UMTA History

2024-2026 UMTA President -Dr. Carmen Hall, NCTM

The 2024–2026 biennium was a period of measurable growth, statewide impact, and continued excellence for the Utah Music Teachers Association. Through the combined efforts of volunteers, teachers, collegiate members, and community partners, UMTA continued advancing the value of music study while expanding opportunities for students and strengthening professional support for music teachers across Utah.

UMTA remains one of the strongest state affiliates in the nation, now serving more than 550 members statewide through 14 local chapters, 1 online chapter, and 7 collegiate chapters. More than 52 State Board members and countless local volunteers support UMTA’s programs and events annually.

Professional development and teacher excellence remained a major focus during this period. Utah continued to rank second in the nation by percentage of nationally certified members through MTNA, with 26.7% of UMTA members nationally certified. Certification efforts accelerated significantly during 2025–2026, with 18 of the 28 total MTNA certification applications submitted nationally in the last reporting quarter coming from Utah, demonstrating exceptional member engagement and commitment to professional growth.

Student programming continued to expand across the state.

Participation in MTNA Competitions increased 27% to 75 total entries. Growth occurred across multiple divisions:

• Piano entries increased to 40 competitors (21% increase)
• Composition entries increased to 13 competitors (30% increase)
• Woodwind participation increased (267% increase)
• Strings maintained 10 competitors
• Nine Utah students advanced through the Southwest Division and competed at the MTNA National Competition in Chicago

UMTA-sponsored competitions also demonstrated strong engagement with 112 total competitors, including:

• 33 piano competitors
• 17 instrumental competitors
• 62 composition competitors

Performance and evaluation programs reached record participation levels.

UMTA Performance Evaluations increased from 226 participants to 265 participants, representing 17% growth and providing expanded opportunities for adjudication, honors recital performances, and community recognition. Students selected for honors recitals received concert tickets donated through community partnerships.

The Achievement in Music (AIM) program completed a major revision and served 1,322 students during the 2025–2026 academic year, representing nearly 8% growth while modernizing curriculum and assessment structures.

UMTA continued investing in teacher and student opportunities through conferences and professional programming. State conference attendance remained among the strongest nationally: 341 attendees in 2023 (62% of membership), 324 attendees in 2024, and 312 attendees in 2025. Conference programming included 29 presenters, 25 exhibitors, collegiate masterclasses, nationally recognized keynote speakers, and scholarship opportunities. During this period, six Debra Gamero Scholarships were awarded annually, providing direct support to developing musicians.

UMTA also expanded support for creativity and composition through the establishment of the Composer Commission Committee, launching new commissioned works designed to support Utah composers and create meaningful educational repertoire opportunities for students and teachers. Dr. Andrew Maxfield was selected as the commissioned composer in 2025, with Laurisa Cope following in 2026.

The Collegiate Committee has attended audition days at several universities, making contact with students and raising awareness for UMTA. Activities and classes for collegiate attendees at the annual conference attract all conference attendees. The Duet Derby and University Share receive excellent reviews and will continue to be included in upcoming conference plans.

The Communication Committee continues to get the word out about all the amazing things happening in the organization with quarterly newsletters, press releases, social media posts, and emails. Followers on social media accounts continue to increase with 424 followers on Instagram and 1463 followers on Facebok. The UMTA Discussion Group on Facebook has 247 members. 

Statewide partnerships and advocacy efforts strengthened UMTA’s visibility and impact. Collaborations included the Music Teachers National Association, the Gifted Music School, the Gina Bachauer Foundation, MusicLink, the Mundi Project, the Utah Symphony, the Timpanogos Chamber Music Series, music stores in Utah, including Daynes Music, which closed in 2026, and the Steinway Piano Gallery, universities throughout Utah, and community arts organizations. UMTA also expanded outreach through performances at Cultural Arts Advocacy Day at the Utah State Capitol and increased promotion through social media and NowPlayingUtah.

Financial stewardship remained strong. UMTA maintained annual outside audits and continued operating in solid financial condition. Grant funding increased substantially, with support from Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) growing from $3,000 to $4,600—an increase of 53%. These funds directly supported competitions, outreach, and educational programming.

