Book/CD Pack .............................. $12.99 00296793 Book .............................................. $6.99

LEVEL 4

Believe • Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella • Do You Hear What I Hear • Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer • It Came upon the Midnight Clear • Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming • O Come, O Come, Emmanuel • O Holy Night • Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town • Snowfall • What Child Is This? • Wonderful Christmastime.

00296822 Book/CD Pack .............................. $12.99 00296794 Book .............................................. $7.99

LEVEL 5

Auld Lang Syne • Carol of the Bells • Christmas Time Is Here • Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring • O Little Town of Bethlehem • Skating • Somewhere in My Memory • We Need a Little Christmas • Where Are You Christmas? • White Christmas.

00296823 Book/CD Pack .............................. $12.99 00296795 Book .............................................. $7.99

CHRISTMAS PIANO SOLOS Favorite Christmas songs and carols carefully graded and arranged for all piano methods.

Arranged by Fred Kern, Phillip Keveren, and Mona Rejino.

LEVEL 1

Jingle Bells • Jolly Old St. Nicholas • Good King Wenceslas • Away in a Manger • Go Tell It on the Mountain • We Three Kings of Orient Are. 00296049 Book .............................................. $6.99 00296081 CD Only ...................................... $10.95

LEVEL 2

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen • I Saw Three Ships • It Came Upon a Midnight Clear • Sing We Now of Christmas • O Little Town of Bethlehem • What Child Is This? • Silent Night • O Come All Ye Faithful • Up on the Housetop and more.

00296050 Book .............................................. $6.99 00296082 CD Only ...................................... $10.95

LEVEL 3

We Wish You a Merry Christmas • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer • O Christmas Tree • The Chipmunk Song • My Favorite Things • Frosty the Snowman • We Need a Little Christmas • Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and more.

00296051 Book .............................................. $6.99 00296083 CD Only ...................................... $10.95

LEVEL 4

Jingle Bell Rock • Joy to the World • Silver Bells • Angels We Have Heard on High • Home for the Holidays • A Holly Jolly Christmas • Feliz Navidad • March of the Toys • The Christmas Song and more.

00296052 Book ......... $6.99 00296084 CD Only... $10.95

LEVEL 5

The Christmas Waltz • Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy • God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen • I Wonder As I Wander • Jingle Bells • Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! • March • Mary Had a Baby • Mister Santa • Still, Still, Still • Tennessee Christmas • Toyland.

00296146 Book .............................................. $7.99 00296159 CD Only ...................................... $10.95

ORDER TODAY!

Please visit halleonard.com to order from any music retailer.

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E

TA B LE OF CONTENTS

AUTUMN ISSUE, 2015 Vol. 88, No. 1

4

Staff Directory

21 Joyce Walsh Junior Disability Award Winners

5

President’s Message

6

Junior Chairman

7

Festivals Chairman

22 Wendell Irish / Lynn Freeman Olson Award Winners

8

Festivals Bulletin

23 Music in Poetry Winners

9

Federation Cup Chairman

24 Junior Composer Winners

A DV ER T I S ERS’ I N D E X

10 Federation Cup Winners

27 Junior Composers Camp

14 Marilyn Caldwell Award

2 Hal Leonard

15 Festival Families

28 National Music Week Essay Content / Improvisation

3 Clavier Companion

16 Junior Club Achievement

29 Scattered Notes

6 NFMC Junior Composers Contest

17 American Music

7 Music Teachers National Association

18 Dance Chairman

19 Willis Music

20 Stillman Kelley Award Winners

Autumn 2015

•

JUNIOR KE YNOTES 3

S TA F F D I R E C T O R Y

NFMC Junior Keynotes Directory National Federation of Music Clubs, Inc. • Chartered by the Congress of the United States (ISSN 0022-6629) W Region: Aaron Bloom, Chairman 4633 Exeter Street West Linn, OR 97068 503-656-6948 abpianolessons@gmail.com

HEADQUARTERS National Federation of Music Clubs 1646 W. Smith Valley Road Greenwood, IN 46142 317-882-4003 Fax 317-882-4019 email: info@nfmc-music.org www.nfmc-music.org

Federation Cups Gloria Lien, Chairman 6738 W. Kimberly Way Glendale, AZ 85308 623-561-2989 Gloria.hope.lien@gmail.com

President Michael R. Edwards 891 NW 73rd Avenue Plantation, FL 33317-1141 Phone: 954-791-9273 Cell: 954-325-00064 micedwards@aol.com

Federation Festivals Database Sandra Preysz, Chairman 2174 E. Lonsdale Drive Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121 801-944-1808 sandrapreysz@msn.com

Advertising Jennifer Griffin, Chairman 1646 W, Smith Valley Rd. Greenwood, IN 46142 Phone: 317-882-4003 Mobile: 317-771-5369 Fax: 317-882-4019 info@nfmc-music.org

Junior Club Achievement Mary Thomason, Chairman 130 Creekside Drive Boerne, TX 78006 210-471-8984 mary@icanlearnmusic.com

Junior Division Linda D. Lind, Chairman 8905 Longmead Court Burke, VA 22015 703-569-0014 lindalindva@cox.net

Junior Composers Deborah De La Torre, Chairman P.O. Box 2680 Centennial, CO 80161 303-519-4395 trazom1234@yahoo.com

Junior Keynotes Magazine Editor, Mary Thomason 130 Creekside Drive Boerne TX 78006 210-471-8984 nfmcjrkeynotes@gmail.com

NE Region: Judith De Wette 16 Godfrey Road Upper Montclair, NJ 07043 973-746-4254 jdewette16@comcast.net

SE Region: Gina Sprunger 4813 Appletree Ct. Greenville, SC 29615 864-284-9127 ginasprunge@bju.edu

Federation Festivals Bulletin Sandra Preysz, Editor/Chairman 2174 E. Lonsdale Drive Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121 801-944-1808 sandrapreysz@msn.com

NC Region: Lori Jessen 1912 Locust St., Box 851 Dakota City, NE 68731 712-253-0718 LoriJessen@gmail.com

Federation Festivals Lisa Smith, Chairman 3774 Barbizon Circle S. Jacksonville, FL 32257 904-886-4188 nfmc.festivals.chair@hotmail.com NC Region: Peggy Radmer, Chairman 1930 Sunnyside Drive Waukesha, WI 53186 262-547-2607 Pegs88keys@wi.rr.com NE Region: Virginia Kleeberg, Chairman 200 W. Roosevelt St. Muncie, IN 47303 765-288-6404 ifmc-music@outlook.com SC Region: Lavonna Whitesell, Chairman 5117 NW 161st St. Edmond, OK 73013 405-715-1536 Lswsongbird@yahoo.com SE Region: Cynthia Abernathy, Chairman 13115 Pavilion Ln. Fairfax, VA 22033 703-376-8883 cjaneabernathy@gmail.com

SC Region: Bonnie Dove 4116 Stonewick Drive Arlington, TX 76016 682-429-7273 pianodove@sbcglobal.net

Dance Judy Barger Edgell, Chairman 4023 Hazelridge Road NW Roanoke, VA 24012 540-563-4782 jbarger1234@cox.net

National Music Week Essay Mary Ellen Ulmer, Chairman 168 East Branch Road Mercer, PA 16137 724-946-2877 ulmerme@hotmail.com

Thelma A. Robinson Ballet Award Gay Dill, Chairman 814 South Second Street Atwood, KS 67730 785-626-9434 gaydill1@att.net

NMW: NE & SE Regions Julianne Edwards, Chairman 116 S. Walnut St., #201 Muncie, IN 47305 561-613-7237 jmedwards220@gmail.com

Wendell Irish Viola Award Dr. George R. Keck, Chairman 2112 Hinson Rd. #23 Little Rock, AR 72212 870-403-2951 keckg@att.net

NMW: NC/SC/W Regions: Jan Hansen, Chairman 101 Rio Mesa Drive Grants Pass, OR 97527 541-956-1659 jhansen3536@gmail.com

Angie Greer Music in Poetry Contest Dr. Marie Speece, Chairman P.O. Box 1 Union Grove, NC 28689-9001 704-539-5243 mariespeece@yadtel.net

Summer Music Camps Odee Maier, Chairman 6292 13th Circle South Fargo, ND 58104 701-280-2437 odmaier@cableone.net

Stillman Kelley/Byrum Nathalie Steinbach, Chairman 15 Mount Vernon Avenue Fredericksburg, VA 22405 540-373-6352 ymsfred@earthlink.net

State News Connie Randall, Chairman PO Box 522 Kaufman, TX 75142-0522 248-921-7032 conniebrandall@yahoo.com

Claire Ulrich Whitehurst Piano Solo Award Claire Frances Whitehurst, Chairman Coral Gate, 3360 SW 18th St. Miami, FL 33145 305-445-2128 ofeliabetran@bellsouth.net

Music Clubs Magazine Editor, Jean Moffatt P.O. Box 791 Seminole, TX 79360 Phone: 432-758-2419 Cell: 432-209-0298 jmoffatt20@live.com

Music for the Blind Awards.

Lee Ann Cummings, Chairman 146 W. Pinebrook Drive Brandon, MS 39047 601.992.9330 cummings-lee28@att.net

REPRINTING: All material is protected by copyright.

Request information and permission from the editor for any reprints.

Marilyn Caldwell Piano Solo Award Marilyn Caldwell, Chairman 2011 St. Francis Street Kennett, MO 63857 573-888-5274 marilyncaldwell5@yahoo.com

DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent the views of the National Federation of Music Cubs or of Junior Keynotes Magazine.

W Region: Jodie Jensen 5475 Flag Way Colorado Springs, CO 80919 719-262-0394 jodiejens@yahoo.com

Joyce Walsh Award Anita Blackmon, Chairman 1101 S. Ricky Road Kennett, MO 63857 573-888-3998 anitablackmon@outlook.com

Lynn Freeman Olson Composition Award James Schnars, Chairman 331 Cleveland Street #804 Clearwater, FL 33755 727-400-4305

Martha Marcks Mack Junior Vocal Award Naomi Sanchez, Chairman 671 Ashbury Street San Francisco, CA 94117 415-378-1447 Knsanchez@hotmail.com

Mary Alice Cox Award Matt Miller, Chairman 13819 W. National Avenue New Berlin, WI 53151 262-786-0487, Ext. 743 mattmillerbass@aol.com

Lana M. Bailey Piano Concerto Award Dee Blaser, Chairman 4404 Heritage Drive Lawrence, KS 66047 785-843-8776 dblaser@sunflower.com

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: A subscription is included in each Junior Counselor’s membership dues.

Additional subscriptions are available for $6. See PR 12-1 for bulk pricing.

SINGLE ISSUE: Purchase extra single issues for $3 each.

Use PR 12-1 Magazine Order Form.

ABOUT THE COVER: Tatiana Sinelnikova of Wexford, Pennsylvania. See Junior Dance Awards on page 18.

The National Federation of Music Clubs is a tax-exempt, non-profit philanthropic and educational organization dedicated to music education and promotion of the creative and performing arts in America since 1898. The Federation was designated on the Official Roster of the United Nations in 1949, the only music organization thus accredited as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and was chartered by the U.S. Congress on August 9, 1982. The mission of the Federation is to support and develop American music and musicians.

4 JUNIOR KE YNOTES

•

Autumn 2015

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Memo from the President

by Michael R. Edwards

I attended my first Federated Junior meeting when I was eight years old. I remember the monthly meetings at the old Park Temple Methodist Church in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The Fort Lauderdale Morning Musicale then moved several blocks down the street to the Fort Lauderdale Women’s Club. This is where I continued to attend monthly Junior Club meetings until I was eighteen and entered the Cleveland Institute of Music to continue my piano studies. I have a lot of good federation memories.

The Federation has changed and grown a lot since that time.

The goal of the Federation however has remained the same. We are here to instill in our children a love for music. Thankfully we have many ways to accomplish this goal. We have Festivals to

Song event is one event that is often times overlooked. Did

develop a child’s ability to play and perform music. We have

you know that memorization is not required for this event?

essay contests for those students who have the gift of writing

Did you know that one goal of Federation is to promote

to express their love of music. We also have composition

American music which includes folk music? We need to teach

contests for those who have the gift to write music. We even

our children their musical heritage. Several years ago, a child

encourage those students who are drawn to art to design the

was listening to a festival audition though the door. It was an

front cover of Junior Keynotes.

American/Folk Tune audition. The child was standing next

Can you find Michael Edwards?

to his father and asked him what the name of the song was

No matter who the child is that walks through our studio door, it is our challenge and responsibility to “connect” that student’s talent with music.

that he heard being played. The father replied with the correct answer. I was impressed with the Father! Let’s do our part to make sure that the children of today will pass our musical heritage on to our next generation.

Keeping the Music Alive for the Future!

Connect!

Speaking of challenges, I challenge all festival teachers to try something new this year. Why not prepare your student to enter a new festival event? The American Patriotic and Folk

NFMC’s 33rd President

Autumn 2015

•

JUNIOR KE YNOTES 5

JUNIOR CHAIRMAN

Preserving and Promoting American Music Through Our NFMC Juniors

by Linda Lind, Junior Division Chairman THE JUNIOR DIVISION TEAM IS READY TO ROLL! Let’s make this year a most positive and rewarding one for NFMC Juniors and Junior Counselors.

The NFMC Convention in Fargo was a very productive one for the Junior Division.

The detailed information about all of the activities and awards, as well as contact information for all the Junior Division Chairmen, can be found on the NFMC website.

The newly revised Competition and Awards Chart should be your “new best friend.” It has the latest updates about award amounts – notice the INCREASES – and the new entry fees in some events. In planning for your year be sure you use only forms with the date 2015 on the bottom.

Some other events that Junior members are eligible to enter are the American Music NFMC Junior Clubs Award – American Division form AM 5, National Music Week Essay Contest – Arts Division form AR 13-1 and, of course, the summer music camps listed on the Competition and Awards Chart. Take advantage of all that Junior membership offers.

