STUDENT ACHIEVMENT TESTING:
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT TESTING is an annual testing opportunity provided to Michigan students K through 12 studying with an MMTA member teacher. The program is a voluntary project of MMTA.
The program is designed for Piano, String, Voice, and Woodwind instruments. All requirements are published in the various individual instrument Student Achievement Testing Handbooks.
The testing consists of five parts: PERFORMANCE, THEORY, TECHNIQUE, SIGHT-READING/TRANSPOSITION, and AURAL AWARENESS.
Any school age student studying with a teacher who is a member of the Michigan Music Teachers Association may participate in any program.
Student Achievment Testing takes place in the Spring each year, usually during the month of March. SAT in Battle Creek is held at the Music Center located on 450 North Ave.
Each center is affiliated with a local Mighican Music Teachers Association. Teachers, along with dedicated workers administer the tests.
Yes, there is a fee required to participate in the program each year. The fee covers the cost of the test and curriculum printing, rental of facilites and equipment, performance judges, certificates and trophies.
Every student is encouraged to participate. Growth realized in preparing for the student achievement test is invaluable. The program offers the same kind of motivation for learning and recognition for achievement that students obtain for other parts of their education. It encourages a sense of accomplishment in meeting goals while developing commitment and self discipline.
Contact SAT Chair Jodi Jones 269-832-4633/jlmusicstudio@yahoo.com
KeysFest:
KeysFest is an annual, day-long, student piano festival where up-and-coming pianists show off their piano talents and receive one-on-one instruction by piano professionals. This celebration involves over 100 students of all musical levels in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek performing music (classical, jazz, pop and gospel) for piano professionals.
Contact Susan Lawrence 269-342-1166 (ext. 3125)/LawrSusan@yahoo.com slawrence@gilmore.org
Ensemble Festival:
The only Non-Competitive Activity handled at the state level is the MMTA ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL. The committee is made up of the Non-Competitive Activity Chairman and District Festival Chairmen.
The purpose of the MMTA ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL concept is to provide a performance experience for students on all levels that (1) is non-competitive in spirit and in fact; (2) encourages the study and performance of ensemble literature of various combinations; and (3) provides positive evaluation and encouragement for each participant by means of objective critiques by impartial professional adjudicators. Every effort should be made to establish a true "festival" atmosphere, celebratory and non-judgmental in nature, and as free from tension as possible.
The Ensemble Festivals are events that happen in the form of mini-recitals where students are judged for comments only and receive ribbons for participation. Local associations are grouped in geographic Festival Districts. Festivals may have as few as 8 events or as large as comfortable for the place it is held and the judge/judges adjudicating. The festivals may be held at any time of the year that is convenient to the area.
Contact Janet Richards 269-664-5380/jrich10@aol.com