Summer Lone Star Musical Messenger
2022 Convention Issue
Let The Anticipation Begin!
OK, once again: Deadline for Convention Registration = Monday, August 1st
And once more: Hotel Registration Deadline = August 1st
from the president
Dear TFMC Friends, Family and Colleagues!!!!
It’s time for
“NEXT STEPS, TAKE TWO”!!!!!
Happy July! What a great year! In spite of the recent upsurge of Covid, NFMC held the first in-person conference in two years. For those of us TFMC members who attended NFMC in Circle City Indy, it was a wonderful reunion time of hugs and joyful squeals of “hellos”, “so glad to see you again” and “oh, how I’ve missed you!”. It was SO WONDERFUL to be back in person!
The conference was well attended by approximately 142 members. The Presidents Council was held on Tuesday, June 14. Representatives from each NFMC Division spoke to the assembly and encouraged participation. I proudly represented our Lone Star State!
Wednesday’s opening ceremony included a procession of Officers and Division Chairs to the majestic hymn, “God of Our Fathers”, followed by a rousing patriotic concert of the 38th Infantry Division Band. Just before Deborah Freeman called the assembly to order, she was sworn in as the new President of National Federation of Music Clubs.
Throughout the week there were wonderful and varied musical moments such as The Circle City Ringers, Happy Dog Duo, and the wonderful eclectic jazz violinist, Cathy Morris and her band. But the highlights for me were the performances of our own NFMC Young Artists and Ellis Piano Duo; Isabella Brown, 19 year old recipient of the NFMC Oscar Valentin Violin Award, (her list of credits and awards took up two pages!); Michael Vascones, 24 year old winner of NFMC Student Classical Guitar Award, and the very talented Amy Wang, recipient of the prestigious Michael R Edwards Graduating High School Senior Performance Award and second place winner in the Lana M Bailey Piano Concerto Award. Amy was awarded a full time scholarship to pursue piano performance at Michigan State university with Dr. Young-Hyun Cho. Hearing each of these dear young people makes me proud to be a member of NFMC and TFMC.
There were various workshops and fun presentations including “Paws and Think”, a non profit organization that specializes in therapy dogs. I’m not sure exactly how it complemented music, but perhaps there is a connection between music therapy and therapy dogs. Anyway, this workshop was well received by all who attended.
The Friday night Ellis Duo Reception was sponsored by TFMC District II and the Euterpean Club of Fort Worth, TX. A beautiful sign announced this sponsorship and you will see it at our TFMC Convention during the National Young Artist reception on Friday night, August 12.
There was so much more to share than we have room for here, but suffice it to say that those of us who came from Texas thoroughly enjoyed our time in Indy! Next June we hope you will join us in a road trip to Norfolk VA.
This month we will celebrate opera in Arkansas during Federation Days in beautiful Inspiration Point - Opera In the Ozarks. It will be my first time to attend, but hopefully not the last!
And NOW …………… drumroll……………. NEXT STEPS, TAKE TWO!!!!!!………….
Have you registered for our own TFMC convention - August 10-12? I HAVE!! And it was so easy! I went to our website, texasfederation.org and clicked on the “Convention” tab on the lower right side. This took me to the registration option. I clicked on the “fillable registration” option, typed in my registration and meal choices and other required information, saved it to my desktop, and then emailed it to Pat Retzlaff. Then I clicked on the “shopping cart” option and paid by using my own credit card number. It was so quick and easy. I very quickly received a confirmation email and receipt assuring me that the payment was received. I didn’t generate any paper or write a check to put into the mail. It was all done painlessly. I also paid for my ad online. YAY. Thanks to all of our support members who have made this possible!!
REMEMBER: REPORTS REPORTS REPORTS….
