Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association is Local Association of the Year

American Music Teacher, June-July, 2004

The Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association (NVMTA) is the recipient of the 2004 MTNA Local Association of the Year Award. With 331 members, NVMTA is one of the largest local associations in the country.

Among the recent achievements of the association is In Celebration, a four-volume collection of music composed by NVMTA teachers and their students, to celebrate their fiftieth anniversary in 2000. In addition, the group sponsors many performing events for all types of students. Events such as the Bach-Baroque, Chamber Music, Concerto and Piano Ensemble Festivals demonstrate that creativity and energy. During the past few years NVMTA has developed its Scholarship Endowment Fund and provides annual student awards in excess of $7,000.

An important contribution is noted in the high proportion of student participation to membership. This is part of their ongoing community collaboration. Involvement and outreach have taken a strong position in NVMTA through scholarship development for underprivileged students, joint programs with community organizations and participation in community arts groups. NVMTA, under the leadership of President Donna Olson, shows strong management of its activities with broad teacher participation in leadership, development of future leaders, documentation of policies, appropriate business policies and record keeping, professional referral support and continuing education opportunities.

As Past Virginia State President Martha Smith, NCTM, said, "What I like best about NVMTA is the spirit of cooperation and creative endeavor that prevails. It is an organization that inspires each member to strive to reach his or her full potential."

The Local Affiliate of the Year Award recognizes the local association that makes the most significant contribution to the music teaching profession through participation in MTNA national programs and additional programs established within its state and local area. MTNA has nearly 600 local associations.