The Central Toronto Branch is pleased to announce that they will be awarding 2 new scholarships to the students of its members in the 2002-2003 school year.

The 2 scholarships will be awarded in the name of Anne Scott Mumford, a former member of the Branch who passed away a few years ago and who had set aside the funds for these scholarships as part of her last will and testament. Mrs. Mumford herself decided on the conditions of the scholarship. The Branch feels very fortunate to follow through with her wishes.

The first scholarship will be awarded for an outstanding performance of 1 mov’t. from a Mozart Sonata to a piano student Grade 9 or higher in a Scholarship Recital.

The second scholarship will be awarded to a Grade 10 piano student receiving the highest mark from their examination for the school year. Both Scholarships are valued at $100 each.

Just a reminder that the Branch also awards scholarships for outstanding results in Theory. If a student receives 100% in Grade 2 Rudiments or 85% or higher in Grade 3 Harmony, that student is eligible for a scholarship. Simply mail a photocopied of the result to our Treasurer, Mary Mexis Lumsden.

With the end of the school year upon us, I cannot help but reflect on what has been an eventful first year on the job as Branch President.

Though above all that has happened, the highlight of the year was the opportunity that I had to meet so many of you, fellow colleagues, at various events. Getting to know fellow teachers and musicians was one of the main reasons that I joined the ORMTA years ago. Feeding ideas off each other, the professional advice, and the camaraderie with ORMTA colleagues are all points that have made my work as a musician much easier.

There is no doubt that my ability to get to know so many of you would never have happened if I had not dedicated some of my time to the organization. As some of you already know, the ORMTA is volunteer-based. In order to make events happen, countless members volunteer their time to ensure fellow colleagues and their students benefit from our various events.

With this school year ending, here is hoping that all members are able to volunteer their time within their own capacity for future events. It could be as minimal as spending a few hours at an Audition or Sale of Used Music, it could be posting flyers in your neighbourhood for Branch events. This is the type of combined small efforts on the part of many that make what we do so special.

If you have ideas on how you could chip in, please let me know. Thanks to all for your support throughout the year. I hope everyone has a very relaxing and safe summer.

- Frank Horvat

Once again, the members of Central Toronto Branch demonstrated their great talents this year at the Teachers In Concert. Held in March, at the Women’s Art Association in support of the Branch Scholarship Fund, a large crowd enjoyed an eclectic blend of chamber music, from Baroque to original works by Branch members to Jazz and everything in between. Congratulations and thanks to all those who performed and to organizer, Kathleen Gorman.

Congratulations also go to students Gwendolyn Lovsted and Antonette Pettit for their submissions to the Student Review Writing Contest.

"The standard of playing was quite high, with all performances showing a certain degree of polish and expression."
-G. Lovsted

"Throughout the concert, there were many musical ideas…From Ravel to Joplin, this event served as a delectable buffet giving one a taste of all kinds of music at a high quality."
- A. Pettit

Since announcing the creation of the Fanny Levitan Scholarship in January, the Executive Committee has been in full swing at ironing out the specifics of the Scholarship and collecting donations.

The idea that has been looked at favourably by members is making the Scholarship a Bursary that would be awarded each December to an outstanding vocalist or instrumentalist (other than piano) who competed at the Metro Toronto Zone Competition. The Bursary would go towards covering the expenses of an accompanist since that student would earn the right to advance to the Provincial level and incur tremendous costs. The idea has much favour because Fanny herself was an accomplished accompanist and vocal teacher. Also no such financial help currently exists. What is your opinion? Let Frank Horvat know.

We would like to thank the following for their contributions to the fund: Daniel Silver, ORMTA Provincial Council, Suleman Currim, Liselotte Jongedijk, Mildred Bennett, Gordon Kushner, Judy Home and Arden Broadhurst.

If you would like to make a donation, please send a cheque payable to ORMTA ­ Central TO Branch, to Mary Mexis Lumsden, 393 Main St., East York, M4C 4X9. Please indicate in the memo section, "Levitan Scholarship".

The Branch had a busy period in April and the beginning of May with the Spring Auditions and Recital. A record number of students took part in the Auditions over 2 Saturdays with adjudications being conducted by Hwa-Ing Arianne Kwek. Many talented students advanced to the Scholarship Recital on May 4. So many in fact that the event had to be divided into 2, a Junior Recital and Senior Recital. Reg Miller adjudicated both recitals. Congratulations to all participants, especially the following Scholarship winners, their teachers and families: Billy He, Ryan Faulkner, Paloma van Groll, Jessica Lee, Noa Stockhammer & Maya Czajkowski.

Special thanks go to Ford Barker for another great organizing job this year.