Do you hold an office or chair an award or specific musical art committee? Then YOU are “eligible” to submit a report! What a special privilege! Your fellow members are eager to read of your club’s and your chairmanship accomplishments. Due to the many items that we will discuss regarding Bylaws and Standing Rules and future Convention procedures, oral report time is very limited. However, your report is important and your “voice” needs to be heard. Corresponding Secretary Linda Royals eagerly awaits your report (PDF attachment emailed to wacoeuterpeanclub@gmail.com ) before AUGUST 1. Reports will be included in a Report Booklet for distribution at convention. If you don’t care to be inundated with paper, all reports will be posted on the website and no trees need be harmed in the making of this “movie”.
Your Convention CoChairs, Jean Moffatt and Lora Lynn Christensen, along with our Junior and Tech teams, are working hard to plan a wonderful state convention. There will be workshops specific to Festival teachers as well as topics to appeal to Senior Club members. We look forward to a time of fun, good food and inspiring music. Feel free to pack comfortable, casual clothes and get ready to enjoy fellowship, beautiful music and to accomplish business that will move our organization forward. A basic agenda will be listed on the website calendar, so be sure to check it out after July 15.
Next Steps………………………………………………. Forward March!!
Tunefully Yours
Connie Randall, TFMC President
NEXT STEPS - TAKE TWO!
Tests of 2021 that we passed
Aspire us to press on to accomplish our tasks.
Keen to keep music alive in our state
Eager to renew our purpose with a clean slate.
Tap into our strengths-
Work together in Peace-
Opportunities for growth never cease!
MCM Elegante Hotel & Suites at 2330 W. Northwest Highway In Dallas
Be sure to reserve your hotel room by AUGUST 1 by calling MCM Elegante Hotel and Suites at 214-351-4477. Ask for the Texas Federation of Music convention price of $99 plus tax. This includes a hot breakfast.
Link to the hotel's website: https://www.mcmelegantedallas.com/National Federation of Music Clubs
Texas Federation of Music Clubs
Pre-convention Meetings via ZOOM
Pre-convention meetings of the Finance Committee, Executive Committee and Board will be held via ZOOM as follows:
Finance Committee: Friday, August 5, 2022 -- 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m; Executive Committee: Friday, August 5, 2022 -- 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Board of Directors: Saturday, August 6, 2022 -- 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. -- Virtual Session for Festival Chairs, Teachers and Counselors of Student Clubs (other virtual sessions for Junior leaders will be held at the same time on Thursday and Friday)
Opening Session - For In Person Convention
12:45 p.m. -- Opening Music by Accordionist Eleanor Boyd
1:05 p.m. ---- Opening Hymn and Call to Order
Business meeting / review Bylaw proposed changes
3:30 p.m. ---- Musical Moment
Business
6:00 p.m. ---- Dinner honoring TFMC Junior Division -- Presentations following dinner
7:30 p.m. ---- All State Winner’s Recital
Thursday, August 11, 2022
8:45 a.m. -- Gathering Music
9:00 a.m. -- Memorial Service
9:30 a.m. -- Business
10:30 a.m. -- Break
10:45 a.m. -- Musical Moment
11:00 a.m. -- Workshop
12:00 p.m. -- Luncheon in honor of Yellow Rose Society
1:30 p.m. -- Introduction: TFMC Junior Composers Contest Chair
2:00 p.m. -- Business
3:30 p.m. -- Musical Moment
4:00 p.m. -- Business
5:00 p.m. -- Break
5:30 p.m. -- Pre-Dinner Vocal Performance by SCR Stillman Kelley Award winner, Niharika Kishan
6:00 p.m. -- Dinner in Honor of Opera In The Ozarks / Virtual Performance of Martha Marcks Mack 2nd place winner, Naomi Chad
7:30 p.m. -- Opera Recital
Friday, August 12, 2022
8:00 a.m. ---- Lifer’s Breakfast
9:30 a.m. ---- Business
10:30 a.m. -- Break
10:45 a.m. -- Folk Song Sing Along with Jean Moffatt
11:00 a.m. --- Business
12:00 p.m. -- Luncheon in Honor of National President, Deborah Freeman; Honored Guest Luncheon Speaker Deborah Freeman
1:30 p.m. ---- Round Table Panel Topic: How to Grow Your Club and to incorporate Juniors
