COFFEE PEDAGOGY CHIT-CHAT.

FALL 2017 NEWSLETTER Dear Colleagues, Another beautiful year of teaching and all the satisfactions await us. I hope you all have enjoyed the relatively mild August weather and are looking forward to our exciting new Calendar of Events. We have a variety of programs lined up for you and your students! As always, we will kick off the year with our Welcome Back Potluck Brunch. All members, new and old, are invited to attend our brunch where we will have an opportunity to meet members and discuss our programs and activities for the year. This event is free of charge. I hope to see all of you there! We have five Member Programs on our calendar for this year. A MAP SEMINAR featuring everything you wanted to know about properly preparing your students for this super, non-competitive event. A GAMES WORKSHOP, where we meet to discuss new ways to bring fun and spontaneous incentives to our studios. A MASTERCLASS with Margreet Francis at The Hartt School. A BOOKCLUB discussion on ways to overcome stage fright reading The Little Girl in the Yellow Dress, by Nancy Kaesler You can find the details for all these programs in this newsletter. I hope you will join me in attending these programs! COFFEE PEDAGOGY CHIT-CHAT. New this year, these are several community-based informal get-togethers for prospective members. As for Students Events, we have scheduled the following: Two Youth Recitals, plus an animal-themed recital Two Adult Student Recitals Young Composers Day Spring Festival (featuring the Classical Period) MAP Select Students Competition Audrey Thayer Competition If you ve been toying with the idea of entering a student event or attending a member program that is new to you, don t hesitate! Reach out to the chairperson! Check the website! Again, you can find the details about these events in this newsletter. I hope you will take the opportunity to register your students for these wonderful events. Please remember to pay your dues by October 1, so you and your students can participate in all of our wonderful programs. Please visit our website, www.hartfordchaptercsmta.org, regularly for information and updates on our programs and events. I hope you have a wonderful teaching year with your students! Please take full advantage of our great programs for the year! Sincerely, Maryjane Peluso, President EXECUTIVE BOARD President - Maryjane Peluso 1st VP (Membership) - MaryAnn Ganz 2nd VP (Member Programs) - Houry Schmeizl Treasurer - Carolyn Halsted Recording Secretary - Dr. Julie Knerr Corresponding Secretary - Stacy Cahoon Hospitality - Vera Kushner & Anne Lee Newsletter Editor - Jonathan Moyer Webmaster - Peter Dzialo PAGE 1

2017 2018 CALENDAR OCTOBER 20 Welcome Back Brunch 27 MAP Seminar 28 1st Youth Recital NOVEMBER 11 Animal Recital DECEMBER 1 Adult Student Recital 8 Games Workshop JANUARY 28 Honors Student Masterclass FEBRUARY 24 Young Composers Day 24 2nd Youth Recital MARCH 6 Book Discussion 17 Spring Festival APRIL 7 Musicianship Achievement Program 28 Audrey Thayer Competition WELCOME BACK BRUNCH (Potluck Style) All members are invited to our annual Welcome Back Brunch on Friday, October 20, at 10:30 AM, at the Lucy Robbins Welles Library, 95 Cedar Street in Newington, Connecticut. Learn about Hartford Chapter s programs for students and members Meet Executive Board members Meet new members and teachers Explore volunteer and leadership opportunities Share experiences and stories Enjoy a delicious potluck style dishes (You are welcome to bring a dish to share) There is no charge to attend this event! Please notify Anne Lee (alyej@comcast.net) ASAP if you plan to attend. Directions: If using a GPS device, put Mill Street in for the library address. The entrance is on Mazzoccoli Way (formerly Mill Street), there is no direct access from Cedar Street. MAY 5 Select Students Competition 12 Audrey Thayer Winners Recital 20 Select Students Honors Recital PAGE 2

