Geraldine Harrison Endowment Fund
The Geraldine Harrison Endowment Fund, established by the Idaho Music Teachers Association in 2010, honors Geraldine Harrison, a long-time member of IMTA.
This fund receives tax-deductible contributions to MTNA, which are held and maintained separately from MTNA funds. Endowment income is used to fund teacher enrichment grants for teachers.
About Geri
Geri Harrison, NCTM, was born in Nampa, Idaho in 1937 and graduated from Nampa High School in 1955. In 1959 she earned her B.A. in Piano from the College of Idaho. She married Robert Harrison in 1959 and taught in Boise until 1987. She served as president of the Treasure Valley MTA in 1986 until she moved to Stockton, California. She then taught piano in Stockton for four years and served as president of the Stockton Branch of MTAC in 1988.
In 1991 Geri moved to Arlington, Washington where she was active in the Snohomish Branch of WMTA. She taught there until 1997 when she moved back to Boise. Since that time she has been active in the Treasure Valley MTA and has co-chaired Certificate of Merit.
Geri studied piano with Fern Nolte Davidson from 1959 until a few years before she passed away. She was fortunate to play twice in the overture from the opera Semiramide, directed by Fern. It was the only 8-piano, 16-hand piece. She has also played numerous duets with friends Avonne Higgins and Liz Holsinger. She is a National Certified Teacher of Music.
When Geri and Bob were first married, they were very active in the Boise Jaycees. Geri belonged to the Jay-c-ettes and earned a Key Woman Award. She is active in St. Stephen’s Episcopal church and was president of the women’s group in the 1960’s. She was also in charge of the St. Lukes’ annual ball. She has taught Sunday School, sung in the choir and is a member of the altar guild.
Geri and Bob have three children and seven grandchildren. Their sons live in Nampa and Boise and their daughter lives in Omaha, Nebraska.
Geri’s former student Chad Spears is pursuing his doctorate in Piano at the University of Idaho. He also composes.
Contribute
By investing in MTNA through your contributions to the Geraldine Harrison Endowment Fund, you can support MTNA’s mission to advance the value of music study. Contributions directly benefit the music profession by encouraging and enabling students to study music, recognizing young gifted musicians and providing funds for teachers to continue their education.
Click here to contribute online.
Apply for Grants
To obtain applications for grants, visit mtnafoundation.org.