Treasure Valley MTA
May 17, 2008: Melody Bober Festival
What a beautiful day!! What an awesome experience! What fun!Truly this is an event that we will long remember.
I love events that bring our music community together simply for the joy of making music. This was such an event. It was delightful to listen to students from the various studios. It was wonderful hearing so many excellent pieces played so well--familiar ones and ones that I will definitely be adding to our studio's music library.
All of these pieces, of course, were composed by our honored guest, Melody Bober. Following each recital we were able to ask Melody a few questions and find out a little more about her. I will recap very briefly--Melody and her husband live in Minnesota. They live in a modest home on a lake. The beauty of their surroundings provides much inspiration. Melody said that she likes to write pieces that pay honor to God and all of his creations. Additionally, she was influenced as she grew up by the love different family members had for various styles of music.
Melody began playing the piano when she was about three. Formal lessons didn't begin until a few years later. She has been in music education for the past 25 years. She only began writing music about 12 years ago. At that time, she began composing music for the specific needs of some of her students. That is still a strong motivating force in her composing as she maintains a studio of around 60 students. This is pretty amazing considering her composing, her traveling to events such as ours, giving workshops and the rest. To date, she has composed 400 pieces.
Throughout the day Melody was extremely gracious. Several students were thrilled to have her spontaneously join them at the keys as she played the teacher accompaniment. She was so very impressed with the level of playing she heard throughout the day. She commented again and again that many of these performances were simply remarkable.
We were very impressed with Melody's playing as well. I especially liked The Dragonfly--a piece which was inspired by an incident that took place when she was about eight years old. Playing outside with her cousins, she was running about screaming with her mouth wide open. Into Melody's mouth flew a nasty tasting dragonfly which she swallowed!! That's something you don't forget. The piece she wrote honoring this long ago ingested creature does him great honor. I will definitely be adding this one to my studio's library.
I am so glad to have been able to be part of this festival. Thanks so much for everyone that helped. Thanks so much for participating. Thanks so much for your inspirational teaching. I know that I learned a lot throughout the day by your students' performances. I am motivated to reach higher!
Have a wonderful summer!!
Kristie Rue
Recent TVMTA Newsletters
December 2006
January 2007
February 2007
March 2007
April 2007
May 2007
June 2007
September 2007
October 2007
November 2007
December 2007
January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
May 2008
Officers & Committee Chairs
| President | Kristie Rue, NCTM | kristierue@msn.com |
| President-Elect | Need Volunteer! | |
| Secretary/Newsletter | Andrea Hansen | ahpianostudio@cableone.net |
| Treasurer | Robert Morrison | rdm@boi.hp.com |
| Program Chair | Tawna Love | loving88@cableone.net |
| Recital Chair | Kay So | kayspiano@yahoo.com |
| Sonatina Festival | David Tacher | tscarlatti@aol.com |
| 2008 Sonatina List | Juli Draney | jjdra@yahoo.com |
| Certificate of Merit | Lyle Samuel | lsamstudio@juno.com |
| Geri Harrison, NCTM | pianogerri@yahoo.com | |
| Jill Wright, NCTM | swimjmw@msn.com |
Sonatina Festival
2007 Sonatina Festival Registration List
Certificate Of Merit Program
The Music Teachers' Association of California sponsors a study program entitled Certificate of Merit. Initiated in 1933, this prestigious program provides study guides and performance opportunities for students. In 1997, the Treasure Valley MTA started working with MTAC to sponsor this program in Idaho. Our first Certificate of Merit event took place in April 1998.
The goals of the program are:
- To provide a systematic and comprehensive plan to develop performance skill, technique, ear training, sight reading, and understanding of music theory;
- To develop practical goals to help students maintain a steady and focused approach to their musical studies.
- To encourage students to strive for musical excellence
- To create opportunities in which students may share their music with others.
Students enrollect in Certificate of Merit participate in an annual evaluation. Experienced evaluators hear students perform selected literature, technique elements, and sight reading. each student will receive a written comprehensive assessment of progress. Students will also complete a written theory exam that includes an ear training component. Each student will receive a certificate for successfully completing all phases of the examination.
Students can earn up to four points per year for successful completion of the different phases. When they have achieved 12 points, they will be awarded a trophy. Students who demonstrate exceptional skill may be selected to perform at our Branch Honors Recital. The fees for participation range from $23 to $35, depending on level of enrollment.
Download 2007 Registration Sheet, Information, and Evaluation Guidelines