National recognition continued to reflect the strength of Utah’s music community. Utah State University earned the MTNA Collegiate Chapter of the Year, and Utah members and students continued representing the state at regional and national levels.

Looking ahead, UMTA remains focused on membership retention, certification growth, expanded outreach, increased participation in competitions and conferences, continued support of local and collegiate chapters, and creating even more opportunities for students, teachers, and composers throughout Utah.

 

2022-2024 UMTA President -Denise B. Frost, NCTM

UMTA is a vibrant organization, with 541 members, 140 of whom are certified, making us 2^nd in the nation. Utah’s average attendance at state conference is over 250 – almost 50% of our membership. With 7 collegiate chapters, and 14 local chapters, UMTA’s future looks bright!

Statistics don’t show the great spirit of camaraderie and volunteerism that infuses everything we do in UMTA.  Example: June 10, 2023, the new UMTA Website is officially launched! Over a year in the making, the new website is beautiful and extremely functional, costing only $7,500. The cost would have been $50,000 but for over 1,500 volunteer hours logged by tech-savvy UMTA members. This kind of generous service is the heart and soul of UMTA.

In April of ‘22, our Executive Board collaborated on a grant application to help pay for competitions. On September 1^st, Salt Lake County awarded us $3000! Hundreds of volunteer hours logged by UMTA competitions committee members enabled us to show “in-kind” funding stability, which was extremely important to a successful application.

Friendships established with colleagues contribute to conference attendance. UMTA members love getting together! Over 47 Utahns attended MTNA Conference in Reno last March. We printed a schedule of all Utah happenings and supported each other, showing up en masse to celebrate the USU Co-Collegiate Chapter of the Year award!

Utah’s collegiate faculty members contribute greatly to our organization. Faculty members give workshops, conference presentations, masterclasses, encourage students to join, create certification classes and outreach programs, bring students to conference, and more. UMTA Collegiate Faculty members are a valued part of UMTA.

UMTA ’22 -’24 Highlights:

August/Sept ’22

• Performance Evaluations Chair creates website, adds online division
• AIM revision committee prepares for beta testing next fall
• Collegiate committee ideas for conference include Duet Derby, Flash Presentations, Game Night, Symphony tickets
• Work begins on new UMTA Website

October ’22

• Competitions: UMTA Composition 42 entrants up from 27
• MTNA Composition 15 entrants up from 6
• MTNA Piano 30; MTNA Instrumental 6; UMTA Concerto 56

November ’22

• State Conference: Kayson Brown keynote, Stephen Beus artist
• Foundation Fellow: Dr. Kevin Olson; Legacy: Shawn Bastian, Bonnie Slaughter;
• Arts Advocacy: Asheley Watabe
• 245 attendees, 28 presenters, 17 exhibitors, 8 showcases, great collegiate participation
• State Board Meeting, 40 attendees
• 1,096 AIM participants;  270 Performance Evaluations participants
• 7 newly certified; 6 Debra Gamero scholarships; 20 AIM Recognition awards; 8 RCM awards

December ’22

• New website framework complete; new UMTA logo and seal instituted

January/February ’23

• Membership 525 up from 512; Foundation raised $2671 at conference
• AIM, Certification, and New Member classes at conference well attended
• Arts Advocacy Day at Utah Capitol Rotunda: UMTA created and distributed brochures, met with legislators, and provided entertainment on the grand piano at the rotunda
• Website migration of thousands of documents, 20 year old database updated, all volunteer
• Online chapter research begins

March ’23

• Reno MTNA Conference! 47 attendees, WSU and USU chapters attend
• Celebrated winners:  Ian Wagman – 1^st Young Artist Composition; Josh Wright – Stecher & Horowitz Innovation; Christina Sung – 1^st Junior Ebony, USU – MTNA Collegiate Chapter,
• Dr. Kevin Olson – Foundation Fellow

April/May ’23

• Application for Salt Lake County Zap Grant
• UMTA Concerto competition, 37 entrants, winners recital at Temple Square
• UMTA Composition competition, 31 entrants
• Membership renewal campaign