Now for some items of business that need to be noted:

• The results of the Federation Cup Task Force, which was approved, can be found in Interlude, Summer 2015, on the website. Note especially the news about online registration, use of certificates and cups awarded for both Federation Festival and Junior Composers.

Any and all questions should be directed to the respective chairmen.

• An ad hoc committee will study combining points in Federation Festival for various events and will report to the Federation Festivals Bulletin Chairman.

• At the discretion of National Chairmen, certificates may be given for Honorable Mention in events other than Federation Festival.

• New name and streamlined report: Junior Club Achievement is the new name for Club Ratings and Junior Achievement Records. The certificates are very impressive and it is hoped that every Junior Counselor takes advantage of this opportunity to highlight the hard work of their Junior Members.

This issue is packed with information and it is hoped that every Junior member and their family members will have the opportunity to see it. Share it. Just turn to the back cover and see how easy it is to subscribe to additional copies. $6.00 per year for a single and $5.50 per year for 10 or more mailed to the same address. What a bargain! Let’s all do our part in making all Juniors aware of everything that is available to them.

Thank you, NFMC Junior Counselors, for your support, mentoring and guidance for the NFMC Junior Members. They are such great assets and we appreciate your role in making them ambassadors of American Music. The Junior Division will be working hard to realize President Michael Edwards’ theme Keeping Music Alive for the Future.

6 JUNIOR KE YNOTES

•

Autumn 2015

Introducing the 2015-2017 Chairmen who make up the Junior Division Team: Junior Club Achievement (note new name). . . . . . . . .

Federation Festivals Bulletin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Federation Festivals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NE Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SE Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NC Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SC Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

W Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Federation Cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Federation Festivals Database. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Junior Composers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NE Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SE Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NC Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SC Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

W Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lynn Freeman Olson Composition Award . . . . . . . . . .

Mary Alice Cox Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TARBA (Thelma A. Robinson Ballet Award). . . . . . . . .

Wendell Irish Viola Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Angie Greer Music in Poetry Contest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stillman Kelley and Thelma Byrum Awards. . . . . . . . .

Claire Ulrich Whitehurst Piano Solo Award. . . . . . . . .

Music for the Blind Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Junior Keynotes Magazine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Marilyn Caldwell Piano Solo Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Joyce Walsh Disability Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Martha Marcks Mack Vocal Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lana M. Bailey Piano Concerto Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Junior Composers Contest

Mary Thomason Sandra Preysz Lisa Smith Virginia Kleeberg Cynthia Abernathy Peggy Radmer Lavonna Whitesell Aaron Bloom Gloria Lien Sandra Preysz Deborah De La Torre Judith de Wette Gina Sprunger Lori Jessen Bonnie Dove Jodie Jensen James Schnars Matt Miller Judy Barger Edgell Gay Dill Dr. George Keck Dr. Marie Speece Nathalie Steinbach Claire-Frances Whitehurst Lee Ann Cummings Mary Thomason Marilyn Caldwell Anita Blackmon Naomi Sanchez Dee Blaser

www.nfmc-music.org Visit the Competitions & Awards page for more information.

F E S T I VA L S C H A I R M A N

NFMC Festivals: Looking Forward

by Lisa Smith, NFMC Festivals Chairman

Greetings to all NFMC Juniors! As your new NFMC Festivals Chairman, I look forward to working with all of you during the next couple of years to ensure the continued success of our NFMC Festivals Program.

Additionally, I would like to thank Jodie Jensen for her diligent work throughout the past four years as NFMC Festivals Chairman.

Please note the following updates concerning NFMC Festivals from the NFMC Convention in Fargo, ND: • The Drum Set event proposed and approved in 2014 for inclusion in the next Festivals Bulletin has been rescinded due to lack of support.

•

The roles of the Regional Festivals Chairmen have been clearly defined in the revised JR 3-14.

• One printing company, designated by NFMC Headquarters, will print all certificates. State and Superior Certificates will be mailed together to streamline costs.

• State and Superior Certificates used in Federation festivals must be NFMC Certificates to be considered official.

As of June 2015, 100,247 Junior members participated in NFMC Festivals throughout the nation. I would like to commend all area, state, and regional chairmen for their efforts

every year to facilitate and administer NFMC Festivals for the benefit of our Juniors. I am very excited to be your new national chairman, and I eagerly look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Please feel free to contact me anytime at nfmc.festivals.chair@ hotmail.com.

How many festival events will you enter this year?

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Autumn 2015

•

JUNIOR KE YNOTES 7

F E S T I VA L S B U L L E T I N

OnLine Festivals Management System

by Sandra Preysz, NFMC Festivals Bulletin Editor/Chairman Originally, our goal was that all Festivals nationwide would be using the Online Festivals Management System in 2015-2016.

This goal is now extended beyond 2015-2016. Beta testing has made us aware that we need more time to convert every area in the USA and more manpower to help achieve this goal. The coming year will be considered Pilot Testing.

The Online Workshop at the 2015 NFMC Convention in Fargo had a good representation of states: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.

After the workshop in Fargo, we will have 26 states with at least one Pilot Testing Center. This number includes the Alpha testing centers activated in 2014 and Beta testing centers activated in 2015.

We now have a separate website for the Online Program. https://www.nfmc-festivals.org. https:// means it is a secure site.

Secure sites require encrypted data transmissions in both directions to prevent eavesdropping by others who might snoop between your computer and the server.

American Music

NFMC

Junior Clubs Award American Music NFMC Junior Clubs Award of $250 is given to encourage the interest of NFMC Junior Club members in performing, promoting, and studying American music.

The 2015 winning club is:

Crescent Heritage Junior Music Club Easley, South Carolina Gilda Hendricks, Junior Counselor

8 JUNIOR KE YNOTES

•

Autumn 2015

There are two sections to the website: 1) NFMC Sign-In, and 2) Online Manual The NFMC Sign-In is only for those Federation members whose Area Festival has already uploaded their data, or for those with an authorized administrator who is working on manual data entry. These areas have teachers who are authorized to access the system to register or check point history records for students in their studio. If your Festival area has not yet reached this point in the process, there is NOTHING for you to see on this side of the website. That is why you will receive the message “not authorized” if you try to access this portion of the website.

The Online Manual side of the website is available to everyone. It is growing with documentation being added each week. It also includes: • A REVISED Excel spreadsheet for data preparation available for download. Best for tech support with excel experience.

• Intermediate step data entry form. All information will be entered manually and automatically formatted for upload. Best for support personnel who do not have sufficient excel experience.

• More PowerPoint presentations providing visual step by step help on various procedures such as creating new students, registration, and creating the confirmation invoice.

This is a special undertaking by NFMC. The process began under Lana Bailey’s Presidency and is finally becoming a reality over eight years later. It is special in that NFMC has developed this system on behalf of all Festival areas and NFMC controls its use. The goal is that each Festival sponsoring area can organize and manage its own local Festival using the Online Festivals Management System. Since NFMC owns the system, states cannot assess mandatory additional costs. Should an area need some additional technical support, it is that area’s choice to find the support and to decide on the fee for such help if a fee is needed.

Most areas which started with the Alpha and Beta testing have received tech support from volunteers, so there has been little or no additional expense. The vast majority of new areas that will be participating in the Pilot Testing in 2016 have volunteer technical support.

At present, the NFMC Online Festivals Management System is financed by all Festival participants from the $2.00 national portion of the Festival fee. $1.50 is allocated for online systems development, maintenance and implementation costs; $.50 is allocated for other Festivals expenses.

Remember, there are three ways to prepare the point history data (teacher, student, and event history): 1. Excel spreadsheet.

2. Manual entry of individual data into a form that formats the data for upload.

3. All data entered directly online by a designated administrator for the Festival area.

Find out how you can participate in Pilot Testing. Contact me at sandrapreysz@msn.com.

F E D E R AT I O N C U P C H A I R M A N

Federation Cup Program Changes

by Gloria Lien, NFMC Federation Cup Chairman It has been a thrill to see so many Federation cups being ordered!

They represent many, many hours, days, weeks and months of preparation. Congratulations to all our juniors, whether working toward the first cup or the sixth cup. A big “Thank You!” to all the teachers, parents (grandparents) and support groups. A big “Thank You!” to the people who work to make Federation Festivals successful at the local, district and state levels.

It’s heartwarming to see how we are all working together.

Below you will see the NFMC Federation Cup Taskforce proposal presented to the Junior Division and then to our National Board at the Fargo Convention. It passed with flying colors. Please read it carefully; also read the directions in the Festivals Bulletin very carefully.

Above all, have a wonderful year of music!!!

Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Florida Georgia Idaho Illinois Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Michigan Minnesota Missouri New York N. Carolina N. Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylv.

S. Carolina S. Dakota Texas Tennessee Utah Virginia Washington Wisconsin

15 pt.

Cup 74 152 175 152 1035 776 427 227 223 29 112 474 646 706 805 184 346 287 527 67 455 295 110 47 704 48 791 907 276 534

30 pt.

Cup 12 33 92 49 322 265 215 87 97 6 33 160 224 240 244 73 105 100 266 38 172 91 44 28 257 24 240 318 94 218

45 pt.

Cup 5 15 18 21 105 90 48 32 22 1 8 79 68 53 101 28 35 35 109 12 43 30 20 13 76 5 99 102 23 83

60 pt.

Cup 2 3 7 4 18 29 10 12 2

11 35 2 26

10 10 8

1

2

Total

11591

4147

1485

353

101

20

44

State

75 (Grand)

2 1 5 11 4 5

90 (President)

15 Silver 3

30 Silver

45 Silver 1

60 Silver

Total

97 203 295 227 1487 1175 712 365 344 37 159 730 955 1011 1180 289 490 437 985 119 684 437 179

1 2 1 2 1

2 5 1

1 1

1 5 14 13 6 19 3 3 13 72 2 8 12 3 4 15

1 2 2 5 7 1

1 2

1 4 1

2 9 1 4 2 5 5

1

1

1 2

2 3

1

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TASK FORCE: Federation Cups At our NFMC Session last year in Portland, OR, a task force was put together to study questions pertaining to our Gold and Silver Cups. We have been striving to put together basic guidelines for our NFMC Cups. We have felt a need to standardize nationwide our processes pertaining to Festivals and Cups with the following guidelines.

1) With Festival registration online, the entrant will automatically be enrolled in the Federation Cup plan. If the entrant does not want to participate in the Federation Cup plan, the teacher must make the selection to “opt out”.

2) Each state should have a Federation Cup Chairman. Cup funds should be kept separate from Festival funds. (The funds can be combined by the teacher when

applying for the Festival and the Cup fee would be included at that time.)

3) If a junior discontinues being in the Festival, no cup refunds are given.

4) If local clubs or state clubs give out a nonNFMC cup, it is a local or state recognition, not a national recognition. The junior would not be publicized in our national magazines. It should not be called the Federation Cup, nor represented as such.

5) The National Cup Chairman needs to give approval for Grand (75 point) and Presidential (90 pt) Cups. The JR 4-1 form should come from the State Cup chairman.

The process is from the teacher to local chairman to state chairman to national cup chairman.

6) For complete rules for combining points, refer to the current Festivals Bulletin.

The following does not pertain directly to our Federation Cup program, but questions and comments were raised and discussed, so this is one way to deal with it:

7) Since our Festivals Bulletin is copyrighted, it is encouraged that each senior club, junior club or teacher buy their own Festivals Bulletins instead of asking the local music store to purchase them for anyone and everyone.

TASK FORCE MEMBERS: Gloria Lien (Chairman), Karen Bourne, Marilyn Caldwell, Patty Hadley, Lucinda Lear, Heidi Hong Olson ADVISORY MEMBERS: Linda Lind, Sandra Preysz

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JUNIOR KE YNOTES 9

F E D E R AT I O N C U P W I N N E R S

Federation Cup Winners PRESIDENT’S CUP WINNERS Missouri Chaz Brown, a piano student of Marilyn Caldwell in Kennett, Missouri, was awarded the largest Festival Cup the Federation offers – the 90 point President’s Cup. Chaz Brown He also earned his NFMC 12-year consecutive Superior certificate and a plaque given by his teacher called the Fermata Award for staying with piano throughout high school. Chaz earned Superior ratings in all events he entered which included Piano Solo, Piano Concerto, Hymn Playing (third cup) and Piano Duet (second cup). In addition to his piano studies, he was a percussionist in his high school band. Chaz was the 2015 winner of the Wednesday Music Club of Kennett’s annual award of $1500 presented to the most outstanding high school senior in the field of music. Chaz received a scholarship to play football at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio in the fall of 2015.

Christina Greenwood, age 17, began her piano studies at the age of five in Anacortes, Washington. For the past twelve years she has studied with Cindy Dittrich in Springfield, Missouri. Christina Christina participated in NFMC Greenwood Junior Festivals for twelve years in piano solo, nine years in piano concerto, and one year in piano trio, always earning a superior rating. Read more about Christina in the article “Congratulations, Christina!” on page 14.

Ohio Maria Churavy, a Holy Name High School senior, recently received the NFMC President’s Cup at the Ohio Federation of

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Music Clubs Festival.

She has participated in NFMC Junior Festivals for thirteen years. Her piano teacher is Susan Clark, SND. Maria began learning piano at age three from her Maria Churavy mother, then formally when she was five years old. She has played piano with chamber groups and participates in Music Ministry at Holy Name High School.

Maria is a member of the choral department as well as accompanist for school, church, and community functions. Maria is involved in the school’s campus ministry, Cenacle of Mary, Pro-Life Club, and Spring musical. She is a member of the National Honors Society. In her free time, Maria enjoys listening to music, making people laugh, and hanging out with friends. Maria plans on attending college next year, and continuing her music studies in the future.

Oregon Olivia Paulson started taking piano lessons from Sherrene Walker at the age of six. This year she earned her 93rd point and received the President’s Cup! This is the first President’s Olivia Paulson Gold Cup awarded by this Oregon district. In addition to her piano studies, Olivia has been a member of the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir for eight years where she not only sang but also accompanied on percussion as well as piano. She also competed in dance for many years including tap and ballroom, etc. She has entertained patients at rehab centers, accompanied solo and ensemble students, and played for musicals at school. Olivia will graduate with a full IB diploma, as well as receiving many recognitions and awards, including 2015 Youth Volunteer for the city of Tigard, Oregon. She has been an inspiration to teach as well as a mentor to the students who look up to her achievements in my studio. Olivia

will be attending Texas Christian University.

