Presidents
| 1960s-1978 | Anne Morton* |
| Muriel Murr | |
| Marjorie Suhs Brewer* | |
| 1978-1980 | Virginia Bellew* |
| 1980-1982 | Betty Lewis* |
| 1982-1987 | Dr. John Hunter* |
| 1987-1990 | Virginia Bellew* |
| 1990-1995 | Sally Brown Ullom |
| 1995-1999 | Deborah T. Freeman |
| 1999-2003 | Janice M. Flinte |
| 2003-2007 | Rita H. Hassig |
| 2007-2011 | Dr. Deanna C. Moore |
| 2011-2015 | Warren "Tim" Arnold |
| 2015-2018 | Shelley Johansen |
| 2018-2021 | May Lauren Brinkman |
| 2021-present | Dr. Deanna Moore |
| * deceased |
Early Meetings
Early meetings were held in private homes of members. Later, when student recitals were added, the organization met in the library of the Gassoway Mansion and Magill Hall.
1965-1968 | 1968-1969 | 1969 | 1971-1976 | 1974 | 1975-1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1978-1979 | 1979-1980 | 1980-1981 | 1981-1982 | 1982-1983 | 1983-1984 | 1984-1985 | 1985-1986 | 1986-1987 | 1987-1988 | 1988-1989 | 1989-1990 | 1990-1991 |1991-1992 | 1992-1993 | 1993-1994 | 1994-1995 |1995-1996 | 1996-1997 | 1997-1998 | 1998-1999 | 1999-2000 | 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2002-2003 | 2003-2004 | 2004-2005 | 2005-2006 | 2006-2007 | 2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 | 2010-2011 | 2011-2012 | 2012-2013 | 2013-2014 | 2014-2015 | 2015-2016 | 2016-2017 | 2017-2018 | 2018-2019 | 2019-2020 | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023
The Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) was established in 1876; however, South Carolina did not become affiliated until 1959. Among the first state presidents were Laurence Morton, Piano Department Chair, Bob Jones University, and David Gibson, Piano Department Chair, Furman University, both of whom would become local members when the Greenville Association was established in the early 1960s.
The Greenville Association began as the "Greenville Piano Teachers," a small local group that was not affiliated with the South Carolina Music Teachers Association (SCMTA) or the MTNA until the late 1960s and early 1970s. Little information about the early days of the Greenville Association is extant. It is certain, however, that Wesley True, at the time a Furman University faculty member, was the first president. Other early presidents included: Anne Morton and Muriel Murr, Bob Jones University faculty members, and Marjorie Suhs Brewer, a Furman University adjunct faculty member and private teacher.
Early meetings were held in private homes of members. Later, when student recitals were added, the organization met in the library of the Gassoway Mansion and Magill Hall. Over the years the organization grew to include all teachers of music, not just piano teachers. The objectives have remained constant: Fostering arts education in our community through monthly meetings consisting of workshops, master classes, and student recitals. In 1986 the Concert Piano Series was established showcasing the finest in young concert piano talent.
These local members were office holders in SCMTA in these years:
1965-1968 Alice Gingery, Secretary, Bob Jones University faculty.
1968-1969 Ernestine Smith, Second Vice-president, private teacher.
The following were listed as members of the Greenville Music Teachers Association:
1969 Nell Adams, Laurette Barksdale, Sarah Cleveland, Mrs. Stewart Custer, Marcia Flow, Alice Gingery, Mrs. Arnold Putnam, Barbara Self, Barbara Stone, and Fran Wickes.
1971-1976 Duane White, NewsNotes editor, Bob Jones University faculty.
1974 Lance Flower, First Vice-president, Bob Jones University faculty.
1975-1976 Lance Flower, President.
These local members were SCMTA area chairpersons:
Richard Maag, Furman University faculty, String; Joan Pinkston, Bob Jones University faculty, Composition; Karen Wilson, Bob Jones University faculty, Pre-College Piano; Ernestine Smith, private teacher, Independent Music Teachers Forum.
1977 Area chairpersons were the same as 1976 with the addition of Robert Chesebro, Furman University faculty, Woodwind.
1978 Area chairpersons were Karen Wilson, Bob Jones University faculty, Pre-College Piano; Richard Maag, Strings, and Robert Chesebro, Woodwind, both of Furman University faculty.
NOTE: Scroll to the bottom for 1978 to the present.
2020-2021
President
May Lauren Brinkman
Monthly Meetings
September — "Let It Shine! Celebrating Piano Music by Black Composers" with Dr. Aaron Matthews
(Zoom meeting sponsored by Columbia MTA)
October — "Prodigies: Lessons for the Young Musician" with Dr. Michael Lining
(Zoom meeting sponsored by Greenville MTA)
November — 60th SCMTA Annual Conference & Student Competitions ONLINE—scmta.org
Dr. Sam Holland Dean and Professor of Music, Southern Methodist University
Dr. Gary Ingle Executive Director and CEO, MTNA
January — "Teaching the Blues" with Bradley Sowash
(Zoom meeting sponsored by Greenville MTA)
February — "Nuggets of Truth from Three Teachers" with Dan Knight
(Zoom meeting sponsored by Upper Palmetto MTA)
March — "Grieg: Repertoire for Intermediate Students" with Dr. Renée Jackson
(Zoom meeting sponsored by Long Bay MTA)
April — GMTA Annual Business Meeting via Zoom
"Summer Studio Shape-Up!" with Dr. Lorri Conder Turcios
GMTA Scholarship Auditions
LHM Winners
First Place - Zhanshuo Zhang (Lisa Kiser)
Second Place - Jennifer Centa (Lisa Kiser)
GMTA Music Scholarship Winners
VOICE
First Place - Kendall Montgomery (Sarah Dionne)
Second Place - Job Korver (Ina Pegram)
INSTRUMENTAL
First Place - Blair Carrier (Amanda Barrett)
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship and GMTA Music Scholarship Auditions were held online in 2021.
-Deborah Boitnott, Historian
2019-2020
President
May Lauren Brinkman
Monthly Meetings
September — Panel Discussion: "Tips for Choosing Appropriate & Inspiring Repertoire for Study and Performance" with Dr. Lorri Turcios, moderator (Pecknel Music Company)
October — "Real Artists Don't Have to Starve" with Lori Lane, Founder of Artios Academies; Dr Lorri Turcios (Musical Innovations)
November — "You CAN Teach Improv—Myths and Methods of Hymn and Folk Improv" with Dr. Peter Davis (Pecknel Music Company)
January — "Rote or Not to Rote?" with May Lauren Brinkman and Dr. Lorri Turcios (Pecknel Music Company)
February — Piano Master Class: "Artful Advice for the Intermediate Piano Student" with Dr. Kenon Renfrow (Steinway Piano Gallery)
March* — canceled
April 7 — Zoom meeting hosted by May Lauren Brinkman
April 21 — Zoom meeting hosted by May Lauren Brinkman and Rachel Siglin
*Due to COVD 19 restrictions the scheduled March meting was canceled, and the April meeting was held via Zoom.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and lack of a venue, the Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship and GMTA Music Scholarship Auditions were canceled.
