March 2009
MTAC MARIN BRANCH NEWSLETTER
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President: Elenor Barcsak
Tel. 415383-0125
Email: zenezest@aol.com
February was filled with many successful events including recitals, a board meeting and our annual fundraising gala. Details will follow below. It was great to see how everyone pulled together with enthusiasm and fresh ideas. Many bravos and the scent of flowers filled the air. JB PIANO COMPANY’S proprietor Glenn Woodruff, saved the day after the cancellation of the student recital by a church. He really came through for us and we appreciated all his efforts to help us out.
THANK YOU ALL FOR ELEVATING THE ART OF TEACHING! I am proud of you. For those who did not attend or lend support to our activities, ask not what the Branch can do for you, rather what you can do for the Branch! We are all volunteers here so kindly lend a hand! Please call Paul Agricola to sign up to chair or find out how you can help out. Our VP can be reached at 415 383- 2027.
RECITALS ~ LOOKING FORWARD
SUNDAY MARCH 1st: MTAC Marin Branch THE TEEN RECITAL
LOCATION: JB PIANO COMPANY SHOWROOM 540 Irwin Street, San Rafael. (The cross street is Andersen Dr., on the WEST side of HWY # 101).
TIME: 4:30 P.M. Please note the unique student recital time. THE CHAIR: Gini Wilson: Address 338 Jean St., Mill Valley CA 94941. 415 – 388-0976. Email: chamberjazz@comcast.net
Note the age restriction: The student must be a teenager on the day of the recital. Entry fee is $8.00 per student. Check the website www.mtacmarin.org for details. Click on the “newsletter” link. In the header section of that page click on “Branch Activities”. Click on Student Recitals and voila. Entry date is 10 days prior to the recital. Please submit just one check per teacher. See you there!
SUNDAY MARCH 8th: MTAC Marin Branch Student Recital.
Location: First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo. 72 Kensington Rd., San Anselmo.
TIME: 2P.M.
Directions: Take Sir Francis Drake Blvd off HWY#101. Drive past the College of Marin to San Anselmo and turn left on Bolinas Ave. Turn right onto Kensington.
Chair: Karen Rogers Address: 25 La Costa Court, Novato C.A. 94947
Tel. # 415 – 892-9608
Special instructions: Because of insurance restrictions, please don’t use the playground equipment visible in the area next to the Church. We do not have permission to use this playground area, as stipulated in our contract. Instead, our students will enjoy “playing” on a fine piano inside! We did have to spend $50 for a special insurance fee to have the church’s name added to our insurance form. The cleaning deposit should be return to us as long as we leave the Church as we found it. I mention this only to point out that the Student Recitals are truly fundraisers for our Branch as well. There are many hidden fees for rentals that have to be covered from our MTAC account, not just the obvious rentals, tunings and printing of programs.
The entry deadline is 10 days prior to the recital, however Karen will use her discretion should entries arrive late without explanation. There is a time restraint with this Church.
ATTENTION ADULTS
SUNDAY MARCH 22nd: ADULT RECITAL.
LOCATION: Karen Fournier’s home, 23 Terrace Dr., in Sausalito, TEL: 415 – 332-5275. Email: kfournier7@gmail.com
Time: 3P.M.
Take the Sausalito/Marin City Exit from HWY #101. At the first light turn right onto Donohue (no sign) then proceed one stoplight and turn LEFT on TERNERS. (Opposite the mall entrance). Go one block and turn left onto Terrace Dr. (half way down on the right is #23). The entry fee is $8.00 per adult student. The entry deadline is ten days prior to the Recital date. The entry forms are available at our website. See above for details. Please RSVP so that Karen can arrange to have enough chairs, and to check on what you should bring to the potluck reception. See you there!
MARGARET BEAN DAVIS MUSIC COMPETITION
CHAIR: Kuei-Ling Pomerleau
Date: SUNDAY March 29th Entrants will be notified of their individual time appointments. Only contestants are allowed in the sanctuary during the judging.
Time: All afternoon.
LOCATION: Mount Tamalpais United Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore Ave; Mill Valley.