Pennsylvania Alena Irene Kucan has been studying piano with Joyce TurnerGindlesperger of Mars since the age of four. She Alena Kucan has participated in NFMC Junior Festivals since 1st grade and this year earned her President’s Gold Cup in piano solo. She has also studied voice with Eric Kochanowski and organ with John Van Gorder. As a member of the Junior Tamburizans of Duquesne, PA, Alena sings, dances and plays the stringed instruments of Slavic heritage. As a member of the Red Barn Theater community group, she has performed since the age of six. Alena also shares her vocal talents singing with the Ellwood City Area Civic Chorale. At Lincoln High School in Ellwood City, PA, Alena was a member of the Concert Choir, Choral Capers, Student Council, Drama Club, Spanish Club, Club Hope and she was treasurer of Government Club. She is currently employed as worship musician for the Ellport Presbyterian Church.

Anna Shoenthal of Mars, PA studies piano with Linda Maurhoff. A homeschooled senior, she will receive an honors diploma from the Erie County Diploma Program.

Anna Shoenthal Since the age of six, she has participated in the NFMC Junior Festivals Program. This year Anna received her President’s Festival Gold Cup. For twelve years she has received consecutive superiors in piano concerto, piano solo, and hymn playing events. Anna is an Opus I Music Society High School Award recipient. She has participated in the American College of Musicians Piano Guild. At her church, Anna

F E D E R AT I O N C U P W I N N E R S

enjoys accompanying and providing special music for Sunday services. She is an active member of the Adult Choir, Women’s Choir, and Adult Bell Choir. Anna is also an awardwinning dancer and an accomplished skier. In her free time she enjoys reading, photography, and travel. This fall, Anna will continue her musical studies at Grove City College majoring in Music and Religion.

student of Loretta Hake. As a violinist, she has participated in NFMC Festival solo and duet events and has been co-concert master of the Northwest Florida Youth Symphony Orchestra. Madeline is a National Merit Scholar and an outstanding tennis player. She will attend Duke University this fall, studying to be a Physician-Scientist in the field of Neuroscience.

Texas

Georgia

Kevin Tan, 18, received the President’s Cup in recognition of his performances in piano solo and piano concerto events over the past twelve years. He Kevin Tan started participating in NFMC events in first grade and over the years won numerous Festival gold cups by participating in sight playing, piano duet/ trio, piano duo and patriotic/folksong events. He also participated in the Florida State Student Day where he completed the Level 12 theory test in 10th grade. Kevin started his piano study in 2004 in Florida with teacher Diana S. Heller who gave him a wonderful musical foundation. In 2013 he moved to Austin, Texas where he studied with Carol Feist until he graduated from Vandegrift High School in 2015. In addition to his music, Kevin excelled in competitive Robotics and UIL (University Interscholastic League) events in math, science, and computer science. Kevin is planning to attend the University of Texas at Austin this fall in pursuit of his electrical and computer engineering interests.

Susanna Grace Healy, 18, has studied the piano with Judy Scheffel of Alpharetta, Georgia for ten years. She has just received the 75-point Grand Cup recognizing Susanna Healy her participation in NFMC Festivals in piano solo and piano concerto events.

Susanna is a recent graduate of Wesleyan School in Norcross, Georgia, where she was an Honor Student. In addition to piano studies, she was a member of the Wesleyan Marching Band and Captain of the Color Guard.

Susanna received several awards in visual arts as well. She will attend the University of Georgia where she will be a member of the Redcoat Marching Band, participating in the Flagline Auxiliary.

GRAND CUP WINNERS Florida Madeline Hsiang, 18, from Niceville Florida, has participated in NFMC Festivals for eleven years. In addition to her new Grand Cup, she has also earned gold Festival Cups Madeline Hsiang in piano concerto, piano duet and theory. Madeline is the piano

Kentucky Alice Li received the NFMC President’s Cup last spring. She has studied piano for thirteen years, receiving both statewide and national recognition for her pursuits in music.

Alice Li As a member of the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras, she participated in music outreach throughout her high school career. Her former piano teachers include Mrs. May Man and Dr. Greg Partain.

In addition to music, Alice enjoys baking, learning Spanish, and conducting scientific research. In recognition of her academic achievements throughout high school, she was honored as a 2015 U.S. Presidential Scholar at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.

Alice plans to major in Neuroscience while

continuing her musical studies as a member of Vanderbilt University’s Class of 2019.

Missouri LaRaya Kelso began playing piano at age six and participated in her first NFMC Junior Festival when she was seven.

Throughout her years studying piano LaRaya Kelso with Cindy Dittrich, LaRaya has learned discipline and hard work.

Memorizing challenging music pieces that she didn’t think she would be capable of and performing them to her best abilities has prepared LaRaya for attending college and the rigorous work in her future. LaRaya has taken dance lessons since she was three and was a member of a competitive dance team throughout high school. LaRaya plans on studying Athletic Training then advancing to Physical Therapy as her career. She is grateful for the advice, motivation, and inspiration that her piano teacher has provided.

Ohio Jeremy Horvath, a North Royalton High School senior, earned his NFMC Grand Cup after accumulating more than 75 points during his years of participation in Jeremy Horvath Junior Festivals with the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs. He consistently earned “Superior” ratings for his piano solo and piano concerto events, never missing one point in ten years. His piano teacher is Katherine Savinell of Stow, Ohio. At school, Jeremy was involved in the marching band, jazz band, pit orchestra, and track team. He also plays saxophone and guitar and has received a top rating at the OMEA Solo and Ensemble contest for the past two years. Jeremy is a member of the National Honor Society. Jeremy plans to attend the University of Cincinnati next year, majoring in Mathematics in the Actuarial Science department.

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F E D E R AT I O N C U P W I N N E R S

Pennsylvania Maeve Berry graduated from Knoch High School in Saxonburg, PA and has been studying the piano since age five.

A student of Linda Maurhoff since 2004, she also studies with Maeve Berry David Allen Wehr of Duquesne University. Maeve has participated in NFMC Festivals since 2005, achieving eleven consecutive superiors in Piano Solo and ten consecutive superiors in Piano Concerto.

She received her Grand Cup in May. In high school, Maeve sang in multiple choirs and was also the choir’s accompanist. She played piano in the Knoch Jazz Band. This year, she earned top chairs at District, Region and All State Choirs. Over the last four years Maeve served in the pit and the musical cast for Knoch musicals. This year, she was given a High School Award from Opus I Music Society.

Maeve is also an avid competitive dancer and has enjoyed many accomplishments with Irish Dance. She plans to continue her musical studies at Penn State University, where she will pursue a Bachelors in Musical Arts, with a concentration in piano performance.

Cathy Li, age 18, East Stroudsburg, PA, received her 75 Point Gold Cup for Solo Piano/Piano Concerto following the March 2015 Junior Festival of the Philadelphia North Cathy Li District. She has studied piano for ten years and the flute for eight years. Her piano teacher for the last nine years was Diane Lusk. Cathy has participated in the NFMC Junior Festivals in the various events of Solo Piano, Piano Concerto, Piano Duet, Flute Solo/Concerto, and Musicianship Theory. Cathy’s poetry submission for 2015 was awarded 1st Place in the Angie Greer Music in Poetry competition. Cathy’s poetry also won this award in 2013. In addition to her music, Cathy has participated in cross country and taught Chinese. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the mu alpha theta mathematics honor society, Future Business Leaders of America, and was a 2015

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National Merit Scholarship Winner. Cathy was valedictorian of her graduating class at Delaware Valley High School and will be attending Dartmouth College with a major in Biology this Fall.

Abigail Truschel and Matthew Marshall from Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, each received a Grand Cup after accumulating 75 points during ten consecutive years Abigail Truschel and of NFMC Festival Matthew Marshall participation in piano solo and piano concerto events. They are both piano pupils of Andrea Bogusko, also from Mountaintop. In the fall, Abigail, a Holy Redeemer High School graduate will attend King’s College. Matthew, a Wyoming Seminary graduate, will enter the University of Sciences, Philadelphia.

Utah Corwin Nathanial Beck from Centerville, Utah started piano lessons when he was three years old. This year he earned his Grand Festival Cup. Corwin’s mother, Corwin Beck Carol Beck, was his piano teacher throughout his studies. The drive and discipline he learned at the piano has served him well in other aspects of his life such as earning his Eagle Scout award, receiving an Honors at Entrance scholarship for college, and embarking on his religious mission in Mexico. His family and friends are very proud of him and his hard work. When he returns from Mexico, he will attend Weber State University in Utah.

Kathryn Carter has studied the piano with Sandra Preysz for twelve years. She often accompanies her school’s Madrigals and Concert Choir

Kathryn Carter

and is also involved with the band program.

Her favorite piece to perform has been Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue because of the hard work it required and the accomplishment of mastering such a beautiful piece of music.

She is attending Brigham Young University next year and plans to study nursing, but will keep music as an integral part of her life.

Anderson Joseph Chang started piano at the age of six and violin when he was ten. He began studying piano with Karlyen Tan, NCTM, in 7th grade. He has participated in Anderson Chang Utah Federation of Music Clubs since 2007 in solo, ensemble and concerto events always receiving superior ratings. Anderson earned his 75 point Festival Grand cup this year. He appreciates all the support he has received. Anderson plays violin in the Philharmonic Orchestra at Skyline High School, in the Utah Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and in the Utah All State Orchestra. He also plays violin in the church band and accompanies church choirs on piano. At school he founded Skyline Ukulele Club, served as vice president of Skyline Chamber Ensembles, and was a finalist in the Instrumental Music Sterling Scholar competition. He enjoys running, cycling, hiking, and playing guitar and ukulele in the wilderness. Anderson wants to study veterinary medicine in college.

Carlton Colby has been playing cello since the young age of two and has maintained his passion for the instrument into his adolescent and adult life. Through music, Carlton Colby Carlton has found a way to communicate a deeper passion to the world, and has been recognized for his talent in recent performances with the NAFME All-National Symphony Orchestra and Utah Symphony. Awarded his International Baccalaureate Diploma this July, music has been key to Carlton’s successfully to achieving a high level of academic excellence

F E D E R AT I O N C U P W I N N E R S

throughout his life. After receiving over $100,000 in scholarship offers, Carlton will be attending the University of Utah seeking a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance on the cello. He hopes to one day play professionally in a symphony orchestra.

Charles Benson (Chase) Ferry, 18, began his cello studies at age three with Richard Hoyt and is currently a student of Brittany Gardner. Chase was principal cellist Chase Ferry of the Utah AllState Orchestra, of the Gifted Music School Orchestra and has performed on NPR’s “From the Top” national radio program with Bill O’Reilly. He has had the privilege of working with internationally acclaimed artists and conductors Leon Fleisher, Andres Cardenes, Bill McLaughlin, Jenny Oaks Baker, Roberto Diaz, Vladimir Kulenovic, and Joseph Silverstein. In 2014, Chase represented Utah as an American Legion Boys Nation Senator in Washington D.C. where he met with President Barrack Obama. At Box Elder High School, he was captain of the swim team, on the honor roll, sang in the Madrigals and played sax in the jazz band. Chase also works on his family farm in Corinne. He will attend Utah Valley University this Fall as a cello performance major.

Andrea Johnsen began playing piano at the age of six and participating in Federation in 2005 with Carolyn Losee.

She has studied with Karlyen Tan, NCTM, for the past five years Andrea Johnsen and entered Utah FMC piano solo and concerto festival events.

This year, she performed in the Olympus High School Concerto Night accompanied by her school orchestra and in the Salt Lake Piano Area Honors Recital. She plays piano regularly at church. In addition to piano, she learned to play the violin. Andrea is an honors student and very dedicated to her school work.

She recognizes the monumental impact that piano and music has had on her life. Andrea

thanks all who have allowed her to pursue her musical talents, especially her teacher for helping her achieve her goal of receiving the 75-point gold cup. Andrea encourages all to enjoy the rich blessings music has to offer.

Corben Ruf of Coalville, Utah, had his first violin lesson as a three-year old in August of 2000 and performed at his first Federation Festival in March of 2001. This past Corben Ruf May, he graduated Salutatorian from North Summit High School and is currently a cadet at the U. S. Air Force Academy. In his interview to receive U.S. Senator Mike Lee’s nomination to attend the Academy, Corben was told that they had never met a football captain/violin teacher. While in middle school, Corben performed with the high school orchestra for musical theatre productions. In high school, he climbed out of the orchestra pit his freshman and sophomore years to get on stage as a cast member and he became a lead as a junior and senior. Corben is grateful for all the things violin has taught him. Thank you, Linda Montgomery, for all of your expertise and support through the years.

Vanessa Schofield is a senior at Bingham High School in South Jordan, Utah. She has received consecutive superior ratings in piano solo and concerto events for the past eleven years. She started piano lessons with her

mother at age five and currently studies with Shari Aston. She is an accomplished violinist and flutist who also studies voice. Vanessa is a member of the National Honor Vanessa Schofield Society. She is also a member of the Bingham High School Orchestra, a cappella Choir, and plays for various church functions. She enjoys playing and singing at retirement centers and at the Festival of Trees to raise money for the Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.

She is a member of the service organization FAIM (Future Artists in Music) which encourages students to share their talents.

Vanessa’s art has won many awards in local art shows and at the Utah State Fair. She loves to crochet, read, and cook.

Virginia Five students from the Yamaha Music School of Fredericksburg, Virginia earned a total of fifty-seven gold cups during year of NFMC Junior Festival participation. This includes three students who earned two 75 point cups each (in Piano Solo/Concerto and Composition) and a fourth student who earned a 75 point cup in Composition!

