We're in it together.

It was very inspiring! Last October, Karen Thickstun, Lynn Singleton, NCTM, and I "met" electronically to review the applications for MTNA's Local Association of the Year Award and choose a winner.

The MTNA office had sent each of us a large file box of materials from several states. I remember a sense of positive anticipation leading up to the day I would have time to go through the notebooks and papers that would show what was going on in our profession around the country. Somewhat to my own surprise, my predominant feeling was one of curiosity and excitement.

At first reading of the application materials, we, as a committee, were struck by the commitment and dedication of these organizations. One thing they had in common was taking themselves seriously, which automatically meant they felt obligated to provide the best opportunities for students to progress, such as performance and theory events, ensemble recitals, chamber music performances and so forth. One group published student compositions in a well-bound, permanent music book; indeed a gesture that demonstrated regard for the young students' sense of accomplishment.

Applicants also showed an understanding of the imperative to enable teachers to grow and realize more of their own potential in their chosen profession. Support for certification was high, though not the only teacher enrichment opportunity. There were master classes, educational lecture presentations on such topics as student motivation and the works of selected composers and regular teacher discussion groups.

The business side of the profession was well supported. There were many examples of studio policies and calendars. Resumes of teachers abounded, demonstrating the training, performing and creative programming of many members. One organization, as a group policy, has taken a stand on the efficacy of makeup lessons. It recommends that no makeups be offered.

Reaching out to the local community was a high priority that showed in these applications. Educating the public about the importance of music in education and holding events for students in collaboration with other music groups and civic, non-music groups, seemed to build bridges of understanding and support. One group holds an annual "practice-a-thon" to raise money to provide keyboards for recuperating young patients for two hospitals and Ronald McDonald house.

The story of one teacher's struggle with zoning restrictions and how her local association fought the battle along with her is heart wrenching, frightening and inspiring all at once. The local association collaborated with the media, gave their time for demonstrations and speeches and emerged triumphant.

We noticed the active relationships between several local associations and their nearby orchestras, whether they be civic or collegiate institutions. Communication between these groups was impressive through joint sponsorship of events and the like. These orchestras provide opportunities for student concerto or chamber music performance. Some colleges regularly offer space for local association meetings.

Through the process of evaluating materials, the committee clarified its criteria for selection of the award. Balance mattered! The most outstanding groups were those that balanced their attention to student opportunities, teacher enrichment and community participation. Good management of activities in these categories was demonstrated through teacher involvement, documentation of appropriate business policies, professional referral support and good record keeping. It was obvious that efforts toward professionalism in these ways enabled local associations to realize their potential.

The state candidates for the Local Association of the Year Award for 2002-2003 were quite varied in size (from 8 to 300!), but it did not matter to the committee. The energy, the proportion of leadership to membership and the willingness to try new things, did. We were simply amazed at how many groups of wildly different sizes were capable of doing similar things within their respective populations. In other words, creative energy was not limited to association size. But the applications represented only 25 percent of our membership.

Across the country, we have much in common and much to learn from each other. The committee was moved by the efforts of the associations and fervently hopes many more states will select applicants for the national award next year. It's clear to us that size and budget do not matter! We're all in it together!

Local Association Grants

The MTNA FOUNDATION FUND awards local association grants to provide assistance to MTNA-affiliated local associations and newly established or currently forming affiliated locals for the education and professional development of teachers and for the promotion of music in the immediate community. Any MTNA-affiliated local may apply. Projects funded include clinics, master classes, seminars, educational workshops to prepare for certification examinations, community outreach projects, and projects promoting interaction between local associations and student chapters, area colleges or other musical or arts organizations.

Applications and guidelines for the 2005 grant program are now available. The deadline for completed applications is February 1, 2005. Recipients will be announced at the 2005 MTNA National Conference in Seattle, Washington, in April, and will receive funds no later than May 1. For more information contact MTNA at [phone] or check the FOUNDATION website at www.mtnafoundation.org.

Nancy Kaesler, NCTM, is an independent piano teacher and active adjudicator, clinician and author of articles on teaching and developing a professional studio. She is the immediate past chair of the Independent Music Teachers Forum.