Directions: Take the Blithedale/Tiburon Exit off HWY #101. Go west on Blithedale to Camino Alto (76 service station is on the corner) and turn left. Go one block and turn left at Sycamore Ave. The church is on the corner across from the Middle School.
Entry deadline: March 2, posted or dropped off. Send application and entry fee check to: Kuei-Ling Pomerleau, 32 Ridgewood Dr., San Rafael CA 9490.The rules and entry forms are available to download from the MTAC-Marin website. For more information, teachers only, contact the Competition Chair: Kuei-Ling Pomerleau, Tel: 415-455-0814; e-mail: klpomerleau@comcast.net
Only teachers may call the chair with queries. No students or parents are to call, as they must go through their teachers. Phone: 415 – 455-0814. Email: klpomerleau@comcast.net
Best wishes to all contestants. We all look forward to the Winner’s Recital.
COMPETITION WINNERS’ RECITAL: Sunday, April 26th, 2009, 2:30pm.
Location: Mt. Tamalpais Un ited Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore Avenue, Mill Valley. In keeping with tradition, we have invited a guest pianist to perform at the Winners’ Recital. This year we are delighted to have Michael Delfin, a member of the Young Artist Guild (YAG), the highest achievement in the Certificate of Merit program of MTAC. Only a few students are selected each year for this honor. Please encourage your students to take advantage of this wonderful musical fare and rich learning opportunity.
MICHAEL DELFIN received four significant state-level performance honors in 2008: top prize in the Celia Méndez Young Pianist’s Beethoven Competition; membership in the MTAC Young Artist Guild; pianist in the Friends of Today’s Music; and the McGaughey Platinum Prize in the Glendale Piano Competition. Prior to 2008, Michael attended Aspen Music Festival and School; won MTAC State Composition Contest; performed at Riverside 2008 State Convention YCG of his piano composition entitled Forest Fire; received the honor of YCG membership.
His past awards include: first prize in Sylvia M. Ghiglieri Memorial Piano Competition; State Convention Contemporary Music Seminar; State Composition Contest; MTAC State Convention Panel Honors and YCG membership; KVPR Young Artists Spotlight performances; guest artist for the American Beethoven Society and the Santa Barbara Beethovenfest. He has participated in master classes with Paul Badura-Skoda, Rex Cooper, Misha Dichter, Stewart Gordon, Sujeeva Hapugalle, Joseph Kalichstein, Yoheved Kaplinsky, John O’Conor, John Perry, Ann Schein, Craig Sheppard, Rita Sloan, and Virginia Weckstrom.
Michael Delfin has studied piano for ten years, the past eight with Carol Oaks. He is currently a high school senior at Campus Christian Academy and the ongoing pianist at Grace Bible Church of Fresno.
THE BOARD MEETS SATURDAY MARCH 7
Time: 4:30PM
Location: Elenor Barcsak will host at her home, 1065 Erica Rd. Mill Valley. Take the Mill Valley/Stinson Beach exit off HWY 101. Follow signs to Shoreline Hwy1. Turn left at the Arco Station. Drive 2 miles to Erica Rd. #1065 is on your left 3 bocks down. 415-383-0125.
Certificate of Merit Testing Day
Thanks to all CM teachers for their careful efforts in entering their students' repertoire in the online Evaluation Forms - many fewer mistakes were made this year than last. The syllabus check is almost complete, after which I will proceed to making the teacher work schedules and then the Evaluation Schedules, followed by the printing of the Evaluation Forms. Please be sure to check your email AT LEAST once each week! I expect to email work schedules no later than March 15, followed shortly thereafter by student evaluation times. If you have any questions, please email me at helenkonow@aol.com . This is a much more efficient way to reach me than phoning, but phone if you must (I have several late evenings, so I may not return phone calls the same day) 456-2132.
The CM testing day will be Saturday April 4th 2009.
- Helen Konowitz, Marin CM Chair
DISCOVERY SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT GALA
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT….