MEMBERSHIP DUES Thank you to all members who have renewed their membership and paid dues for 2017-2018. Our membership year is July 1 through June 30. From our Constitution and Bylaws: "Member dues must be paid to MTNA by October 1 of each year for participation in student events. There is no grace period. Those who apply for new membership in this organization after October 1 may participate in student events. If membership in this organization is dropped, reapplication must be submitted to MTNA. MEMBER EVENTS It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2017-18 Member Events line-up. We will start off the year October 27, at the home of past president Suzan Korman, exploring the MAP program, and sharing our experiences to properly prepare our students. Come and share and bring questions! Please see the attached calendar for information on all four member events programs this year. Houry Schmeizl, Member Events chair MAP Seminar: Friday October 27, 2017 10:00-11:30 am Our first member event for CSMTA Hartford Chapter will be on Friday October 27 at 10:00 am at the Home of Suzan Korman, Former Chapter President 100 Old Maids Lane, South Glastonbury, CT. Come join us for a lively and informative meeting as Suzan (MAP Chair) leads the discussion on the Music Achievement Program. This program will give an overview of the MAP syllabus, as well as answer questions for those of you who have already done MAP! Please RSVP by October 23 to Suzan Korman at twinkiesue@hotmail.com. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Come learn and have fun with your CSMTA friends! Games Workshop: Friday December 8, 2017 10:30 am-12:00 pm Our second meeting will be held at the home of Maryjane Peluso, Chapter President 32 Pequot Road, Plainville, CT. We will discuss how to bring FUN and spontaneity to our studios, as we prepare for the new year. Come join, bring ideas, and share ideas on how to use games, contests, and incentives to your studio Please RSVP to Maryjane Peluso at mjpiano22@gmail.com. PAGE 3

Member Events, continued Save the date! Honors Student Master Class: January 28, 2018, 3:00-5:00 pm Join us as we welcome back Professor Margreet Francis for an Honors Level Master Class, January 28, 2018 at 3:00 pm. SPACE IS LIMITED. Location: Hartt School of Music, Rm 144 at the Fuller Music Center at the University of Hartford. Registration information to follow in the next newsletter. Free of charge to CSMTA teachers and students who attend! If you have interested students, please contact Houry Schmeizl at hourys7564@comcast.net. MAXIMUM number of students to perform is 4. (Maximum space in studio approximately 22 people). MARGREET FRANCIS is on the collegiate faculty of The Hartt School where she serves as Co-Director of Performance 20/20, Hartt s Honors Chamber Music Program and Co-Chair of the Piano Department, as well as Chair of the Piano Department of The Hartt School Community Division. She is also a member of the Hartford Symphony where she plays piano, harpsichord and celesta. Her performances have been recorded for the Centaur label and regularly broadcast over radio and T.V. Ms. Francis studied at the Eastman School, The New England Conservatory and The Hartt School of Music, where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Piano Performance. As a soloist, Ms. Francis has appeared with many orchestras throughout the Eastern United States including the Hartford Symphony, the Manchester Symphony and the Baroque Arts Chamber Orchestra of D.C. performing a wide variety of literature including piano concerti, harpsichord concerti, two piano concerti as well as all of the Bach Brandenburg Concerti. In the collaborative arena, Ms. Francis has recently resurrected the Hartt Faculty Recital Series bringing together the talents of the many Hartt Faculty members including the Miami String Quartet and Hartford Symphony musicians. She also spent several years playing piano with the New World Chamber Ensemble, a group known for its championing of works by contemporary composers. Other Chamber Music performances have included appearances on the Hartford Atheneum s Sunday Serenades Series, the Trinity Carillon Series, Chamber Music Plus, the Soni Fidelis Woodwind Quintet and Trio ARIOSO. As an accompanist, she works regularly with world renowned instrumentalists including performances at the National Flute Convention and the International French Horn Convention. Book Discussion: Tuesday March 6, 2018, 10:00-11:30 am Join us for lively discussion at the last Member Event of the year, held at the home of CSMTA long time member Anne Cassarino 1020 Hillstown Road, Glastonbury, CT. The book we will discuss is titled: The Little Girl in the Yellow Dress by Nancy Kaesler. The book discusses the very important subject of how to deal with Stage Fright. Please RSVP Anne Cassarino directly at 860.633.3867. Coffee and Light refreshments will be served. PAGE 4