2:15 p.m. ---- Round Table Panel Topic: Creative Senior Club Program Ideas
3:00 p.m. --- Musical Moment by Abilene Harmony Club
3:30 p.m. ---- Business
5:00 p.m. --- Adjourn
6:00 p.m. ---- Dinner in honor of Rose Fay Thomas honorees and National Young Artist Performer
7:30 p.m. ---- Young Artist Recital by NFMC Women’s Voice Recipient, Shaina Martinez
President’s Reception - in honor of Past National President, Elizabeth Paris
Deborah Freeman, President of the National Federation of Music Clubs
Shania Martinez, NFMC Women's Voice Award Winner and Convention Performer
SHAINA MARTINEZ, has been hailed by the Washington Post for her “piercing, muscular soprano.” She has performed Violetta (La Traviata), Susannah (Susannah) and Donna Anna (Don Giovanni) with Lighthouse Opera Company, Cio Cio San and Kate Pinkerton (Madama Butterfly) with Florida Grand Opera, Fiordiligi (Cosi fan tutte) and Saffi (Der Zigeunerbaron) with Manhattan School of Music, Salud (La Vida Breve) with The In Series, and Zweite Dame (Die Zauberflöte) and Prince Charmant (Cendrillon) with the Siena Music Festival. As an active competitor she has received 1st place from the 2019 Eisenberg-Fried Concerto Competition, 2019 Russell C. Wonderlic Competition, and 2019 Talents of the World International Competition; 2nd place from the 2019 Opera NEO Voice Competition and MIOpera Vocal Competition; and 3rd place from the Washington International Competition, the XXI Concurso Internacional de Canto Lirico, and Alan M. & Joan Taub Ades Competition. Ms. Martinez also has a love for art song which has been expressed in her performances in the Opera America Emerging Artist Recital with Craig Rutenberg, and her performance of Joaquin Turina’s Poema en forma de canciones with the MSM Philharmonia, under the baton of Perry So. She also has a special interest in nonstandard Latin American repertoire which she has performed in several NYC concert venues. Young Artist Programs include: Martina Arroyo’s Prelude to Performance (2015), Grant Park Music Festival’s Project Inclusion Fellowship (2019), and Florida Grand Opera (2019-2021). She is also an avid choral singer and maintains a soprano position at Calvary St. George in NYC. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland and a Master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music. She was a 2021 Met Council semifinalist. Recent engagements include Giannetta and Adina (cover) with Opera Maine in July 2021 and Violetta in Mass Opera’s production of La Traviata in October 2021.
TFMC Slate of Officers for 2023 to 2025
Report to TFMC Convention, August 2022
Proposed Slate of Officers (2023-2025):
President: Lynn McNew (District II);
President-Elect: Brenda Ford (District III);
Vice President of Life Members and Membership Extension: Annette Griesbach (District IV);
Vice President of Memorials and Honorariums: Mary Ann Bridges (District I);
Secretary: Lois Armor (District VI)
Treasurer: Dawn Humphrey (District IV)
Auditor: Dorene Allen (District I)
Historian: Marcia Edwards. (District VI)
Parliamentarian: Lora Lynn Christensen (District VIII)
TFMC Nominating Committee --
District I: Jean Moffatt
District II: Dana Chavarria
District III: Brenda Ford
District IV: Annette Griesbach (VP)
District V: Janet Soller
District VI: Marcia Edwards
District VII: Donelda McKeand (rep)
District VIII: Lora Lynn Christensen, Chair
District IX: Jo Ann Collett
At-Large: Cathy Neidert (District 2) (added May 16)
Ads from Clubs, Districts, Individuals & Companies for the 2022 Convention Program Booklets
I have already started the design process for this year's convention program booklets and am looking forward to introducing them at the initial meeting on Wednesday, August 10th in Dallas. My thanks to those of you who have already sent your information to me for your ad in the program, and most importantly, thank you for sending your check to the Treasurer for the ad! I want to have all ads to our graphic designer by July 25th so she can layout the program for us, so if you want your Club or District to have an ad in the program, please send it to me by July 25th. Remember that individuals, organizations and companies may also advertise in the booklet.