The constellations in the heavens aligned just right and the MTAC Marin Branch’s Annual Discovery Scholarship Benefit Gala became a beacon for music lovers. The combined efforts of so many gleaned the necessary elements that created an unforgettable evening. The Chair of both the Scholarship Committee and the Concert was Christina Bradley who worked indefatigably to help produce the gala. She did so much, from processing the donor checks, to creating the printed program from her home base to save us funds! She got the sound system from the Banana Store in San Rafael. She oversaw every detail and even took tickets at the door! The goal to provide piano lesson for children who otherwise could not afford them was the real driving force behind the efforts of so many. The three spearheads of the program Barbara Harris, Barbara Vonk and Joan Weinstein are to be ever lauded. Joan was in the audience along with the Vonk’s daughter Anneke seated next to her father Chris Vonk. When Barbara Vonk passed away last year, Gini Wilson stepped forward and offered to play for the Annual Benefit Concert. Her children had studied with Barbara. Gini, also know as the “Duchess” also studied classical music with Carlo Bussotti . She created a wide-ranging program and “ From Bach to Behob” was launched. She balanced the program that included Bach’s Partita #VI and Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin. The 2nd half followed with three of her own compositions (excerts from The Americana Suite). Joining her on reeds was Steve Heckman from Gini’s trio. Then came Jazz, Bebop and Gini’s masterful “game” that solicits audience participation. She improvised themes on the spot in various styles suggested by audience members. The standing ovation was well deserved for this labor of love. Elenor Barcsak who emceed the event presented bouquets to Gini and to Christina Bradley.
Marie Carbone and Mariko Heenen took on the hospitality portion. Both serve on the Board of Directors. Marie is our Membership secretary and Mariko is our treasurer. They did an outstanding job of preparing everything in a classy manner. Home made biscotti and brownies framed by fresh strawberries and sweets balanced the fine champagne. Every detail was addressed. It was a refined reception. Also with appreciation, Paul Agricola, Mary Fleming, Jean Alexis Smith and Ricca Wolff all assisted.
Glenn Woodruff and his staff are to be commended on having the 9‘ 2” Grotrian concert grand on stage. The stunning instrument delighted the crowd of guests. The Green Room on the mezzanine was made available to the star performer and her family with special amenities.
Our deepest thanks to everyone involved including the donors, the teachers, the scholarships recipient families. (They must remain anonymous). Charles Sepos was supportive and interviewed Gini on his radio program in Santa Rosa. Gini’s husband was totally involved, doing the photography for the flyer, and handling the video taping of the evening. Gregg Bottini must also be thanked for his recording skills at the event. Many guests appreciated the free valet service. Marin Express offered us a charitable discounted off the 4-hour minimum rate. We salute this Sausalito based company. Congratulations and thanks to everyone involved. I hope did not skip anyone. Let me know if I did, as I will acknowledge him or her. This event was one for the books.
PS: One guest, a dear friend of Barbara’s, lost a set of keys thought to have been left on the little table at the entry. Please call Elenor if you discover that you have them and I will make sure the owner receives them.
THE FEBRUARY 8th STUDENT RECITAL
JB Piano Company Showroom was the scene for the February 8th Student Recital. The First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo had to cancel our booking due to a memorial service the same afternoon. Glenn Woodruff came through for us and allowed us to hold our Student Recital with the 9’2” Grotrian Concert Grand on the stage. I am certain that none of the performers will ever forget the experience of playing on such a fabulous instrument.
Sally Fletcher chaired this recital and she presented a polished demeanor for the performers and guests. Thanks again, Sally, for chairing. This was the second time that she’s come forward to chair our student recitals since September 2008. The studios represented were Stephen Shen, Florence Aquilina, Karen Rogers, Barbara Wilkes, Albena Naydenova and Sally Fletcher. Thank you all for participating.
THE ROVING REPORTER
THE ROVING REPORTER, was spotted at JB Piano Company on Monday, February 9th evening for the Arte Lande concert. The quartet was in a “groove” with Arte holding court. He really embraced the Grotrian and solicited sounds from inside the piano with dazzling affects. He got the audience involved by having guests join him in an impromptu jam session that set the room ablaze in sound, Reeds, sax and vocals melded with Arte in the ambience that makes jazz so infectious and fun. Glenn Woodruff was all smiles, delighted with the offering.