STUDENT EVENTS We will have two scheduled Youth Recitals this year, the first being October 28, at Shawn's Piano Showroom, West Hartford, and the second on February 24, 2018, at the Avon Public Library Community Room. The registration form is on page 8 in this newsletter. Feel free to ask any questions on recital protocol, repertoire, or anything else to hourys7564@comcast.net. Looking forward to seeing you and your talented students at the recitals! Houry Schmeizl, Stacy Cahoon, and Julie Knerr Youth Recital Committee General Rules for all Youth Recitals The General Guidelines For All Student Programs apply to Youth Recitals. Students of any level of ability may perform. Instrumentalists (any instrument), vocalists and small ensembles are all welcome to perform. Participating students should have some previous experience as performers. Students should be trained in proper stage decorum: when and how to walk on and off the stage, how to bow and acknowledge applause, and what to do in case of memory lapses. Each teacher may only enter six students per date. Each student is limited to five minutes or less of music (one long piece or two short pieces). The recital chairperson determines the program from the information provided on the entry form, and he or she will notify the teachers at least one week prior to the event. Teachers are then responsible for informing their students. Music in original form is preferable to arrangements. All music to be performed must be memorized (excepting ensemble music). Appropriate concert dress is expected (no jeans, sneakers, shorts, or uniforms). No flash photography is allowed during the concert. Phones must be silenced or turned off during the recital. Teachers should remind parents and students that all attendees are expected to stay until the end of each program. No program will last longer than 90 minutes. The Spring Festival is a non-competitive adjudicated event that rotates through the major periods of classical music. Last year, we performed repertoire from the Baroque period. This year, the 2018 Spring Festival will center around the Classical Period, 1730-1820. The location will be the Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford on Saturday, March 17. All solo instruments, as well as duets, trios, etc. are welcomed to perform. Our refreshment center will be the Viennese Cafe. Each student will receive a medal as well as an evaluation sheet that will greatly benefit their performance skills. The purpose of the Spring Festival is to stimulate young musicians to expand their repertoire and to strive towards excellence. Everyone is welcomed to register for this fun, educational Hartford Chapter event. PAGE 5

Student Events, continued The Select Students Piano Competition will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, at First Church of Christ, 75 Main Street, Farmington, CT. The Honors Recitals will take place on May 20 from 1:00 to 6:00 pm at Flagg Road Church, 134 Flagg Road in West Hartford. The registration deadline is March 24. PURPOSE: The Select Students Competition s purpose is to give talented and hardworking piano students a chance to compete to be selected for invitation to perform in the Select Students Recital. Winners are awarded trophies. (as passed by the Executive Board January 11, 2011) THE GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ALL STUDENT PROGRAMS (see page 7) APPLY TO THE SELECT STUDENTS COMPETITION. ELIGIBILITY a) Entrants must have studied with their teacher for at least 6 months prior to the competition. b) Teacher must be a member of the Hartford Chapter, CSMTA; all dues paid by Oct. 1, 2017 c) Students must be in Grades 2-12. d) There is a limit of 10 students for each teacher. e) Time limits are up to 5 minutes for grades 2 to 6, and up to 10 minutes for grades 7 to 12. Longer pieces will be allowed, although they may have to be cut off at the audition. If accepted by the judges the student will perform the piece in its entirety at the recital. Shorter pieces of the same set by the same composer may be combined if they fit the time requirements. The judges reserve the right to eliminate any movements or numbers from the recital. f) Students who participate in Solo Divisions of Spring Festival or Audrey Thayer Piano Competition are NOT eligible to enter this event. You may find a sample list of repertoire on page 12. The Audrey Thayer Competition is an adjudicated event for young pianists whose playing exemplifies exceptional artistry and technical facility. Prizes, placement, and recognition are offered in order to motivate students to strive and perform at their best. Winners perform in exclusive showcase recitals. This year, both the competition and the winners recitals will take place at the First Church of Christ, Congregational in Farmington, CT, on April 28 and May 12. For any questions, please feel free to contact Marianne Virgie at mgb93@aol.com PAGE 6

