N O R T H S H O R E M U S I C T E A C H E R S ’ A S S O C I A T I O N

!1 The SCORE, December 2016

The Monthly e-Newsletter of the NSMTA Nancy DeHaven, Editor December 2016

President’s Message It’s that time of the year again, when thoughts turn toward holiday music. I have always loved traditional Christmas carols, and even as a child I relished the chance to play familiar music that also served a practical purpose. I would play for parties and family gatherings as I became more advanced, and my parents and siblings would often sing carols together around the piano. These are sweet memories, and I’m sure you must have similar ones. Each December, my husband Bruce and I plan a “Holiday Play and Sing Along” for our combined studios. At this event our students and their families gather in our home; the students play their favorite Christmas and Hanukkah pieces while everyone

sings or plays simple percussion instruments. We pass out lyric sheets and jingle bells and encourage everyone to participate. Afterward we have hot cider, cookies and sometimes even a chocolate fountain! It’s a favorite event for all, as it is less formal than a traditional recital and allows families to take an active role

in making music. This is one of the magical things about holiday songs—they represent our shared musical vocabulary, tunes that most of us know and love. Sharing these songs together can create a sense of community and connection. Another holiday tradition that I participate in is the singing of Handel’s Messiah each year with the Apollo Chorus of Chicago. This year will mark my seventh season of performances, and I have not yet tired of Handel’s wonderful oratorio. There is something reassuring about coming back to this well-crafted masterwork each year, learning new details and gaining new insights. And memorizing more choruses! I’m sure that many of you have your own holiday traditions in your studios, churches and synagogues. I hope that you enjoy a wealth of music this season!

THE SCORE

Jennifer Merry,NSMTA President

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!2 The SCORE, December 2016

The Location of the January 9, 2017 Board Meeting has been changed.

We will be meeting at the Glenview Library, 1930 Glenview Road, 60025, in the Multi-Purpose Room. Please note that all NSMTA officers and committee chairs must attend the Board Meeting.

What: NSMTA Board Meeting Date: Monday, January 9, 2017 Time: 9:30 - 11:30 AM Where: Glenview Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room 1930 Glenview Road (NE corner of Harlem and Glenview roads) Glenview, IL 60025

Parking: Enter the parking lot from Washington Street, just east of the library.

* * * * Important Board Meeting Information * * * *

IMPORTANT! The dates for registering for the Sonata/Sonatina Festival listed in the Yearbook are INCORRECT. Please note the corrected dates on the following

page, as well as on the NSMTA website.

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!3 The SCORE, December 2016

Sonata/Sonatina Festival Information

Sonata-Sonatina Festival Online Registration begins Thursday, December 15, 2016, and ends Monday, January 16, 2017.

Please be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information for the Festival: http://nsmta.org/programs.htm#ssf

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

1. Registration is online only.

2. All teachers entering students in the Festival will be required to volunteer at least 1.5 hours of their time to help the SSF run smoothly, otherwise their students will NOT be allowed be participate. Teachers can request their availability when they log in for the first time. Teacher jobs will be assigned.

3. All teachers must register with a new SSF login and password before registering their students. The online registration information is deleted each year, so all teachers must register again with new login and password.

4. Please see the the NSMTA website http://nsmta.org/programs.htm#ssf for more information.

5. Online registration will close Monday, January 16, 2017.

6. The registration fee is now $27 per student (one dollar more than last year).

7. If you have any difficulties logging on or registering, contact Bruce Berr at bberr@comcast.net. However, he will not be available from Dec. 16-27 due to being away on vacation.

Thank you!

Yeeseon Kwon and Bruce Berr, Co-Chairs

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