2018-2019
President
May Lauren Brinkman
Monthly Meetings and Events
September — Panel Discussion: "Time Flies—Making the Most of Your Time In and Out of the Lesson" (Pecknel Music Company)
October — "Building Technique from the Ground Up" with Dr. Lorri Conder Turcios (Musical Innovations)
November — "Fooled by Fluency" with Dr. Steven Brundage (Pecknel Music Company)
January — "Millennials, Gen-X, Boomers and Beyond: Top Tips for Teaching Adult Students" with Dr. Sarah Evans Moore (Pecknel Music Company)
February — GMTA Music Teachers Community Outreach (Shepherd's Care Assisted Living Center)
March — "Early Childhood Music Education: Not just fun and games!" with Amy Spires Rucker (Musical Innovations)
GMTA Laurence Hamilton Morton Piano Scholarship Auditions & GMTA Music Scholarship Auditions (Bob Jones University)
April — "Piano Master Class: Inspiration for the Intermediate and Early Advance Student" with Dr. Deanna Cash Moore | Annual Business Meeting (Pecknel Music Company) | Scholarship Winners Recital (South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities)
The GMTA Laurence Hamilton Morton Piano Scholarship and GMTA Music Scholarship Auditions were held on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at Bob Jones University.
LHM Winners
Division I (grades 4-6)
First Place - Andrew Ning (Lisa Kiser)
Second Place - Grace Zhang (Fabio Parrini)
Honorable Mention - Yuchen Lin (Lisa Kiser)
Division II (grades 7-9)
First Place - Jennifer Centa (Lisa Kiser)
Second Place - Renée Wang (Lisa Kiser)
Honorable Mention - Anna Voelk (Fabio Parrini)
Division III (grades 10-12)
First Place - Emma Devine (Stephen Taylor)
Second Place - Amy Zhang (Lisa Kiser)
Honorable Mention - Oliver Rancu (Lisa Kiser)
GMTA Music Scholarship Winners
VOICE
Division I (grades 7-9)
First Place - Job Korver (Ina Pegram)
Second Place - Kate Church (Ina Pegram)
Division II (grades 10-12)
First Place - Enoch Korver (Ina Pegram)
Second Place - Eric Lane (Ina Pegram)
INSTRUMENTAL
Division II (grades 10-12)
First Place - Blair Carrier (Amanda Barrett)
Second Place - Bryn Carrier (Mary AllyeB Purtle)
Winners performed at the GMTA Scholarship Winners Recital on Sunday, April 28 at the SCGSAH.
~Becky Hughes, Historian
2017-2018
President Shelley Johansen. Monthly meetings: Pecknel Recital Hall and Musical Innovations. Student recitals and Scholarship Winners Recital: Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities and Furman University.
Monthly Programs:
Kick-off Meeting—These Are a Few of My Favorite Things panel discussion with Lorri Turcios, moderator, followed by a light salad luncheon; Carol Matz’s Interactive Piano Method with Carol Matz; Composing with the Student in Mind with Gina Sprunger; Music and Memory with May Lauren Brinkman; GMTA Concert at War Memorial Chapel; Webinars and Web Conferences—Teacher Education from the Comfort of Your Own Home with Lorri Turcios; Improvisation in a Box: Music Theory that Sticks with May Lauren Brinkman.
LHM and GMTA Music Scholarship Auditions were held on April 14, 2018 at Bob Jones University.
LHM Winners
Division I (grades 4-6)
First Place - Zhanshuo Zhang (Yan Zheng)
Second Place - Nathan Wicker (Lisa Lee).
Division II (grades 7-9)
First Place - Danika Yang (Lisa Lee),
Second Place - Anna Voelk (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin).
Division III (grades 10-12)
First Place - John Wang (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin)
Second Place - Jieying Tong (Sherry Parrini).
GMTA Music Scholarship Winners
VOICE
Division I (grades 7-9)
First Place - Job Korver (Ina Pegram)
Second Place - Abby Grace Wardlaw (Ina Pegram).
Division II (grades 10-12)
First Place - Eric Lane (Ina Pegram)
Second Place - Enoch Korver (Ina Pegram)
GMTA Music Scholarship Winners
INSTRUMENTAL
Division I (grades 7-9)
First Place - Blair Carrier (Amanda Barrett)
Second Place - Emily Lin (Mary AllyeB Purtle)
Division II (grades 10-12)
First Place - Sam Parrini (Jennifer John)
Second Place - Bryn Carrier (Mary AllyeB Purtle).
Winners performed at the Scholarship Winners Recital in Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University, on Saturday, April 21, 2018.
~Becky Hughes, Historian
2016-2017
President Shelley Johansen. The September kick-off meeting was a panel discussion titled “Teaching Functional Skills” by panelists May Lauren Brinkman, Julie Carrier, and Becky Hughes. The meeting was followed by a light luncheon. In October, Nathan Arnold discussed “A Teaching Window: Effective Pedagogy in a Distance Teaching Format.” The November meeting highlighted “Developing Facility for Advancing Technique” with Derek Parsons. In January, Douglas Weeks gave a piano master class at Bob Jones University’s War Memorial Chapel. February’s Civic Outreach Performance featured GMTA members. The March meeting by Anna Burrell surveyed the ensemble music of Cornelius Gurlitt, and in the April meeting, Tom Grimble presented “Stories in Music.”
LHM Winners
Division I (grades 4-6)
First Place - Emma Bao (Lisa Kiser)
Second Place - Danika Yang (Lisa Kiser)
Third Place - Emily Zhang (Lisa Kiser)
Honorable Mention - Jessica Hu (Lisa Kiser)
Division II (grades 7-9)
First Place - Nathan Sun (Lisa Kiser)
Second Place - John Wang (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin)
Third Place - Dana Cheng (David Kiser)
Honorable Mention - Emily Yi (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin)
Division III (grades 10-12)
First Place - Annabelle Yang (Lisa Kiser)
Second Place - Stephan Voelk (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin)
Third Place - Jiaying Tong (Sherry Parrini)
Honorable Mention- Lily Fonte (Julie Carrier)
GMTA Music Scholarship Winners
VOICE
Division I (grades 7-9)
First Place - Job Korver (Ina Pegram)
Second Place - Emily Hansen (Ina Pegram)
Third Place - Tari George (Ina Pegram)
Division II (grades 10-12)
First Place - Ariana Blythe Pegram (Ina Pegram)
Second Place - Rebecca Squires (Shelley Johansen)
Third Place - Eric Lane (Ina Pegram)
GMTA Music Scholarship Winners
INSTRUMENTAL
Division I (grades 7-9)
First Place - Blair Carrier (Amanda Barrett)
Second Place - Emily Yi (Mary AllyeB Purtle)
Division II (grades 10-12)
First Place- Bryn Carrier (Mary AllyeB Purtle)
Second Place - Leigha Turner (Mary AllyeB Purtle)
Winners performed at the Scholarship Winners Recital at the Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities on Sunday, April 23, 2017.
~Becky Hughes, Historian
2015-2016
President Shelley Johansen. Monthly meetings: Pecknel Recital Hall and Musical Innovations. Student recitals and Scholarship Winners Recital: Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities and Furman University.