Alicia Paulose started her music studies at the age of three. She earned a total of eleven cups entering Piano Solo, Concerto and American Patriotic/ Folk Tunes events as well as Composition. She earned two

(l to r) Alicia Paulose, Ryan Barry, Hannah Motsenbocker, Katherine Chase and Brianna DiSanza.

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FED S TEIRVAATLI OC N U PC U WPI NWNIENRNSE R S

75 point cups in Piano Solo/Concerto and Composition. Alicia will attend the University of Virginia where plans to major in business. Ryan Barry started his music studies at the age of four. He earned a total of fifteen cups entering Piano Solo, Concerto and American Patriotic/ Folk Tunes events as well as Composition. He earned two 75 point cups in Piano Solo/Concerto and Composition. In the fall, Ryan will attend Albright University in Pennsylvania majoring in Music Industry. Hannah Motsenbocker started her music studies at age five. She earned seven cups entering Piano Solo,

Concerto and Duets events. She received a 60 point cup in Composition. Hannah is attending Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall in pursuit of a nursing career.

Katherine Chase started her music studies at age five. She earned eleven cups entering Piano Solo, Concerto and Duets events as well as Composition. Her 75 point cup is in Composition. In the fall, Katherine will enter the University of Maryland at College Park majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics. Brianna DiSanza started her music studies at age six. She earned thirteen cups entering Piano Solo, Concerto and Hymn

Playing events as well as Composition. Her two 75 point cups are in Piano Solo/Concerto and Composition. Brianna is entering the University of Virginia in the fall.

All five students graduated from Yamaha Music Education System courses in Fredericksburg. In addition to NFMC Junior Festivals, they participated in numerous events sponsored by the Rappahannock Music Society and in Yamaha Junior Original Concert programs. Their teacher has been Nathalie Steinbach.

More $$! Marilyn Caldwell Solo Piano Award submitted by Marilyn Caldwell, Chairman Since it was established in 2011, the Marilyn Caldwell Solo Piano Award has awarded $2000 to winners! Now the award has been increased from $500 to $800 for First Place and a Second Place award has been added in the amount of $300! The increased award money is available to 2016 winners.

Find the entry rules and the application at www.nfmc-music.org. Click on Navigation, then Publications and Junior Division. Scroll down to Piano Solo and download JR 19-1 (rules and requirements) and JR 19-2 (Applications). Enter by March 1, 2016 to compete for this prestigious award! Be our next winner!

Congratulations, Christina! submitted by Cindy Dittrich In 2015, Christina Greenwood won the Marilyn Caldwell Piano Competition, the Lana Bailey Concerto Competition, and was the Region IV winner for the Stillman Kelley Competition! She also earned her President’s Cup (see that story on page 20).

Christina, age 17, has studied piano with Cindy Dittrich in Springfield, Missouri for the past twelve years. In 2014, Christina was a semi-finalist in the Fite Family Young Artist Competition and the Region IV winner for the 2014 Stillman Kelley Competition.

Christina won the Federation of Music Clubs District V-A Junior Festival in 2013, was Alternate in the MTNA Junior CompetitionMissouri in 2011, and was a Springfield Area Music Teachers Association Festival Winner

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in 2010 and 2012. She debuted with the Ozark Festival Orchestra in 2008 at the age of 10 after winning their Junior Young Artists Concerto Competition.

Also an organ student with Jeremy Chesman of Missouri State University, Christina has served as the organist for her church since she was thirteen. She has performed in piano trios and on the organ with a small orchestra in addition to accompanying a variety of vocalists and vocal groups. She studied violin for a year and voice for two years and has performed vocal solos and duets locally.

While in school, Christina was on the Lighthouse Speech and Debate Squad in Lincoln Douglas Debate and competed in a variety of speech events. She was ranked

(l to r): Dee Dee Greenwood (Christina’s mother), Christina, Marilyn Caldwell number one in Missouri in STOA Lincoln Douglas Debate for the 2013/2014 school year. She likes to compose music, jog, and draw in her spare time. Christina will be attending Brigham Young University-Idaho on a full tuition piano scholarship as a piano performance major.

F E D E R AT I O N C U P W I N N E R S

NFMC Festival: It’s A Family Affair! submitted by Sandra Preyz (Utah) and Thea Hoekman (Michigan)

(l to r) Carol, Craig, Crystal, Cameron, Carl and Corwin Beck

In Utah: Five siblings Craig, Crystal, Cameron, Carl and Corwin, of Centerville, Utah have been the recipients of the prestigious Festival Grand Cup from the National Federation of Music Clubs. To top it all off, their mother, Carol, was their piano teacher. Yes, you read that correctly, all their names start with the letter C and the town they grew up in starts with the letter C. As did each sibling, Craig participated in both Solo and Concerto events, including the very challenging Saint-Saens Concerto No. 2 in G Minor number 22. Craig maintained a 4.0 GPA though high school, was decorated salutatorian, and was given the distinction of Honors at Entrance to the University of Utah where he graduated in Music-Piano Performance. Lenora Ford Brown of the University of Utah used her musical genius in shaping Craig’s University Senior Recital which featured some of the most difficult music composed for the piano including the famous La Campanella by Franz Liszt. He went on to earn his doctorate in Pharmacy from Midwestern University. Today Craig manages the pharmacy for a premier hospital in the Salt Lake Area and he continues to practice and teach piano.

Crystal fought her mother at the piano every step of the way, but now has a piano studio of her own and is the Area Chairman for UFMC in Davis County, Utah. She and her mother enjoy the thrill of holding joint recitals.

Cameron used the skills of learning the language of music to learn the language of computers. He maintains and manages databases for organizations throughout the United States.

Cameron was also awarded Honors at Entrance at the University of Utah.

Carl has endured some illness in his life. He uses music to heal.

When things get really difficult, you will find Carl at the piano.

He performed the beautiful Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini for his Senior Concerto. As were all of the sons, Carl was an Eagle

Scout. He also excelled in school and competitive gymnastics and received the Honors at Entrance scholarship to Weber State University.

Corwin is the most recent sibling to earn the 75 point Grand Cup by combining Piano Solo and Concerto points. He did this just before graduating High School and embarking on a religious mission to Mexico. He is using the skills learned at the piano to learn the Spanish language and play the piano for church meetings. In fact, each of the children uses musical abilities to edify those in attendance through the gift of the hymns. When the verbal language barriers just seem too difficult to convey a message, Corwin uses the universal language of music to communicate critical thoughts and feelings. When he returns from Mexico, he will also receive his Honors at Entrance scholarship to Weber State University in Utah.

Their mother, Carol Beck (far left), has been teaching piano for over 35 years and has found it a very fulfilling experience. Knowing the children would not grow up on a farm, she chose music to teach them how to work. Each child in succession took their turn taking the 5:00 A.M. practice spot that initiated practice sessions for each of the children before they left for school. Through this experience, the children learned self-discipline, goal setting, overcoming difficult trials and more (the list is inexhaustible). She imbues each student with the belief that “The Lessons Learned at the Piano are the Lessons of Life.” (Author unknown)

Family of Four Earns Four Levels of Gold Cups!

This past spring’s Junior Festival was a momentous occasion for the Kortge family from Fremont, Michigan. Alex, age 9, earned his first gold cup; brother Joseph, age 12, earned his second cup; sister Holly, age 15, (l to r) Kara, Holly, Joseph and Alex Kortge, with received her third teacher Thea Hoekman. cup, and sister Kara achieved her fourth. Kara has 11 consecutive Superior Solo ratings, and there are only two Excellent ratings within the entire family! They are pictured with their teacher, Thea Hoekman, whose joy it is to work with these dedicated and talented students.

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JUNIOR CLUB ACHIE VEMENT

Junior Club Achievement: Numbers Tell the Tale!

by Mary Thomason, Junior Club Achievement Chairman JUNIOR CLUB RATINGS AND ACHIEVEMENT RECORDS was changed to JUNIOR CLUB ACHIEVEMENT at the NFMC Biennial Convention in Fargo this summer. Junior achievement continues to be our focus and the JR 1-1 will continue to provide the numbers by which we measure that achievement.

Hearty congratulations go to all forty-four junior clubs in fourteen states and their Junior Counselors who submitted JR 1-1 reports!

Amazing junior achievement is reflected in these reports. Behind these numbers lies an incredible number of performances, community service events, festival entries, awards, festival cups earned and overall achievement in NFMC musical endeavors throughout the year. Our junior members truly rock! Check out the chart and you’ll see that NFMC Junior Counselors are busy all over the country.

Reported Junior Club activity is shown in this chart in order by state showing cumulative total points on the 2015 JR 1-1 form. Read the information in the chart like “South Carolina reported 24,375 points earned by 4 clubs representing 232 Junior Club members.”

Numbers are fascinating and tell quite a story, not only at the state level but also at the individual junior member’s level! Let’s take a look at the average number of points earned per member within a Junior Club. Taking this perspective, there are three clubs that reported outstanding achievement in 2015. Each member of the following three clubs averaged over 200 points per member! Compliments to these junior clubs listed in order from high to low: Marsh Junior Federated Music Club of Virginia (Junior Counselor Romayne A. Hardy), Crescent Heritage Junior Music of South Carolina (Junior Counselor Gilda Hendricks), and Workshop for Young Performing Artists of Pennsylvania (Junior Counselor Dora Zlatkia)!

Thirteen junior clubs reported an average of between 100-200 points per member. Listed in order from high to low: Ellis Junior Music Club (Cindy Ellis/TX), Young Musicians Club (Dan Rambo/PA), Dittrich Studios (Cindy Dittrich/MO), Greenville Harmony Music Club (Deborah Freeman/SC), Graybeal’s Music Studio (Tanya Graybeal/ VA), Chvostal Studio (Phyllis Chvostal/PA), Academic Piano (Ivanka Stefanov/FL), Bellissimo Pianoforte (Amanda Latona/GA), Ritornello (Carolyn Whitfield-Smith/MS), Priano Studio (Mimi Priano/PA), Stone Oak Piano Studio (Susan Hong/TX), and Melody Junior Music Club (Judy Hicks/AL) tied with Betty’s Young Musicians (Betty Bridges/AL).

Nineteen junior clubs reported an average of between 50-100 points per member. Listed in order from high to low: Greenville Tempo Music Club (Deborah Freeman/SC), Terry L. Francisco Piano Studio (Terry Francisco/VA), Greenville Melody Music Club (Deborah Freeman/SC), Kiefer Junior Music Club (Anna Kiefer/TX), Thomason Junior Music Club (Mary Thomason/TX), Sparkling Keys and Strings (Simone Parker/TN), Willard Piano Club (Leann Rodman/MO), Handmade Music Piano Studio (Heidi Leben/ ID), Mary Davis Music Studio (Mary Davis/TX), Junior MacDowell (Carolyn Whitfield-Smith/MS),

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Reported 2014-15 Junior Club Activity STATE

POINTS

#CLUBS

#JUNIORS

South Carolina

24375

4

232

Pennsylvania

17510

12

252

Texas

15065

6

180

Mississippi

8213

3

103

Florida

6895

3

86

Missouri

6135

2

57

Virginia

6076

3

33

Tennessee

4465

1

60

New Jersey

3545

1

56

Alabama

3370

3

46

Ohio

2290

3

47

Georgia

1210

1

11

Idaho

1095

1

15

Louisiana

<1000

1

18

Arpeggio Junior Music Club (Judy Gorrell/TX), The Rose Pedals (Amy Rose Immerman/OH), Anne Pray’s Keyboard Masters (Anne Pray/ FL), Theater Steps (Lisa Casi/NJ), Metronome Music Club (Debbie Barnes/MS), Keyboard Kompanions (June Loedding/PA), Dykstra Piano Studio (Brian Dykstra/OH), Waltermire Piano Studio (Linda Waltermire/PA), and Junior Schubert Music Club (Cynthia Fultz/OH).

Three additional clubs earned 1000 or more points to merit Honorable Mention in Junior Keynotes: Academy of Musical Arts (A. Kenji Suganana/FL), All Out Allegros (Kim Jamison/PA) and Sheehan Music Studio (Nancy Fincke Sheehan/PA).

At the NFMC Convention, an Award of Merit was given to each State President in appreciation for support of our Junior Clubs. A letter accompanied the award certificates and explained the Junior Club Achievement point system. Ribbons, stars and the NFMC seal bedazzled forty-four certificates destined for the studios of the Junior Counselors who submitted 2015 reports by the June 1st deadline.

Retrieve yours from your State President.

Keep those JR 1-1’s coming my way! Kudos to several Junior Counselors who reported for the first time this year! With everyone’s participation in this reporting process, we can increase awareness of our junior members’ impressive achievements. Plus, you receive an elegant NFMC Award of Merit certificate to frame and hang on your studio wall! Take time in 2016 to brag about your juniors!

AMERICAN MUSIC

American Music: Valerie Capers

by Deborah Freeman, American Music Division Chairman What a joy for me, to become immediate friends with Valerie Capers.

Although I was a bit nervous about interviewing her, as I am a piano teacher and certainly not a journalist, she is one of the most interesting and engaging people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I learned very quickly that there was much more to Valerie Capers than I could possibly have imagined!

Gifted as both a classical and jazz pianist, Ms. Capers described the difference. “As a classical musician, one is the interpreter of the composer’s music – you try to accomplish what the composer wants to achieve. With jazz, one is not only interpreting, but composing on the spot as well. You have to develop your technique to its highest level in order respond to ideas immediately. One should listen to all kinds of music – I listen to all styles of music which inspires the creativity of my musical ideas. My jazz improvisations are eclectic in style and reflect all the kinds of music I’ve ever heard.”

Regarding her twelve selections of intermediate-level piano pieces, Portraits in Jazz: “I intended the set to be pedagogical in the spirit of Robert Schumann’s Album for the Young, or Bartók’s Mikrokosmos.

As a child, I enjoyed playing pieces by Schumann, Bach, Prokofiev, and Tchaikovsky, because although they wrote pieces for children, they maintained their styles as composers.”

The technical difficulties in this collection vary from slight to considerable, and the pieces are meticulously fingered and marked.