Thanks again, and I look forward to hearing from you. Here's my contact info:
Stephen George
903-754-9079 or 903-472-9390
ruth humphrey community service award
Submitted by Judy Gorrell, TFMC Arts Division Chair
The Ruth Humphrey Community Service Award is given each year to the TFMC district that best reflects music service shown by their clubs in the areas of Music Outreach, Together We Sing, Sacred Music and Choral Music.
Reports for the Ruth Humphrey award were due on May 1st . Due to the widespread outbreak
of the Omicron variant of COVID19 in January and February, many of our clubs had to change
some of their usual meetings and activities. As a result, not as many clubs turned in their forms this year. For 2022, forms were received from clubs in Districts I, II, III, IV and VI.
The forms used to determine the award are the Music Service in the Community (our TFMC
form), the Music Outreach Club Reporting Form AR 10-1 (NFMC), and the Music in Schools and Colleges form AR 7-1 (NFMC). Another form, the Choral Music Club Report Form AR 8-2 (NFMC) is also considered when it is filled out and received. The AR 10-1 form states that any club that reaches 1,000 hours or more and turns their form in to NFMC on or before April 1st will have their club listed in the NFMC Music Magazine. NFMC also awards $150 to the club with the most music outreach hours.
All of the clubs that sent in their reports have been able to perform music for retirement centers and have resumed having some meetings. Waco Euterpean, Fort Worth Euterpean, Carthage Music Club, New Braunfels Music Study Club and Lubbock Music Club all gave many hours of music outreach to their local retirement centers and nursing homes. Some of the clubs who reported gave scholarships to their local university music students – Fort Worth Euterpean, New Braunfels Music Study Club, and the Lubbock Music Club. There are probably more of our music clubs in Texas giving scholarships, but this report is based on the information that was received for the award. Commendations go to District II, III, IV and VI for their efforts this year in music outreach and total participation by their members. The winning district of the Ruth Humphrey Community Service Award for 2022, with the highest overall tally of service hours, activities and membership participation is District I! Congratulations!
District I has now won this award for 2 consecutive years. According to the Standing Rules of
the Ruth Humphrey Community Service Award, #8: “A District may receive this award for no more than two successive years. After one year, this District is again eligible for consideration for the award.”
Therefore, the winner in 2023 will be from another TFMC District.
Thank you to all the clubs who sent in their forms this year. I hope I will receive even more
reports in 2023!
district iii makes it happen in east texas
Submitted by Brenda Ford & Stephen George
The Marshall Music Club has been busy throughout the year making progress for branding in the community. Melinda Boyd chaired the November Parade in the Marshall Public Library with music from WWII. Vintage 3 performed (bass, saxophone and piano.) Also, Keaton Bradbury, student of Melinda Boyd, featured his guitar and voice in a beautiful tribute to Grandfathers.
In December we presented our “Marshall Sings Carols” in the Memorial City Hall during Wonderland of Lights. With a sing-a-long and guest singers, we entertained for almost 2 hours.
January was a great time with district friends as we were invited to Carthage for a Mardi Gras flair with fancy food, music, costumes, customs and songs of the Land across the River…Louisiana! (No Pics Allowed?)
In March, we had a wonderful program by Dr. McPherson, a composer, collaborator and Professor at historic Wiley College. He shared stories of his beginnings as a gifted musician in college at a very young age. He traveled through Europe at 15 years of age, studying with some of the finest. His works include Opera, Symphony, film work, and instrumental jazz, and he has collaborated with jazz and classical artists and groups of the R&B era. Dr. McPherson is mutually happy to associate and work with Marshall Music Club on some projects for the coming year. The club was invited and attended the Wiley Choir Concert featuring some of the iconic figures of the R & B era to join them.
In May we celebrated National Music Week with our Annual Young Artist Concert. Several area teachers recommended their students to be featured; it was a great night and a great free public activity for our community. Two other recitals were announced and very well attended within the month. A luncheon was our wrap up for the year with reporting and ideas for a more productive next year.
