National recognition and support for local programs. (Local Association News).(Brief Article)

Local Association of the Year Award

Congratulations to the local association of Abilene, Texas, the 2002 Local Association of the Year.

With only thirty-one members, this busy association, under President Shirley Anderson, manages to participate in many projects and activities. These include an Ensemble Festival, Piano Solo Contest, the noncompetitive Springer-Manly Music Festival, theory and world of music history tests, a publication competition, Piano Teams and the commissioning of original compositions.

They have an association lending library, containing videos on lectures and master classes, cassette tapes from the MTNA National Conferences, books and MTNA publications. The local association holds a teacher workshop. Students perform in Artwalk, participate in a piano-thon, play music for shoppers during the Christmas season at the local mall and give a televised Showcase Recital.

Activities to promote ongoing strength include mentoring new members and providing leadership training for officers and committee chairs. They also sponsor members' attendance at an Institute of Parliamentarians to gain additional training.

Local teachers work closely with the piano pedagogy class at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. Individuals have spoken to the class, and students have come to visit teachers and observe their teaching. Local members also assisted with the establishment of a collegiate chapter at local McMurry University.

While some of their activities are part of the programs of the Texas MTA, this is a sketch of programs, projects and activities from the Abilene association.