Division elections.

East Central

President-elect Lynn Singleton is an independent music teacher from Columbus, Ohio. She received bachelor's and master's degrees in music from Bowling Green State University and has taught piano for twenty-six years. Lynn has served as Convention Coordinator, Vice President, President and is the Immediate Past President of the Ohio MTA. She is active as a clinician, adjudicator and collaborative musician. "MTNA is an important and vital organization whose contribution to the music teaching profession is significant. It is an honor to be asked to give something back to an organization that has given so much," she says.

Carol Winborne, NCTM, is an independent music teacher in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Her MTNA-related responsibilities have included serving as Wisconsin MTA President, National Independent Music Teachers Forum Chair, Local Association President and numerous committees. Professional activities include performing, adjudicating and church music. She has presented at MTNA national, state and local meetings, the National Conference for Keyboard Pedagogy and the World Piano Pedagogy Conference. Her articles have appeared in AMT and Keyboard Companion. "My involvement in MTNA at all levels has been among the most meaningful pieces of my life. It has presented challenges and rewards that have enriched my life immeasurably. I would welcome the privilege of working with colleagues for continuing progress in our profession," she says.

President-elect "My name is Melanie DeMent; I teach studio voice and vocal pedagogy at the University of Delaware. Before you hold that against me, I took thirteen years of piano lessons. I am Eastern Regional Governor of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, an organization obviously beneficial to my teaching. But MTNA keeps my musician's eyes and mind open. As Delaware MTA President for the past two years, I have worked with teachers and students of piano, strings, woodwinds, brass and voice. I would love to help MTNA's efforts to recruit and encourage teachers of all instruments to participate, diversify and, thus, strengthen our organization," she says.

Millie Eben, NCTM, maintains an independent piano studio in Reading, Pennsylvania, and is active as a clinician, adjudicator and accompanist. She holds a B.A. in piano performance and will complete her master's in piano pedagogy at West Chester University in fall 2002. Millie has served in various officer and chair capacities for the Reading MTA including President for two terms. She also was MTNA National Local Associations Chair from 1999-2001 and is Second Vice President/Convention Chair for Pennsylvania MTA. "I welcome the opportunity to serve MTNA in this capacity and to work with this enthusiastic and energetic group of music professionals," she says.

Northwest

President Marilyn Brossard is Past President of Washington State MTA (WSMTA) and has been WSMTA District Vice President, First Vice President and State Convention Chair. She served two terms as MTNA High School Performance Competitions National Coordinator and chaired the WSMTA performance competitions. Marilyn has a private studio and teaches piano at Skagit Valley College. She holds a bachelor of music degree from Western Washington University, where she has done graduate study. Marilyn is MTNA and WSMTA certified in piano and music history. "MTNA and its members have inspired me to continue my musical education and become involved in a leadership role with my local, state and national association," she says.

Roma Eicher, NCTM, says, "MTNA and Oregon MTA (OMTA) have been a driving force in my life. By attending national and state conventions, I believe the organization's goal is to help each teacher to become the best teacher possible by providing resources to encourage, equip, enlighten the teacher, and in turn, the student." MTNA Positions: High School Competition Coordinator and Northwest Division High School Competition Chair. OMTA Chair Positions: Competition, Syllabus, Convention and Adjudicator Training. Linn-Benton Local Association Chair Positions: District, Syllabus, Composition and Competition. Current Positions: OMTA Adjudicator Chair, OMTA Music Without Borders Chair and Linn-Benton District Composition Chair.

President-elect Kenneth Christensen has a bachelor of music degree from Montana State University and completed a master of music degree in piano performance from the University of Montana. He is the pianist for the choral department at Bozeman High School and the Bozeman Symphonic Choir. He also is pianist for Opus Four, professional vocal quartet. Additionally, Ken is a private piano teacher and President of the Montana State MTA. "MTNA has offered to me a wealth of information, activities, professional contacts and resources that have been invaluable to me as a teacher and professional musician," he says.

Sally Laird has been an independent piano teacher since receiving her B.M. in piano performance in 1971. A member of the Anchorage Keyboard Teachers Association, she is Immediate Past President, Newsletter/Web Site Chair and Composition Competitions Coordinator, and Northwest Division High School Performance Competitions Coordinator. "I believe membership in any worthy organization involves contributing through participation, whether that be through leadership positions, behind-the-scenes busywork, sharing knowledge and skills and/or physical presence at meetings and activities. I consider membership in MTNA to be a grand opportunity for education, growth in skills and awareness, and important social and professional contact," she says.

South Central

President-elect Ruth Pitts, a music instructor at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, has been active in the Texas MTA (TMTA) and MTNA for more than twenty-five years. She has served as state World of Music Coordinator, Vice President for Student Affairs, Vice President for Business Affairs, President-elect, President and Immediate Past President. Ruth has a B.M.E. degree from Baylor University and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. "I joined MTNA initially for my students, but I have received many personal benefits as well. I am certain TMTA and MTNA have made me a better teacher," she says.

