2011-2012

Ribbon Festival

The Blue Ridge Music Teachers Association, our local chapter of Virginia Music Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association, held our annual Ribbon Festival on Saturday, April 28, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Wytheville, Virginia. Twenty-three students and five teachers participated in this event. It was a wonderful afternoon recital with a variety of ages, levels, and genres represented. We are so proud of all of our students for their hard work and preparation for today's recital! They all worked diligently to learn their pieces, memorize them, and practice performing them for friends and family. All of their work paid off with a successful and positive experience for all of them!

This year’s festival was hosted by Catherine Valley. Students were from the studios of Blue Ridge Music Teachers Bryant Moxley, Lisa Moxley, Ellen Corbett, Melody Payne, and Catherine Valley.

 

 

Kelly Strickland Hymn Festival

On Saturday, November 12, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Wytheville, the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Virginia Music Teachers Association held its annual Kelly Strickland Hymn Festival. This recital is so named as a memorial to Kelly Strickland, who was a beloved piano teacher in Marion for many years. She was a founder of the Blue Ridge Music Teachers Association and served as the first president. Ms. Strickland deeply appreciated the rich heritage of church music and initiated this hymn festival as a way to foster a love of hymn playing within our students. This Kelly Strickland Hymn Festival is a fitting, ongoing tribute to this very special teacher.

This year’s festival was hosted by Catherine Valley. Students were from the studios of Blue Ridge Music Teachers Bryant Moxley, Lisa Moxley, Melody Payne, and Catherine Valley. 


 

 

Annual Workshop

Our annual workshop was held at Bluefield College on Saturday, September 17 at 10:00 a.m. Sarah Reaser O'Brien was our clinician and presented "Using the Internet to Enhance Your Studio". 

"Using the Internet to Enhance Your Studio"
 
A discussion and demonstration of ways teachers can use Facebook, YouTube, Blogger, and Music Teacher's Helper to improve communication with students and parents, advertise, and put forth a professional studio image. Tutorials and explanations of how to:
  • make and upload digital videos
  • set up a studio website, blog, and facebook page
  • use studio management software to keep track of business matters


 

The BRMTA website needs photos and additional information from members. Please email your contributions to melody_payne@yahoo.com. Thanks!