Our Adult Recital Programs will be held on Friday, December 1, 2017, 7:00 PM and Friday, June 1, 2018, 7:00 PM, at Shawn s Piano in West Hartford. We have been accumulating a following of returning adult students that continue to participate and enjoy playing for one another and encouraging one another. If you have adult students please have them join us. If you have adult students who do not want to play at this time please have them attend the program anyway. The program is followed by a delightful reception with healthy foodie delights including fresh fruit, drink, crackers, and cheese. Registration Deadline for the 1st Program Friday, November 17. Any questions contact Bruce David Smith at bdsmith2005@sbcglobal.net. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ALL STUDENT PROGRAMS The following general guidelines apply to all Hartford Chapter CSMTA youth and adult student programs and events. Teachers are expected to comply with these general guidelines, and with each program s specific requirements. In order to assure fairness, exceptions may not be made. Hartford Chapter student programs are open only to students of chapter members, except for Young Composers Day, which is open to students of all CSMTA members. The teacher s current year dues must be paid no later than October 1. However, new members who join Hartford Chapter for the first time after October 1 may participate in all student events. The teacher is required to collect fees from students and to mail registrations together with one check for the total amount, payable to Hartford Chapter CSMTA. Checks received from persons other than the teacher will not be accepted. Registrations mailed after the postmark deadline will not be accepted. Teachers must volunteer to help with events for which they register students. Teachers, parents, and students may not communicate with judges of adjudicated events at any time. Decisions of judges are final. Thanks and appreciation to all chairs, committees, and teachers whose effort and generous support make possible the success of Hartford Chapter s many fine student events. (effective July 1, 2013) PAGE 7

1st YOUTH RECITAL REGISTRATION Saturday, October 28, 2017 3:00 5:00 PM Recitals to begin at 3:00 and 4:15* Shawn s Piano, 221 Newfield Avenue #1, Hartford, CT 06106 Registration postmark deadline: October 8 Teachers: Please send one check for all your students ($8.00 for each performer) to: Houry Schmeizl, 149 Bushy Hill Road, Simsbury, CT 06070 Make your check payable (one check) to Hartford Chapter CSMTA (non refundable). Time pieces with a stopwatch. List in order of performance. Be accurate and legible. **Please read student guidelines for timing and length of pieces, also note that if there are duplications in the program, the selections will be put on SEPARATE programs** Name Current grade Age Address Phone Instrument Length of study 1. Composition Composer Time 2. Composition Composer Time REQUIRED *Preferred recital time: 2:30 4:00 (2nd recital will only happen if there are enough students) Parent signature print name Teacher signature print name Teacher phone and/or email *Please check this form if you prefer an earlier or later recital time, but note your request is not guaranteed. Please photocopy this form for multiple students, observing postmark deadlines. You will be notified approximately one week prior to the recital via email as to the time your student will play. Please make sure we have your most up to date email address. PHOTO RELEASE FORM I agree to allow photos of my child (name) taken for this event to be used on the Hartford Chapter CSMTA website or Facebook. Yes (initial) No (initial) Parent s printed name Parent s Signature Date PAGE 8

ANIMAL RECITAL REGISTRATION Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017 1:00 p.m. (possible 2nd recital at 2:00) Shawn s Piano Showroom, 221 Newfield St. West Hartford, CT Registration postmark deadline: Nov. 1, 2017 Teachers: Please send one check payable to Hartford Chapter CSMTA (non refundable) for all your students ($8.00 for each performer) and Registration Forms to: Julie Knerr, 60 Wilton Rd. Windsor, CT 06095 Students may play 1 or 2 pieces. Pieces that include an animal theme or title are eligible to be performed on this recital. Consult the list of 422 Animal Pieces for ideas (see our website) All levels and ages of students are welcome. Memorization is required. Student Name Current Grade Age Address Phone Instrument Length of study 1. Composition Composer Time 2. Composition Composer Time REQUIRED SIGNATURES Teacher signature Print name Teacher email You will be notified approximately one week prior to the recital via email as to the time your student will play. Please make sure we have your most up to date email address. Photo Release Form I agree to allow photos of my child (name) taken for this event to be used on the Hartford Chapter CSMTA website or Facebook. Yes (initial) No (initial) Parent s printed Name Parent s Signature Date PAGE 9

YOUNG COMPOSERS DAY Saturday, February 24, 2018 4:00 PM Hilltop Covenant Church, Cromwell, CT Pre-college students of any age, level, or instrument, of teachers in any chapter, may participate in this Hartford Chapter event. Please submit original compositions, registration form, and $10 per student fee by February 10 to Carolyn Halsted, 18 McKenzie Street, Middletown, CT 06457. Teachers, please write one check, payable to Hartford Chapter CSMTA, for all your participating students. Handwritten manuscripts must be in the student's own handwriting, and be legible and easy to photocopy. Computer-printed music must have 1 margins. Please orient the pages vertically. In deciding whether to have your student write by hand or print on computer, please choose the method that will provide the best learning experience. All compositions will be included in this year's composition booklet, Opus 27. For more information, contact Carolyn Halsted at: chalsted@wesleyan.edu REGISTRATION FORM Name Age Grade Teacher Title of Composition(s) I will participate in the February 24 recital I cannot participate on February 24 but would like my piece(s) included in Opus 27. Parent signature phone Teacher signature phone PAGE 10

