June 2009
MTAC MARIN BRANCH NEWSLETTER
President's Message
The past 10 months have seemed to pass at a faster tempo than usual. Since my last report, many recitals and events have been posted. The students have risen to such a high level that teachers and parents should feel extraordinarily proud. Recalling Gini Wilson’s memorable concert “From Bach to Beebop”, CM Honors Recital, the MBDavis Winners’ Recital, the Composers Today Workshop, the buzz in Marin is that not only sports can draw crowds! The pursuit of excellence in music is making a positive mark on our community.
Nostalgically looking back over my term as president, I am filled with pride at having had the opportunity to work with so many talented members of our branch and attended so many fabulous concerts. Kudos to those members who performed, including Joe Bloom, John Boyajy, Marie Carbone, Heather Creighton, Bonnie Rasmussen with Jeanette Teitze, Sandra Simich, Mary Fleming, June Choi-Oh, Ron McFarland, and Gini Wilson, to name a few.
This is my last newsletter before I hand over the gavel to Paul Agricola. I know that the members of our branch will reach out to our new president. I am including the full slate of officers at the end of this newsletter. Please print a copy or two and keep it handy by the phone.
Once again the spotlight shines on the JB Piano Company. Glenn Woodruff and his staff really extended themselves to make our visits a delight. The showroom has really turned into a very classy recital venue. Glenn has invited amazing talent to perform in his emporium. Please stop by when you are in the neighborhood and show your appreciation. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP.
I leave with a full heart and gratitude that the term went so smoothly. Looking ahead, some great changes are in the works to make transitions easier for new members A special acknowledgement to our chairs for all their behind-the-scenes efforts: Paul Agricola for assigning the chairs and also serving on the board. Christina Bradley for heading the Discovery Scholarship Program, being the recital chair, doing the directory, calendars and Composers Today Program. Her input on the board was infused with great ideas. Kuei-Ling Pomerleau is to be lauded for her outstanding contribution to the art of teaching and her success as chair of the MBDavis Competition and Winners’ Recital. She also was a student recital chair. Her professionalism sets a standard for us all. Helen Konowitz is simply astonishing when you review all she did. We are all grateful for her expertise in handling the CM Program as her ideas will greatly enhance the program.
Gini Wilson endorsed her reputation with the phenomenal Discovery Scholarship Benefit Gala. Not only for the hours of preparation time, but also for her ability to draw such a distinguished audience with her touch of pizzazz, we salute the “Duchess” once again. Thanks to all the chairs of our monthly student recitals: Katie Butler, Sally Fletcher (twice), Karen Fournier, Kuei-Ling Pomerleau, Karen Rogers (twice), Steven Shen, and Sandra Simich. Kudos to John Boyajy who hosted us for the Composers Today Workshop and meetings. Marie Carbone was an outstanding Membership Secretary. She also distributes our programs to the State Office so composers can be properly credited. She was key to Standing Ovations, another charity gala success. Thanks to Mary Fleming who generously performs for seniors at various venues. Her spirit and support were felt on the board. Cristina Marcu was our recording secretary and we thank her for her help. Mariko Heenan does an outstanding job as Treasurer. She and Marie took on the reception for the big Gala Concert as well. Many extra touches came from their helping hands. I thank each member of the Board of Directors and the Officers who gave of the time so generously. I look forward to serving on the board. We welcome our new team and new members to the branch. Be well and thrive in our spirit of camaraderie. I wish you all the best. Respectfully submitted by Elenor Barcsak Marin Branch President in June 2009.
Composers Today A Hit on MAY 16th 2009
The Composers Today Workshop chaired by Christina Bradley turned out to be so popular, that we are all in awe of the results. Congratulations to Christina for the way she advertised the events with a spiffy flyer. A special thanks to John Boyajy for hosting us in his home. He went to great lengths to accommodate us. His spectacular piano was the focal point and the roving reporter heard many positive comments about the beautiful tone. The young composers will have to wait a long time before they have a chance to play on a better instrument. The relaxed setting was perfect, and it allowed the talents of these gifted students to shine.
General Meeting May 16th 2009. The meeting left us short of a full quorum to vote on the slate of new officers and board. A quorum was reached online and the unanimous results will be presented at the meetings following the Spring Festival at JB Piano on May 31, following the 4pm Recital. The General Meeting will start at 5:00pm and the Board Meeting followed at approximately 5:30pm.
Board Meeting May 16th 2009. Reports were presented and the minutes read by president Elenor Barcsak. The slate of officers and board members will be announced at the next meeting following the Spring Festival.