June/July ’23

• Launch of NEW WEBSITE! https://utahmta.org/  MUCH thanks to Paula Manwaring, website chair

August/September ’23

• Renewed interest in Online Chapter, UMTA leaders attend VLMTA chapter meeting
• DEI Chair added to State Board
• Awarded $3000 ZAP Grant!
• AIM revision beta testing launched
• MTNA Leadership Summit-fabulous!  Attended by State Pres and Pres-Elect, Dr. Carmen Hall

October /November ’23

• MTNA Piano, (30 entrants) Instrumental, (20 entrants) Composition competitions, (13 entrants)
• Foundation Fellow: Laurisa Cope; Legacy: Rosemary Olson, Paula Manwaring;
• Arts Advocacy: Christian Bohnenstengel; AIM Teacher of the Year: Lisa Flinders

• State Conference Nov 3-4  Keynote: Jihea Hong-Park,  Artist: Steven Vanderhauwaert
• Welcome Peter Mack! MTNA President
• BYU is nominated for Collegiate Chapter of the Year
• 331 attend UMTA Conference, including 31 new members and 67 collegiate members
• Performance Evaluations: 326 participants across 9 regions; 96 nominations for Honors Recital
• 5 Debra Gamero Scholarships awarded; 5 RCM students celebrated at Student Awards Reception
• AIM:  1,143 students participating, with 152 teachers; 1,022 successfully complete a level; 18 students receive the AIM Recognition Award; Lisa Flinders is the AIM Teacher of the Year.

December ‘23

• A survey is sent to all UMTA members regarding desire for an online chapter (UMTA-OC). This survey receives 155 responses, and is pivotal in galvanizing UMTA leadership to create the chapter.

Jaunuary/February ‘24

• Membership stands at 525.
• State dues are raised from $15 (lowest in the nation) to $25
• Dr. Christie Sowby graciously accepts the request from the Executive Board to function as the UMTA-OC first Chapter President, and to undertake task of setting up bylaws, list of officers, and MTNA approval.
• UMTA participates in the State of Utah Cultural Industry Advocacy Day on Feb 2 at the Capitol Rotunda. Past president Paula Manwaring, current president Denise Frost, and president-elect Dr. Carmen Hall are all in attendance. Students perform on the grand piano, UMTA banners and brochures are handed out. Overwhelming positive response from attendees.
• Collegiate auditions are held throughout Utah, and a goal to have a “UMTA presence” at each college is successful due to the efforts of Juliet Preston, Collegiate faculty chair, and Dr. Esther Ahn, Collegiate committee chair.
• UMTA Concerto Competitions are big success, with the Winners Recital held at Dumke Hall, U of U. Approximately 70 people in attendance. The Piano Concerto competition included 33 entrants; Instrumental competition included 17 participants; 3 woodwinds and 14 strings.

March/April ‘24

• MTNA Conference in Atlanta GA attended by at least 29 people from Utah. Competitors from Utah include Christina Sung, Samuel Lu, Jacob Warnick, Nathan Cox, and the Aspen Grove Trio. The Aspen Grove Trio (Tanner and Caroline Jorden, Nathan Cox) students of Dr. Scott Holden, take First Place! Nathan Cox wins First Place in collegiate strings competition. Christina Sung wins Third Place, Junior piano. Laurisa Cope is honored as the Foundation Fellow. Utah enjoys a fun dinner together at Tin Lizzie’s Cantina. Several Utah teachers including Christian Bohnenstengel, Kevin Olson, and Heather Smith present at the conference. Kevin Olson’s Elementary Master Class is a big hit.
• A new ‘24 Tier II ZAP Grant is applied for in April, as well as an MTNA Affiliate Grant for the new UMTA-OC Chapter.
• UMTA Composition Competition has 32 entries

May/June ‘24

• June 15, Annual State Board meeting, President’s Council, and luncheon at Dayne’s Music. State Board President Denise Frost, NCTM, hands over the gavel (a piano hammer!) to President-Elect Dr. Carmen Hall. Shawn Bastian is welcomed as the new UMTA President-Elect. New State Board officers are instated and gratitude expressed for incoming and outgoing!
• Membership stands at 541
• Certification: 6 new applications; 2 completed
• UMTA-OC is officially launched with 15 new members signed up! MUCH thanks to Dr. Christie Sowby and the UMTA-OC officers.
• The AIM Beta reports a very successful trial run, and the newly revised AIM (Achievement In Music) program is officially launched. MUCH thanks owed to our AIM revision committee: Chair Bonnie Jack, chair-elect Caroline Jennings, Laurisa Cope, Cheryl Rytting, Shawn Bastian, and Jenean Christensen.
• June 28, our dear UMTA friend and mentor, Skip Daynes, owner of Daynes Music, passes away.