Monthly Programs: Kick-off Meeting—Mission Mapping: Planning the Year with Goals in Mind with panelists Kuo-pei Cheng-Lin, Cindy Goodloe, and Lorri Turcios; Karolina Kaleidoscope Master Class with Shelly Hamilton; Master Class with David Lehman; You Can Teach Improvisation: Combining Ear-Playing Skills and Music Theory with Faye Lopez; Civic Outreach at Westminster Retirement Center; Music Business as it Relates to the Independent Teacher and Performing Musician with Dr. Kenon Renfrow; Summer is almost here—Let new musical adventures begin! with Lorri Turcios.
The Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship and GMTA Music Scholarship Auditions were held in April 2016.
LHM Winners:
Division I (grades 4-6) - Emily Yi (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin), Danika Yang (Lisa Kiser), Emma Bao (Lisa Kiser)
Division II (grades 7-9) - John Wang (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin), Jiaying Tong (Sherry Parrini), Emma Devine (Gary Mudre)
Division III (grades 10-12) - Annabelle Yang (Lisa Kiser), Anni Huang (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin), Chenjie Zhao (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin)
GMTA Music Scholarship Winners:
VOCAL
Division I (grades 7-9) - Eric Lane (Ina Pegram), Enoch Korver (Ina Pegram), Isaac Cropsey (Ina Pegram)
Division II (grades 10-12) - Rebecca Squires (Shelley Johansen), Ariana Blythe Pegram (Ina Pegram), Isaac Korver (Ina Pegram)
INSTRUMENTAL
Division I (grades 7-9) - Bryn Carrier (Mary AllyeB Purtle).
Division II (grades 10-12) - Erin Eady (Mary AllyeB Purtle), Nicholas Kanipe (Mary AllyeB Purtle).
Winners performed at the Scholarship Winners Recital at the Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities on Sunday, April 24, 2016.
Becky Hughes, Historian
2014-2015 President Tim Arnold. Monthly meetings and student recitals: Pecknel Recital Hall. Student Honor’s Recital: Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities.
Monthly Programs: Kick-off Meeting—How to Maximize Your Money-Legally! by Charlie Jones, Scott Case, and Tim Joiner, followed by a light luncheon; Water Music from Kjos: A Composer Masterclass with Gina Sprunger; Technology for Teachers: How to Find and Use the Best Software by May Lauren Brinkman; Teaching Accompanying to Intermediate Pianists: Benefits, Methods, and Materials by Anne Rogene Cook; Civic Outreach Performance at Shepherd’s Care; The Amazing Carolina Klavier Collection Lecture and Performance on Period Instruments by Dr. Thomas Strange; Upper Intermediate Masterclass by Dr. Stephen Tayor.
The LMH Memorial Piano Scholarship and GMTA Music Scholarship Auditions were held in April 2015.
LHM Winners:
Division I (grades 4-6) - Yuzu Saito (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin), Danika Yang (Lisa Lee Kiser), Anna Voelk (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin)
Division II (grades 7-9) - Andrea Laurence (Ina Carson Pegram), Sam Parrini (Sherry Parrini), Lily Fonte (Julie Carrier)
Division III (grades 10-12) - Yu Jung Jeon (Lisa Lee Kiser), Annabelle Yang (Lisa Lee Kiser), Liying Yuan (Lisa Lee Kiser)
GMTA Music Scholarship Winners:
VOCAL
Division I (grades 7-9) - Lucy Wang (Ina Carson Pegram), Enoch Korver (Ina Carson Pegram), Eric Lane (Ina Carson Pegram)
Division II (grades 10-12) - Ariana Blythe Pegram (Ina Carson Pegram), Andrew Jones (Ina Carson Pegram), Hannah Isbell (Ina Carson Pegram)
INSTRUMENTAL
Division I (grades 7-9) - Sam Parrini (Jennifer John), Bryn Carrier (Mary AllyeB Purtle)
Division II (grades 10-12) - Elliot Lin (Dianne Pinner), Erin Eady (Mary AlleB Purtle)
Winners performed at the Scholarship Winners Recital at the Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities on Sunday, April 19, 2015.
~Becky Hughes, Historian
2013-2014 President Tim Arnold. Monthly meetings and student recitals: Pecknel Recital Hall. Student Honors Recital:Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities.
Monthly Programs: Kick-Off Meeting – Pedagogical Priorities: What We Can Learn From College Piano Auditions, with David Lehman, Ruby Morgan, Fabio Parrini. This was followed by a light luncheon; Forming Good Technical Habits in Beginning Pianists with Jean Cook, Shelley Johansen, Lorri Turcios; Self-Efficacy: Creating Confidence Through Successful Learning Situations with Dr. Sarah Evans Moore; Tool Time: Using the Right Movement to Get the Right Sound with Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin; Greenville Music Teachers Outreach at Westminster Independent Retirement Community; Improvisation, Accompanying, and Service Playing with Dr. Mac and Beth Lynch; Sight Playing with Strategy with Dr. Peter Davis.
The Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship and GMTA Music Scholarship Auditions were held in March 2014.
LHM Winners:
Division I (grades 4-6) – Yuzo Saito (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin), Emily Yi (Lisa Lee Kiser), Anna Voelk (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin)
Division II (grades 7-9) – Melvina Kuoshu (Lisa Lee Kiser), Annabelle Yang (Lisa Lee Kiser), Andrea Lawrence (Ina Pegram)
Division III (grades 10-12) – Maria Parrini (Sherry Parrini), Yu Jung Jeon (Lisa Lee Kiser), Anni Huang (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin)
GMTA Music Scholarship Winners:
Vocal
Division I (grades 7-9) – Lucy Wang (Ina Pegram), Isaac Korver (Ina Pegram), Eli Hughes (Ina Pegram)
Division II (grades 10-12) – Andrew Jones (Ina Pegram), Katelyn Summerlin (Ina Pegram), Stephen Hansen (Ina Pegram)
Instrumental
Division I - Bryn Carrier (Mary AllyB Purtle)
Division II – Erin Eady (Mary AllyB Purtle)
Winners performed at the Student Honors Recital at Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University in May.
2012-2013 President Warren "Tim" Arnold. Monthly meetings and student recitals: Pecknel Recital Hall. Student Honors Recital: Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities.
Monthly programs: Kick Off Meeting – GMTA Piano Skills Festival – An Overview, with committee members Cindy Goodloe, Bonnie Heiser, and Lorri Turcios. This was followed by a light luncheon; Opportunites for Music Students at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities with Lauren Maxwell and Dr. Stephen Taylor; Social Media, Teacher Directories, and Websites: Online Marketing Strategies for Your Piano Studio with Steven Brundage; Peace, Love and Harmonization: A Resource Review with Lorri Turcios; Annual Teachers Concert held in the War Memorial Chapel at Bob Jones University. The following musicians performed: Rita Hassig (organ), Cindy Goodloe (piano), Janice Flinte (piano) accompanied Pam Dunbar (soprano), Tim Arnold (piano), Deanna Moore (piano) accompanied Kristin Figard (violin), Lorri Turcios (piano), and Deanna Moore (piano); Well-Tempered Body – Presentation on Dalcroze’s Eurhythmics with Ipek Brooks; Do You Hear What I Hear? Teaching Students with Hearing Loss with Cherisse Miller.
The Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship and GMTA Music Scholarship Auditions were held in April 2013.
LHM Winners:
Division I (grades 4-6) – Stephan Voelk (Kuo-Pei Cheng Lin), John Wang (Kuo-Pei Cheng Lin), Jiaying Tong (Sherry Parrini)
Division II (grades 7-9) – Annabelle Yang (Lisa Lee Kiser), Melvina Kuoshu (Lisa Lee Kiser), Carol Lee (Lisa Lee Kiser)
Division III (grades 10-12) – Maria Parrini (Sherry Parrini), Andrew Daugherty (Ina Pegram), Yu Jung Jeon (Lisa Lee Kiser)
GMTA Music Scholarship Winners:
VOCAL
Division I (grades 7-9) – Ariana Pegram (Ina Pegram), Avari Evans (Ina Pegram), Lauren Gilliland (Ina Pegram)
Division II (grades 10-12) – Kate Summerlin (Ina Pegram), Lorin Pegram (Ina Pegram), Mandie Allen (Ina Pegram)
INSTRUMENTAL
Division I (woodwind) – Monica Li (Mary AllyeB Purtle)
Division II (woodwind) – Jeremy Chen (Mary AllyeB Purtle)
Winners performed at the Student Honors Recital at the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities in May.
~Susan Adams, Historian
2011-2012 President Tim Arnold. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals: Pecknel Recital Hall. Student Honors Recital: Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities.
Monthly Programs: Kick Off Meeting – Panel Discussion: Equipping Today’s Students for Lifelong Music Making with GMTA members Peter Davis, Derek Parsons, and Ken Renfrow. This discussion was followed by the Introduction of the New GMTA Piano Achievement Festival with GMTA members Cindy Goodloe, Bonnie Heiser, and Lorri Turcios. A light luncheon followed. Other meetings were: Catch a Rising Star: Behind the Scenes of the Southeastern Piano Festival with Sarah Evans Moore; Business and Tax Information for Music Teachers with Scott Case; The Church Pianist with Rebecca Bonam and Duane Ream; Here…Play This! with Lorri Turcios; and Getting Out of That Music Box with Diane Higgins. The annual Teachers Concert was cancelled due to lack of participation.
The Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship and GMTA Music Scholarship Auditions were held in March 2012.
LHM Winners:
Division I (grades 4-6) - Jiaying Tong ( Sherry Parrini), John Wang ( Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin), Stephan Voelk ( Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin)
Division II (grades 7-9)- Melvina Kuoshu (Lisa Lee), Katherine Woo (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin), Missy McClintock (Stephen Taylor)
Division III (grades 10-12) – Tie between Judith Lin (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin) and Maria Parrini (Sherry Parrini): Alexandra Mauney (Sherry Parrini)
GMTA Music Scholarship Winners:
VOCAL
Division I (grades 7-9) – Eli Hughes (Ina Pegram), Andrew Jones (Ina Pegram), Ariana Pegram (Ina Pegram)
Division II (grades 10-12) – Lorin Pegram (Ina Pegram), Karissa Moeller (Ina Pegram), Katelyn Summerlin (Ina Pegram)
No INSTRUMENTAL entrants
Winners performed in the Student Honors Recital at the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities in May.
We were saddened to lose longtime GMTA members Juanita McGaffic, Suzanne Nelson, and Duane White (former officer) this year.
~Susan Adams, Historian
2010-2011 President Deanna Moore. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals: Pecknel Recital Hall. Student Honors Recital: Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. Monthly programs: Kick-off Meeting – Repertoire Round-Up: Teacher’s Favorites –Usual and Unusual – Panel Discussion with GMTA members Marlyn Davies, Gary Mudre, Sherry Perrini, and Sally Brown Ullom, followed by a light luncheon; Bonnie Blanchard Book Discussion presented by GMTA members Cindy Goodloe and Tim Arnold; GMTA Workshop Seminar with Bonnie Blanchard – Transform Your Teaching; Carl Czerny: Friend or Foe? with Dr. Jun Matsuo; A Tool for Music Teachers? with David and Cindy Goodloe; Annual Teachers Concert held at War Memorial Chapel, Bob Jones University. The following teachers performed: Elaine Graybeal played a duet with her student Audrey Jones, Cindy Goodloe (piano), Rita Hassig (organ), Lori Turcios, Kathryn Hughes, and Charlene Brooks (piano trio), Melanie Foster Taylor (piano); Music Composition in the Digital Era with Hamilton Alstatt; Annual Business Meeting, and Demo and Discussion of Online Teaching with Jeffrey Purtle.
The Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship and GMTA Music Scholarship Auditions were held in March 2011.
LHM Winners:
Division I (grades 4-6) – Melvina Kuoshu (Lisa Lee); Annabelle Yang (Lisa Lee); Liying Yuan (Lisa Lee)
Division II (grades 7-9) – Maria Parrini (Sherry Parrini), Cathy Wei (Sally Brown-Ullom), Carolyn Li (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin)
Division III (grades 10-12) – Zachary Hughes (Fabio Parrini), Judith Lin (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin); Jiao Wei Zhang (Lisa Lee)
GMTA Music Scholarship Winners:
VOCAL
Division I (grades 7-9) – Katelyn Summerlin (Ina Pegram)
Division II (grades 10-12) - Zachary Hughes, (Ina Pegram), Gianna Giampapa (Ina Pegram), Oksana Sivova (Ina Pegram)
INSTRUMENTAL
Division I (grades 7-9) – no entrants
Division II (grades 10-12) – Ann-Elise Siden (Mary AllyeB Purtle)
Winners performed in the Student Honors Recital at the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities in May.
~ Susan Adams, Historian
2009-2010 President Deanna Moore. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals: Pecknel Recital Hall. Student Honors Recital: Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities.
Monthly programs: Kick-off Meeting – Special Business Meeting, New Yearbooks, Panel Discussion on Teaching and Learning Styles and Attracting and Retaining Students, followed by a light luncheon; From Perusal to Performance with Dr. Ruby Morgan; Master Class Showcase with students of GMTA members with Fabio Parrini; An Overview of Recreational Music Making; GMTA Members in Collaborative Performance – held at Anglican Church of St. George the Martyr, Simpsonville. The following teachers performed: Ellen Shearer, piano, Sherry Parrini accompanied her children Maria (cello) and Sam (violin), Cindy Goodloe accompanied Eric Lapin (clarinet), Frances Marsh accompanied Katherine King (violin), and Stanley Tull (violin), Deanna Moore and Duane Ream piano duet, and Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin accompanied Sonja Coppenbarger (bassoon); Vocal Wellness in Singing and Speech: A Healthy Sound = A Beautiful Sound with Dr. Lisa Sain Odom; and Slow Motion Video Analysis of Inefficient Movement at the Keyboard with Dr. Dylan Savage.
The Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship and GMTA Music Scholarship Auditions were held in April 2010.