Further instruction is provided by prefaces with remarks on form or style, and by the dedication of each piece to a great jazz musician.

A CD is also included with the collection. The seventh piece, Billie’s Song, is a simple AABA one-page ballad dedicated “in fondest memory” to Billie Holiday, and evokes the warmth and poignancy of her style. The last piece, Cool-trane, is the most difficult and the most harmonically adventurous. Less than a minute long in “cut-time”, it consists of a dazzling shower of melodic 8th notes imitating Coltrane’s saxophone style, interspersed with parallel chords built on fourths, their roots climbing by minor thirds. The title is a word play on Coltrane’s name, and the piece closes with a quote from his Cousin Mary Blues.

When asked about her favorite composers, she answered without hesitation – Beethoven and Wagner. In the 1970s, she fell under the spell of Richard Wagner, and his music inspired her to tackle large projects and to experiment with orchestration. “Wagner did for me in composition what John Coltrane did aesthetically for me in developing my jazz concepts. I learned more about instrumentation and the relationship of drama to music from Wagner than anyone else.” She even has a Walkyrie hat and went to Bayreuth in 1992. During that visit she met Wolfgang Wagner (Richard Wagner’s grandson), through Walfredo Toscanini (Arturo Toscanini’s grandson), who was a fan of hers and arranged the meeting.

In 1999 her CD, Wagner Takes the A Train, was ranked among the top ten by jazz radio stations. Its title piece quotes themes from Wagner’s The Ring of the Nibelung in a high-spirited satire. Another

selection on the CD, Winter’s Love, is a bossanova based on Siegmund and Sieglinde’s love songs from Act I of Die Walkure. It is just one of the many ways – as composer, performer, and educator – Valerie Capers creates a bridge between the European classical and the African-American jazz traditions.

Advice to students who wish to make a career in Valerie Capers music: “Listen to artists who play instruments other than your own. Always be open to listening to all kinds of music.

You don’t have to like everything you hear – but at least your ears will expose you to new horizons. I wouldn’t advise music students to approach the profession of music with the idea of becoming rich and famous, but it is important to pursue whatever your heart and soul tells you; and if by chance, fame AND great financial rewards come to you, then you are doubly blessed.”

“Students studying an instrument often think that the related music theory courses are a necessary evil and have no relationship to playing their instrument. They couldn’t be MORE wrong! Sight reading, ear training and all the particulars you need for dealing with a page of music is basic to those who wish to perform.”

These achievements are even more astounding when you realize that Valerie Capers has been blind since the age of six, due to a misdiagnosed viral streptococcal infection. After graduating from the New York institute for the Education of the Blind in 1953 as valedictorian of her class, she was advised by her teacher, Elizabeth Thode, to take a year out to prepare for college, during which she practiced eight to ten hours a day. She was awarded scholarships to both the Juilliard School of Music and Barnard College, and she chose Juilliard. Valerie was the first blind student to enter the school and earn both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Over the years she has been honored with four honorary Doctorate degrees, and taught workshops across the world, from Stanford University in California to the Mozarteum Conservatory in Austria.

I haven’t scratched the surface, but Valerie Capers is an inspirational and strong individual who did not let losing her sight become a deterrent in achieving success. I sincerely hope she will always be a part of my life, and I cherish the short time I’ve known her.

Celebrating American Music from sea to shining sea…

Autumn 2015

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JUNIOR KE YNOTES 17

DANCE WINNERS

Rejoice in the Art of Dance!

by Judy Barger Edgell, Dance Department Chairman

As the new Dance Department Chairman I am delighted to share all the wonderful opportunities for our dance students. Scholarship awards and cash awards are abundant. Look on the web-site www.nfmc-music. org under the Junior Division and then look at the Dance category and you will find awards given to all ages and for all forms of dance.

There are opportunities for classical ballet, modern dance, jazz, lyrical, tap and a category for ballet/theatre. An award is available for every style! These are divided by age, some beginning as young as 11, going all the way to graduating seniors planning on majoring in dance.

The $2500.00 Thelma Robinson Ballet Award is given to a dancer planning to major in dance. It is awarded biennially in odd years.

Have you thought about meeting with the local dance instructors to introduce them to the Federation and explain the wonderful opportunities given to dance students? Your local club could federate the dance group for $20.00 which allows them to qualify for these awards and exposes them to the many benefits of Federation. We need to make all clubs aware of opportunities in Dance!

My dream for NFMC is to see dozens of youth auditioning for these awards, but it is up to us to pass the word and to raise awareness. Let’s grow our numbers of interested dance students!

Let us rejoice in the art of dance!

Junior I and Junior II First Place Winners – Junior Dance Award submitted by Gay Dill

Ballet I Tatiana Sinelnikova Tatiana of Wexford, Pennsylvania, is 12 years old and a student at The Art of Music & Dance, Wexford, PA. Name of Dance: Kitri Variation, Act 3, Don Quixote. Music – L. Mincus; Choregraphy: Marius Petipa

Theatre Dance I Grace Meyer Grace of Jamestown, Indiana, is 13 years old and a student at The Academy of Dance Arts, in Fishers, Indiana. Her winning lyrical dance is Understanding Angel, choreography by Rolf Lovland.

Second Place Winners, Junior Dance Award Theater Dance I - Jazz Rachel Roelke, Hortland, Wisconsin Ballet II Claire Synhorst, Valrico, Florida Theater Dance II - Tap Claire Liechty, Carmel, Indiana

18 JUNIOR KE YNOTES

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Autumn 2015

Ballet II Marion Hooper Marion of Roanoke, Virginia, is 16 years old and a student of Pedro Szalay of The Dance Centre of Southwest VA. She had two dance entries: Giselle Variation, Act I, Music by Adolphe Adam; Choreography

by Jules Perrot and Jean Coralli; Aurora Variation from Sleeping Beauty, Music by P. Tchaikovsky; Choreography by Marius Petipa

Theatre Dance II Claire Synhorst Claire of Valrico, Florida, is 15 years old and a student at Brandon Ballet, in Brandon, Florida. Her lyrical/jazz dance, In Ra Folais by Neymar, easily won her first place in Theatre Dance II. Claire was the first place winner last year in Junior I, when she was 14, in both ballet and theatre dance.

JOHN THOMPSON’S EASIEST PIANO COURSE MUSIC STAFF PAPER

This wide-staff manuscript paper pad features the crazy, colorful creatures from the best-selling John Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course series. Characters show up in full color on 32 pages, size 11" x 8-1/2", with six large staves on each page. Includes a music notation guide.

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A DOZEN A DAY MUSIC STAFF PAPER

32 pages of 8.5" x 11" staff paper with 10 standard-sized staves per page, a music notation guide, and featuring the fun stick figures from the original “A Dozen a Day” series (that Edna Mae Burnam herself drew!) are featured in this manuscript paper book.

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JOHN THOMPSON’S NOTE SPELLER

Thompson’s popular Note Speller includes drills in notation and musical rudiments for the piano student. Notes are presented so that learning to read notes goes hand-in-hand with the student’s piano lessons.

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PRACTICE JOURNAL

WEEKLY PLANNER FOR MUSIC STUDENTS

The stylish Willis Practice Journal features 40 weeks of lesson assignments, a daily practice record, staff paper, and an abbreviated music dictionary. Suitable for ANY music student!

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FLASH CARDS

JOHN THOMPSON’S EASIEST PIANO COURSE

Create an enhanced learning experience for beginning students of any age with these 128 musical flash cards! The 4" x 3" cards cover: note names • basic musical terms and symbols • time signatures • key signatures • rhythm patterns.

The material is based on concepts covered in John Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course series (Parts 1-4). They are also suitable for use with any method! Cards come perforated and are easy to tear apart. The “question” is printed in black, and the “answer” on the back in light gray.

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5-INCH COMPOSER STATUETTES These finely detailed white porcelain figurines each contain the composer’s name and dates and has a felt bottom.

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PIANO ACHIEVEMENT STICKERS

96 full color fun and motivational stickers that students will love. 8 different designs – 12 stickers per design – several influenced by popular Willis publications! Actual size is 1-inch for each one.

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KEYBOARD & REFERENCE CHART

A large (28"x11") keyboard reference chart that may be used as a demonstrative keyboard for piano class instruction or private teaching. Key signatures, scale finder, and time signature references on the back help to make this an excellent teaching tool! The front of the chart is matte varnish.

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JUNIOR WINNERS

2015 Stillman Kelley Award Winners First Place ($1000) John Schindler

Third Place ($300) Shan Su

Western Region ($200) Meghan Leong

Piano – Hartland, Wisconsin

Viola – Richardson, Texas

Cello – Fremont, California

John Schindler, first place winner of the 2015 NFMC Stillman Kelley Competition, began piano lessons at age 6.

He currently lives in Hartland, Wisconsin where he studies piano with Margarita Kontorovsky. John has been recognized in numerous competitions, performed with the Milwaukee Symphony and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, and was selected as a scholarship recipient by the Chopin Foundation of the United States. He highly values the master classes in which he participated with Joseph Kalichstein, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Julian Martin, and Nelita True, among others.

Second Place ($500) Spencer Sharp Violin – Morrow, Ohio Spencer Sharp, second place winner of the 2015 NFMC Stillman Kelley Competition, began violin lessons at age 4. By the time he was eight years old, Spencer was winning international concerto competitions. His international trips have included study and solo performances in China, Austria, Korea, France and Spain. In the past three years, Spencer has won more than eighteen Young Artist competitions on local, national and international levels. He made his solo debut at Carnegie Hall in 2012. Spencer studies with Gabe Pegis of the Cincinnati Symphony. He is in the 11th grade and homeschooled so that he has freedom to travel and to perform.

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Autumn 2015

Shan Su, third place winner of the 2015 NFMC Stillman Kelley Competition, has been playing viola for eight years and is currently studying with Dr. Susan Dubois at the University of North Texas in Denton. Read more about Shan as winner of the Wendell Irish Viola award, page 17.

Northeastern Region ($200) William Hume Piano – Carlisle, Pennsylvania William Hume is the Northeastern Regional winner for the Stillman Kelley Competition. William has received numerous composition awards through NFMC and was named a 2014 National Young Arts Foundation winner. A 2014 high school graduate, William was a member of the The National Honor Society, earned varsity letter in cross country, and volunteered at local nursing homes, the Salvation Army and for military functions.

William is currently studying with Professor Barry Snyder at the Eastman School of Music where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance.

South Central Region ($200) Christina Greenwood Piano – Nixa, MO Christina Greenwood, age 17, is the Southcentral Regional winner for the Stillman Kelley Competition. This year she also won the Marilyn Caldwell Piano Competition and the Lana Bailey Concerto Competition. See page 14 for more information about Christina.

Meghan Leong is the Western Regional winner for the Stillman Kelley Competition.

She is a junior at The King’s Academy in Sunnyvale, California, where she has been principal cellist for the last three years. At age 15, Meghan made her Carnegie Hall debut with the Elgar Cello Concerto. She has participated in master classes held by renowned cellists, performed music outreach with her school orchestra, won numerous awards and competitions. She is also a passionate, competitive ballroom dancer. In her free time, Meghan enjoys writing and has had one of her short stories published by the Young Voices Foundation.

Thelma Byrum Piano Competition ($350) Noah Waddell Piano – Fort Meyers, Florida Noah Waddell, winner of the 2015 NFMC Thelma Byrum Piano Competition, began playing the piano at age 7 and starting winning competitions in 2011.

At age 12, he made his orchestral debut with the Tampa Bay Symphony. Noah has raised over $30,000 for a new children’s hospital and continues to volunteer with The Arts in Healthcare Program at Lee Memorial Hospitals. He has won numerous local, national and international competitions and has appeared in television segments showcasing his talent.

Noah is homeschooled and enjoys a variety of activities including tennis, hiking, and fishing.

He is frequently accompanied by Bach and Mozart, his two Havanese dogs.

JUNIOR WINNERS

2015 Joyce Walsh Junior Disability Awards

by Anita Blackmon, NFMC Chairman, Joyce Walsh Junior Disability Award The Junior Disability Award was established in 1983 as the official project of the Junior Division under the leadership of Joyce Walsh, Junior Counselor. The mission of this annual competition is to provide financial assistance to any junior instrumentalist or vocalist who is mentally or physically challenged. Joyce Walsh, assisted by her husband, was in charge of T-shirt sales and other contributions until the endowment of the awards was completed in 2001. At that time, the awards were renamed the Joyce Walsh Disability Awards.

Abigel Szilagyi started playing violin at age 8, and has been studying for six years. She regularly performs as soloist and is concert master of the Lake Avenue Church Orchestra in Pasadena, Abigel Szilagyi California. Danielle South Pasadena, CA Belen taught Abigel for two years before noticing her hearing aid and learning of Abi’s disability. According to her teacher, Abigel plays beautifully, always in tune, and she has a deep intuitive feeling for the instrument. At only fifteen years old, Abigel delivers mature, dynamic performances displaying an obvious passion for music.

Ruth Brainerd was born in Korea with a congenital condition requiring amputation of her left forearm just below her elbow. She was

adopted and brought to America at a young age. Her parents thought she’d play soccer, perhaps French horn or anything she could do with one hand. But Ruth had different ideas. She Ruth Brainerd currently plays piano Edgewood, NM and harp, is a 4-H club leader, and loves Taekwondo. Ruth is grateful to her teachers, Irene Waters and Ruthanne Hamrick. Ruth accompanies church youth choir and performs at community events.

Catherine Minton, age 18, has participated in NCFMC Festival voice for four years receiving her first cup in 2015. This year, she added Musical Theatre and performed in both categories. She spends Catherine Minton time every day singing.

Clayton, NC Initially, Catherine required her mother’s encouragement and help. Now she does her practicing for voice with no assistance. Catherine’s willingness to work on her craft is commendable and her love of music is contagious according to her teacher.