It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to work as the ‘22-’24 UMTA President with such qualified and dedicated colleagues. From the Executive Board to each Local and Collegiate Chapter President and UMTA member, I have rubbed shoulders with the “best of the best.” I am so grateful for the friendships forged and for the consummate service each of you have given to the organization. I am forever changed because of each of you!
Respectfully,
Denise Frost, NCTM

 

2020-2022 UMTA President -Paula Manwaring, NCTM
There is no question but that the two years serving as UMTA State President preceded by two years serving as UMTA Vice President have been nothing short of a life learning experience for me. One that I will treasure forever. There are certain things in life that we simply cannot fully appreciate without experiencing it first hand and I am so grateful and honored to have had the time to experience UMTA on this level. I have gained so much appreciation for each of our members as they work in their studio, family, community and church, and then find the energy and time to donate to this wonderful organization.

We have had a particularly challenging time during 2020-21, as we have all dealt with a world pandemic. Not being able to meet in person for all of our events was an extreme challenge and I can proudly say that everyone stepped up and met the challenge with strength and determination. Student lessons were all taught virtually online and members learned to teach through screens. All UMTA and MTNA events were held online throughout 2020 and into 2021.

UMTA’s State Conference for November 6-7, 2020 was a huge success as we invited surrounding states to join our conference at no cost to them. They were very appreciative. We registered 48 out-of-state members. Our keynote speaker was MTNA’s President, Martha Hilley, and our guest speaker was E.L. Lancaster. Dr. Yu-Jane Yang was honored as MTNA Teacher of the Year. We were honored to have MTNA CEO and Director, Gary Ingle attend and speak at YuJane’s reception. Due to this event being held online, we had guests join from around the world. The conference consisted of both live and recorded sessions. Our showcases and vendors created videos to show their product. Denise Frost, 1st VP did an excellent job using talent from within our membership to create and present this conference. Patrice Hunt’s ability to learn and implement necessary website changes has been invaluable during this time. All competitions, performance evaluations, state and executive board meetings have also been successfully held online. Although none of us are excited about it, everyone has adapted to the challenge in order to keep our programs moving forward.

Through the help of Terry Peterson and Barbara Gill, we have started a UMTA newsletter which is emailed out to all the members quarterly. This has been helpful as we do not see one another in person. It will also help with our history over the next few years.

The AIM program has been revised and refined during 2020-2021, focusing on correct theory principles. Piano Marvel has added all the AIM technique to their software and offered free access to the technique portion for our members. We have continued to work with RCM in training our interested members on their wonderful program.

In the early months of 2022, we are beginning to cautiously come together in person. The June State Board meeting for 2022 will be my first to conduct in person. We held our State Conference successfully in person (masks encouraged), Nov. 5-6, 2021 at Thanksgiving Point and everyone enjoyed being together once again. Our Keynote Speaker was Jon Schmidt, and our Guest Speakers and Recital was performed by Giorgi and Anna Latso. Denise Frost did a marvelous job and everyone stepped up to help make it a successful conference.

We have had incredible performances given by the students of Utah who have placed in both state and national competitions. Our Honors Recitals and Concerto Recital are immensely enjoyed as everyone attends to hear the result of hard work from students, parents, and teachers. Our membership continues to grow to 527, with 25 new collegiate and 30 new members. Again, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the wonderful members of UMTA in this capacity. It has been a privilege and an honor that I will treasure for a life time.

