MTNA is 150! It is a year of celebration for MTNA and celebrate we did at the National Conference in Chicago. Throughout my 5 days in Chicago I attended many fabulous sessions, competition performances, the gala, meetings, concerts, vendors, and connecting with members from around the country.
There is a ton of news to share.
If you have not seen it already, check out the new MTNA website. It is streamlined and much easier to navigate. I have enjoyed exploring just the little bit I have already. Things are much easier to find and it looks much cleaner.
TEMPO is returning June 26 in the first of several one day events that will be held online in 2026.
The MTNA Board of Directors adopted new Mission and Vision statements:
- Mission: MTNA enriches lives, strengthens communities, and furthers quality music instruction by empowering music teachers through lifelong learning.
- Vision: A world where every music learner is inspired by skilled, supported, and empowered teachers.
These statements are inclusive and I believe truly reflect who and what MTNA represents.
I had the privilege to attend 6 of the 7 competition performances. Thanks to Kathy Mortensen for attending the seventh, which I could not attend due to scheduling. Washington had 4 National winners!
- Junior Woodwind – Annie Liu, flute; student of Bonnie Blanchard
- Senior Piano – Enzo Zhao; student of Oksana Ezhokina
- Senior String – Jesse Krentz, cello; student of Kevin Krentz
- Senior Woodwind – Xueheng Wang, saxophone; student of Fred Winkler
I am continually amazed by the musicianship of those from Washington.
Karen Hollenback, NCTM and Kathy Mortensen were honored as WSMTA Foundation Fellows at the gala. It was wonderful to see them receive recognition for all that they have done and continue to do for WSMTA.
There are so many takeaways that I gained through the sessions. Here are a few:
Music is never just notes.
Balance does not always mean dynamics.
Teach how to lead a rehearsal.
Collaboration should not be a specialty skill. It should be a foundational/core skill.
Normalize anxiety and how to navigate it.
Embrace imperfection.
Teach the person, not the piece.
Effective movement.
Our whys are modular.
Have the courage to fail.
While many nuggets I already knew it is nice to be reminded of them and to bring them to the forefront of mind.
So much is gained at conferences through sessions, but almost more important are the connections made with teachers from around the country, creating a larger community and gaining the knowledge that support is available and within your reach no matter the distance.
I always walk away from conferences inspired and rejuvenated.
While on a smaller scale Washington is gearing up for its own conference June 27-29 at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. I hope to see all of you there where we too can learn, connect and grow.
