I hope everyone had a great summer! It was nice to meet with friends, gather in public places, and experience live music again. Although many of my students elected to remain online, it was fantastic to teach some in-person lessons. I’d almost forgotten how much easier it is working face to face.

Recently, the news on the public health front has been less favorable. As I write this, a new mask mandate has taken effect for Santa Cruz County. While this is not the start to the year that we hoped for, we must continue making good decisions considering the current situation. Although the road ahead appears challenging, I am grateful for the community and camaraderie that our MTAC branch provides.

Ben Dorfan
President, SCCMTAC

Celebrate Piano Ensemble, a group which raises money for music scholarships for school-age students of Santa Cruz County, has given annual benefit concerts each February on the beautiful matched Steinway grand pianos in the UCSC Music Center Recital Hall.

This year, we’re offering a video online – Best of CPE – taken from the last ten years’ concerts. There is music for two pianists at one piano, two pianists at two pianos, three pianos with string quartet – and two pianos with two tango dancers! Something for everyone to enjoy!

To help support music scholarships for Santa Cruz County students, CLICK HERE, or scroll to the bottom of this page and click the “Donate” button!

The Music Teachers’ Association of California®, incorporated in 1897, is a professional organization dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in music education. With over 4,700 members, there are 64 affiliated Branches throughout the state. MTAC serves over 100,000 students.

The mission of MTAC is to pursue excellence in music education and advance the music teaching profession through innovative programs that foster artistic growth and achievement.

Your tax-deductible donations support scholarships and other special Branch activities. You may specify a favorite project, or let us choose the fund most in need. Make checks payable to SCCMTAC.

Mail checks to:

Barbara Jirsa, Treasurer
221 Nevada Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

President: Ben Dorfan
Vice-President: Laureen S. Herr
Treasurer: Barbara Jirsa
Recording Secretary: Patricia Verheul
Membership Secretary: Carolyn Christian
Communications: Carol Panofsky

Directors:
Certificate of Merit: Heather Thompson Smits
At large: Christine Bakalis (Recitals)
At large: Charlotte McManus-Guthrie (Recitals)
At large: Louise Bettner

Our gratitude goes to Arts Council Santa Cruz County for the Develop Grant that helped pay for the creation of this site. 

Website Manager: Lynn Kidder