South Central Division - Division News - Music Teachers National Association

American Music Teacher, April-May, 2003 by Karen Harrington

South Central Division Competitions were held January 18-19, 2003, at the University of Oklahoma (OU) in Norman. How fortunate we were to be able to use the beautiful Catlett Music Center and its quality instruments for the competitions. Barbara Fast, NCTM, associate professor of piano pedagogy at OU, was the on-site coordinator and did a commendable job of arranging rooms and facilities. Mary Sallee, NCTM, Oklahoma MTA president-elect and hospitality chair, along with the Norman music teachers, provided delicious homemade refreshments for judges and workers, making all feel welcome.

Competitions Chair June Leondar, NCTM, worked tirelessly with coordinators Carol Bell, composition; Gloria Johnson, NCTM, junior high; Trudy Kincade, NCTM, high school; and Carolyn Adams, collegiate artist and chamber music, and Division President-elect Ruth Pitts, NCTM, to organize a competitions weekend that couldn't have been better.

Jeongwon Ham, associate professor of piano at OU, presented a recital of works by Haydn, Ravel and Chopin. Attended by workers, competition entrants, their families and area teachers, her recital was a highlight of the weekend. Saturday evening we enjoyed dinner at a Norman restaurant.

Hearing our most talented students perform was exciting. As president, I want to thank all of those responsible for making our Division Competitions successful.

--Karen Harrington, NCTM, Tulsa, Oklahoma