 

2006 – 2008 UMTA President: Lynda Broadbent
2006 – November 10-11, the State Conference celebrates 50 years of Utah Music Teachers Association, with “Hats off to Uma TA.” Dr. Kevin D. Olson, a Utah native, presents his work, Concerto Bravo, commissioned for the celebration, premiering during the conference. The Conference, held at Larry H. Miller Conference Center, Sandy for a third year, was organized by Dr. Lynn Dean, UMTA 1st Vice President and Conference Chair. Melody Bober is the Guest Clinician; other clinicians include Dr. Paul Stewart, MTNA President, Dr. Kevin Olson, Dr. Paul Pollei, Dr. David Glenn Hatch, Dr. Jeffrey Shumway, Dr. Nancy Allred, Dr. YuJane Yang, Dr. Scott Holden, Dr. Susan Duehlmeier, Laurisa Ward Cope, Karlyen Tan, Karen Haughey, Emily Jorgensen, Sheri Aston, Hope Holder, Carmen Hall, Virginia Folsom Merla Little, Carolee Eriksson, Cheryl Norman, Coila Robinson, and Shawna Gottfredson. Friday evening’s concert is presented by outstanding students of UMTA members. 2006- MTNA reorganizes Division leadership, eliminating one level of leadership, with officers now elected as Director-Elect, then MTNA Southwest Division Director. Lezlee Bishop, NCTM (Salt Lake Chapter), formerly Southwest Division President-Elect, wins election to become Southwest Division Director-Elect. Geri Cheney, NCTM, MTNA Director (Davis Chapter), steps down at the end of her term in 2006, as one of the last to serve as Division President-Elect and President, and MTNA Director, a total of 6 years. She is asked to run for MTNA 2nd Vice President.

 

2004 – 2006 UMTA President: Cheryl Norman, NCTM
“I was a public school teacher for a number of years before becoming an Independent Music Teacher. When I made the switch (after becoming a Mom), I sought a professional music organization for private piano teachers and was introduced to UMTA by Elaine Hadfield, founder of the Timpanogos Chapter in my area. Since I had certified in four states as a school teacher, I just assumed I should Certify in UMTA. I did, and have been able to attend monthly Chapter meetings, State Board and Conference Meetings, and MTNA Meetings. My teaching has become better with each meeting, my circle of friends are primarily music teachers, and I stay young in spirit with the special association that I have with the youth who are my music students. “THANKS UMTA for giving me the best opportunities in my world of music. My small pay-back to my musical friends has been to serve as your State President for the past 2 years.” Sincerely, Cheryl Norman, NCTM President Norman begins her term with an emphasis on retaining membership, as well as gaining new members, with a professionally designed pamphlet to be made available to stores for display. MTNA would also supply MTNA promotional materials to stores. During Cheryl’s term, Certification continues to be emphasized with many teachers completing certification requirements. In 2005, a compact disc of music played by NCTM’s is made available to the membership, with a follow-up CD to be released in 2006. Certification Chairman Emily Jorgensen, NCTM, organizes study guides, and cheers those working on towards certification. Nineteen teachers complete the program by early 2006, a large proportion of the certifying teachers nation-wide. Following the lead of MTNA, UMTA widens its use of the internet, thus saving paper and mailing costs. On the website: the membership is kept updated; teacher referral on the homepage, found by listing zip code, instrument, or last name of teacher; state newsletter; forms for various programs. A printed directory containing basic information and members’ phone numbers is mailed to all members. The state newsletter would be available online beginning with the March, 2005 issue, with only the conference issue printed and mailed to members. Emails sent by the President and other officers include Board Meeting minutes, agendas, and reminders for upcoming meetings, as well as last minute reminders for deadlines for conference registration, etc.

