Anne Arundel Music Teachers Association, established in 1968, is the Anne Arundel County affiliate of the Maryland State Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association. AAMTA has developed into an organization of nearly 40 teachers, including pianists, vocalists and other instrumentalists, who participate in cultural activities throughout Anne Arundel County, the state of Maryland and the entire country. AAMTA members maintain private studios and serve as faculty members for schools and as staff members for churches in the area. Several published composers and active performers are members of AAMTA.

Elected Officers 2009 - 2010

President

 

 Marcia Slentz-Whalen

Vice President

 

  Katya Merchant

Recording Secretary

 

  Sarah Crandall

Corresponding Secretary

 

 Chris Sanders

Treasurer

 

 Betsy Green

First-year Director

 

  Carmen Schmidt

Second-year Director

 

  Barbara Lancaster

Immediate Past President

 

  William Bloomquist

In 1994 and 1995, AAMTA raised funds for the purchase of a grand piano, which was donated to St. John's College in Annapolis.  One of the fund-raising events was a Monster Concert performed by AAMTA members.  AAMTA holds recitals and festivals in the college's McDowell Hall; other venues include the Cade Performing Arts Center at Anne Arundel Community College.

General membership business meetings and pedagogical programs are held several times throughout the year.

In addition, AAMTA sponsors annual festivals, recitals, and master classes for the enrichment of students and teachers, including:

  • Fall at the Mall Music Marathon: An event featuring AAMTA students and teachers in a day long open-to-the-public recital held at Westfield Shopping Center in Annapolis.
  • Concerto Competition: An annual competition for high school students performing a selected piano concerto. The winners perform with either the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra or the Londontowne Symphony Orchestra.
  • Water Music Festival: A summer event designed to motivate creative thinking, encourage students to continue practicing during the summer months, and provide an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration. Students perform in a series of recitals throughout the day, swim, and eat. "Admission" includes a contribution to the snack and beverage table. Musical selections include pieces that have a theme, title, or sounds evocative of water.
  • Soirees: In the tradition of some of the great composers including Franz Schubert and Robert and Clara Schumann, AAMTA members and their guests gather for an evening of performances by members, socializing, and dining.

  • Spring Solo Festival: A festival for students of all ages. Middle School and High School students may compete for place awards, and the First Place Award in the High School Division is funded by the MSMTA Student Scholarship for Performance.

For membership information, contact Marcia Slentz-Whalen, 443-321-8747.

Revised: 12 October 2009