NOTABLE: Thursday, February 12, 2009, Lincoln’s Birthday, was the date set for the return of Dinova, the Russian pianist presented by Concerts Grand last session. The Roving Reporter noted her skills in commanding the best from the 9’2” Grotrian. Her masterful technical prowess and voicing were exquisitely apparent in the Claire de Lune. The program featured mostly short gems from the classical repertoire, including Chopin, Haydn, Scriabin, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninoff. Her deft pedaling and bravura scales left us knowing the petite persona was a powerhouse that could deliver the depth needed in the grander works. We look forward to her return visits to Marin.
Dmitry Rachmanoff in Santa Rosa delivered a delightful Concert in the music room at the Junior College. Newman Hall was needed for another event and so the Concerts’ Grand soloist was still presented. Dmitry has the most amazing concentration and had the fire alarms gone off, they would not have fazed him! They did not go off, but one was struck by his total involvement in his playing. The Steinway sounded soulful and he displayed without affect his artistry. He was very much at home in the “classroom”setting as he is an associate professor of piano at California State University, Northridge. We look forward to hearing more from this amazing musician in the future. He was leaving right after the concert to perform in the Crocker Museum in Sacramento. We in Marin have a fan base! Check out his website for a sample of his playing and to see available CDs. Thank you Flo Aquilina for hosting the concert
The Roving Reporter was spotted once again lurking in Novato’s Lutheran Church, the scene of JOHN BOYAJY’s concert. He delivered a very soulful and carefully honed recital. He included two delightful singers to create a very enjoyable program. The scope ranged from Europe to the “South Pacific”. The three encores with standing ovations made it clear that the caliber of the playing and singing were stellar. John played with exuberance and displayed his deft technique with assurance. His accompaniment was no easy road. He was able to balance his tone to support the vocalists without drowning them out, soliciting every nuance the piano could offer. Kudos to John and his colleagues for a delightful presentation. Your fan club is expanding. Bravi!
MTAC STATE NEWS
A reminder that the deadline for submissions to the MTAC State Improvisation Evaluation is April 15. This is an adjudicated event where students record an improvisation that they have created onto a cd or cassette, and then send it in for a written evaluation. Top-scoring students are then invited to perform their prepared improvisation at this summer’s state Convention. Teachers interested in finding out more about the Improvisation Evaluation are encouraged to go to the state website, where information and applications can be downloaded.
Thank you,
Alexandra Hawley
Improvisation Chair.
Be sure and check out the STATE NEWSLETTER at the Website and also note that the Marin Music Chest is March 28th.
A celebration of the life of Marilynn Carstens will take place on Saturday, March 7th, 2009 at 3:00 p.m., at the First Unitarian Church of San Jose, 160 N. 3rd St., San Jose, CA 95112.
There will be a potluck following the service. Optional: bring food. Casual attire is encouraged since there will be music and dancing/movement.
An Endowment Fund, designated for Improvisation, will be established in the MTAC Foundation in her name. Should you wish to donate to this fund, please fill out the donation form and include your check, made payable to the MTAC Foundation, and send to the MTAC State Office, 833 Market Street, Suite 900, San Francisco CA 94103, Attention: Rhonda Williams, Financial Coordinator.
Marilynn's husband, Patrick, has also asked that Donations can be made to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, 750 Cutner Ave., San Jose, CA 95125, www.2ndharvest.net, in Marilynn's memory.
NEW CLASSICAL MUSIC WEB SITE
(Commercial Announcement)
The North Bay has a new web site for all aspects of classical music – www.classicalsonoma.org.
Contained in this user-friendly site are concert reviews and listings, information on almost 40 presenting organizations, and photos. Presenters can update schedules and events directly on-line without delays, including uploading art work. This exciting new way to publicize MMTA events was designed by Santa Rosa violinist and attorney John Thompson. Currently there are eight reviewers for events in four counties, including Tiburon pianist and writer Donna Kline.
Thanks.
Terry McNeill
Classical Sonoma
Concerts Grand
Deadline for April,'09 newsletter: March 20th
Please send items to President Elenor Barcsak
email: zenezest@aol.com
send a note to:
1065 Erica Rd; Mill Valley, C.A. 94941.
or Tel. 415- -383-0125. |