Our group is now affiliated with Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce. The picture in the Marshall News Messenger was so welcoming.
The Carthage Music Club once again enjoyed a fun-filled and educational year through the programs we presented. President Dwaine Hubbard led the club admirably and all of the members had the opportunity to participate in the monthly programs. The highlight of our year is the annual Artist Concert. This concert brings a music artist or group of artists to perform at the auditorium of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. This year's event was well-attended by members of the community and featured the Longview Chamber Singers, a group of young men and women who formed their group in 2021 and already have a steady and loyal following. Their program consisted of music from the 12th century through the 21st century, from madrigals to contemporary spiritual works. Proceeds from the sale of ads in the printed program go to fund our scholarship to a music student at Panola College.
We hosted the Marshall Music Club in a joint meeting of clubs for our January meeting and celebrated Mardi Gras in a rather raucous way, but as always, much good information was shared about the role of music in Louisiana and Texas history. The next year looks to be another successful year for us as we commit to be an active and purpose-filled group.
What's Happening, District IV?
Linda Royals from the Waco Euterpean Music Club shares that two of their members have stepped up to make an impact in the Texas Federation of Music Club. In their own words, here's the scoop on Pat Retzlaff, the TFMC Secretary and Dawn Humphrey, who has recently been recruited as Treasurer Pro Tem :
Pat Retzlaff:
I was born in St. Louis, MO into an Irish family. My mom’s parents and my dad were born in County Mayo, Ireland. I went to St. Edward’s Grade School and Rosati-Kain High School. I had four younger brothers. I went to Avila University in Kansas City, Mo and received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a minor in Education. I worked for two years at Midwest Research Institute in Kansas City as an analytical chemist. In 1975, I moved to Waco and worked for about 6 years in education. In 1981, I was hired by the Texas Department of Public Safety to work in the Crime Laboratory. I spent 10 months in training in Austin and then moved to Waco where I worked in the crime lab for 30 years until September 2012. When I started working in the lab, I was analyzing blood and trace evidence. In the early 1990s, we started doing DNA testing. Our Laboratory serviced about twenty counties surrounding McLennan County. Although our primary job was to work in the lab, we were called out to assist in collecting evidence at several crime scenes each year. It was an interesting career. When I retired, I became the after-school person for my three grandchildren. I now have one grandson left in high school who will learning drive this year, so I may be retiring from after-school care by the end of this year.
I met my first husband, John Almanza, in Waco and we married in 1976 and we were blessed with three children—two sons and a daughter. My first husband passed away in 1994 from a heart attack. I met my second husband, Weldon Retzlaff, through a grief-support group. We married in 1998 and Weldon passed away in 2008 from several health issues. I gained four step- children and eight grandchildren, and now numerous great-grandchildren.
I loved music growing up and my mom had a great voice and enjoyed singing in the choir. I joined the choir at my church in 2009. I met Linda Royals at Curves and in 2013 she invited me to come to the musicales of the Waco Euterpean Club. In 2014, I did join the club. I have been Secretary, President and am currently Historian for Waco Euterpean Music Club. (We did change our name when we became 501©3). I enjoy singing with the ensemble and always enjoy our musicales. We have a wonderful group of members who love music and support the youth who participate in music in District IV. We always try to include juniors in our monthly musicales. For about 6 years, I have been a member of a group from WEMC that has a sing-along at a nursing home once a month. Before COVID started, we sang at two nursing homes each month, but we have only returned to one. I normally attend the district IV conferences and I am currently the district IV Parliamentarian. Over the years, I have been able to go to OIO several times and I did attend the National Convention in Tulsa Oklahoma. I have also attended several of the state conventions. I have been the Texas Chair for the Ruth Morris Wilson Handbell Award for about 5 years. I have enjoyed the many wonderful people I have met and the great music I have heard. On July 1, 2021, I became the Secretary of TFMC. I have appreciated the support I have received as I learn this job.