Cheryl implements a Chapter Presidents’ full day retreat in May, with training on using the website, as well as information on state programs and presenters. Cheryl introduces “leadership tools” which help her conduct more organized state meetings. Cheryl also serves as Chairman of MTNA State Presidents’ Advisory Committee, elected in the Spring of 2005, presiding over meetings in Cincinnati in September, 2005, and in Austin, March, 2006. She gives a PowerPoint presentation on Certification at the 2006 MTNA conference in Austin. Cheryl organizes and handles the UMTA contributions to Hurricane Relief Fund, by encouraging members to contribute with both money and teaching materials: she ships the contributions to Louisiana and Mississippi MTA’s, for teachers returning to teaching, after recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, fall of 2005. AIM packets are made available in levels, organized by Carolyn Oldham, AIM committee. Fees were adjusted to turn into state treasury, with money returned to chapters to pay their judges and other necessary expenses. UMTA would continue to pay for medals, certificates, photocopying expenses, and administrating materials for region and chapter testing. 2004 Southwest Division is held in Hawaii, with Brandon Lee representing Utah in High School piano competition, wins division, and he advances to national. The 2004 UMTA Conference is held October 16-17, at Salt Lake Community College, Larry H. Miller Campus, Sandy, Utah, with guest clinician Dennis Alexander. Lynda Broadbent chairs the event, “Keys to Unlock Your Musical World.” Other clinicians include: Bryce Rytting, Debra Hadfield (from Texas, South Central Division Chair), Jon Schmidt, Dr. Jon Skidmore, Emily Jorgenson, Jay Beck, Cindy Hartley, Sharolynn Aston, Dr. Bonnie Gritton, Keith Snell, Amanda Nixon, Dr. YuJane Yang, Barbara Elison, Lori Edwards, and Kerry Murry, Dr. Kevin Olson, Rick Baldassin, and Dr. Scott Holden.

Publishers showcases featured Kevin Olson, FJH Music, and Keith Snell, Kjos Publications. Conference Artists are Drs. Jeff Shumway and Del Parkinson, duo-pianists, who also present on duo-piano music of Sergei Rachmaninoff. The 2005 UMTA conference is held 3-4 November, at the Salt Lake Community College Miller Campus, Sandy, with guest clinician Gail Smith presenting sessions on the music of Fanny Mendlessohn, in honor of her 200th birthday. E. L. Lancaster, Dr. Daniel Olsen, Mary Gae George, Carole Flatau, Diane Hardy, and others were also presenters. Lynda Broadbent again chairs the conference. Friday evening concert features young rising stars, John Sargeant, Jonathan Bowman, and Brandon Stewart, all awardwinning pianists. 2006 Southwest Division Performance Competitions are held in Las Vegas, Nevada, with UMTA students taking many of the competitions: Junior Woodwind: Helen McGarr (Laurel Maurer); Senior Woodwind: Gabriella Roderer (Cindy Henderson); Senior Piano: Joshua Wright (Susan Duehlmeier); Young Artist Woodwind: Susan Croft (Jaren Hinckley); Young Artist Brass: Dan Barrett (Will Kimball); Young Artist Piano: Jonathan Bowman, (Scott Holden); Young Artist String: Benjamin Chan (Monte Belknap); Chamber Music: BYU Honors Brass Quintet, Brigham Young University, comprised of Jason Bergman, Randy Lee, Robert Davis, Adam Bean, and Daniel Barrett (Will Kimball, coach). MTNA National Conference Performance Competitions are held March 25-27, in Austin, TX, with Helen McGarr and Gabriella Roderer winning their competitions, with Joshua Wright taking 3rd in his. Utah MTA charter member, Dora Curtis, Ogden Chapter, is honored at National Conference with a certificate and pin for 50 years of membership. An unusual event takes place at conference – a power outage, which shuts down the conference Sunday afternoon for several hours, and paralyses the Hilton Hotel, where most attendees are staying. The 2006 Concerto Competition winners perform March 8, 2006 at Assembly Hall, Temple Square, Salt Lake City. Performers include: Trenton His-Yu Chang, Krissy Bentley, Mary Nelson, Emilee Naylor, and Amanda Child.