LHM Winners:
Division I (grades 4-6) – Annabelle Yang (Lisa Lee); Katherine Woo (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin); Lying Yuan(Lisa Lee)
Division II (grades 7-9) – Judith Lin (Kuo-Pei;Cheng-Lin); Maria Parrini (Sherry Parrini); Carolyn Li (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin)
Division III (grades 10-12) – Zachary Hughes Fabio Parrini); Annie Churdar (Sally Ullom); Christi Dean (Sherry Parrini)
GMTA Music Scholarship Winners:
VOCAL
Division I (grades 7-9) – Andrew Jones (Ina Pegram)
Division II (grades 10-12) – Lindsey Jones (Ina Pegram); Mark Czapiewski (Ina Pegram); Nicholas Hawkins (Tim Arnold)
INSTRUMENTAL
Division I (grades 7-9)– Jada Tate (Tim Arnold)
Division II (grades 10-12) – Merritt Huff (Mary AllyeB Purtle)
Winners performed at the Student Honors Recital at the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities in May.
2008-2009 President Deanna Moore. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals: Pecknel Recital Hall. Student Honors Recital: Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities.
Monthly programs: Preview of the 2008-2009 school year included presentation of the new GMTA web site (greenvillemta.org created by MTNA in collaboration with GMTA member Janice Flinte) and light luncheon; Musikgarten® workshop with Dr. Mary Louise Wilson; 48th Annual SCMTA Conference held at Bob Jones University; “Bach and the Baroque Style” presented by member Ms. Sylvia Suzowsky; and GMTA Performance Day at the Upcountry History Museum. (The following teachers had students perform: Julie Carrier, Marlyn Davies, Alice Gingery, Elaine Graybeal, Rita Hassig, Deanna Moore, Ina Pegram, Lois Schneider, and Sally Ullom. Julie Carrier, Elaine Graybeal, and Deanna Moore also performed.) “Technology for Teachers” presented by member Dr. Ken Renfrow; “Ligeti: Grand Illusionist” presented by our own president, Deanna Moore; and “Entrepreneurship for Musicians” presented by Dr. Dylan Savage.
The Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship and GMTA Music Scholarship Auditions were held in April 2009.
LHM Winners:
Division I (grades 4-6) - Ellen Chen (SallyUllom)
Division II (grades 7-9) - Judith Lin (Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin)
Division III (grades 10-12) - Janice Hu (Ann Guest)
GMTA Music Scholarship Winners:
Vocal
Division I - Lorin Pegram (Ina Pegram)
Division II - Alicia Doyle (Marlyn Davies)
Instrumental
Division I - Judith Lin (Mary AllyeB Purtle)
Division II - Katrina Keat (Elaine Graybeal)
Winners performed at the Student Honors Recital at the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities in May.
We welcomed Margaret Belle Moore to our president Deanna Moore and her husband Michael. She was born on April 21, the day of our last 2008-2009 meeting. Congratulations Deanna!
May it be noted that GMTA Historian Virginia Loring Bellew compiled and wrote GMTA history from the 1960s until 2009. Our heartfelt thanks, Virginia!
Susan Adams - Historian
2007-2008 President: Deanna Moore. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals: Pecknel Recital Hall. Student Honors Recital: John Knox Presbyterian Church.
Monthly programs: Teachers' Forum (Kuo-pei Cheng-Lin, Stephanie Davis, Rita Hassig, Sally Brown Ullom and Dr. Derek Parsons), Dr. Linda Li-Bleuel, Dr. John Pickett, Bob Jones University graduate students and Furman undergraduate students, book reviews by Walter Hundt, Sherri Parrini, and Loraine Ratouch, Mrs. Sharon Sawyer.
The 11th annual Teachers Concert: Saturday, February 3, 2008 at John Knox Presbyterian Church. Performers: Virginia Bellew, Julie Carrier, Alice Gingery, Cindy Goodloe,, Christa Habegger, Rita Hassig, Walter Hundt, and Deanna Moore. A reception was held following the concert.
The Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship and GMTA Music Scholarship Auditions were held in April 2008.
LHM Winners:
Division I (grades 4-6) - Ellen Chen
Division II (grades 7-9) - Judith Lin
Division III (grades 10-12) - Valerie Hsu
GMTA Music Scholarship Winners:
Vocal-Division I (grades 7-9) - Lorin Pegram
Division II (grades 10-12) - Amanda Collins
Winners performed at the Student Honors Recital in April at John Knox Presbyterian Church.
We were profoundly saddened by the sudden death of Marjorie Suhs Brewer on April 28, 2007. Marjorie was an active member of long standing and a past president of GMTA. She was generous with her vast musical knowledge and will be greatly missed, especially by your historian who considered her more as a sister rather than just a close friend.
New officers for the 2007-2009 term elected at the Annual Meeting were: President, Deanna Moore, President-elect, Elisabeth Boyle; Vice President of Programs, Cindy Goodloe; Vice President of Membership, Tim Arnold; Secretary, Margret Ann Swasey; Treasurer, Elaine Graybeal.
2006-2007 President: Rita Hassig. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals, Pecknel Recital Hall. Student Honors Recital, John Knox Presbyterian Church.
Speakers were: Dr. David Gross and Dr. Duane White (Teachers Forum), Professor Phyllis Rappeport, Dr. Gary Stegall, Dr. Linda Li-Bleuel, Andrea Emmel, M.M., and Dr. Cindy Goodloe.
The tenth annual GMTA Teachers Concert was held February 3, 2007 at John Knox Presbyterian Church. Performers were: Virginia Bellew, Elisabeth Boyle, Julie Carrier, Alice Gingery, David Gross, Christa Habegger and Deanna Moore. Following the concert, a reception was held in the church social hall.
The Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship and GMTA High School Music Scholarship auditions were held in April 2007. Morton Scholarship winners: $300 Award, Valerie Hsu; $200 Award, Jordan Sepsey; $100 Award, Mary McArthur; The H. S. Scholarship $100 Award winner was Amanda Collins (voice). The winners performed at the Student Honors Recital.
2005-2006 President Rita Hassig. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals: Pecknel Recital Hall. Student Honors Recital: John Knox Presbyterian Church. Speakers were Teachers Forum followed by Dr. Tien-Ni Chen, Professor Fabio Parrini, Mr. Warren Schmitt, Dr. Douglas Weeks, Dr. Stephen Taylor and Dr. Ann Barnes Wilson.
The ninth annual GMTA Teachers Concert was held February 4, 2006, at John Knox Presbyterian Church. Members performing: Virginia Bellew, Marjorie Brewer, Julie Carrier, Stephanie Davis, Janice Flinte, Alice Gingery, Elaine Graybeal, David Gross, Christa Habegger, Rita Hassig, Walter Hundt, Phil Lehman, Fran Marsh, and Deanna Moore. A reception following the concert was held in the church social hall.
The GMTA Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarships and GMTA High School Music Scholarships Auditions were both held in April, 2006. Winners in the Morton Scholarship: $300 Award, Chong Ni; $200 Award, Jordan Sepsey; and $100 Award, Jessica Wolfinger. The H. S. Music Scholarship Award in Voice, $100, went to Cameron Loudermilk. These winners performed in the April 30, 2006, Student Honors Recital held at John Knox Presbyterian Church.