Dawn Humphrey:
Dawn Humphrey is an Assistant Vice President and Escrow Officer with Atlas Title Company, a privately held national title insurance company headquartered in Irvine, CA, recently licensed in the State of Texas. Specializing in Pre-foreclosure, REO/Default (foreclosures), Residential Refinance, Home Equity, and Purchase transactions, her duties include business development, managing and directing workflow processes with internal teams, external abstractors, and offshore teams, preparing escrow instructions, hold and disbursing funds, preparing title documents, and assisting the Vice President of Texas Operations overseeing and managing overall Texas operations.
Dawn, born and raised in a military family, found her passion for music began at the early age of 3 years old, learning the piano, studying under the Suzuki method in Abilene, Texas and in Syracuse, New York. Unfortunately, being in the military, taking one’s piano to a new overseas duty station and continuing private lessons in her teenage years was not an affordable option for her military family. Not having her one instrument did not prevent Dawn from exploring other opportunities in school, including the violin but lessons too expensive for her parents. She found a new passion in the clarinet in junior high and high school band in Germany.
After graduating high school, Dawn was gifted a piano when she moved back to Texas and picked up her original passion again. She played for her local church where she was also the bookkeeper in Irving, Texas, in the later 1990s and early 2000s, but life interrupted her love of making music once again in 2007. It was in 2018, through the love and support of the Waco Euterpean Music Club members, she was able to begin playing the piano once again as an amateur and recently exploring the cello as well. Dawn is a carillonneur, Altar Guild member, lector, and lay eucharist minister at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church of Waco. She also serves as the TFMC Junior Festival District 4-2 Secretary and WEMC Treasurer.
Dawn attended Southern Methodist University on a full academic scholarship double majoring in a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology to pursue a Doctorate in Forensic Anthropology path. But life had other plans for her in her senior year, instead bringing her to Waco, the Waco Euterpean Music Club, and now the Texas Federation of Music Clubs to continue exploring her original life passion of music and supporting our youth, collegiates, as well as adults, both professional and social music lovers. Dawn finds making music is her “happy place” in the midst of the chaos of everyday life.
Matinee Musical Club in Rockdale
Lisa Loewe, the President of the Matinee Musical Club in Rockdale, reports that her club resumed its in-person meetings and programs for the 2021/22 musical year. Lisa writes, “We are most excited to announce we have received an NFMC American Music Division recognition certificate for Parade of American Music as well as winning the monetary ($100) NFMC Just JAZZ Senior Club Award. We are grateful for those in our membership and the programs they led which to the receiving of these awards.” Annette Griesbach, an MMC member and active participant in the TFMC, added that the Matinee Musical Club is the oldest Federated organization in Rockdale, and a Texas Historical Marker was erected at the home of the original club president in 2006. You can find more information about the marker at https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=74412.
Navasota Music Study Club
Carolee Botkin, NMSC Historian, provided the following narrative about hosting the District IV conference back in April.
The Music Study Club of Navasota was proud to host the District IV Conference for 2022, held at the First Presbyterian Church of Navasota on April 30, 2022. Members and guests arrived and met for registration in Mercer Hall for a brief time of fellowship before the meeting was called to order by Carol Gessner, District IV President/ NMSC Co-President, followed by the year’s event report presented by Co-President Marilyn Bettes.
The National Anthem was led by Carolee Botkin, Historian of NMSC and the Collect was led by Joyce Jackson, Co-Secretary of NMSC. Carolee Botkin led the guests in singing the Federation Hymn with Carol Gessner accompanying.
Opening music interludes for the Conference were performed by The First United Methodist Church Handbell Choir, directed by Julie Horn. Jeanette Tanski, pianist and past President of NMSC, performed “Nocturne Op.9 No. 2" by Frederic Chopin, 1810-1849, Poland.
TFMC President, Connie Randall, was introduced and asked to share her goals and aspirations for future advancement in growing Music into the new technological age we live in today, as well as reaching out to our local communities and schools in a more personal way with sponsoring concerts and helping students reach for higher achievements in the field of music.
