Welcome Letters

Dear Colleagues, Friends, Students, and MMTA Members, 

We are elated to have you on our campus at Jones College.  Jones College has a rich history of supporting the arts, and we are continuing that legacy by having your prestigious organization here.  The Mississippi Music Teachers Association has set a standard of excellence in our state that is to be admired.  Having you here on our campus allows us to thank you for all you do as teachers, students, and supporters.   

Our administration has shown its support over the years by supplying our students with some of the most incredible faculty in the state.  Our students have access to top-quality instruments, including our Steinway Spirio B located in the Patty Callaway Young Gallery.  Jones College strives to teach our students in traditional and innovative ways that meet the students where they are. Our mission is to prepare our students to perform, teach, and lead in the world of music.  We hope that you see the efforts in our facilities, instruments, faculty, and students. 

Our newest campaign is “All roads lead to Jones”, and I hope you will make the stop along the way every time you pass through.  We are here to serve not only our community, but also to be a beacon of light in the world of music, so with that, I welcome you to our campus.  If you need anything to make your visit more enjoyable, please let me know. 

Go Bobcats! 

Bruce Smith 

Dean, School of Art, Music, and Performance Jones College 

A Warm Welcome to the 71st 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) 71st State Conference, held here at Jones College in Ellisville, Mississippi, this weekend, October 31-November 1, 2025.  This year is particularly special as we celebrate both our 71st anniversary and the 150th Anniversary of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), of which MMTA is a proud state affiliate.  

“Collaboration” is MTNA’s theme for its 150th Anniversary Celebration.  While it literally refers to musicians performing together, in a wider sense, it embodies everything we do: working together with a common goal of furthering the art of music.  Our annual State Conference is truly the culmination of a year of this essential collaboration.

I would like to extend special appreciation to those who made this weekend possible: 

• Dr. Michael Rushing, Conference Chair and President-Elect, for his tireless work organizing every detail.

• Dr. Victoria Johnson, Chair of the Department of Music Jones College and MMTA Board Member, for providing and preparing the beautiful facilities and instruments.

• The members of the Jones County Music Teachers Association and Hattiesburg Music Teachers League for their active support.

I am deeply grateful for the time, expertise, and insight which every member of the MMTA

Board has contributed toward the success of the conference and the growth of our association.  Collaborating with and learning from these dedicated individuals has been a true honor.

This year features an outstanding lineup of conference guests:  

• Beth Bauer, our Conference Clinician.

• Vocalist Johnnie Bankens, our Guest Artist.

• Cindy St. Clair, Independent Music Teachers Forum Speaker.  

Be sure to attend the New Music Recital featuring performances by Mississippi teachers and college faculty, the MTNA 2025-2026 Composition Competition state winner, and MMTA’s 2025 commissioned work by Tae Young Hong.  The MTNA State Competitions, the Gold Medal Winners Recital, and Pre-College Concerto Competitions, are being 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'd 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, President Mississippi Music Teachers Association