Dear MMTA members,
Two years and a blink of an eye—an amazing journey as MMTA State President is coming to an end. Looking back, no words can describe how grateful and fortunate I have been to have the opportunity to serve such a wonderful group of music teachers.
This presidency is probably the easiest job in the history of MMTA. I had an extraordinary board filled with colleagues that I had the privilege of knowing and making friends with in the past two years. They are driven, charismatic, wildly talented, and brilliant individuals who not only get things done in the most detailed-orientated, innovative, and professional ways, but they always go above and beyond to achieve perfection, every single time, at every single event. Each one of them has inspired me in their unique ways, but most importantly, they always mange to tell a few jokes and put smiles on their faces when providing services to our members.
This year, I had the pleasure of working with the incredible Alison Barr in organizing the 2019 Quad State Conference, a convention which our state hosts once every eight years. With the help of our Convention Student Ambassador, Esther Yau, we were able to offer full scholarships to over 20 music students to attend the conference. The event was a huge success and was truly the highlight of my presidency.
On top of our existing events such as the MTNA State Performance Competition, the MTNA State Composition Competition, Judged Festival, Music Achievement Evaluations, Bay State Piano Contest, and Bay State Strings Contest, we established a brand new initiative in 2018—MMTA’s Music Connect Program (MCP). MCP grants scholarships and offers music lessons tuition-free to students of MMTA members who have a demonstrated financial need. Since its inception, eleven students have benefited from the program, and we hope to help countless students in the future.
Before I conclude, I would like to express my special gratitude to Past President Dorothy Travis (2014-2016), who has been a great mentor to me since I took over the office in 2018. Her encouragement, support, and guidance were crucial in helping me fulfill my role as MMTA President. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing board members and officers: Musical Achievement Evaluations Chair Penny Ouellette (2018-2020), Newsletter Editor Melissa Vining (2018-2020), Secretary Karin Wilks (2016-2020), and Past President and Webmaster Vivian Tsang (2006-2020). You have contributed so much to the association, and your legacy will have a lasting impact.
Now it’s almost time to “pass the gavel” to our brilliant President-Elect, Heather Riley. I have no doubt that Heather, together with the new board and officers, will lead us into another glorious chapter as we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of MMTA.
Sincerely,
Ellyses Kuan
Outgoing MMTA President