Joe Bloom’s Concert May 17th, 2009. Congratulations to Joe for presenting a carefully crafted concert in the utterly charming 142 Throckmorton Theatre. The venue was recently in the spotlight on the David Letterman Show. That’s huge! Joe produced a chamber music program with very fine musicians. Patricia Farrel, flute, Helene Zindarsian, soprano, Robert Howard, cello. Composers included Debussy, Berlioz, Prokofiev, Saint-Saens, Villa-Lobos and Joe Bloom himself.
The Spring Festival May 31st was held at JB Piano Company on Irwin Street in San Rafael Only enough entries for one recital were received. The 2 pm recital was well received. Proud parents and families cheered on the talented students. A brief general meeting followed at 5 and the Board met at 5:30. The slate of officers and board members were presented. They will be installed at a June 14th potluck party/meeting at Elenor’s.
COMING UP ~ YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND
THE JUNE POTLUCK SOCIAL/GENERAL/BOARD MEETING WILL BE HELD AT ELENOR’S HOME IN MILL VALLEY ON SUNDAY JUNE 14th AT 5:00PM
The address is 1065 Erica Rd., Mill Valley CA
For seating, RSVP by calling Elenor 383-0125 or
Emailing: zenezest@aol.com
Bring your favorite dish, besides your spouse! Finger food, salads, entrées, and desserts are welcome. Highlighted will be the installation of the new officers and board members. Come get acquainted with new members and friends. Parking is easy and there are just two steps when you enter through the garage. There will be a short musical program. This General Meeting and Board meeting fulfills the branch’s requirements. See you soon!
Message from MARIE CARBONE:
“Springtime is the perfect time to look back on your teaching accomplishments for the school year – workshops, performance classes, recitals – and it is the perfect time to send a copy of your piano studio programs to Marie Carbone so she can forward them to the State.” Marie’s address: 150 Buchanan Ct., Sausalito CA 94965.
State Convention News
The State Convention! We have Ricca Wolf and Mariko Heenen. Just got word from the State that said we are allowed to have two more delegates. Help our branch vote for the revised by-laws. Any volunteers? This help is to our advantage!
THE STATE CONVENTION DATES JULY 3rd through July 7th
LOCATION: Santa Clara Marriott, 2700 Mission College Blvd; Santa Clara CA 95054.See you there!
Are you a responsible, courteous and alert high school student who need community service hours?
Our upcoming Convention is an excellent opportunity for high school students to serve as Pages and earn their community service hours.
Please forward this Convention Page Availability form to students and adults who would be interested and willing to serve as Pages during the July 3-6 Convention at Santa Clara Marriott.
Contact 2009 Page Chair Deborah Sanfilippo, Tel: 408-942-6824 (later evening) or email debsanfilippo@yahoo.com
Greetings from Your State President
Convention
I’ve said it before, but will again. I really hope to see you at Convention. Besides MTAC all times favorites, Jon Nakamatsu and Hans Boepple, we have Melody Bober, Helen Marlais, Scott McBride Smith and other favorites. I’ve noticed that members favor Master Classes. I think we have an all time record number of Master Classes at this Convention (one or two every day!) so come, enjoy, learn, share and say hi! Notice, for your convenience, that we will have a quick lunch set-up in the Exhibit Hall, as well as a Photographer there for professional photographs of you or your students.
Announcement
It is my duty to notify you that Jocelyn Jotie is no longer in our employ. If you come to convention, say hi to Rhonda Williams, Roland Jotie, and our newest additions to the staff, Emily Dengler and Casey Botkin.
Bylaws
By now you should have received the announcement of the State Bylaws revision with your dues notice. The good news is that there are no dramatic changes; they are mostly “house cleaning” type changes, many of which are recommended by our Parliamentarian, Nancy Elsner. (The bad news is that there are a lot of them!). Many of the changes involve removing detailed “procedures” from the Bylaws, where they really don’t belong, and moving them to a “Procedures Manual”. Please come to the Delegates meeting at Convention on Saturday, July 4, 8:00 a.m., in the California Ballroom, Salon 5 for more on this—branches should send their delegates—and do feel free to email me at any time, if you have any questions about the Bylaws that need answering.
At your Service, Lee Galloway, MTAC State President
Announcements
NANCY LODER. When someone falls, the results can be a simple bruise or something more serious. When Nancy Loder fell, the result was a compound fracture of her thighbone! Marie Carbone sent a card from our branch. We all wish her a full and speedy recovery. The Loders have been our host for the June Potluck for many years, and am glad to be able to give them a time out this year by Elenor hosting the Potluck this June 14th so that Nancy can heal.
GOOD NEWS! Mary-Jean DeBenedict has been reinstated!