Cora Bishoppetty, age 17, has played piano since she was 8. She currently studies with Harriet Payne. She also plays cello in the

Advanced Orchestra at Alamo Heights High School. Cora spent her first 6 months in Neonatal Intensive Care. When her parents couldn’t be with her, they left a tape recorder playing music.

Cora Bishoppetty At age 6, she lost her Pipe Creek, TX hearing. She started piano lessons at age 8. As Cora started 6th grade, she signed up for orchestra in middle school and learned cello. Cora volunteers as a camp counselor working with children with disabilities.

Lilith Sarkar is a 2014 California Art Scholar and a senior at Homestead High School in Cupertino, CA. Lilith participated as a young artist in the 2015 Hawaii Performing Lilith Sarkar Arts Festival where Los Altos, CA she performed in Purcell’s The Fairy Queen and was featured in the Festival’s Liederabend recital. Lilith is involved in her local community volunteering at senior centers and giving lessons to children. Lilith studies with Iris Fraser and coaches with Russell Norman, both of Palo Alto, CA, and Maestro Robert Ashens, of Eugene, OR.

N AT I O

NFMC YOUNG ARTIST WINNERS

IC

CL

UB

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presents

2 0 1 5 - 2 0 17

ELLIS D UO & Y OUNG

Three new National Young Artists were named at the 2015 NFMC Convention in Fargo. They are Nicholas Susi, pianist; Matthew Lipman, strings; and Christie Conover, Woman’s Voice. There is no Man’s Voice designation for 2015. The $15,000 First Place Awards are funded by the NFMC, Agnes Fowler Endowment as well as supplemental endowments. Instrumentalists must have reached the 18th birthday but not the 30th birthday by June 1st of the year of auditions. Vocalists must have reached the 25th birthday, but not the 37th birthday by June 1st of the year of the auditions. Will your name someday appear on this poster?

Autumn 2015

N A L F E D E R AT I O N O F MU S

NICHOL

AS SUS I

– Piano –

ARTISTS

TIFFAN

Y DELG ADO & HILAR Y MAUL ER

CHRIST

April O’Hare

Photography

– Ellis Duo –

IE CON OV

– Voice –

ER

MATTHE

645 Hesper

•

Young Artist

Avenue, Metairie,

W LIPM AN

– Viola –

NATIONAL FEDE

RATION of MUSIC

Presentation Chair,

CLUBS

Melanie Perez LA 70005-2 660 // (504) 669-3361 // benchwa rmers2@cox.net

JUNIOR KE YNOTES 21

JUNIOR WINNERS

2015 Wendell Irish Viola Award Winner Shan Su of Richardson, Texas has been named winner of the 2015 Wendell Irish Viola award.

She also won that award Shan Su for the South Central Region. She has been playing viola for eight years under the tutelage of Dr. Susan Dubois at the University of North Texas in Denton.

Shan has served as principal violist of the Texas All-State Symphony Orchestra and the Honor Orchestra of America. She was also selected to be a part of the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYOUSA) in 2014 and 2015.

She is a gold cord and honors diploma graduate of the Texas Academy of Math and Science (TAMS) and is currently studying biology on the pre-medical track at the University of Texas at Dallas. Shan is a member of the UT-PACT (Partnership in Advancing the Clinical Transition) BA/MD program which allows her to spend three years at University of Texas at Dallas followed by four years at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.

Shan has obtained an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification and is licensed to practice in Texas. In school, she has been a Teaching Assistant for Biochemistry I and is currently a TA for Anatomy & Physiology I. She is also a Peer Advisor in the on-campus apartments, working with about 70 residents.

Between fulfilling her passion for music and her calling to medicine, she enjoys doing genetics research, and watching TED talks.

22 JUNIOR KE YNOTES

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Autumn 2015

Wendell Irish Viola Awards submitted by Dr. George Keck, Chairman Now is the time to plan for the upcoming Wendell Irish Viola Award competition, the annual competition for young viola performers. This Junior Award was given

by Past National President Dr. Barbara Irish and her husband Wilmot Irish in memory of their son, Wendell, who played the viola. The endowment provides a first-place award of $1,000, a second place award of $750, and one award of $250 in each of the five regions of NFMC. Juniors should enter first in their state competition by the deadline of February 1, 2016. Download the application form and read the requirements at our NFMC website, nfmc-music.org. Or contact the state Federation president or the national chairman

for information. The state competition chairman sends the winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application and performance CD to the national chairman for adjudication.

No specific repertoire is required, but the CD should include at least two contrasting compositions. The performance should not exceed twenty minutes in length.

I encourage and challenge Juniors who play the viola to apply for the Wendell Irish Viola Award. The first or second place prizes will go a long way toward continued study of the viola, summer music center tuition, a new instrument or bow, or any number of other uses. Good luck with the competition and keep practicing your instrument!

Lynn Freeman Olson Composition Award Winners This biennial award is presented in odd-numbered years to recognize and reward outstanding young composers who are members of NFMC. Grades 7-9 compete in the Intermediate Category and Grades 9-12 compete in the High School Category. Get your compositions ready to enter in 2017!

Ashley Yung, winner in the Intermediate Category, is a 12 year old musician from Marell, Nebraska. She has studied piano with Nancy L. Schoen of Lincoln since 2009. Ashley has long enjoyed playing her own musical ideas and was encouraged to notate it and share her compositions with a wider audience. In 2012, her Ashley Yung composition Summer Storm was the Nebraska winner in the MTNA Elementary Composition Competition. Ashley is a wonderful visual artist and now has found a niche for putting art into her music.

Candice Lee, winner in the High School Category, has studied piano for the past ten years, six of which have been with Mrs. Gayle Vann. In previous years, she has won Honorable Mention in the Lynn Freeman Olson Competition. She loved playing mellophone in the Marist War Eagle Marching Band until her senior year when she was drum major of the band. She also played French horn in the school Wind Ensemble and performed at the University of Georgia JanFest Candice Lee for three years. Other interests include reading, running, listening to music, kickboxing and writing. Candice will attend the University of Georgia majoring in International Affairs.

MUSIC IN POETRY WINNERS

Angie Greer Music in Poetry Winners

“Recital Day”

“Music”

“The Pianist”

“Music Is...”

by Alana Dapper

by Amanda Mason

by Diya Ramanathan

by Sarah Wang

SE Region, Albany GA, Age 14, Teacher: Amanda D. Latona

NE Region, Colton, NY Teacher: Don Cannamela

NC Region, Hartland, WI Age 16, Teacher: Ellen Figueira

WN Region, Mercer Island, WA, Age 13, Teacher: Sharon Van Valin

I wait my turn as others play I can’t wait; its recital clay I listen to others as they play their song At times I can’t help but tap along My turn is next but I don’t get scared I’ve practiced a lot; I’m feeling prepared I place my hands on the right keys I start to play; I’m now at ease My fingers dance as I play my piece My nervousness has fully ceased I finish my song, my turn is complete I take a bow and return to my seat When the concert is done I celebrate I did my best and that is great I can’t wait to return to recital next spring And see what my next performance will bring.

Music When you hear it, do you lose it?

Or do you groove to it?

Perhaps you sing, or bring your own rhythm?

Compose your own?

Or are you a Dashboard Drummer?

An Air Guitarist?

Maybe an Avid Hummer?

You may be moving your wrists, as you dance with your lover, Forever as you wait for that beat to Drop because the music never Stops.

My fingers dance to a wild tango Passion bleeding from my fingertips Pouring onto black and white keys Bursting into brilliant hues Yellows, blues, reds Bouncing off the walls Splashing warmth into the crowd Laughter echoes, mouths ajar in song Time freezes, the dancing goes on My hands race, music soars, pigments fly Blurred vision, seeing only flashes of color Then the last note resonates in the room The people vaporize, the warmth vanishes The ticking of the clock slowly resumes Colors seep back into my gray hands And all that’s left is black and white.

As I walk into the kitchen, I wonder The tinkling of the spoon on a bowl, The dripping of the water from the faucet, The chopping of the knife on a board, The sizzling of the oil on the pan, Is that music?

As I leave the kitchen, I believed The spoon tinkles, The water drops, The knife chops, The oil sizzles, By themselves, they’re just some sounds.

But I stop walking.

I turn back. I realize The spoons present a beautiful rhythm, The water portrays an amazing harmony, The knife gives a steady beat, The oil regales us with a trill, The spoon tinkles are wind chimes in a spring day, The water drops are dewdrops from a flower, The knife chops are feet from a dancer, The oil sizzles are leaves blown on the sidewalk, They are the perfect ensemble.

That is music.

Dr. Marie Speece of Union Grove, SC is chairman of the Angie Greer Music In Poetry award. A $50 award is given to the authors of the winning poems in the five NFMC regions. Enjoy their musical poetry!

Piani applysts !

Congratulations to Christina Greenwood, 2015 winner of the Lana M. Bailey Piano Concerto Award!

THE LANA M. BAILEY

ANNUAL PIANO CONCERTO AWARD The Lana M. Bailey Annual Piano Concerto Award is for high school seniors planning to enter university, college or conservatory as a music major in 2016. Two awards are available; first place $750, second place $200. These awards are endowed with funds to honor Past-National NFMC President Lana M. Bailey. For detailed information, see the NFMC website at nfmc-music.org. Click on Publications and see JR-20 and JR-21. Deadline for entering is May 1, 2016. Questions will gladly be answered by Dee Blaser at: dblaser@sunflower.com.

Autumn 2015

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JUNIOR KE YNOTES 23

JUNIOR COMPOSERS

Top 2015 Junior Composers Announced CLASS I: (ages 9 and under) 1st Place: Kaelyn McClorey Kansas, Teacher: Evelyn Falen Kaelyn McClorey is nine years old and lives in Lawrence, Kansas. She is a 4th grader and attends Corpus Christi Catholic School.

She enjoys studying piano with her teacher Evelyn Falen. Kaelyn enjoys playing sports, singing, dancing, and playing outdoors.

She also enjoys music, instruments, and she absolutely loves animals! Her love for animals encouraged her to start her own pet sitting business. Kaelyn used to own a pet bunny named Blueberry which inspired her to compose The Bunny Dance.

2nd Place: Angela Wang Washington, Teacher: Sharon Van Valin Angela Wang is nine years old and a 4th grader. Her composition teacher is Sharon Van Valin.

She loves reading and wants to become an author when she grows up. Her favorite sport is swimming. Angela loves to do all kinds of crafts. She is trying to persuade her mom to get a dog. She has been to five countries and her favorite place in the world is her hometown – Bellevue, Washington!

Incentive: Quillan Purcell Utah, Teacher: Nancy Purcell Quillan Zaide Purcell was born in Glendale, California, but moved to Utah that same year. He grew up watching his older brother play the piano and he developed a keen interest in music, especially piano. At the age of seven, he began taking piano lessons from his grandmother. He quickly showed particular interest in composition and he began composing songs not long after his first year of lessons. Quillan loves to spend time outside adventuring and exploring. When he is not outside, he is reading or fiddling around on the piano. He always looks forward to piano lessons because it is a special time where he gets to build his relationship with his grandma.

He is very grateful to have her as his teacher.

CLASS II: (ages 10-12)

Incentive: Katelynne Maitland Virginia, Teacher: Nathalie Steinbach Katelynne Maitland began her music studies at the age of four at the Fredericksburg, Virginia Yamaha Music School. She won composition contests in 2011 and 2012 in

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addition to this year’s NFMC Incentive Award winner, Angels Calling, written for piano and violin. Katelynne has earned Federation cups in Piano Solo, Piano Concerto, Hymn Playing, American Patriotic and Folk Tunes and Composition. She graduated from the Junior Extension Course at the Fredericksburg Yamaha Music School where she studied under Elin Havrilla. She has also been taking private lessons from Nathalie Steinbach for the past five years. In addition to her piano studies, Katelynne also takes violin lessons and is on a year round swim team.

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1st Place: Luke Chen

Washington, Teacher: Sharon Van Valin Luke Chen is an 11 year-old composer rising to the 6th grade at Lakeside Middle School in Seattle, WA. In addition to playing the piano

and composing, he likes to play squash and soccer, to do computer programming and to write stories. He sometimes also writes poetry.

He plays chess, squash and soccer with his little brother Oliver. Luke’s favorite place in the whole world is his home. He loves to eat his parents’ fresh-cooked or fried Chinese dumplings. Luke thanks his composition and piano teacher, Sharon Van Valin, for showing him theory and the joy of composition.

2nd Place: Shiv Raj Yajnik Texas, Teacher: David Karp Shiv Yajnik is a student of St. Marks School of Texas where he is a member of the St. Marks School Choir. He takes piano lessons from Mr. Kevin Gunter and is a member of the Piano Preparatory program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Shiv also studies composition with Dr. David Karp at SMU. He has been writing music since age eight and is an avid composer. Shiv has participated and placed in numerous competitions and festivals including: National Federation of Music Clubs- Junior Composers Contest- 1st Place in State and Region, Junior Class II 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. 2nd Place nationally in 2015.

Incentive: Nathan Paek Washington, Teacher: Sharon Van Valin Nathan Paek is a sixth-grader in Sammamish, WA. Inspired by impressionist composers, Nathan composed his winning Australian Suite: The Land and Ocean Down Under to capture the majesty of manta rays gliding along the Great Barrier Reef. He studies music composition and piano with Sharon Van Valin. Nathan also loves robotics, creating comics, and performing magic tricks.

JUNIOR COMPOSERS

Incentive: Albert Wang Florida, Teacher: Donald Waxman Albert Wang is an 11 year-old composer, currently a 6th grade student at Falcon Cove Middle School in Weston, Florida.

Albert demonstrated his special talent in music at a preschool age. Starting at the age of 5, he has been learning piano with his teacher Maria Gomez.

At the age of 9, Albert discovered his great passion and interest in music so he began formal composition and advanced music theory studies with Donald Waxman. He has won multiple awards (Winner and Honorable Mention) in local, state and international composition competitions as well as in Florida Federation of Music Clubs piano solo, duet, duo and concerto competitions. Besides music, Albert loves math and has been a winner in several local, state and national math competitions. He also enjoys playing chess, drawing, computer programming and robotics.