Since its inception in 2001, The Laurence Hamilton Morton Piano Scholarship, which after his death in 2002 was re-named the GMTA Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship, was chaired by Virginia Bellew, appointed by president Janice Flinte.
Tendering her resignation as of May 2006, Virginia expressed the hope that future auditions would continue to uphold the high standards and legacy that Laurence Morton left for GMTA teachers and their students. She also thanked her capable committee consisting of Marjorie Brewer, Deborah Freeman and Ann Guest whose help and cooperation over the past five years were invaluable.
2004-2005 President: Rita Hassig. Monthly meetings and Student recitals, Recital Hall, Pecknel Music Company. Student Honors Recital, John Knox Presbyterian Church.
Speakers were Dr. Lorraine DeJong; Furman University Keyboard Faculty: Dr. Ruby Morgan, Dr. Ruth Neville, Dr. Derek Parsons, and Dr. Charles Boyd Tompkins, hosted by Dr. David Gross; GMTA Members Panel: Virginia Bellew, Deborah Freeman, Ann Guest, and Cindy Goodloe; Dr. Matthew Manwarren; Dr. Scott Price; and Dr. Paul Stewart.
The eighth annual Teachers Concert presented by GMTA members was held at John Knox Presbyterian Church, February 5, 2005. Performers were: Elisabeth DeBose Boyle, Marjorie Suhs Brewer, Julie Carrier, Kuo-Pei Cheng-Lin, Cindy Goodloe, Elaine Graybeal, Christa Gingery Habagger, Rita Hassig, non-member David Lehman, Fran Marsh, Derek Parsons, and Mary AllyeB Purtle. A reception following the program was held in the church social hall.
We were saddened by the death of Dr. David Gibson, November 30, 2004. Dr. Gibson was Professor of Piano at Furman University, President of SCMTA, accompanist for the Greenville Civic Chorale, and organist at several Greenville churches. After his retirement, Dr. Gibson moved to Atlanta where his daughter, Gloria, and her family live. A memorial service was held in early December in Daniel Memorial Chapel.
Both the GMTA Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship Auditions and the GMTA High School Music Scholarship Auditions were held April 16, 2005. The Morton Scholarship winners were: $300 Award, Chong Ni; $200 Award, Courtney Crandell; and $100 Award, Rachel Graves. High School Music Scholarship winners were: $100 Voice Award, Esther Tobias; $100 Woodwind Winners (tied), Chelsea Cox, oboe and Yvonne Kao, flute. All winners performed in the May 1, 2005, Student Honors Recital held at John Knox Presbyterian Church.
There were no GMTA MTNA Competition Aid Fund recipients this year. but Stacey Raynes was the recipient of a $100 GMTA High School Music Scholarship award.
2003-2004 President: Rita Hassig. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals, Recital Hall, Pecknel Music Company. Speakers were Uwe Diestel, Christa Habegger, Dr. Anthony Lenti, Dr. Ruth Neville, Dr. Sophia Pierroutsokas, and Dr. Milton Stern.
The seventh annual Teachers Concert was presented by GMTA members at John Knox Presbyterian Church on February 7, 2004. Performers were Virginia Bellew, Elisabeth Boyle, Marjorie Brewer, Julie Carrier, David Gross, Christa Habegger, Rita Hassig, Fran Marsh, and Fabio and Sherry Parrini. A reception was held after the program in the church social hall.
We were saddened by the death of long-standing, active and honorary life member, Erma Riggins Looper. We welcomed the arrival of Blair Alexis Carter, daughter of member Julie Carrier and her husband, Randy.
The GMTA Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship auditions were held on April 3, 2004. Winners: $400 Award, David Kiser; $300 Award, Amberly Cox; $200 Award, Courtney Crandall; and $100 Award, Mary Beth McCall.
Anne Morton, widow of the late Laurence Hamilton Morton, presented the awards after the students performed at the Student Honors Recital held at John Knox Presbyterian Church on April 25.
There were no GMTA MTNA Competition Aid Fund recipients this year, but Stacey Raynes was the recipient of a $100 GMTA High School Music Scholarship award.
2002-2003 President: Janice Flinte. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals, Recital Hall, Pecknel Music Company.
Speakers were Tim Arnold, Dr. Kerry Carlin, Dr. David Gross, Dr. Shawn LaBelle, Phil Lehman, Dr. Douglas Weeks, and Frances Wickes.
The sixth annual Teachers Recital was presented by GMTA members at John Knox Presbyterian Church on February 8, 2003. Performers were Virginia Bellew, Elisabeth Boyle, Marjorie Brewer, Janice Flinte, non-member Randy Flower, Elaine Graybeal, David Gross, Rita Hassig, Dorothy Kelly, Frances Marsh, Ruth Mason, Mary AllyeB Purtle, Jeff Purtle, and Lois Schneider. A reception in the social hall followed the program.
We were saddened in January by the death of one of our long-standing and active members, Lila Odom. In March we welcomed the arrival of Grace Ann Eger, daughter of Student Recital Chair, Abby Eger, and her husband.
The LaurenceHamilton Morton Memorial Scholarship Auditions were held March 9, 2003. Thirty students representing nine GMTA members participated. Winners: $400 Award, Chong Ni; $300 Award, Eric Stevens; $200 Award, Aaron Oliphant, and $100 Award, Amberly Cox. In April, these four students participated in the Honors Recital, and were presented their awards by Anne Morton, widow of Laurence Morton.
MTNA Competition Aid Recipients were Natalie Raynes, Bryce Pegram, and Peter Wright. GMTA High School Music Scholarship recipients were Char'Lee Pickens and Melissa Roberts.
New officers elected at the April meeting for the 2003-2005 term were President, Rita Hassig; President-elect, Phil Lehman, Vice President of Programs, David Gross; Vice-President of Membership/MTNA Certification, Sally Brown Ullom, Secretary, Elaine Graybeal, and Treasurer, Phil Lehman.
2001-2002 President: Janice Flinte, Monthly meetings and Student Recitals, Recital Hall, Pecknel Music Company.
The fifth annual Teachers Recital was presented by GMTA members at John Knox Presbyterian Church on February 9, 2002. Those performing were Virginia Bellew, Marjorie Brewer, Julie Carrier Lisa Dillard, Janice Flinte, Alice Gingery, David Gross, Rita Hassig, Ina Pegram, Jeff Purtle, and Lois Schneider. A reception in the social hall followed the program.
In addition to the Teachers Recital, programs for the year included Dr. Stephen Taylor, Dr. Matthew Manwarren, Mrs. Sally Brown, Members Forum, Dr. Melanie Foster Taylor, Mrs. Paula Morgan, and Drs. Jonathan and Elizabeth Maisonpierre.
Congratulations to VP for Programs, Lisa Dillard, and her husband, Chris, on the arrival of their daughter, Elizabeth, born April 19, 2002.
With the passing of Laurence Hamilton Morton on 24 February 2002, GMTA lostone of its most respected founding members.