Katherine Tobey maintains a private studio in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A Past President of Baton Rouge MTA (BRMTA), Katherine is BRMTA chair for Rally, JazzFest and MusicLink activities. She is Secretary of Louisiana MTA (LMTA) and state MusicLink Liaison. She previously served as MTNA's South Central Division Composition Chair, as well as LMTA's Composition Chair. Katherine is a graduate of Louisiana State University and holds a LMTA Certificate of Professional Advancement. "Providing opportunities for students through competitions and for teachers through the certification process, scholarly articles and conference sessions, MTNA challenges each of us to reach for our own highest levels of achievement," she says.

Southern

President-elect Diane Higgins, NCTM, is an independent piano teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a B.M. in piano performance from Salem College. Through the North Carolina MTA, she has served as President, President-Elect/Vice President of State Conventions, Vice President for Publicity and MTNA Scholarship Foundation, Treasurer, Director of State Piano Contests, Chair of the State Piano Teachers Section, and Chair of Junior High State Auditions. Diane is founder/director of the Charlotte MTA Music Career Fair. "My strong support for MTNA is evident with many years of involvement with national, state and local associations. I am proud to be a MTNA member," she says.

Donald Speer (B.M., M.M. Piano Performance; Ph.D. Music Education) is an associate professor at Western Kentucky University, where he teaches group piano, pedagogy and accompanying, and directs the Keyboard Development Program for pre-college students. Donald appears frequently as a collaborative artist, adjudicator and workshop clinician. He is President of the Kentucky MTA (KMTA) and has served as KMTA Treasurer and President-elect. "MTNA has SO much to offer its members, yet it still faces many opportunities and challenges ahead with regard to identifying and meeting the needs of teachers and students at every level," he says.

Southwest

President-elect Cheryl Pachak-Brooks, NCTM, is President of the Professional Music Teachers of New Mexico. Cheryl's extensive record includes District Vice President, State Newsletter Editor/Advertising Manager, Collegiate Competition Chair, College Student Chapter Chair, and co-chairing several state conventions. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in piano performance and pedagogy. Since 1986, Pachak-Brooks has been on the faculty at Eastern New Mexico University, Portales. Her duties include studio and class piano instruction, staff accompanist, Preparatory Department Director and Recruitment Coordinator for the School of Music. "I am committed to the mission, growth and success of MTNA through my continued service and dedication," she says.

Kathryn Rood, NCTM, was the National Community Outreach and Education Chair from 1997-1999, after completing competitions and certification duties for the Southwest Division. She is vice president and co-founder of the Young Artist Committee that sponsors an annual piano festival in Arizona. Her duo piano recitals benefit the Young Artist Committee Scholarship fund, and she heads the Kindermusik division of the Arizona State University School of Music Piano Prep Program. "I view my commitment to MTNA as a challenge to preserve the integrity of the profession and an opportunity to guarantee the continued richness of music in our society," she says.

West Central

President-elect Mary Ellen Moore, NCTM, (B.M., M.M.), an independent teacher in Colorado Springs, credits MTNA with providing a strong foundation for her professional life. "Networking with other teachers, educational opportunities, and the shared commitment of furthering the art of music are benefits of MTNA membership, which I envision being embraced by even more of our colleagues," she says. Moore's commitment to MTNA is evidenced in her service as Colorado State MTA President, President of two local associations, and leadership in student activities in Colorado and Nebraska. She has served as the West Central Division Junior High Competitions Coordinator and is a Trustee of the MTNA FOUNDATION, chairing the Teacher Enrichment Grant Committee.

Suzanne Torkelson, associate professor of piano at Wartburg College, holds a D.M.A. in piano performance from the University of Iowa, and an M.M. degree from Kansas State University. She has done graduate work at the University of Colorado/Boulder. A Past President of Iowa State MTA, Suzanne has served as Collegiate West Central Division Auditions Chair, is an official competitions accompanist and is West Central Division Recording Secretary. "MTNA is the professional organization that has influenced my teaching the most through its excellent educational and professional programs. The conferences, magazine, scholarships, foundation, and certification programs are essential to the success of our profession," she says.

Division Elections

MTNA's Bylaws stipulate that the membership of each Division shall select the Division officers and director from that Division in even-numbered years via a mail ballot with a plurality vote. Voting by ballot in Division elections shall be conducted by mail and shall include the option of electronic means as provided for by the Board of Directors. Ballots and necessary supporting information shall be mailed at least thirty (30) days prior to the close of voting to all members who are eligible to vote at their last address on file with the Association.

The nominating committee, which includes Joan Reist, NCTM, Lincoln, Nebraska, chair; Arlene Krueger, NCTM, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Peggy Lewis, NCTM, Searcy, Arkansas; Paula Gardiner, NCTM, Wilmington, Delaware; Sumy Takesue, NCTM, Van Nuys, California; Norma Seifert, NCTM, Collierville, Tennessee; William L. McKay, NCTM, Richland, Washington; Philelle McBrayer, NCTM, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Charlotte Heermann, NCTM, Lincoln, Nebraska; Virginia Marks, Bowling Green, Ohio; is pleased to present the following slate.