Anne Arundel Music Teachers Association was established in 1968 by a group of pianists and teachers including Nina Ingraham, who became the first president. AAMTA is affiliated with Maryland State Music Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association. AAMTA has developed into an organization of nearly 40 teachers who participate in cultural activities throughout Anne Arundel County and the entire country. AAMTA members maintain private studios and serve as faculty members for schools. Several published composers and active performers are members of AAMTA.

Elected Officers 2006 - 2007

President

 

 William Bloomquist

Vice President

 

 Marcia Slentz-Whalen

Recording Secretary

 

 Suzanne Hilton

Corresponding Secretary

 

 Shiela Ruth

Treasurer

 

 Cristine Brunner

Director for One Year

 

 Nina Kozin

Director for Two Years

 

 Helen Smith Tarchalski

Immediate Past President

 

 Elizabeth Green

In 1994 and 1995, AAMTA raised funds for the purchase of a grand piano, which was donated to St. John's College in Annapolis.  One of the fund-raising events was a Monster Concert performed by AAMTA members.  AAMTA holds recitals and festivals on the piano, which is in the college's McDowell Hall.

General membership business meetings and pedagogical programs are held several times throughout the year.

AAMTA sponsors annual festivals, recitals, and master classes for the enrichment of students and teachers:

  • Fall at the Mall Music Marathon: An event featuring AAMTA students and teachers in a day long open-to-the-public recital held at Westfield Shopping Center in Annapolis.
  • Concerto Competition: A bi-annual competition for high school students performing a selected piano concerto. The winners perform with the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra.
  • Water Music Festival: A summer event designed to motivate creative thinking, encourage students to continue practicing during the summer months, and provide an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration. Students perform in a series of recitals throughout the day, swim, and eat. "Admission" is a food item for the snack table. Musical selections include pieces that have a theme, title, or sounds evocative of water.
  • Soirees: In the tradition of some of the great composers including Franz Schubert and Robert and Clara Schumann, AAMTA members and their guests gather for an evening of performances by members, socializing, and dining.

  • Spring Solo Festival: A festival for students of all ages. Middle School and High School students can compete for scholarships.

For membership information, contact Bill Bloomquist, 410-956-6657.

Revised: 29 September 2006