 

2000 – 2002 UMTA President: Lezlee Bishop, NCTM, “To me, UMTA is a wonderful synthesis of dear people and beautiful music. What could make me happier than to be in a position to serve both of these things that I love?” – Lezlee J. Bishop With the assistance of a dynamic UMTA state board who represented many different areas of the state, President Bishop works to help UMTA members feel appreciated in whatever way they serve, and she visits many chapters to talk about teaching ideas. She recognizes people who make a difference in their chapters and discusses issues confronting UMTA. Along with the challenge of maintaining membership, Lezlee encourages college students to participate in the UMTA Student Teacher of the Year program, and certifying as soon as they graduate. Increasing the profile of UMTA programs in the community is important as well. MusicLink becomes independent of MTNA, and the UMTA state board chooses to continue the program as it offers an opportunity for Utah teachers to assist in the teaching of students who are financially challenged. A new certification program is instituted by MTNA, including testing on a common body of knowledge, teaching experience and performance. At this time, a new MTNA constitution and bylaws is made necessary because of the changes that 501(c)(3) status brings about.

With Catherine Thacker at the helm of AIM, we create new ways to make the testing program more flexible. The choice of participating in all 6 areas or choosing “clusters” gives more students the opportunity to participate as their needs and abilities demand. Teachers are invited to share their teaching aids and materials to make the program more accessible to more teachers. The program becomes more exciting and valuable with the addition of special medallions with the AIM logo, given annually to students who complete the 6 areas of the level. More activities and opportunities, and scholarship programs are created for FAIM students. Teachers are honored for their support of the program, with awards of AIM Novice Teacher of the Year and AIM Veteran Teacher of the Year.The addition of a President’s Roundtable after each state board meeting is made. This valuable time provides a forum for chapter presidents to express views, successes and problems they are having in their local areas with the state president and each other. It allows for discussion and networking that is not possible during the formal state board meeting. The Tooele chapter is re-established and the website is expanded under the continuing direction of Carol Burggraaf. The 2000 UMTA State Convention is November 10-11, at Utah Valley State College, Student Center, Orem, with Marvin Blickenstaff as Guest Clinician. “Musical Gems for a New Millennium” include “How children learn – a guide for the piano teacher,” with Marvin Blickenstaff, who also presents on Effective Interpretation, and the Joy of Group Teaching; Music, Mind and Body, presented by Dr. Bruce Saperston; Carolee Eriksson speaks on working with pre-school age children; Laurisa Ward Cope speaks on incorporating jazz styles and techniques in the studio; DJ Croft demonstrates various MIDI Technology; Mary Gae George discusses musical understanding through creativity; Russell Sorenson discusses piano care and repair; with college students Carrie Christensen (UofU), Jeff Francom (USU), Jennie Milstrup Maring (WSU), and Daniel Olsen (BYU) presenting a session on Learning to teach and Teaching to Learn. The Convention Recital features the winners of the recent Performance Competition.

The UMTA state convention for 2001 was held October 19 and 20 at Weber State University, in the Shepherd Student Union building. Nelita True was Convention Clinician. The theme is “Light the Torch: Teaching with Excellence to Develop the Whole Musician,” in anticipation of the Salt Lake Olympics taking place in a few months. Kevin Olson, representing FJH Music Company, presents a publisher’s show case as well as a presentation on encouraging students to compose. Catherine Thacker, AIM Chair, gives tips on preparing for AIM. Susan Duehlmeier speaks on Improvisation in the Classical Period. Cindy Henderson presents on financially organizing your studio. Eugene Watanabe speaks on Performance Anxiety – understanding and strategies for dealing with it. A Pedagogy Forum giving ideas for themed recitals is presented by Geri Cheney, Coila Robinson, and Carol Burggraff. Carolee Eriksson teaches about working with Teenagers. Shi Hwa Wang speaks on teaching violin. College Student Panel of Laurisa Ward Cope, Angela Ford, Daniel Olsen, Hope Holder, and Say Eow Quah discuss how to become a UMTA Student Teacher of theYear. Sandra Peterson speaks on successful recitals. A handout included in the registration packet, prepared by Lezlee, lists a chronology of UMTA 1956-2001, which would become the core of the 2006 history project.

CHRONOLOGICAL OVERVIEW

UMTA History 1955-2008  This second history was compiled by Coila Robinson and Lezlee Bishop and presented at UMTA’s 50th anniversary in 2006. Additional years have been included in this report.

A UMTA history, 1955 to 1967, was prepared and presented by Jessie M. Perry on July 29, 1967. It details how UMTA came about from the beginning in 1955 and its growth and progress to 1967. Enjoy reading the details.