2023 PMTA Piano Ensemble
The Phoenix Music Teachers Association’s Piano Ensemble is one of the PMTA’s oldest and most beloved traditions. Beginning in 1952, it continues to strive to provide a unique ensemble performance opportunity for piano students, using a variety of musical genre. The PMTA Piano Ensemble has become well-known throughout the Valley as an excellent musical experience for both observers and performers. In recent years, world-renowned composers Kevin Olson, Robert Vandall, Melody Bober and David Karp have eagerly accepted commissions to compose specifically for the Piano Ensemble, and they have also been honored conductors at the concerts.
This annual event is during February and culminates with two concerts held at a local high school. Students learn one part of an assigned duet. There are three rehearsals and a dress rehearsal the day of the Ensemble Concert. Students must be 8 years of age by September of the current academic school year in order to participate. Students are recognized with continuing participation with a 4-year, 8-year and 10-year trophy. The 8th, 9th, and 10th year students also receive a cash award. After five years, students have their photograph in the concert program.
Interesting Ensemble Facts from MWC
- This will be the 41st year Carolyn Inabinet, NCTM, has entered students in this annual event.
- MWC Instructor, Michaela Hyde, participated in this event as Inabinet’s student for ten years.
- Micahela Hyde serves on the PMTA Ensemble Committee.
2023 PMTA Piano Ensemble
February 4 concerts: 6:00 and 8:00 | Arcadia High School
– A combination of a recorded audition video and two inPerson rehearsals
– Groups meet on Tuesday or Thursday or Saturday, depending on Ensemble Selection
– Attendance is mandatory at ALL three events
Audition Video is due the week of December 5
Two InPerson Rehearsals
January 21 – February 2
[times and days TBA in early December]
Saturday Rehearsals | January 21 and 28
Tuesday Rehearsals | January 24 and 31
Thursday Rehearsals | January 26 and February 2
Final Rehearsal
February 3 and 4 at Arcadia High School
Ensemble EastSide Information
Camelback High School Piano Lab
4612 North 28th Street
Tuesday EastSide Rehearsal
January 24 and 31
Rehearsal Time TBA
Thursday EastSide Rehearsal
January 26 and February 2
Rehearsal Time TBA
Ensemble WestSide Information
Arizona Conservatory for the Arts & Academics
2820 West Kelton Lane
Saturday WestSide Rehearsal
January 21 and 28
Rehearsal Time TBA
Tuesday WestSide Rehearsal
January 24 and 31
Rehearsal Time TBA
Thursday WestSide Rehearsal
January 26 and February 2
Rehearsal Time TBA
Ensemble Selections
Group 1
Bingo – Tuesday WestSide
Group 2
Pirate Ship – Tuesday WestSide
Group 3
Carnival Ride – Tuesday WestSide
Group 4
Bella Tarantella – Thursday EastSide
Hoedown – Thursday WestSide
Group 5 | 7th Grade +
You’ll Be Back – Thursday EastSide
Funtasia in F Minor – Thursday WestSide
Group 6 | 8th Grade +
“Stoptime” Rag – Thursday EastSide
Joyous Sounds – Thursday WestSide
2021 PMTA Virtual Piano Ensemble
MWC Participants
Cherished Memories
Sophie Balliet, Lilah Balliet, Maddy Pennell,
Maddy Horejs, Ayla Miller
Smokey Mountain Reel
Heloise Cenac
Will Klemmer
Dixieland Detectives
Griffin Raia, Diana Kerwin, Cali Pennell,
Lauren Wilcox, Emma Bakhru, Yzabella Bernatene
Salt Creek Scherzo
Andrew Rhoads, Tyler Fales, Jack Wahl,
Taara Shastri, Sarah Klemmer, Aidin Miller
Autumn Ballade
Susan Anderson, Ed Perrin, Walter Lindsay, Maggie Lindsay
Francisco Naranjo, Conductor
PMTA Fall Festival 2021
This event is sponsored by the Phoenix Music Teachers Association and is held the latter part of October or early November. The purpose of the Fall Festival is to provide students with the opportunity for a private adjudication before a judge. Each student receives a written critique and either a Participation ribbon or a Bronze, Silver or Gold Medal. A recital and awards ceremony with Gold Medal winners is held the day following the auditions.
Students can elect to perform two pieces from memory. Each year there is a Fall Festival ‘theme’ and repertoire is selected from a list of pieces. The repertoire is chosen from piano literature and does not allow popular music. If a student chooses only to have an adjudication and not be eligible for award medals, they may play with music and receive a Participation Ribbon. Music memorization automatically places students into a competitive event.
The 2021 Fall Festival Theme is “From Baroque to Modern”
The Festival Auditions – TBA
The Gold Medal Recital – TBA
National Guild of Piano Teachers
National Guild Auditions_2021
Inabinet
The National Guild of Piano Teachers Auditions are held each Spring across the United States. Adjudicators are sent to audition centers where they hear students perform 1 – 20 memorized pieces.
The Guild adjudication location for North Central Phoenix Phoenix is Piano Gallery in Scottsdale. Students receive a report card with adjudication comments as well as a national guild pin.
Why participate in National Guild Auditions?
- Guild auditions are a good end-of-the-year ‘summary’ and give students a goal to work toward for May.
- Participation in Guild Auditions is always a good addition to college applications.
Guild auditions are held in May. Schedules are sent out after enrollment. Each teacher is given a time dependent upon the number of participants. Auditions are held from 9:30-5:00. Students will need to be released from school approximately one hour including travel to and from the audition center.