For the love of music

By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
"A meeting of kindred souls" is how third-term president Dorothy Schwers describes Youngstown Music Teachers Association.
The 40-some members enjoy a love of music and vocation for sharing it.
The association was organized in 1933 when a few area music teachers met with the idea of forming a group. An article in The Vindicator reported "For the purpose of forming a discussion club, a group of music teachers met in the home of Mrs. Joseph Altomond (on) Tuesday evening. Mrs. Altomond acting as temporary chairman and Blanche Thexton as secretary.
"Mrs. Charles Cervone played the A Flat Major Ballad and Minute Waltz by Chopin in a most artistic manner and Grace Sweeney O'Neill read an inspirational article on music."
In minutes from the association's first year Mrs. Altomond noted, "My sincere hope is that the high ideals and good comradeship displayed has continued to develop and bear fruit, among you for the betterment of the community."
Marking its 70th anniversary in the 2003-04 season, the association has continued the tradition of making music in the community and fine-tuning skills of young musicians. Years ago, association members and their students presented radio programs on WKBN, and scholarship prizes were awarded. The spirit of such programs lives on in YMTA's Master Piano Competition, the YMTA-Youngstown State University's Scholarship Competition and Butler Art Recitals.
Growing numbers
In its early years, the association had monthly meetings in the homes of members. When the membership reached 300, the association gathered at such places as the Ohio Club and Strouss Music Center. Since the early 1980s, the association has met at the Ursuline Center, 4250 Shields Road, Canfield, through arrangements made by Sister Germaine Staron, YMTA historian. A member since 1963, Sister Germaine said, "We love the space and the place" at the center.
To belong to YMTA, a prospective member must meet one of these three requirements:
UHold a four-year conservatory degree from any accredited and recognized school of music.
UHave two years of study at any recognized school of music plus two years of teaching experience.
UHave eight years of study with a good, private teacher plus five years teaching experience.
"Associate members are those who no longer teach but wish to belong," Schwers explained.
The membership votes on applicants. Music teachers interested in membership may contact Paul Rossi, membership chairman, at (330) 782-3418.
"Our members are mostly piano teachers," Schwers said, "and we have voice, clarinet, flute and woodwind teachers." Schwers, a 10-year YMTA member and retired Austintown Middle School music teacher, has taught piano and voice for 43 years.
Performances
Teachers and their students participate in recitals coordinated by Richard Barber, YMTA member, at Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown. The 2004-05 season recitals, which start at 2:30 p.m. and last about an hour, are scheduled Nov. 21, Jan. 30, Feb. 27, March 20 and April 24. "The top-notch students perform," Schwers said.
Each teacher who wishes to participate is represented by one student. These programs are free and open to anyone interested in attending.
"If we need to fill out the program, we contact teachers to see if someone has another student ready for a recital," Sister Germaine explained.
The YMTA-YSU Scholarship Competition, which was established in 1974, usually is held the last Saturday in December at Bliss Hall. YMTA posts a notice at YSU, and interested students complete application forms and audition for four YMTA members, Schwers explained. Vocalists and pianists are in the majority, but those who play other instruments may participate.
Dr. Larry Harris, a faculty member of YSU's Dana School of Music and YMTA member, organizes this event, and a scholarship is awarded to the top performer. The winner also performs at a Butler recital; this season the date will be Feb. 27.
YMTA also sponsors a Master Piano Competition held during May at YSU's Bliss Hall. Dr. Tedrow L. Perkins supervises this event.
Students compete in various age levels though the concertos are usually played by senior high school students.
A judge from outside the area evaluates students, and winners receive savings bonds.
For the event in 2005, students will compete May 14 and the recital with winners will be May 22 at Bliss.
YMTA funds its monetary awards through membership dues of $20 annually and admission fees to special presentations such as classical guitarist James Kalal, who performed in 2003.
The competitions help keep the teachers "in tune" with one another and the levels at which their students should perform. "It helps students keep an eye on the objective", said Sister Germaine.
Meetings
YMTA schedules only two business meetings a year. For the 2004-05 season the sessions will be Sept. 19 and April 17 at Ursuline Center. Serving with Schwers for the 2004-05 season are Cynthia Evans, president-elect; Carol Walters, treasurer; and April Antell-Tarantine, recording secretary.
"The meetings serve as a forum for an exchange of ideas, the opportunity to visit with other teachers and discuss teaching methods," Sister Germaine said.
And it's the love of music and sharing it with others that brings the members together. "Music is a discipline to its own, but it also can help students with math and reading," said Schwers. "It's a wonderful workout for the mind."
Sister Germaine added that "music does something for the spirit."
As the YMTA continues to its 71st year, it's clear that the objective formulated long ago still is valid today ... "The objective of this association shall be the raising of the standards of music teaching, the interchange of ideas and the cultivation of mutual relations among members."
linonis@vindy.com