In his spare time, Albert likes swimming, playing soccer and table tennis.

CLASS III: (ages 13-15) 1st Place: Andrew Cannestra Wisconsin, Teacher: Ken Bruce A native of Greenfield, WI, Andrew Cannestra, 16, has studied the piano since age four and has composed since age six. A student of Ken Bruce, Andrew has won NFMC Junior Composer contest multiple times at the state, regional and national levels. He has attended the Junior Composers Studio in Minneapolis and reports it is one of his favorite things to do in the summer. Andrew has won numerous piano competitions, including the Wisconsin Music Teachers Association State Final, the Civic Music Association Young Artist Scholarship, the Cardinal Stritch University Piano Festival, and was a finalist in the 2013 Wisconsin Youth Piano Competition. Andrew

currently studies piano with Dr. Eun-Joo Kwak. Andrew enjoys fly-fishing, stargazing, participating in his high school math club, golfing, and cheering for the Brewers. He is a senior at Marquette University High School and plans to study math and music in college.

2nd Place: Benjamin Henault Kentucky, Teacher: Julie Jones Ben Henault is a sophomore at Lafayette High School. He has been composing since age four, taking private piano lessons since age seven, and taking lessons in percussion since age nine. He has attended SCAPA (School for the Creative and Performing Arts) since age eight majoring in Piano and minoring in Band. Ben is still active in that program. Ben plays in the drumline for Lafayette’s Marching Band and plays percussion in their top concert band. He also plays percussion for the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra (CKYO) as well as playing the drum set for the school’s annual play since he was in the 7th grade. Ben volunteers at the Lexington St. Joseph’s Hospital by improvising on the piano in the front lobby.

He is very interested in film music and enjoys listening and learning from contemporary composers such as John Adams and Steve Reich. His style of composition is primarily minimalist, with influences from various other styles. Ben would like to thank Julie Jones for being his piano teacher and for her support and encouragement in Ben’s composition projects.

Incentive: David Besonen Minnesota, Teacher: Chris Wolf David Besonen is a 15-year old sophomore at Eastview High School in Apple Valley, MN. He enjoys playing piano and alto saxophone, alongside composing. David has been taking private piano lessons from Chris Wolf for eight years and private saxophone lessons for four years.

His first amateur composition was written

when he was five years old. He has since begun taking theory and composition lessons from Chris Wolf. David also placed third in the Carol Klose Hal Leonard Composition Competition in 2014. He has earned nine consecutive Superiors from the Federation Festival receiving his 45 point Federation Cup and first Federation Cup for composition in 2015. He attended the Shell Lake Jazz Camp in 2014 and Junior Composers camp at the University of Minnesota in 2014 and 2015. He participates in the Eastview Marching Band and jazz band as well in the Minnesota Youth Jazz Band.

Incentive: Kendrick Kirby-Lee Massachusetts, Teacher: Stephen Halloran Kendrick KirbyLee is a 10th grade student at Weston High School in Weston, Massachusetts.

He studies music composition and performance at the Rivers Conservatory.

Kendrick has been composing music since the age of ten when he began studying with Dr. Stephen Halloran. He is especially passionate about composing for chamber ensembles and symphonic orchestras. Kendrick has studied violin since age four and has been a student of Magdalena Richter and Liana Zaretsky. He plays violin with three orchestras, including the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Rivers Symphony Orchestra, and the Weston High School Orchestra, and has also been selected to play in the Massachusetts Eastern District and All-State Orchestras. The Argonauts is his winning composition for the 2015 NFMC Junior Composer Competition and is set to the Greek myth. In addition to music, Kendrick loves science, Nordic skiing, and hiking in national parks.

Incentive: Akira Nair Washington, Teacher: Sharon Van Valin Akira Nair is 13 years old and attends 7th grade in Lakeside Middle School, Seattle, Washington.

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He studies music composition with Sharon Van Valin and piano performance with Rachel Matthews. He also plays the viola for Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra. Besides music, Akira likes playing tennis, performing magic tricks and solving Rubik’s cubes.

CLASS IV: (ages 16-18) 1st Place: Logan Nelson Kansas, Teacher: Eric Crawford Logan Nelson is an incoming freshman at the University of Southern California in the Music Composition program. Logan splits his time between his two loves of film and music. Since the age of five, Logan has studied piano and later gone on to play as the principal violist in the Wichita Youth Symphony. Throughout his high school years, Logan took private composition lessons at institutes such as the University of Missouri-Kansas City with prominent composers including James Mobberley and Chen Yi. He recently spent the summer at New York University, studying with Emmy award-winning composer, Sean Callery. Logan is internationally recognized as one of the top young composers today. He has been an ASCAP Morton Gould Finalist and 2015 National Young Arts Winner among numerous other composition awards. Logan aspires to combine his music with other forms of art, such as film, theater, and musicals. By minoring in Cinematic Arts, Logan hopes to gain film exposure and network with top student film makers.

2nd Place: Nicholas Townsend Arkansas, Teacher: Kathy Honea Nicholas Townsend is a junior at Bryant High School. He plays alto saxophone in the Bryant High School Wind Ensemble, guitar in the Legacy Jazz Band, and violin in the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra. He has achieved

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all-state status on all three. Nicholas has been composing since eighth grade and has won many awards for his orchestral works.

Incentive: Thomas Effinger Washington, Teacher: Elizabeth Ackerman Thomas Effinger is 17 years old. He will be attending Central Washington University to major in Music Composition and Computer Science.

He began studying music formally during his freshman year of high school. Now, you’ll never find him without a pen and some staff paper to scribble down his ideas. When he’s not playing music or composing, he is likely doing homework. He enjoys and excels in the study of mathematics and in computer programming. He taught himself how to play the cello so he could join his high school orchestra. He encourages any composer to be a member of a large ensemble. He found it significantly improved his ability to compose for string ensembles.

Incentive: Ian M. Stewart North Carolina, Teacher: Sue Dellinger Ian Stewart is a high school senior and Eagle Scout. He has studied piano for seven years, and currently studies with Dr. Paul Nitsch of Queens University in Charlotte, NC. Although Ian began composing simple melodies at a young age, he received no formal composition training until January 2015, when he began studying with Dr. Sue Dellinger of Charlotte.

Ian’s Sonata for String Quartet was the 2015 NFMC Southeast Regional first place winner.

When not playing piano, Ian enjoys exploring mathematics and its intersection with music.

He also enjoys hiking and getting inspiration for his compositions from nature.

Incentive: Jordan Tebbe Michigan, Teacher: Jinia Lee Jordan Tebbe is a graduating senior from

Detroit Country Day School in Beverly Hills, Michigan. He has had an interest in music since the 6th grade, playing piano and keyed brass instruments. Upon entering high school, music became a much larger part of his life.

He took AP Music Theory and composed several pieces for full orchestra. As he heads off to the University of Michigan, he looks forward to continue both playing and creating music.

ADDITIONAL WINNERS: Outstanding String Composition: Chung Hon Michael Cheng Texas, Teacher: Dr. Ann Rivers Witherspoon

John & Margaret Pierson Award: Emily Shaw Missouri, Teacher: Melissa Duncan

Olga Klein Nelson Award: Emma Cardon Utah, Teacher: Dr. Kevin Olson

Outstanding Piano Composition, Laura K. Wilson Memorial Award honoring PNP Dorothy Dann Bull: Jacob Beranek Wisconsin, Teacher: Sam Ecoff

Cover me, Please!

Submit your original artwork for Junior Keynotes Magazine covers!

Juniors only, 8.5 x 11, pen and ink w/color drawings, collages and photography will be considered. Please send original artwork by mail, or e-mail high resolution PDF files.

Email nfmcjrkeynotes@gmail.com for more information

JUNIOR COMPOSERS CAMP

Junior Composers 2015: The Grand Finale Salon

On July 25, the Junior Composers 2015 camp came to a close with a Grand Finale Salon featuring world premieres of 24 new works.

Shown are the campers and staff with Carolyn Nelson, Past President of NFMC (in the front middle chair).

Submitted by Pat Steege and Karen Besonen

On July 25, 2015, after only a week’s work, the students attending the Junior Composers Camp stood in front of a full house to premiere their original pieces. The work is not to be downplayed. The young composers spent a full week working late into the night to dictate the music they heard in their heads.

According to Junior Composers student Jonas Fisher, the time put into preparing the pieces is well worth it because of the training he received along the way. Fisher, a returning student of Junior Composers, spent time learning about the importance of collaboration during his training at the 2015 camp. According to Jonas, the musicians did more than compose; they played each other’s pieces, and worked closely with each other throughout the whole process. “You’re playing each other’s compositions,” Fisher said. “I had to learn how to collaborate and really communicate with other musicians.”

The work produced by these teenagers was of extraordinarily high quality. For the audience, being let into the musical worlds of these composers was thrilling. Each piece introduced us to a new world; some were more tumultuous and unpredictable than others, but all were descriptive enough to give us a full picture.

Fisher’s piece, entitled Ancora, featured harp, piano, violin, cello, French horn and oboe. Jason played the oboe part for the performance.

His legato melody passed between the cello and oboe, which is something he had worked on throughout the week. “I learned [this week] how to appeal to the listeners and create a well thought-out and captivating melody.” Fisher said. Jason’s primary instrument is the piano, but he has been attending Junior Composers for three years to develop into a well-rounded composer. “[I attend] because of the wonderful experiences and knowledge you gain,” Jason said. “You create a song, not just on your own, but with the help and guidance of your peers and teachers. It is an incredible

opportunity.” Fisher credits faculty member Randall Davidson for teaching him how to write a “pleasing” melody.

Junior Composers summer camps are held on the campus of the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Some students traveled locally to attend, but for Andriana Taratsas, the training at Junior Composers was well-worth the trip from Virginia. “This is my first year with Junior Composers,” she said. “I wanted to attend because I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn things about music that I didn’t [previously] know.”

Taratsas’ piece, Second Try, featured her own performance on piano.

“My primary instrument is piano, which I have been playing for nine years,” she said. “The salons were my favorite [part of the week] because they provided a lot of information…if we choose to pursue music composition as a career.”

Mary-Kate Hines is a fourth-year alumnus of Junior Composers Camp who lives in Iowa. She received a scholarship her first year, and could not stay away afterwards. “I loved working with [the faculty],” she said. “I don’t take composition lessons outside of Junior Composers, so it was cool to work with them. I’ve learned so much!” Prior to Junior Composers, Hines didn’t understand the complex concepts of music theory. According to Hines, she will now use this knowledge to continue composing.

The students were not the only appreciative ones. Before the Grand Finale salons concluded, faculty member Randall Davidson stood in front of the audience. “Thank you for sharing your students with us,” he said. “We could not do this without you.”

For more information regarding Junior Composers and future camps, visit juniorcomposers.org, or contact Pat Steege, Administrative Director, at psteege@mjssecurity.com.

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National Music Week May 1-8, 2016

Music... Notes to the Future May 7-14, 2017

Music... An Adventure for Life Have you ever had students enter the National Music Week Essay Contest? If not, then this is the year to introduce a new event in your studio. The theme for 2016 is Music… Notes to the Future and pairs perfectly with our national president’s theme, Keeping the Music Alive for the Future.

Students in grades 7-12 are eligible to enter. Publicizing this event in the schools and to home-schooled students, not only your own, is highly recommended. There is so much writing talent among them. This provides a wonderful opportunity for them to use their creative ability; what a great theme for sharing their thoughts. It is our responsibility to help expose them.

Applications may be found on the website under Competitions and Awards: Annual Junior Awards; National Music Week Essay Contest. Rules and names of region chairmen are included.

January 15, 2016 is the postmark deadline for submission of the essays. A photograph of the entrant is required. The 2016 theme and entrant’s name must appear on the first page. It is also necessary to include the telephone number for the teacher or contact person. A prize of $50.00 is awarded at the national level to each declared state winner.

Every teacher is challenged to encourage at least one student to express his/her thoughts and feelings about Music…Notes to the Future for our 2016 Essay Contest. There is always that chance of winning the $50.00 prize. We need to inspire our young people to be involved in worthwhile activities.

Make sure that you can answer the opening question with YES! in reference to this year’s contest.

Helena S. Meetze, National Music Week National Chairman

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Introduction to Keyboard Improvisation

by Dr. Leon Whitesell, Improvisation Adviser In this issue I will list some very basic concepts: 1. Know the scale and key of your improvisation 2. Decide on rhythms, time signatures, the pulse or “beat” 3. Decide whether the range will be low, middle, or high on the keyboard 4. Plan whether you will use major, minor, whole-tone, pentatonic, all black keys, etc.

5. Decide on rhythmic combinations and patterns 6. Plan the tempo (fast, slow, moderate) 7. Decide on shifts or changes in meter 8. Think about the dynamic range, showing contrasts 9. Decide on intervals used (1/2 steps, whole steps, etc.)

10. You might include 2nds and 3rds, or cluster chords 11. Question – Answer phrases 12. Legato versus staccato 13. Triads or arpeggios 14. Grace notes or ornaments 15. Pedal, or pedals While it is true that your performance in improvisation will be from memory, I am sure that you will see great benefits from working with these items as you commence your preparation for this wonderful learning experience.

PLAN your WORK……. then WORK your PLAN! The 2015-2016 NFMC Competitions & Awards Chart is

NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE Download it today! nfmc-music.org

NATIONAL FEDERA OF MUSIC CLU TION BS

COMPETIT AWARDS IONS & CHART 2015 – 20 16

NATION AL FEDE

RATION of MUSIC CLUB

1646 Wes t Smith Valle y email: nfmc Road // Greenwo od, IN 461 @nfmc-m 42 // 317 usic.org // www.nfm -882-400 3 c-music.org

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Scattered Notes CALIFORNIA Showcasing Young Musicians Since 1930 submitted by Norma Hoch, Corresponding Secretary The Burlingame Music Club in California enjoyed its 84th year of showcasing young classical Bay Area musicians. It successfully concluded the 2014-2015 year with a lovely High Tea celebrating the winners of this year’s competition in piano and strings. Parents and teachers of the students also attended to enjoy their talents and wonderful music.

