Welcome Letters

Reid Vance

Interim Dean of the School of Christian Studies, Humanities, and the Arts

Friends,

We’re excited to have you on our campus for this year’s Music Teachers Association conference! I’m grateful that you’ve chosen our beautiful campus as the site for MMTA’s annual meeting. MC and MMTA are a great match. MC has a rich legacy of music education and support for the arts with programs that, as the MMTA purpose states, encourage teaching, performance, composition and research.

The Department of Music at MC is packed with talented student vocalists who participate in groups such as the MC Singers, Choctaw Chorus, and Worship Collective. Our student instrumentalists share their talents in our Marching Band, Symphonic Winds, and Jazz Band, and our Lyric Stage theater and opera productions perform to rave reviews. And most importantly, our Music degree programs produce outstanding educators for schools and universities.

Of course, all of this is possible only because of the work of our MC Music faculty whose leadership and guidance help students reach their full creative potential. I am grateful for their contributions to our university, and I know they will be wonderful hosts for this conference. I also know that Michael Rushing, one of our dedicated scholars, will do a great job as the next MMTA president.

Thank you again for joining us. Please let us know how we can make your stay on our campus the best possible experience. Welcome to Mississippi Christian University!

Reid Vance, Ph.D.

Interim Dean

School of Christian Studies, Humanities, & the Arts

Carol Mahler

President, Mississippi Music Teachers Association

A Warm Welcome to the 72nd MMTA State Conference!

Dear Colleagues, Students, and Parents,

It is my genuine honor and pleasure to welcome each of you to the Mississippi Music Teachers Association’s (MMTA) 72nd State Conference, held at Mississippi Christian University in Clinton on November 6–7, 2026. This year is particularly special as we help MCU celebrate its historic bicentennial. It is such a privilege to be on campus during this remarkable milestone in the university’s history.

My sincere thanks go to MCU and Dr. Michael Rushing, Professor of Piano and Director of the Taylor School, for the warm hospitality that always characterizes our visits, as well as his tireless efforts in ensuring our conference is both inspiring and seamless. MMTA has enjoyed a long, cherished partnership with Mississippi Christian University, and with every conference and evaluation hosted on this campus, our members and students have enjoyed an exceptional experience. We are truly grateful to return to MCU for this landmark occasion and look forward to another unforgettable weekend together.

In addition to thanking Dr. Michael Rushing, MMTA President-elect and Conference Chair, for his excellent work in organizing every detail, I would also like to thank the members of the Music Forum of Jackson for their active support. Special thanks go Jenna Klein, Collegiate and National Competitions VP, for organizing Friday’s state level MTNA competitions, which will take place on Friday, and to Rebekah Schultz and Rebekah Lipscombe, Pre-College Performances Co-VPs, for overseeing the logistics of the Piano and Violin Concerto Competitions taking place on Saturday.

I am deeply grateful for the time, expertise, and insight that every MMTA Board Member has contributed toward the success of this conference and the growth of our association. Collaborating with and learning from these dedicated individuals has been a high privilege.

This year’s featured artists and presenters are:

• Dr. Leah Claiborne, Conference Clinician

• Dr. Artina McCain, Guest Artist (Piano)

• Dr. Pamela Pike, Independent Music Teachers Forum Speaker

• Dr. Benjamin Williams, Commissioned Composer

The MTNA State Competitions, the Gold Medal Winners Recital, and the Pre-College Concerto Competitions will be held throughout the weekend and are free and open to the public. I hope you enjoy and benefit immensely from these sessions and performances! I look forward to connecting with you throughout the conference.

I would like to conclude by sharing our core purpose: “The MMTA strives to further the art of music and promote the growth and professional development of its members through programs that support teaching, performance, composition, and research.” As a conference participant, you are actively helping us achieve that vision!

Sincerely,

Carol Mahler, MMTA President

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