Welcome back! Note her address is:2 Jackson Court, Novato CA 94947
Tel. # 415 – 892-6118 Email: maryjean2731@verizon.net
MTAC MARIN BRANCH BOARD
OFFICERS for 2010
Paul Agricola ~ President
Judy Lichterman ~ Vice President
Recording Secretary ~ John Boyajy
Membership Secretary~ Christina Bradley
Mariko Heenan~ Treasurer
DIRECTORS
Elenor Barcsak
Mary Fleming
Ron McFarland
Karen Rogers
Chamber Music Concert
Burke invited you to "Chamber Music Concert" on Friday, June 12 at 8:00pm.
Burke says, "Hope you can make it to this one. I'm very excited about the
performers I'm playing with. This will be so much fun... serious fun at that.
You'll want to take the pianist home with you. I already took the flutist.
Event: Chamber Music Concert
"Very special concert with Burke Schuhmann, Brian Ganz and Yael Ronen"
What: Concert
Host: Palomarin Chamber Music Foundation
Start Time: Friday, June 12 at 8:00pm
End Time: Friday, June 12 at 10:30pm
Where: 1st Presbyterian Church of Berkeley
To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=80093388970&mid=86eac4G5b931aebG60ba90G7
Daniel Glover
Performing
Kensington Symphony Orchestra
presents
Daniel Glover, pianist
performing
Khachaturian Piano Concerto in D-flat
Saturday, June 6, 8pm
Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley
1 Lawson Road, Kensington
for directions see:
www.kensingtonsymphonyorchestra.org
Tickets may be purchased at the door starting 30 minutes before the concert.
Suggested donation: $15 adults,
$12 students and seniors
children under 12 free
No one turned away for lack of funds!
www.danielgloverpianist.com
LIEDER ALIVE!
A message from the collaborative pianist John Boyajy:
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, June 11th, 12th and 13th at 6:00 p.m. LIEDER ALIVE! will present the renowned American mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne leading three master classes featuring five brilliant young emerging professional vocalists: sopranos Heidi Melton and Heidi Moss, mezzo-soprano Kindra Scharich, tenor Eleazar Rodriguez and baritone Eugene Brancoveanu. I will be the collaborative pianist (what used to be called an accompanist J ) for Heidi Moss and Kindra Scharich. The other pianist, John Parr (who also happens to be head of staff at the San Francisco Opera), is a wonderful musician and I know you will greatly enjoy his performances.
The repertoire will include songs by Beethoven, Schumann, Strauss and Brahms, as well as excerpts from Schumann’s Frauenliebe und Leben and Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder – in short, the cream of an astoundingly gorgeous body of music.
This is a golden opportunity to see how a master teacher addresses the many issues that challenge singers and pianists every time they make music together; your appreciation for music and for the creative process will be deepened as a result of attending these master classes. You will witness first a performance, and then Ms. Horne’s coaching and suggestions – some of the highest-level vocal instruction available on the planet. Please consider attending all three evenings as it can be quite fascinating and inspiring to see how the singers and the musical relationships develop.
Tickets can be purchased through City Box Office. They are $20 for each night; $45 for all three. Senior/student discounts are available. Please see the attached flyer for further details. If you have questions that neither this e-mail nor the flyer address, please don’t hesitate to contact me via reply e-mail or phone: (415) 572-3303. I look forward to seeing many familiar faces at the Conservatory next month.
I look forward to seeing many familiar faces at the Conservatory next month!
The Collaborative pianist, John Boyajy.
PIANIST ANTONIO ITURRIOZ
Sunday, June 14, 2009
at 3:00 p.m.
at the home of Charles Harris,
34 Woodoaks Drive,
San Rafael 94903
Guerneville pianist and teacher Antonio Iturrioz, a native of Cuba, has studied with Jorge Bolet and Byron Janis (a student of Vladimir Horowitz). His repertoire ranges from Scarlatti to contemporary composers. His film, The Art of the Left Hand; A Brief History of Left Hand Piano Music, has been received enthusiastically and aired by PBS. His new film on the life of the great pianist Leopold Godowsky will be released on DVD soon and is sure to shine new light on Godowsky’s genius not just as a pianist but as a prolific composer. This recital will raise funds for the completion of this important new film. For more information on Antonio, visit http://www.theartofthelefthand.com. Antonio’s program for the recital will be posted in the near future at http://home.comcast.net/~nbpc/site/.