• First Place Piano ($1,000) went to Kyle Fang, age 15, Contra Costa Christian School of Walnut Creek • Second Place Piano ($800) went to Ethan Kau, age 15, Gunn High School, Palo Alto • BMC Award Piano ($600) went to April Dawn-Yi Chen, age 14, Amador Valley H.S., Pleasanton • First Place Strings ($1000) went to Elena Ariza, age 16, cello, Menlo School, Atherton • Second Place Strings ($800) went to Samuel Ng, age 18, violin, Leland H.S, San Jose The students played so beautifully! I am sure that it was a challenge for our professional Judges. We will look forward to hear more beautiful music with our 2015-2016 students in voice, woodwinds and brass at our monthly meetings.

IOWA Sonatina Festival submitted by Karen Bourne, Siouxland Federated Music Club Every spring in Sioux City, piano students all over the area are frantically practicing.

Motivated by the thought of cold, hard cash for them to lavish on their hearts’ desires, they are practicing to perfect their skills and showmanship for participation in the annual Sonatina Festival sponsored by Siouxland Federated Music Club.

The Festival was established at the suggestion of Arlene Lewis, long-time SFMC member/officer and the current Board Representative from Iowa. The club was searching for a way to give students another performance opportunity and a reward system

Pictured are Pat Herbold (left) and Karen Bourne (right) with winners from the festival. that was immediate rather than delayed, while at the same time promoting the study of longer works of music. Any sonatina or sonata may be programmed, and students are encouraged to learn all the movements as more weight is given in the score to more movements performed. Scores are tabulated using a point system in five different areas with a total of 100 points possible.

Students are divided into four levels ranging from beginning to advanced. Prizes are given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place, with award amounts increasing as the level of difficulty gets higher. Many students choose a sonatina movement for their choice piece in Festival and learn the remaining movements for the Sonatina Festival.

Charity Koehler and Pat Herbold chaired the annual SFMC Sonatina Festival held April 18. 2015. Michelle Grossman judged them on memory, accuracy, technique rhythm and musicianship. A recital featuring the winners was presented the next day, where the certificates and cash prizes were awarded.

Participation was high and the club counts this annual event as one of its successes.

NORTH DAKOTA International Music Camp Scholarships submitted by Marnie Kraft, TMC Scholarship Committee Bismarck-Mandan Thursday Music Club, a senior club of the National Federation of Music Clubs, recently awarded the International Music Camp scholarships for 2015. The $150 awards represent approximately half the cost of attending a

week-long session at IMC, which is at the Peace Garden on the border between the United States and Canada. Applicants in grades 6-11 wishing to study an instrument or voice at the camp were eligible to submit an application and recording.

The following students received IMC scholarships: Paige Billadeau, grade 7, Wachter Middle School (voice); Lexi Bower, grade 8, Wachter Middle School (voice); Rebecca Burckhard, grade 7, Light of Christ Academy (clarinet); Zachary Greff, grade 10, Bismarck High School (tenor saxophone); Hailey Leingang-Markham, grade 6, Wachter Middle School (voice); Aleasha Marcotte, grade 7, Light of Christ Academy (flute); Jordan Upgren, grade 10, Bismarck HS (trumpet); Patrick Watson, grade 6, Horizon Middle School (voice); Ashley Wise Spirit, grade 6, Wachter Middle School (voice).

PENNSYLVANIA Junior Schubert Music Club (PA) Mary Ellen Ulmer Elizabeth “Beth” Pfohl, a member of the Oil City Junior Schubert Music Club, has been awarded the 2015 Schubert Club Scholarship. She Beth Pfohl graduated from Franklin Area High School. She has been an active member of Junior Schubert Club for five years and has served the club as president and vice president. At the May 4, 2015 National Music Week Program of the Schubert Musical and Literary Club, Beth was awarded the four year Schubert Club Scholarship presented

by Laurie Mong, Schubert Club Scholarship Chairman and Cindy Fultz, Junior Schubert Club Coordinator. She was featured in the program performing two vocal solos, Were You There, an African American spiritual and Spark of Creation from Children of Eden

by Stephen Schwartz. Beth was accepted as a theatre major in musical theatre at Miami University of Ohio.

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Young Musicians of the Allentown Music Club submitted by Dan Rambo, President, Allentown Music Club On May 9th, the Young Musicians of the Allentown Music Club in Pennsylvania, celebrated National Music Week by performing for the residents of Cedarbrook Nursing Home. It was the last meeting under the direction of Dan Rambo, president of the Allentown Music Club and counselor to the Young Musicians. Mr. Rambo directed the children’s club for four years. As a parting gift the children presented him with a book of memories that included pictures of meetings from the last four years. The book was presented by the vice president, Teja Kadewari and his sister Kiran.

(l to r) Kiran Kadewari, Teja Kadwari (VP), and Dan Rambo

SOUTH CAROLINA Mayor Larry Bagwell, Easley, SC, signed a proclamation declaring May 3-9, 2015 as National Music Week as set by the National Federation of Music Clubs.

Pictured with Mayor Bagwell is Griffin Mason; Anne Mason, President of the Crescent Heritage Junior Music Club; and Taylor Baldwin, Vice President.

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TEXAS On May 20, 2015 the Austin Wednesday Morning Music Club held an award luncheon at the Austin Woman’s Club. The program included performances of the winners of the annual Wilcox, Maurer, Putter and Rudd High School competition held at the Steinway Gallery on March 21st, 2015.

First place winner of the Wilcox Award (for 9th, 10th and 11th grade students) was pianist Eunice Lee, 10th grade student at Cedar Park High School, performing Isolde’s Liebestod by Wagner/Liszt and movement IV, Presto feroce, of Gargoyles, Opus 29 by Lowell Liebermann.

Eunice’s teacher is Shearon Horton.

Second place winner of the Wilcox Award was violinist Clara Suh, an 11th grade student at Westwood High School. Clara performed the first movement, Allegro non troppo, of Edouard Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole.

Clara’s teacher is Dr. Soohin Nam. Her piano accompanist was Sung-eun Park.

First place winner of the Maurer Award (for 12th grade) was violinist Grace Song, graduating Senior at Westwood High School.

Grace performed movement one, Allegro moderato, from the Violin Concerto in D Minor, Opus 47 by Jean Sibelius. Her teachers are Professor Brian Lewis and Dr. Soojin Nam. Youree Chung was piano accompanist for Grace. Grace plans to attend Eastman School of Music under Professor Renee Jolles with a full tuition scholarship. Grace was also the winner of the supplemental Rudd award.

Second place Putter Award winner (for 12 grade) was pianist Edward Wang, graduating Senior at McNeil High School. Edward performed Frederic Chopin’s Nocturne in F-Sharp Major, Opus 15, No. 2 and the fourth movement, Fuga: Allegro con spirito,

May award winners from the Wednesday Morning Music Club of Austin pictured left to right are: Clara Suh, Eunice Lee, WMMC President Carolyn McColloch, Grace Lee and Edward Wang.

of Samuel Barber’s Sonata in E-Flat Minor, Opus 26. Edward’s teacher is Dr. Eric Hicks.

Edward will be attending the University of Texas – Austin where he will major in Chemical Engineering, but will continue to pursue his passion for music through a minor in music.

UTAH Salt Lake Area Piano Honors Recital The Salt Lake Area Piano Honors Recital was held at the Assembly Hall, Temple Square on April 23, 2015. Fifteen students were selected by audition to perform in the recital. In addition, 27 students were honored for earning the 45 point Federation Festival Gold Cup, 6 students for the 60 point cup, and 3 for the 75 point cup. This annual recital is a highlight of the Festival year. UFMC State President Kimberly Baker presented the awards.

Salt Lake Area Piano Honors Recital

WASHINGTON Washington National Music Week Concert For the first time in anyone’s memory, Washington State held a National Music Week Celebration this year! Our National Music Week Chairman, Hallee Viniotis, worked with President Sally Palmer on producing a concert featuring students from each of the clubs around the state. It was decided that we also wanted to raise money to be able to offer more scholarship awards at the state level to our hard-working Junior students, so we turned it into a NMW Celebration Fund-Raising concert.

We were treated to five outstanding piano solos by students Anna Littrell, Jason Dan, Christopher Erling, Paige Wiesinger, and Nicole Wang, who had won their respective levels of the state Helen Crowe Snelling Contest this year. A fabulous piano duet was also performed by one of our teachers, Sondra Hopper, and her student, Anna Miller. Two

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We received a National Music Week Proclamation from the Governor of the State of Washington and the Mayor of Bellevue (where the concert was held) and we received both proclamations in time to present them at the concert. We sincerely hope that this annual event continues on for many, many years.

WISCONSIN Simon Kwan performing along his way to American citizenship vocal students, Justin Li and Rebecca Gelzer, performed solos, and a group of young vocal students – Akemi Takahashi, Eden Poon, Anita and Elisa Ma, and Marissa Bikhazi - sang in a vocal ensemble. We were even honored to have Kathy Roche-Zujko, one of our vocal teachers, sing an entertaining selection of Vanilla Ice Cream from the musical She Loves Me. We had two award-winning poems read by this year’s Angie Greer Poetry Contest winner, Sarah Wang, and Jessica Waller read her NMW Essay Contest essay. We heard a beautiful cello and piano original composition by 13-year old Simon Kwan, who won an original composition award at the state level but was unable to compete any further as he is not yet an American citizen. We were very honored to have the Shostakovich String Quartet from Interlake High School on our program performing the beautiful String Quartet #8, 1st & 2nd movements. They also provided lovely music in the lobby as concert attendees were arriving.

Wisconsin Federation of Music Clubs State Festival Competition submitted by Jeanne Hryniewicki, Chairman The Wisconsin Federation of Music Clubs held its second annual State Festival Competition on Saturday, May 2nd at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Any student who received a Superior rating in his/her 2015 District Federation Festival was eligible to compete.

The events for the competition were Piano Solo, Piano Duet, Piano Concerto, Hymn Playing, Violin Solo, Violin Concerto, Vocal Solo-Art Song and Vocal Solo-Musical Theatre, and Flute Solo.

While the District Federation Festivals offer an opportunity for critiques, ratings and points earned for gold cup trophies for all students, this unique competition gives the “Superior” students a challenge in that they are able to compete with their peers and have an opportunity to “win”. Students and teachers can reach for higher expectations which will be beneficial in the future.

Ouida Keck

for the Independent Piano Teacher to be used for Professional Development

] Dr. Ouida Keck

NFMC President, 199 9-2003

Congratulations to Susan Hong of San Antonio, TX, winner of the 2015 Ouida Keck Award!

Read more about Susan in the Fall 2015 Issue of Music Clubs Magazine.

Pre-Primary Piano Solo 1st Place Winner Liam Wells with Jeanne Hryniewicki Winners were announced and awards (including scholarship awards) were presented at 6:30PM. There was a short concert including Andrew Cannestra, the NFMC Junior Composers winner in Class 3 and Max Lin, 2015 Ruth Kreuser Scholarship winner.

There were numerous donations for the scholarship awards which were listed in the program.

This award provides financial assistance to an independent piano teacher who demonstrates superior teaching in the private studio and wishes to further enhance teaching skills. This award is endowed by funds given to honor Past National Federation of Music Clubs President, Dr. Ouida Keck.

$1500 ANNUAL AWARD

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Seventy-two Wisconsin teachers from the greater Milwaukee area, to Madison, Janesville, Menomonie, Eau Claire, Barron, Chippewa Falls, and Racine entered students.

This is 16 more teachers than last year. There were over 500 entries up from the 320 in 2014. Four North Central Region members from other states came to judge for the competition. They are: Karen Bourne-South Dakota, Lori Jessen-Iowa, Sharon WesbrookNorth Dakota and Sarah Twedt-Minnesota.

For information see the NFMC website at nfmc-music.org. Click on Competitions and Award Division/Sr. Annual Awards. The application form is CA13-1 and deadline for entry is June 1.

For additional information contact Laurel Ince at ljince@gvtc.com.

Autumn 2015

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JUNIOR KE YNOTES 31

National Federation of Music Clubs 1646 West Smith Valley Road Greenwood, IN 46142

NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE

PAID TWG, INC.

Junior Keynotes

INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS ORDER BLANK Individual Subscription

Club Dues/Subscriptions must go through the state treasurer.

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Please find enclosed the following subscriptions:

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___ Junior Keynotes ($6.00 per year)

Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer.

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City _________________________________________________ State _______________________ Zip+4___________________ ___ This is an address change. ___ This is a new subscription. ___ This is a renewal subscription. ___ This is a one-time order for a specific issue.

___ Junior Keynotes ($5.50 per year for 10

or more mailed to one address.) ___ Music Clubs Magazine ($7.00 per year)

Fall, Winter, Spring. (Two years: $14.00)

SEND FORM AND PAYMENT TO: NFMC National Headquarters, 1646 W. Smith Valley Rd., Greenwood, IN 46142

Subscribers (Individuals and Clubs) Your subscription entitles you to three issues of Junior Keynotes, starting with the one following the insertion of your subscription into the computer at National Headquarters, 1646 West Smith Valley Road, Greenwood, Indiana 46142.

No back issues will be sent unless ordered directly from NFMC Headquarters. Cost is $3.00 plus postage and handling.

Submit all materials to the Junior Keynotes Editor by the time frame listed: • Front Cover Artwork: Juniors, 8.5 x 11, Pen and ink w/color drawings, collages and photography will be considered.

Please send original artwork by mail, or e-mail high resolution PDF files.

• Photos: Please e-mail good-quality, high resolution digital images accompanied by a news article in Word format.

Copy and Advertising Due Dates: • August 1 – Autumn Issue • November 1 – Winter Issue • February 1 – Spring/Summer Issue Please send any change of address notice to National Headquarters in Greenwood, IN.

Reprinting All material is protected by copyright.

Request information and permission from the editor for any reprinting.