Programs Overview

Click on the links below for additional program details, and visit the calendar for this year's dates and deadlines.

Teacher Resources

Chapter Meetings and Programs

Our chapter meets on the second Tuesday of each month, at 9:30 a.m. at the Richland Public Library. All guests are welcome to attend.

Teaching Strategies Group

Teaching Strategies Group Chair: Diane Young Teaching Strategies Group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of most months at 10:00 a.m. Members choose the topics to be discussed. Check the Calendar and the Sounding Board for more information.

Performance Group

Performance Group Chair: Julianne Barnaby Performance Group meets on the 4th Tuesday of most months at 10:00 a.m. Teachers meet for an hour to play and/or discuss the teaching merits of a piece or to discuss a special subject. Check the Calendar and the Sounding Board for more information.

Teacher Recitals

Teacher Recitals Chair: Cynthia Vaughn The Teacher Recital/Scholarship Fundraiser is a chance both for teachers to perform, and for the chapter to raise funds for its student scholarships. The recital will be free and open to the public, but donations of any amount will be accepted.

Chapter Yearbook

The chapter yearbook is printed and distributed each fall and includes program information, teacher directory and calendar.

Sounding Board Newsletter

The Sounding Board is the monthly email newsletter for the Tri-City Chapter. It includes upcoming chapter events, deadlines, and news.

The Clarion

The Clarion is the official bulletin of the Washington State Music Teachers Association.

District VI Conference

District Vice-President: Margo Cox District VI is comprised of Ellensburg-Yakima, Sunn Valley, Walla Walla, and Tri-City Chapters, and holds an annual workshop for members.

WSMTA State Conference

The summer WSMTA conference features sessions covering everything from pedagogy to best business practices, as well as concerts, honors recitals, a virtual exhibit hall, and opportunities for connecting with colleagues.

Betty Teel Conference Scholarship

Scholarships Chair: Carlie Allen Betty Teel was an active member of this chapter and worked at the state level as well. Two scholarships, to be used to attend the state conference, will be awarded at the end of the year to teachers who have fulfilled the criteria.

MTNA National Conference

The annual MTNA National Conference brings together the most representative cross-section of the MTNA membership. National competitions feature the outstanding performances of students in all instrument areas, as well as composition. Conferences include master classes, technology and informational sessions, pedagogy sessions, exhibit hall, evening concerts and much more. Members have an opportunity to participate by submitting proposals and papers for presentation.

MTNA Certification

Certification Chair: Julianne BarnabyThe MTNA Professional Certification Program exists to improve the level of professionalism within the field of music teaching. The program is based upon a set of five standards defining what a competent music teacher should know and be able to do. Upon fulfillment of these standards, applicants are granted the MTNA Professional Certification credential with the designation, Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM). All music teachers actively engaged in the profession are eligible for MTNA Professional Certification. Visit the MTNA website for more information.

MTNA Code of Ethics

The principles and aspirations found in the Code of Ethics are not conditions of membership, but are goals and ideals that each MTNA member should strive to make an essential part of his or her professional commitment to students, to colleagues and to society. The teacher shall conduct the relationship with students and families in a professional manner. The teacher shall maintain a professional attitude and shall act with integrity with regard to colleagues in the profession. The teacher shall maintain the highest standard of professional conduct and personal integrity. Read the full MTNA Code of Ethics.

Student Opportunities

MusicFest: Ribbon Festival

Ribbon Festival Co-Chairs: Holly Harty, Ben Walley A Tri-City Chapter program, the Ribbon Festival is a participation event that primarily appeals to the younger students. A student may earn up to eleven ribbons: solo, solo special ribbon, hymn playing, original composition, duets, scales, arpeggios, chords, music theory, ear-training and craft. All students who participate in an event will receive a ribbon.

MusicFest: Sonatina/Bach Festival

Sonatina/Bach Festival Co-Chairs: Sheila Gephart, Ben Walley A Tri-City Chapter program, the Sonatina/Bach Festival is an adjudicated event for the advancing student. Each student will memorize and play a sonatina, sonata or Bach piece and play a Technique Level for a skills assessment.

MusicFest: Strings Festival

Strings Festival Chair: Cynthia Thomas-Hargunani A Tri-City Chapter program, the Strings Festival is an adjudicated event for intermediate to advanced students. Each student is to play a memorized piece and scale OR an etude of corresponding level.

Spring Awards Competition

Spring Awards Competition Chair: Lilia Moses A Tri-City Chapter program, the Spring Awards Competition is an adjudicated event for piano students. Selected students represent our Chapter at the State Conference. Students must have participated in the Music Artistry Program in the current year.

Student Scholarships

Scholarships Chair: Carlie Allen Music Camp Scholarships are available for students entering grades 8 to 12
The Eleanor Haney-Bessie Shephard Senior Scholarship is for graduating seniors wishing to pursue a major or minor in music.
The Ebony and Ivory Piano Student Grant provides financial assistance for continued private study to committed piano studentswho demonstrate financial need.

Student Recitals

Student Recitals Co-Chairs: Peggy McNeil, Gayle Bland Two student recitals are scheduled each year

Music Artistry Program

Piano MAP Chair: Ben FowlerStrings MAP Chair: Sherry DanielsonVoice MAP Chair: Molly HolleranA WSMTA program formerly known as Adjudications, the Music Artistry Program is an opportunity for students to perform two memorized contrasting pieces for a highly qualified visiting artist and receive written and oral comments. High school students may be recommended to perform at the state conference.

Music Literacy Program

Music Literacy Program Chair: Holly Harty A WSMTA program, the Music Literacy Program in Written Music Theory provides tests for piano and violin, Levels 1 through 10. Curriculum and information are at the link above.

District VI Non-Keyboard Competition

District Vice-President: Margo Cox The Non-Keyboard Competition is held for all vocalists, strings and wind players from the four chapters in District VI. A judge will select representatives to perform at the State Conference. Students must have participated in the Music Artistry Program in the current year.