As New England experiences this arctic winter (and as I compose this newsletter home on yet another snow day), it is providential that NEPTA events have gone as scheduled during the Month of January:  The Junior Recitals held on January 23, Hung-Kuan Chen on January 24 and the Intermediate I Recitals on January 31.   

Hung-Kuan's presentation of Time, Space and Continuum was masterful and thought provoking, bringing to the forefront the challenges that musicians face in expressing music through momentary experiences.  In addition, his revelations on teaching philosophies and applications were very well received by the large audience that braved the single digit temperatures outside.  Linda Vieira has captured the essence of this meeting in her notes from the morning which can be accessed here: January 2011 Meeting Notes . In addition, teachers' exchange notes from last April's meeting may now be viewed online and through the following link:  April 2010 Teachers' Exchange Notes.

In recognition and support of this year's theme of collaborative music being celebrated by MTNA, EPTA and other national and local associations, NEPTA has invited Jean Barr to speak at the next program meeting on February 28, 2011.   Her topic is entitled: "Nightmares and Dreams:  The Life of a Collaborative Pianist and So You Have to Coach an Ensemble:  Do you know how"   I saw Jean's presentation at the quad state convention last fall, hosted by the MTNA NH chapter, and she was wonderful, sharing coaching ideas applicable to students of all levels as well as providing repertoire suggestions. 

If you are considering introducing ensemble groups in your own studios, or would like new ideas to explore with your current chamber groups, I encourage you to come and be inspired.

I'll look forward to seeing you all there.

Warm Regards,

Lydia Reed-Guertin

President

The excitement of the junior recitals was palpable, and the performances demonstrated the hard work and commitment of students and teachers in preparing for in some cases their first NEPTA recital.  The three recitals were extremely well attended, and the outstanding organizational efforts and planning by Dianne Impallaria along with her committee Nancy Burstein and Maureen Hamilton ensured a seamless afternoon. 

Dianne Impallaria and her student Christopher Cellucci of Wellesley

The Intermediate I recitals featured artistic, beautiful playing, by students in grades 6-8, and it was clear by the selections, that our teachers are nurturing the creative spirit of the performer and audience alike.   Indiana Chalsen along with her committee Houry Schmeizel and Tanya Schwartzman did an exceptional job of planning the program order for all 3 recitals, including the additional task of including the Nancy Oliva Award candidates for Kathy Maskell, chairperson of the Nancy Oliva Award Committee, who also did a beautiful job.

  Student Performers of the Intermediate I Recital held at 4:00pm

Kathy reported that there were 13 candidates for the 4 awards, and after serious deliberation along with her committee, Valerie Henkin, Elizabeth Reed, Eleanor McLaughlin, Lydia Reed-Guertin and Christina Yeung the winners were announced:

      ·Catherine Song, student of Tanya Schwartzman

      ·Wynne Yao, student of Luba Pyatkovskaya

      ·Kevin Zhu, student of Mian Mian Shen

      ·Ethan Zou, student of Helena Vesterman  

Congratulations to all of the performers and their teachers for their superb accomplishments.   It is wonderful to acknowledge and support these young artists and remember Nancy Oliva's legacy as a successful independent piano teacher and important contributor to NEPTA. 

Intermediate II Recital                                              February 13, 2011, 2:30-8:00pm
First Parish of Watertown
(Application postmark deadline has passed)  

Senior Recital
March 6, 2011, 2:30-8:00pm
First Parish of Watertown
(Application postmark deadline has passed)

Composition and Jazz combined with
20th and 21st Century Recitals
March 13, 2011*, 2:30-6:00
First Parish of Watertown
(Application postmark deadline:  Feb. 12, 2011)

*Please note that Daylight Savings Time begins on this date.  Clocks are set ahead 1 hour.

Ensemble and Adult Recitals                 
March 27, 2011
Sunday Evening Time To Be Announced
Location: M. Steinert & Sons, Natick, MA
(Application postmark deadline:  Feb. 26, 2011)  

Any questions should be directed towards the appropriate chairperson listed in the program booklet and directory. 

Janna Bruene, Membership Chair compiled a list of new members that have joined NEPTA in 2010-2011.  We are so pleased to have their involvement and look forward to their association!  Already, several members have participated in meetings, recitals and master classes, enjoying the benefits that our organization provides.  Please join me in welcoming:   

Elena Drabkin, Marblehead  

Jayne Critelli, Boston

Christina Dietrich, Boston

Amie Chen, Waltham

Yelena Beriyeva, Allston    

Gregory Moses, Seekonk

Leslie Kaplan, Andover

Giovanna Confalone, Winchester

Karen Lindsay, Braintree  

Christina Yeung, Belmont

Inna Gliksberg, Newton

Tina Ho, Boxborough

Melissa Grosse, Seekonk

Sanghee Kim, Lancaster

Corina Roman, Framingham   

Kristin Stephenson, New Hampshire

David Robbins, Brookline 

David Kim, Cambridge

NEPTA was scheduled to host its popular music sale, composed of donated materials and organized by our music donations chair, Ruth Ross, before the February 28 meeting.  Unfortunately, Ruth suffered a fall on the treacherous ice and broke her wrist and understandably will be unable to run the sale.  Our best wishes go to Ruth for a very speedy recovery!

The program committee, headed by Shann Wood, will be meeting next month to plan next year's presenters and meeting topics.  If you have any great suggestions regarding content or recommended speakers for our meetings, or a master teacher for our student or teacher master classes, please send them along to Shann at: shannwood@comcast.net.  Often times it is through our membership that we hear about fantastic motivational teachers and speakers so your input is valued.