July 2024

Welcome to our newest OhioMTA member, Shannon Vasconcelos!

Have you registered?

OhioMTA State Conference

October 3-5, 2024

Plan to join colleagues at The Highland Üniversal Gatheringspot (HÜG) in Akron from October 3-5, 2024 OhioMTA State Conference. In a world where virtual meetings and online conferences have become the norm, many are starting to realize the value of in-person gatherings. While online events offer convenience and accessibility, there is a unique and irreplaceable element to in-person conferences that cannot be replicated virtually. The ability to network, engage in face-to-face interactions, and build genuine connections is what sets in-person conferences apart. The energy, spontaneity, and personal touch of physical events create a more immersive and memorable experience for attendees. So, if you're debating between attending an in-person conference or opting for an online event, consider the depth and significance that only face-to-face interactions can offer. a conference in-person allows you to connect with colleagues from around the state. Our upcoming conference will feature a lineup of inspiring speakers who will share their knowledge and expertise. You will be inspired by engaging talks and performances. Plan to attend the membership luncheon, where officers for 2024-2026 will be voted in and installed (see the list below) . Conference details and hotel accommodations can be found here . (Pictured above is Zee Zee, the conference artist.)

2024-2026 Officers

A vote for new OhioMTA officers will be taken at the Annual Membership Luncheon/Meeting on Saturday, October 5. The Executive Committee has approved this slate of officers:

President: Andy Villemez

President-Elect: Olga Rua

Vice President for State Conferences: Ashley Wise

Vice President for Membership: Annette Hoverman

Vice President for Student Activities: Lizbeth Atkinson

Vice President for Affiliated Associations: Elesha Way

Treasurer: Becky Buchan

Immediate Past President: Susan Treer

Many thanks to the Nominating Committee for their work: Sonya Szabo-Reynolds. Immediate Past President, Chair; Andy Villemez; Andi McAlister; Brent Schloneger; Emely Phelps; Susan Treer, President (ex officio).

Buckeye Results

OhioMTA Proudly announces the results of the Buckeye Competition.

Congratulations to the winners, alternates and honorable mentions, as well their teachers. A big thank you to Frank Huang for chairing the state competition.

Elementary Piano:

Winner: Belinda Zhu; teacher: Nina Polonsky

Alternate: Alice Zheng; teacher: Benita Tse Leung

Honorable Mention: Dianna Kerze; teacher: Irina Nikolaeva

Junior High Piano:

Winner: Ryan Wang; teacher: Fan Zhang

Alternate: Evelyn Ni; teacher: Benita Tse Leung

Honorable Mention: Kaidi Wang; teacher: Sean Schulze

Honorable Mention: Kaden Frum; teacher: Amy Rice

Honorable Mention: Montgomery Moore; teacher: Laura Melton

Honorable Mention: Sabrina Kerze; teacher: Irina Nikolaeva

Senior High Piano:

Winner: Levi Li; teacher: Nina Polonsky

Alternate: Evan Dan; teacher: Sean Schulze

Honorable Mention: Michael Zhang; teacher: Cicilia Yudha

Elementary Strings:

Winner: Eliot Brown; teacher: Sarah Kim

Alternate: Illona Lottenbach; teacher: Tatiana Hanna

Junior Strings:

Winner: Angela Tang; teacher: Joel Smirnoff

Senior Strings:

Winner: Daniel Bae; teacher: Gyusun Han

Alternate: Autumn Rinaldi; teacher: Sarah Kim

2025 OhioMTA Foundation Fellow Nominee

Christopher Fisher is the 2025 nominee as the state Foundation Fellow. Click to read his full biography Support Chris' nomination by making a online donation through MTNA (be sure to type "Christopher Fisher" in the Fellow box ).

July 1 Begins a New Year

Many have already renewed their dues, If you have not, Click here to renew and continue as a member of this prestigious organization. (You will need your membership number to log in to the MTNA website.) Log into your account and discover the discounts and benefits for members.

Scholarship Money Available

This is a reminder that the deadline to apply for The Ohio Music Teachers Association Teacher Scholarship is September 1, 2024. Rules and application can be found at

 https://ohiomta.org/teacher-scholarships

MTNA State Competitions Registration Opens Next Month

The 2024 OhioMTA competitions will be held October 5-6, 2024 at Bowling Green State University. See the MTNA website for additional details.