Mr. Morton had been active in GMTA since the 1960s. In 1985 he and GMTA President John Hunter co-founded the Greenville Piano Concert Series. (See 1985-1986 history) A respected artist teacher, Mr. Morton served as Head of the Bob Jones University Piano Department for 40 years until his retirement in May 2000. He is survived by his wife, Ann McKenzie and their daughter, Barbara.
Mr. Morton's dedication and unceasing efforts are cherished and remembered by our members. It is our hope that our present and future membership will continue to benefit from the legacy he has left our organization.
The Laurence Hamilton Morton Piano Scholarship was created by approval of the Executive Board on October 17, 2000. Mr. Morton was surprised and gratified to learn of this honor. After his death, the Board approved in August 2002 to rename the project The Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship. Auditions were held in May 2002. Twenty-nine students representing seven GMTA teachers participated. Winners: $400 Award Jesse Lee, grade 12; $300 Award Courtney Crandall, grade 9; $200 Award Faith Russell, grade 12.
We are deeply grateful to those GMTA members and friends who make donations which enable this scholarship to become an annual event as a continuing memorial to Mr. Morton.
The GMTA MTNA Financial Aid Fund was approved by the Executive Board in August 2001. This Fund is made possible by our advertisers and donors.
2000-2001 President: Janice Flinte. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals, Recital Hall, Pecknel Music Company. Spring Honors Recital cancelled.
Fourth annual Teachers Recital presented by GMTA members, Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University. Those performing: Sally Brown, Abby Eger, Dan Forrest, Rita Hassig, Karen Jones, Sally MacArthur, and Gwen Starling. A reception in the lobby followed the recital.
We were all saddened in August and October by the death of our dear friends and long-standing active members, Sylvia Stoner and Ernestine Smith.
Officers for 2001-2002 school year elected by acclamation at the April meeting: President, Janice Flinte; President-elect, Rita Hassig; Vice-President of Programs, Stephanie Davis; Vice-President for Membership/Accreditation, Sally Brown; Secretary, Gwen Starling; Treasurer, Tim Arnold. In May Stephanie Davis resigned her position as Vice-President of rograms. Appointed by the President to fill the vacancy, Lisa Dillard, who is to be elected at the first GMTA meeting in September 2001.
At the close of the teaching year, Anne and Laurence Morton retired as piano faculty of Bob Jones University, he having served as chairman of the piano department for over forty years. Both will continue to live on campus and teach private students.
The first Laurence Hamilton Morton Piano Scholarship, a resounding success, was held in May, with twenty-nine students of nine teachers participating. Winners: $400 Award, Audrey Beth Pegram; $300 Award, Stacy Raines; $200 Award, Spencer Player; and honorable mention, $100 Award, Aaron Wells.
1999-2000 President: Janice Flinte, private teacher. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals; Recital Hall, Pecknel Music Company. Student Honors Recital; Sanctuary, First Presbyterian Church.
Third annual Teachers' Recital presented by local GMTA members; Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University. Those performing: Virginia Bellew, Marjorie Brewer, Julie Carrier, Alice Gingery, Rita Hassig, Sheri Mitchell, Amanda Montgomery, Fabio Parrini, and Ina Pegram.
Greenville Piano Concert Series; Gunter Theatre for the Performing Arts. Concert artists: Richard Ormrod (October 1999), Martin Kasik (scheduled for January but cancelled because of bad weather), Hsing-Ay Hsu, and Heather Conner. A reception in the theater lobby followed each concert.
Regretfully, our Greenville Piano Concert Series has come to an end, at least for the present. Plans for co-sponsorship with another organization are in a tentative state, and it is hoped another concert series will emerge.
To quote Lois Schneider, director of the Greenville Piano Concert Series: "The Piano Concert Series of the Greenville Music Teachers Association was held fifteen consecutive seasons, from the fall of 1985 through the spring of 2000. The Series was begun by John Hunter and Laurence Morton to inspire Greenville students by hearing good performers from other locations.
"For the following reasons the Series will be suspended by GMTA:
(1) No one is able to head up the directorship at this time, (2) Our teachers are finding it difficult to get students to attend, (3) The expense of the operation requires too much volunteer time for our members.
"This does not mean that we, as teachers, felt it was not a valuable asset to our community. On the contrary, we reluctantly are suspending the Series, and hope that in the future something similar may take its place. Also, it must be said that those who were on the board this year served very faithfully. Each member did his or her part, and even more when needed. I want to thank each of you for what you did."
1998-1999 President: Deborah Freeman. Monthly meetings, Student Recitals and Honors Recital as in 1997-1998.
Second annual Teachers' Recital presented by local GMTA members, Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University. Those performing: Melanie Baughman, Marjorie Brewer, Jeannine Finken, Janice Flinte, Deborah Freeman, Alice Gingery, Ann Guest, Rita Hassig, Frances Marsh, Sheri Mitchell, Fabio Parrini, Ina Pegram, and Barbara Stone.
Piano Concert Series funded in part by the Metropolitan Arts Council, City of Greenville Accommodations Tax, South Carolina Arts Commission that receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts and Virginia Bellew, local member. Series artists: Esther Budiarjo, Jeremy Denk, Albert Tiu, and Michael Sheppard. A reception in the theater followed each concert.
1997-1998 President: Deborah Freeman. Monthly meetings, Student Recitals and Honors Recital as in 1997. Enrollment in GMTA numbered 84, with 16 being recognized as NCTM-Nationally Certified Teachers of Music.
Establishment of the first recital presented by local members of GMTA, Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University. Those appearing: Warren "Tim" Arnold, Melanie Baughman, Virginia Bellew, Marjorie Suhs Brewer, Deborah Freeman, Jeannine Finken, Ann Guest, Alice Gingery, Rita Hassig, Dorothy Kelly, Frances Marsh, Ruth Mason, Sheri Mitchell, Suzanne Nelson, Fabio Parrini, Sherry Parrini, Ina Pegram, Lois Schneider, and Barbara Stone.
Laurence Morton, co-founder of the Greenville Concert Piano Series, was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the State's highest honor. He retired at the end of the school year as chairman of the piano department at Bob Jones University where he had served in that capacity since 1958. He will continue to teach in the piano department. Mr. Morton will remain as chairman of the piano faculty at the National Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan.
Piano Concert Series artists: Wendy Chen, Scott Holden, duo-pianists Debbie Lee and Richard Ormrod, and Christopher Harding. A reception in the theater lobby followed each concert.
1996-1997 President: Deborah Freeman. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals changed to Recital Hall, Pecknel Music Company. Honors Recital, Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University.
For the first time, Piano Concert Series funded in part by the Metropolitan Arts Council, City of Greenville Accommodations Tax, and South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Piano Concert Series artists: Sandra Wright, Adam Neiman, Assaff Weisman, and Brenda Huang. A reception in theater lobby followed each concert.
1995-1996 President: Deborah Freeman, private teacher. Monthly meetings, Student and Honors Recitals as in 1994-1995.
At SCMTA convention, University of South Carolina: Ruby Morgan, lecture-performance. Ann Guest, Vice-President, and chairman for Membership.
After John Hunter moved to Oak Park, Illinois, Lois Schneider, independent teacher, became our first new director of the Piano Concert Series. For the first time, her husband, Bill, conducted stage interviews with the performers.
