East Central Division.

East Central Division placed well at the MTNA Competitions in Kansas City. Congratulations to the following teachers for their exemplary teaching and nurturing of young talent; each had students who placed first, second or third: Mary Ann Griebling, NCTM, (OH), Almita Vamos (MI), Beth Owen, NCTM (OH), Gerardo Ribeiro (II.), Heather Verbeck (OH), Hans Jensen (IL), Vergene Miller (IN) and Frederick Hemke (IL). We laud our colleagues for their dedication to each student and to the art of music teaching.

As your new East Central Division president, I look forward to reaching you each issue with news and happenings in our division. For three years I had the honor of serving the teachers of Illinois as their president. It was a challenging, humbling and deeply rewarding time in my life. Each week I would come in contact with teachers who would inspire and challenge me in my commitment to my students and our association. I would like to challenge you, if you have never considered serving in a leadership capacity, to seek out your local and state chairs or nominating committees. As Ella Wheeler Wilcox put it, "The two kinds of people on earth ... are the people who lift and people who lean." Be a lifter. You will hardly find a more rewarding role than serving your fellow teachers and our great organization. Have a great month!

--Mark Mrozinski, Arlington Heights, Illinois 

East Central Division President 2004-2006

Mark Mrozinski, immediate past president of the Illinois State MTA, currently serves on the ISMTA Nominating Committee and also served as group piano chair and newsletter editor. Mrozinski earned a B.M. degree from Wilkes University and an M.M. degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, both in piano performance.