PROGRAM (subject to change)
Prelude & Fugue No. 9 from Book II of Well Tempered Clavier by J.S. Bach
Impromptu in G flat, No. 3, Op. 90 by Franz Schubert
Chaconne by J. S. Bach, arranged for the left hand by Johannes Brahms
Aria from Violin Suite No. 2 by J.S. Bach, arranged by Leopold Godowsky
El Cocoye by L. M. Gottschalk
INTERMISSION
Litany by Franz Schubert, arranged by Godowsky
Etude in E Flat Minor, Op. 10 No. 6 by Frederic Chopin, arranged by Leopold Godowsky
Home Sweet Home by Bishop, arranged by Leopold Godowsky
Reminiscenses of Norma by Vincenzo Bellini, arranged by Franz Liszt
$20 in advance, $25 at the door. Please make checks payable to “Antonio Iturrioz” and mail to: Charles Harris, 34 Woodoaks Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903. Refreshments will be served following the recital. Seating is limited, so please reserve early.
The recital will be followed at 5:00 p.m. by the first meeting of the North Bay Piano Club, a forum for amateur classical pianists.
Directions to 34 Woodoaks Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903:
From the North:
* Take 101 South to North San Pedro Road exit (it's the exit after the Terra Linda/Freitas Parkway exit; there's a Sizzler, a McDonalds and a Chevron station visible from the freeway).
* At the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto Merrydale Road.
* At the stoplight, turn left onto North San Pedro Road.
* Go 0.9 mi. to Woodoaks Drive (it's the first street after the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center; there's a Mormon Church on the corner).
* Turn right onto Woodoaks and park on the street (there is no off-street parking available).
* #34 is at the head of the second driveway on the left.
From the South:
* Take 101 North to the North San Pedro Road exit.
* As you go down the exit road, bear right at the sign reading "EAST".
* Continue straight through the stoplight (the Marin County Civic Center will be on your left) for 0.8 mi. to Woodoaks Drive (it's the first street after the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center; there's a Mormon Church on the corner).
* Turn right onto Woodoaks and park on the street (there is no off-street parking available).
* #34 is at the head of the second driveway on the left.
Gini Wilson June 30 and July 15
"Gini and her trio were terrific. Do not let the 4 Star rating keep you away. There is a $6. house wine on the menu, ask to sit in the bar area. You can order dim sum at a $1. a pop! reasonable entrees are available. There is valet service for just $10. Take Bay St to Mission, turn right go one block and turn left onto Steuart. Shanghai is mid block. You will be glad you went! Gini's biggest fan, ELENOR :)!"
Hi Friends!! please support Live Music!
Lots of friends have been dropping into the elegant Shanghai 1930!
My trio will be performing on Tuesday June 30 and Wednesday July 15: 7 pm to 11 pm
Shanghai 1930
133 Steuart Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Tel: (415) 896 5600 Fax: (415) 896 5688
http://www.shanghai1930.com
Gini Wilson: The Duchess, Piano
Pat Klobas: Bass
Ron Marabuto: Drums
WYRICK-OH DUO
Russian Masters of the 20th Century
PETER WYRICK, ‘cello
JUNE CHOI OH, piano
S U N D AY, J U N E 14, 2009
4
AT
PM
Two outstanding musicians, Peter Wyrick
and June Choi Oh, one the Associate
Principal ‘Cellist of the San Francisco
Symphony and the other a celebrated soloist
and chamber musician, perform a program
of 20th century classics by Russian masters.
In his Suite Italienne, Stravinsky arranged
several movements from his ballet
Pulcinella, a work that he claimed was “the
epiphany through which the whole of my
late
work
became
possible”.
Rachmaninoff’s Op. 19 Sonata is a perfect
expression of why the composer’s works are
so widely beloved, while Prokofiev’s Op.
119 Sonata is a subtle protest of the official
condemnation of his work the year before.
Old First Church
1751 Sacramento St.
(at Van Ness)
San Francisco, CA 94109
www.oldfirstconcerts.org
(415) 474-1608
Discounted Parking Available at
Old First Parking Garage
1725 Sacramento Street
with validation
from our box office
$15 general admission
$12 seniors & students
Visa & M/C Accepted
Piano for Sale
Steinway D Nine Foot Concert Grand $24,500 
Originally made in 1881, this is a fully modern 88 note concert grand. In the mid 1960's, the piano was fully restored and the soundboard, pinblock, action and entire damper system were replaced by Warren Groff - a well known piano technician from Colorado and Hawaii. Beautiful Rosewood finish.
The action has been recently serviced. The original ivories are perfect. Includes humidity control system.
Owned by a private party represented by Christopher Ris, piano technician, of San Rafael.
Considering all serious offers.
Call 415 454-9009 or ChrisRis@comcast.net.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/msg/1155618106.html
 
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