Musical Interludes followed with “My Heart, Ever Faithful” By J.S. Bach, 1685-1750, Germany, a duet performed by Carol Gessner- organist, and Jeanette Tanski, Pianist.
Each District IV club’s representative gave brief updates on their various events from the last year’s activities and performances. Musical Interludes preceding the meal were presented by:
Mattie Ordaz-“No Man is an Island” accompanied by Gail Cox on piano; Cynthia Todd and Carolee Botkin – “Sentimental Journey” duet; Carolee Botkin, vocalist– “How Beautiful”;
Amelia Krebbs, soloist – “I Speak Jesus.”
A catered luncheon was provided, followed by all joining in to Sing “Aba Daba Honeymoon” from “Together We Sing” led by Carolee Botkin and “The Gift of Song” by Lana Bailey, led by President Connie Randall and Carolee Botkin, accompanied by pianist, Jeanette Tanski.
All in attendance enjoyed time to visit and share socially at the end of the conference with coffee and dessert.
Pat Retzlaff, TFMC Secretary
Dawn Humphrey, TFMC Treasurer Pro Tem
Waco Euterpean Music Club
Navasota Music Study Club Co-Presidents Carol Gessner and Marilyn Bettes at the District IV Conference
District VI Clubs Are Busy
Submitted by Mary Thomason
Crownridge Music Club of San Antonio held its 2022 ‘Spring Fling’ Luncheon in person for the first time since 2019. What a pleasure it was for this District 6 music club to gather together to celebrate over two years of festival participation and accomplishment! Hosted by Virginia Kane at the Dominion Country Club, this was a rare opportunity to get out of our Zoom meeting/teaching mode and dress for a special occasion.
Lois Armor, TFMC 3rd Vice-President, was invited to speak about Life Memberships and completely surprised two of our founding members, Mary Davis and Virginia Kane, who were gifted with life memberships from our club. Mary Davis learned about the NFMC and its festival program when she was invited to adjudicate at TFMC All State Festivals. In 2007, she recruited long-time friend, Virginia Kane and daughter Mary Thomason, to establish a federated music club in San Antonio. Lois Armor was District 6 President at the time and helped in the effort.
Kaitlyn Lien, teenage daughter of member Karen Lien, spoke to us about her crowdfunding efforts to educate her peers and to raise money to support the San Antonio symphony musicians who are still on strike over the now-bankrupted San Antonio Symphony's unacceptable contract terms. Kaitlyn has grown up participating in piano festival events, and she serves wherever needed on festival day. This 10th-grader at Johnson High School now studies violin, plays in her school orchestra and in YOSA's Philharmonic Orchestra. Go Kaitlyn!
Crownridge Music Club expects to resume in-person meetings and to host its annual district festival back on the San Antonio College campus this upcoming year.
Kaitlyn Lien speaks to the Crownridge Music Club
Virginia Kane, Lois Armor and Mary Davis -- Now Lifers Three
I'm a Lifer! Wouldn't you like to be a Lifer, too?!
Submitted by Lois Armor, TFMC 3rd Vice President and Life Membership Chair
YOU TOO can be a LIFER!!!
TFMC is always seeking new Life Members for NFMC/ TFMC, and as a new LIFER you can be “sentenced” and participate in the mystique-filled event known as the “Lifers Breakfast” held Friday morning at our State Convention in Dallas. To you current Life members, it is important to encourage others to become a Lifer. The cost of a Life Membership is $200 (tax deductible). This $200 helps support our Young Artists; $125 goes to NFMC and $75 stays in Texas.
Give a Surprise Gift to someone and make them a Lifer, or help your club give a membership to someone special like your Club President, or a club member. Send your money along with the contact information of the new Lifetime Member to the TFMC Treasurer Dawn Humphrey, 2920 Edmond Ave., Waco, TX 76707. You may also pay and join in Dallas at our TFMC Convention.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Who is this Lifer?
The TFMC All State Festival is a Wrap!
