Arguably, Central Toronto Branch’s final event of the school 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.

This year's Sale will take place on June 14 (a week earlier than usual) at Calvary Baptist Church. A church located on Main St. in the east end of Toronto. Calvary has graciously agreed to host this year's Sale since our regular venue is under renovation. 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. Our Sale committee, made up of Jean Collins, Joanne Bright, and Paul Mason, are currently putting together their 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.

It's hard for me to fathom that time can go by so quickly, but my 2-year term as Branch President is about to come to a close at the end of June.

I reflect back to what the Branch and the world in general was like 22 months ago and I can't help but feel that these were challenging yet very gratifying times.

As a team, the Executive Committee was able to help maintain the quality of our programs and events. Whether it was workshops on topics as diverse as French Impressionism to popular music or seeing successful performances at the Scholarship Recitals or Teachers In Concerts, we as a Branch have a lot to be proud of with the resources and time available to us.

Other than coordinating events, my hope is that in the last 2 years, we have all had an opportunity to experience the simple joys of being a member of our group of teachers. Personally, the camaraderie with all of you has given me the tools needed to become a better teacher in my studio and help others realize their goals and dreams.

All of our successes would have never been realized without the dedication of all the members of our Executive who have given so much of themselves for the good of the Branch. My heartfelt thanks go out to all of you for making my job so much easier.

I would like to thank all members for giving me the support and backing over the last 2 years. It's the people in our Branch that make us special. It's an honour to call all of you my colleagues.

- 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 Renaissance to Jazz and everything in between. Congratulations and thanks to all those who performed and to organizer, Kathleen Gorman.

Congratulations also go to student, Davin Raiha, for winning the Student Review Writing Contest. Here are some excerpts from his submission:

"Though there are numerous concert events going on around the Toronto area, it is difficult to find a single concert with a diverse setting of repertoire and instrumentalists."

"In an intimate semiformal setting, the concert contained all the ingredients needed to satisfy the most seasoned connoisseur. The music students should certainly be pleased by the superb efforts of their teachers."

Central Toronto Branch is proud to award a Theory Scholarship for an outstanding result from the December 2002 session to Dianne Jozefacki for attaining 90% in Grade 3 History. Dianne is a student of Branch member, Rosalind Johnson.

For more information on how your talented theory students can also be awarded a scholarship for their successful efforts, please refer to the Awards & Scholarships list mailed to you in September (orange paper). If you would like another copy, please visit www.ormtatoronto.org in the "Auditions & Recitals" section or contact Frank Horvat. Successful results from May Theory exams must be submitted no later than September 10. Please send results to the Branch president.

The Branch had a busy period in April with the Spring Auditions and Scholarship Recital. A record number of students took part in the Auditions over 2 Saturdays with adjudications being conducted by Karin DiBella. Scheduling of the Auditions went very well thanks to the accurate timings of pieces provided by members on the entry forms.

Many talented students advanced to the Scholarship Recital on April 26. So many in fact that the event had to be divided into 2, a Junior Recital and Senior Recital. Christopher Kowal adjudicated both recitals. Congratulations to all participants, especially the following Scholarship winners, their teachers and families: Stephen Ling, Vanessa Faria, Kate Adamson, Gwendolyn Lovsted, Natalia Tishina and Lousie Simone. Congratulations also go to Chloe Reis who was the first recipient of the Maria Case Trophy for an outstanding performance of a Canadian work.

Special thanks go to all of our volunteers and Ford Barker for another great organizing job this year.

The entire membership of the Central Toronto Branch is pleased to welcome a new affiliate member, Sandra Bonk. Ms. Bonk is an active member who teaches singing and rudiments in Pickering. A long time member of the ORMTA, Ms. Bonk is also active within the Scarborough Branch of the ORMTA.

It’s important for members to make note that Sandra’s name does not appear in our White Membership List but she is listed in theYellow Zone Directory.

One of the great highlights to end off the school year is Central Toronto Branch’s Luncheon & Annual General Meeting. On June 8 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 this past Spring Recital.

Finally, we will have a short general meeting where we will discuss various affairs within the Branch. The meeting will also feature an election of members who have expressed a willingness to be nominated to the Executive. At the Executive meeting later in June, vacant positions will be filled.

The process of electing new members to the Executive Committee is one of great importance to the Branch. Members are encouraged to make sure to participate in this important process. Special thanks to Jean Collins for her efforts in contacting potential nominees.

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

On Monday, April 28th at the Church of the Transfiguration, Central Toronto Branch hosted it's annual Spring Workshop to an enthusiastic, but very small group of Branch members.

Peteris Zarins did a masterful job in discussing a variety of important pedagogical issues and concepts relating to teaching popular music for the piano.

One of the chief architects behind RCM Examination's Popular Selections List, Mr. Zarins explored the technical merits related to rhythm, articulation and voicing that can be found in particular examples of popular music.

A very dynamic and personable speaker, Mr. Zarins delivered a thought-provoking and enlightening presentation on an aspect of teaching that is very important to many students.

After committing a significant amount of her time to assisting the Branch, we are saddened to see Kathleen Gorman leaving the Executive Committee.

Kathleen organized Teachers In Concert for the last 3 years. Under her leadership, the programme became more eclectic, attendance rose and the event became more financially feasible.

You will be missed 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 1200 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!

On Sunday, May 4th, a group of members of the Central Toronto Branch took time to honour our colleague, Beverley Ann Devlin.

Beverley Ann has been a valued member of the ORMTA for many years. Her extensive commitment to the Executive Committee in various capacities has been an incredible asset. Furthermore, her pleasant and kind demeanour has always been felt by anyone who has ever met her.

It is for these reasons that holding a High Tea Social in her honour was the least that the Branch could do to celebrate a person who is so special to all of us.

All who attended had a marvelous time at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Toronto. Special thanks to Maria Case and Liselotte Jongedijk for initiating and planning the Tea.

And many thanks to Beverley Ann for being the special person that she is!

Central Toronto Branch member and pianist, Jelena Cingara, is offering vocalists and instrumentalists her piano accompanying services for RCM examinations.

You can contact Jelena at 416-927-7189 or Cingara26@aol.com.

If any member knows of students interested in studying theory this summer in preparation for August examinations, please let them know of Summer Theory Courses being offered by Frank Horvat. For more info, please call 416-214-9534.

Members are reminded that you 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.

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

Wishing one and all a relaxing and safe summer!

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