The series, over the years, had evolved into an anticipated Greenville musical event, as described by the new director, Lois Schneider: "To inspire music students, and to present young, promising international artists." And to quote the president, Deborah Freeman: "Our purpose is to raise our standards of music teaching and performance, and to introduce our students and guests to young international artists of exceptional talent." Interestingly, no other association of music teachers anywhere in the United States presents a comparable series. The 1996 performing artists: Peter Miyamoto, Melanie Hadley, Andrew Armstrong, and (now Greenville resident) Fabio Parrini. A reception in the theater lobby followed each concert.
1994-1995 President: Sally Brown. Monthly meetings, Student, and Honors Recital as in 1994. For the first time, local membership numbered 71.
Concert Piano Series artists: Deborah Lee, Laura Lambert, Mihai Ungureanu, and Andrius Zlabys. Establishment of reception in theater lobby following each concert.
1993-1994 President: Sally Brown. Monthly meetings changed to choir room, First Presbyterian Church; Student Recitals, Recital Hall, Greenville Museum of Art and Honors Recital, Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University.
Concert Piano Series artists: Haskell Small, Douglas Humphreys, Massimilliano Frani, and Soojiin Ahn.
1992-1993 President: Sally Brown. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals as in 1992.
Constitution and By-Laws revised. For the first time, advertisements appeared in the Concert Series program.
At SCMTA convention, Lander University: Jean Cook, Treasurer, Ruby Morgan, Furman University, Wurlitzer Collegiate Competition; Sally Brown, Independent Music Teachers session, Laurence Morton, Long-Range Planning, and Ann Guest, Nominating.
Concert Piano Series artists: Ting Zhong, Anthony Hewitt, Ilya Iten, and Daniel Shapiro.
1991-1992 President: Sally Brown. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals as in 1991.
At SCMTA convention, Presbyterian College: Marjorie Suhs Brewer, Vice-President for Publicity, and Jean Cook, Bob Jones University faculty, private teacher, Treasurer. Local associations, in addition to Columbia, Greenville and Greenwood: Charleston, Florence, Hilton Head, Lower Piedmont, and Orangeburg.
Concert Piano Series artists: Tian Ying, Petras Geniusas, Ilya Itin, and Christopher Taylor.
1990-1991 President: Sally Brown, private teacher. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals: Recital Hall, Greenville County Museum of Art. Honors recital, Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University. Establishment of first annual yearbook.
At SCMTA convention, Columbia College: Marjorie Suhs Brewer, Vice-President for Publicity, and Karen Wilson, Treasurer. Greenville Piano Concert artists: Alexander Shtarkman, Egle Janileviciute, Christopher Taylor, and Jonathan Bass.
1989-1990 President: Virginia Bellew. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals as in 1988-1989.
At SCMTA convention Columbia College, appearing on Independent Teachers Forum were Laurence Morton and Sally Brown. Enrollment of Greenville Music Teachers Association was 55.
The Piano Concert Series was changed to the Gunter Theatre of the Peace Center for the Performing Arts. The artists: Jonathan Bass, Haesus Paik, Peter Mack and Alec Chien.
1988-1989 President: Virginia Bellew. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals as in 1988.
At SCMTA convention, Bob Jones University: Ann Guest, president; Karen Wilson, treasurer. Area chairpersons: Gayle Chesebro, Brass; Wendy Pocock, Independent Music Teachers; Laurence Morton and David Gibson, Long-Range Planning. Richard Cass, native Greenvillian, was Convention artist. Piano Concert Series artists: Jonathan Bass, David Korevaar, Xiang-dong Kong, and Lawrence Blind.
1987-1988 President: Virginia Bellew. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals: Recital Hall, Greenville County Museum of Art; Honors Recital, Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University. At SCMTA Convention, Lander College: Ann Guest, President. Area chairpersons: John Hunter, Independent Music Teachers Forum; Gayle Chesebro, Brass, and Laurence Morton, Long-Range Planning. Third year Piano Concert Series artists: Jonathan Bass, Sachiko Hasegawa, Benedetto Lupo. and William Wolfram.
1986-1987 President: John Hunter. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals as in 1982-1986. At SCMTA Convention, Winthrop College: Ann Guest, chairman, Pre-College Department, Furman University and private teacher, President-elect.
Artists appearing on second Concert Piano Series: Ori Steinberg, Jonathan Bass, Nina Kennedy and Brian Preston.
1985-1986 President: John Hunter. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals as in 1982-1985. John Hunter and Laurence Morton, co-chairmen, established the first of the Piano Concert Series sponsored by the Greenville Music Teachers Association. The original purpose of the series was to bring talented artists to Greenville, and provide a musical event for students and the general public. (See further explanation in the 1996 entry.) Artists appearing in concert held at Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University: Maurice Hinson, Louis Nagel, Raymond Dudley and Alan Gampel. A reception at the Austin Academy of Music followed each concert.
1984-1985 President: John Hunter. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals as in 1982- 1984.
At SCMTA convention held at Furman University, local teachers appeared in recital during an Independent Teachers Forum: Virginia Loring Bellew; Jean Meares Leland, Hollingsworth Guest, and Marjorie Suhs Brewer.
1983-1984 President: John Hunter. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals as in 1982-1983.
At SCMTA Silver Anniversary Convention, University of South Carolina; presiding at Silver Birthday Celebration honoring state founders: Laurence Morton, who was a state charter member. Greenwood listed as third local association, SCMTA, as previously were Greenville and Columbia.
1982-1983 President: John Hunter, Dean of Austin Academy of Music and private teacher. Monthly meetings: choir room, Westminster Presbyterian Church. Student Recitals: Recital Hall, Greenville Museum of Art. Honors Recital, Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University.
1981-1982 President: Betty Lewis. Monthly meetings: choir room, Westminster Presbyterian Church. Student Recitals; Recital Hall, Greenville Museum of Art, and Honors Recital, Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University.
At SCMTA Convention, Columbia College, presiding at "Piano performance Master Class," Laurence Morton. SCMTA officers: Virginia Bellew, 4th vice president, and Karen Wilson, secretary-treasurer.
1980-1981 President: Betty Lewis, private teacher. Monthly meetings: choir room, Westminster Presbyterian Church; Student Recitals, Recital Hall, Greenville Museum of Art.
At SCMTA Convention, Converse College: lecturer-recitalist. At Independent Music Teachers session, a recital by the "Greenville Teachers Performance Group": Bessie Cheros, Barbara Stone, Wendy Rees Pocock, Josephine Edgar, Ernestine Smith, Erma Riggins Looper, Ann Hollingsworth Guest, and Virginia Loring Bellew.
1979-1980 President: Virginia Bellew. Monthly meetings and Student Recitals, Magill Hall. Honors Recital, Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University.
1978-1979 Greenville Music Teachers Association President: Virginia Bellew, private teacher. Monthly meetings, choir room, St. Matthew Methodist Church with student recitals in the church sanctuary. Local members and SCMTA area chairpersons: David Lehman, Bob Jones University faculty, College Piano Competition; Robert Chesebro, Furman University faculty, College Woodwind Competition, and Ed Dunbar, Bob Jones University faculty, Organ Competition.