MUSICIANSHIP ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM Saturday, April 7, 2018 Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT Registration Deadline: postmark by Saturday, February 17, 2018 Mail your registration forms with payment (one check per studio only) to: Suzan Korman, 100 Old Maids Lane, South Glastonbury CT 06073 MAP (Musicianship Achievement Program) is a guide to the study of music for the independent teacher to use for private students in the pre-college years. This well-integrated, non-competitive, state-wide program is designed to be flexible enough to serve the needs of all students without compromising high standards. The materials included at each of ten levels divide into the general areas of theory and performance. The written theory and aural awareness exams are required. The performance exam, consisting of keyboard skills and playing of two or three memorized pieces for a qualified judge, is optional. Certificates are awarded to all successful participants, and performers receive written evaluations and a pin. There are no rules governing age and level of participation. Students who have participated successfully for five years are awarded a plaque. (See Guidelines and Rules for more information.) The student is made to feel proud of her/his accomplishments. The teacher has another organizing and motivating tool to use. The parents are able to follow their child's progress at first hand and in close detail. All teachers are urged to consider MAP as a part of every student's course of study. Students unable to register for the Hartford Chapter MAP may wish to participate at one of the other sites. Please see the CSMTA website (csmta.org) for dates, locations, registration deadlines, and local chairpersons. Use a separate registration form for each site. All participating students must be registered through their teachers, who are required to collect fees and send one check only for the total of their students' fees. Individual student registrations are not accepted, and will be returned. Please use the 2018 registration form to register students for MAP, which lists the current registration fees for each level. The registration form, program description, guidelines, rules, and the program material order forms are available on our website. This program cannot run without its teachers, and all teachers are expected to assist on MAP day. Please indicate your preferred time (morning or afternoon) on the registration form. (A teacher registering students in two places need only volunteer in one of them.) For more information contact the Hartford Chapter MAP chair: Suzan Korman: (860) 657-8284, twinkiesue@hotmail.com PAGE 11

SAMPLE LIST OF SELECT STUDENTS COMPETITION REPERTOIRE Note: These are NOT required pieces, but given as examples of the basic level of difficulty expected of entrants: Grade 2 J. S. Bach Minuets in G and Gm L. Mozart Minuet in Dm, Musette in C Kabalevsky The Clown,Variations op. 51, no. 2 Grade 3 Haslinger Sonatina in C Chopin Polonaise in Gm Kabalevsky Variations op. 51, no.1 and 2 Grade 4 Benda Sonatina in Am Clementi Sonatina, op.36, no.3 Chopin Waltz in Am, op.post. Kabalevsky Variations, op.40, no.1 Grade 5 J.S. Bach Invention in C Mozart Sonata in C, K 545 Chopin Waltz, op. 69, no.2 Gillock Fountain in the Rain Grade 6 Kuhlau Allegro Burlesco, op. 88 MacDowell Alla Tarantella Pieczonka Tarantella Starer Bright Orange, Pink, Crimson Grade 8 Beethoven Six Variations on an Original Theme in G Grieg Notturno, op. 54 Chopin Fantasy Impromptu, op. 66 Grade 9 Burgmuller Three Studies, op. 105 Schubert Impromptu, op. 142, no.3 Debussy Arabesque no.1 Grade 10 Clementi Sonata, op. 24, no.2 Haydn Sonata in F, Hob:23 Beethoven Sonata op. 31, no.2 Liszt Consolation no.3 Grade11 Beethoven Sonata in Cm, op.13 Schubert Impromptu, op.90, no.2 Chopin Polonaise, op.40, no.1 Debussy La Plus Que Lente Grade 12 Beethoven Sonata in G, op. 79, III Chopin Nocturne, op. 15, no. 2 Rachmaninoff Prelude in G, op. 23, no.5 Grade 7 Schubert Impromptu, op. 92, no.2 and 4 Durand Waltz in E flat Chopin Waltz, op. 69, no.1 Debussy Golliwogg s Cake-walk PAGE 12