The entire membership of the Central Toronto Branch is pleased to welcome a new member, Jelena Cingara. Ms. Cingara is a provisional member who teaches piano in the downtown area. It’s important for members to make note that Jelena’s name does not appear in the White Membership List or Yellow Zone Directory. She can be contacted at 416-927-7189.

FYI: Lynne Moquin’s mailing address has changed:
51 Wascana Drive.
Toronto, ON
M5A 1V6

One of the great highlights to end off the school year is Central Toronto Branch’s Luncheon & Annual General Meeting. On June 9 at the Women’s Art Association, members and their guests are invited to share an informative and entertaining afternoon together.

The proceedings will begin with a lunch buffet, courtesy of Nimble Foods. Food items will include a variety of salads, sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, desserts and much more. Something to fit anyone’s diet!

Then we will have an opportunity to hear some performances by talented students who won Scholarships at the last Spring Recital.

Finally, we will have a short general meeting where we will discuss various affairs within the Branch. Also a discussion and vote will take place on proposed amendments to ORMTA’s by laws. Our delegates will deliver the Branch’s ballots to the Provincial Convention in July.

Two of the more controversial proposed amendments include that an Early Childhood Music or Pre-Diploma member not use the designation "Registered Music Teacher" and not be entitled to vote at meetings of the Association. If you have an opinion on this issue, you should definitely make a point of being there so your voice can be heard!

If you plan on attending, please complete and mail the flyer and cheque to Mary Mexis Lumsden.

Arguably, Central Toronto Branch’s final event of the year could be considered it’s biggest! The Sale of Used Music attracts individuals interested in music from right across the GTA. One of the main reasons why people flock to this event annually is to take advantage of the outlandishly low prices on music books, sheet music, recordings and much more.

Taking place on June 22 at St. John’s Norway Church in Toronto’s east end, this event is a must for any teacher or student in need of filling their collection with more repertoire or finding that rare musical gem while helping out the Branch Scholarship Fund at the same time.

Jean Collins is currently putting together her band of volunteers to help coordinate this mammoth event. If you could spare some of your time, please contact Jean.

Help in publicity for this event from the General Membership would also be appreciated. If you know of some locales, senior students or colleagues that might like a flyer, please contact Frank Horvat so he can make copies available to you.

After committing a significant amount of their time to assisting the Branch, we are saddened to see Mildred Bennett and Bill Griffiths leaving the Executive Committee.

Mildred had been the chair of the Telephone Committee for 12 years.

Both of you will be missed at the meetings and we so very much appreciate your years of dedication and service.

The Branch’s website continues to be a key tool of communication with the general public. Within the last 2 1/2 months, the website has received over 1500 visitors!

Generally, the website is used by the public in order to find a teacher, seek information on becoming a member, or to look for other online resources related to music.

The website is also an excellent way to find out the goings on in our neighbouring branches who we share the website with.

Over 60% of Central Toronto Branch members currently have their contact and/or biographical information posted on the website. If you do not have a presence but would like one, you must submit a "Website Information Form" to Frank Horvat. If you do not have a form, feel free to contact Frank.

www.ormtatoronto.org Happy Surfing!

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to think about some constructive musical activities for our students.

CTB member, Gloria Saarinen will once again be conducting her MidSummer Music by the Lake, a music camp/workshop in August. Instrumental and vocal musicians in grade 5 or higher and ranging in age from 10 to 25 are invited. It will take place at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Mississauga on the grounds of the Adamson Estate. Tuition is $400/ week. Deadline is June 30. For more info, please contact Gloria at 905-333-3357.

Also, the National Music Camp of Canada will be holding a variety of camps throughout the summer on the shores of Lake Couchiching, 1 1/2 hours north of Toronto. They have a variety of programmes for Junior and Senior Students, jazz, orchestral, musical theatre, and classical guitar just to name a few. Tuition ranges from $550 to $700 depending on the programme. Deadline is May 15. For more info, please contact the NMC office at 416-482-2475.

Over the course of the last few months, we were saddened to hear of the loss of a few individuals indirectly connected to our Branch.

Eve Uhlarik, a former member of Central Toronto Branch, recently passed away.

Also, the mother of our colleague, Marjorie Francoz recently passed away after a long illness.

Our thought and prayers are with you.

Special thanks go out to Ms. JoAnn O’Hara, a friend of Suleman Currim who recently donated a whopping $400 to our Scholarship Fund. Your generosity in supporting our students is very much appreciated.

Members are reminded that you have or will soon be receiving your Branch levy invoice in the mail. Please make sure to pay it in a prompt fashion so we can continue to properly finance all of our great programmes for the upcoming school year.

If anyone is interested in purchasing a calendar of Canadian Composers, please contact Frank Horvat. $10.

The next Newsletter will be distributed September. Members are welcome to submit announcements.

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

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