Submitted by Cathy Niedert, TFMC All State Festival Chair
We are happy to announce Texas Federation of Music Clubs has just completed our 47th annual TFMC All State Festival. This has been a very popular 2nd tier event for our Texas NFMC Junior students and has kept our program active in spite of challenging times requiring virtual events. Eligible students reside in Texas, are Junior members of NFMC, study with an NFMC member, and have not yet graduated high school. They must have participated in a District/Local NFMC Festival and achieved Superior Ratings on their performances. Each student entering this event receives a ribbon or plaque, depending on the rating. They also receive a certificate with adjudication comments. Monetary Award Winners also receive a cash award in addition to a plaque and certificate with adjudication comments and a special frameable certificate in a presentation folder. Monetary Award Winners of this TFMC sponsored event are presented at our TFMC Convention and are posted on our YouTube channel and website as well.
This year, we had 1325 total entrants, 22 Judges, 204 All State Winners, 19 Monetary Award Winners. A total of $4500 in Monetary Awards has been won by the 19 Winners. Current potential Monetary Award Events and Classes are listed on the festival website. Monetary awards are presented each year as funds are available. A minimum of three entries is required in any Monetary Award event to be funded. Consideration is also given for difficulty and literature type for event and class qualification.
Go to https://www.texasfederation.org/allstatemawards to see the winners and their event, class and teacher.
We are so grateful for our TFMC Junior Division leadership team as well as others that worked diligently to help develop and execute this important, competitive, premiere event as well as others that stepped in wherever needed for the benefit of the students and teachers. We have the very best Junior leadership team in all the USA! These individuals spend countless hours throughout the year not only helping out with this statewide festival but handling their own state and local duties. They are Mary Thomason, NFMC Texas Junior Counselor and TFMC Webmaster and the All State Festival Software Manager; Jennifer Key, NFMC Texas Festival Chairman, and TFMC Junior Treasurer; and Shirley Cheung, NFMC Texas Festival Cup Chairman. Others who participated on our Tech Team or other duties were Seth Thomas, Linda Royals, John Isaacks, Amanda Latona, Brenda Ford and Jesse Jude. Lastly, many thanks to my husband, Gary Neidert. Without his support and able help with so many tasks, I would certainly be unable to do this job successfully.
We are so very proud of all of our Junior members and their wonderful teachers who worked hard throughout the year to achieve their goals. Please watch for announcements about the TFMC All State Recital featuring the outstanding performances by some of our upper level Monetary Award Winners on Wednesday evening, August 10, 2022, at our State Convention. A link will be posted on our website, texasfederation.org. Our students are our future! It is a real blessing to watch them grow from year to year in their musical giftings. It is our hope that they enjoy their journey and share their gifts with the world, bringing joy to others along the way.
cathy neidert - a gem among gems
In her 26th year as the Texas Federation of Music Clubs (TFMC) All State Festival Chairman, Cathlyn C. Neidert sets policy, and oversees operations and execution of the club’s premiere state-wide music event.
A longtime volunteer of TFMC and National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC), Cathy earned the TFMC Distinguished Service Award in 2018 for many years of service and dedication to the Junior Division. She was appointed as the NFMC Texas State Festival Chair in 1997, which she passed to another after 22 years.
Cathy has taught hundreds of students, many of whom still play and have gone on to perform professionally, lead worship in their churches, and teach the next generation of musicians.
Trained at the University of Texas at Austin by Danielle Martin, and first taught and longtime mentored by Laurel Ince, past President of TFMC and founder of our TFMC All State Festival, Cathy has participated in Federation, Guild, and MTNA, founded and later became President of Rockwall Music Teachers Association, done extensive accompaniment work, and worked as an adjudicator for various piano competitions and festivals.
Cathy spent many years on stage, as lead pianist for several large churches. When not sitting behind a piano, or a computer, she spends her time in a book, behind a sewing machine, in the kitchen or in the garden. She and her husband, Gary, live in Sachse, Texas where they spend as much time playing with the grandchildren as possible.
from the editor
I look forward to seeing everyone at the Convention next month.
Best Regards,
Stephen George
Editor
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