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Central Toronto Branch Newsletter - September 1999Message from the PresidentDear Colleagues, Greetings and welcome back to another busy year of music-making. I hope each of you has enjoyed a long and restful summer.
I am pleased to be returning to the position of president of Central Toronto Branch. Your executive has been busy planning a programme for the 1999-2000 season which offer you opportunities for professional development, as well as the chance to meet your colleagues
and share your questions and experiences. Resolve this year to set some time aside to attend our branch events. I look forward to seeing you, Welcome to our new members:Marie Brasseur, Carol Hasek, Pansy Ma, Joan O'Mara, Mizi Tan, Ines Verdone.The Big NewsCentral Toronto WebsiteWelcome to www.ormtatoronto.org! Our website has been up and running for several weeks now, and it looks great. Our designer, graphic artist Laura Ciruls has designed a website which is informative, stylish, and easy for the public to access. Thanks to all those members who sent in their biographical information - I hope that you will have an opportunity to visit the website soon. We will updating the website on a monthly basis, so you may still send in your bios, and of course, please keep us informed of your musical activites. Special thanks to Frank Horvat and Fanny Levitan for making it happen. Send information in writing to: Maria Case, 259 Howland Ave, Toronto M5R 3B7. Upcoming EventsAutumn TeaWe will open the year with an informal afternoon tea and general meeting at the home of Marjorie Francoz on Sunday, September 26th. Katherine Ramseyer, Joan O'Mara and Jean Collins will present repertoire from the current RCM Grade 10 Syllabus and lead discussion on important pedagogical points. Come out and meet your colleagues - new members are particularly encouraged to attend. October Arts Fair On October 1st, 2nd and 3rd, Central Toronto and North York Branch will participate in the "Celebration of the Arts at Fairview Mall" which is part of the Artsweek '99 project organized by the City of Toronto (at Fairview Mall - Don Mills & Sheppard) In handing out brochures and directories to the public, we will be raising awareness of our organization, and the importance of quality musical instruction. There are half-hour spots each day for student performances ~ call Mary Mexis at 693-5099 for more information. October Workshop On Sunday, October 17th, Suleman Currim will present a workshop entitled Chopin As Composer, Teacher and Pianist. Suleman will use the Nocturnes as his point of departure as he explores Chopin's compositional techniques, use of perpetual variation, his tremendous sensitivity to harmony and chromaticism, and his approaches to tempo rubato.Part of this workshop will examine implications for the teacher and performer. This workshop is strongly recommended for senior piano students try to encourage your students from the grade 8 or 9 level and up to attend. Young Artist Recital Central Toronto Branch has joined forces with the North York Student Review Contest Branch to sponsor this year's Young Artist Jennifer Orchanian in a concert on Sunday, November 21st at 2:30 PM. (Please see Events page for details.) Jennifer will present a programme of Bach, Beethoven, Liszt, Debussy and Alexina Louie. In order to encourage our students to attend a live performance, we are holding a review writing contest. The winners will receive a scholarship ($35.00 for ages 12 and under, and $45.00 for ages 13 and above) and will have their reviews published in our winter newsletter. This contest is open to all students of Central Branch and North York Branch members. Send reviews to: Maria Case, 259 Howland Ave, Toronto M5R 3B7. Deadline: December 15, 1999 Auditions & Recitals Every fall and spring, our branch holds auditions in which students may perform one or more pieces and receive helpful written adjudication. Those who receive high marks (usually 80% or higher) are invited to perform in the branch recitals. Recitals are also adjudicated and exceptional performances are awarded scholarships. The auditions and recitals are open to all instrumentalists and vocalists; although most of our young performers are pianists, we encourage those teachers of other instruments to consider entering their students in this valuable programme. It is a wonderful opportunity for our young musicians to gain performance experience and receive encouragement from a new source. For this year's schedule and locations, please see Recitals/Auditions, Rules and Regulations. Auditions & recitals enquiries may be addressed to Arden Broadhurst at 485-8125. Other NewsJune Wrap-UpOur annual Spring Luncheon and General Meeting (Sunday, June 13) was a tremendous success. We had good attendance, a delightful lunch catered by Nimble Foods, and a programme of piano music provided by senior students Eva To, Jennifer Coysh, Adam Coysh, and Kenneth Law, from the studio of Mira Bulat. Discussion in the general meeting focussed on planning our branch events for 1999-2000, and the importance of creating a more professional public image for the O.R.M.T.A. Our annual Music Yard Sale was the best ever. We cleared $656.00 despite the church rental. Jean Collins wishes to thank Bill Vaisey for help in pricing, and to sales helpers Beverley Ann Devlin, Joan O'Mara, Fanny Levitan, Wendy Potter and special helpers Bill Collins and Lynda Heino. Buyers came early and helped carry boxes and display music. Thanks to Mary Mexis, Leanne Kloppenborg and Wendy Potter for storage of remainders. Review of Scholarships At our fall and spring recitals, scholarships are awarded for outstanding performances. ($35.00 Juniors, $50.00 Seniors) The two Sir Ernest MacMillan Scholarships are awarded at the fall recital only for outstanding performances of Canadian works. ($50.00 Junior, $75.00 Senior) Theory scholarships of $35.00 are awarded to students who receive 100% on the Grade 2 Rudiments examination, or 85% and higher on any theory examination starting at the Grade 3 level. You must have prepared the student yourself. The scholarships are awarded each September for the previous academic year. Please send results to Maria Case, 259 Howland Ave, Toronto, M5R 3B7. Teachers-in-Concert This year's concert is scheduled for Sunday, March 5, 1999 at the Lyceum Club. Frank Horvat is organising the event, and will soon be calling the membership looking for solos, duos, trios, quartets, etc. We will hold another Review Competition to encourage students to attend. After the terrific success of last year's concert, we are hoping to see even more teachers involved this year, with the emphasis on chamber music and fun! Workshops from Other Branches The North York Branch presents Ronald Tomarelli in "The Alexander Technique" on Monday, November 1st, 10:00 AM-1:00PM at the Richmond Hill Baptist Church, 50 Wright St. (west of Yonge, between Elgin Mills and Major Mackenzie). Fee $15.00. The Hamilton/Halton Branch presents Candice Delattre in "The Relationship Between Piano and Voice: Vocal Health for Speakers and Singers" on Sunday, October 24, 2-5PM, St. Simon's Anglican Church, 1450 Litchfield Rd. in Oakville. Fee $15.00 Members, call (905) 643-7466 for further info.. The Bulletin Board
Congratulations to Mary Mexis Lumsden and Glen Lumsden on the birth of their second child, a son, born September 9th. Best wishes from Central Toronto Branch for a healthy and happy future. (Special hugs from the Executive)
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