October 2009 - Hawaii Music Teachers Association

HAWAII MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION!
OCT / NOV 09
Ka Leo Na Mele
In this Issue
Volume 41, No. 6
President’s Message
Tribute to Peter Coraggio
Tribute to Ellen Masaki
Calendar of Events
Spotlight on Winfred Hancock
HMTA Convention Calendar
Photo above: HMTA Members at the Round Table & Luncheon held on September 1, 2009
at the Waialae Country Club. Seated: Ethel Iwasaki, Christine Suehisa-Jang, Ruth Pfeiffer,
Shizuko Mukaida. Standing, 1st row: Joyce Shih, Joanna Fan, Yumiko Yagi, Kay Goshi,
Julia Clark, Eiko Yano, Ryoko Oka, Christine Lee. Standing, 2nd row: Akiko Sanai, Elsa
Serion, Glenn Nagatoshi, Sheryl Shohet, Helen Chao-Casano, Mark Russe$.
and more!
Letter from the President
“Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.” – Lao Tzu
This past September,
Our music community has experienced the recent loss of two members who
we lost two of our
were dedicated piano teachers – Ellen Masaki and Peter Coraggio. Their
community’s most
unique individual contributions to Hawaii as well as to the broader community
beloved people:
will not soon be forgotten. In this newsletter, we have included some
E$en Masaki and
remembrances of Ellen and Peter. Although it is sad and perhaps difficult to
Peter Cora'io.
accept their passing, it is a time to remember their legacies as well. They have
Each dedicated their
served as an inspiration to their students and colleagues and there is music in
lives to passing on
many souls and in the universe thanks to them.
the importance and
This reminds me of how special and close-knit our music community is. The joy of music and le)
a lasting imprint in
HMTA membership is marked by personal warmth and aloha. We recently
the world. We miss
gathered together on September 1 at the Waialae Country Club for the Annual
them both very much.
Membership Meeting as well as a luncheon and workshop on Sustainable
Teaching. We were reminded to take care of our precious “resources” – whether See page 2 for a
truibute to Peter
they be professional or personal and even wrote resolutions for the “new year.”
Cora'io and page 3
I believe that as a membership we may also find ways of sustaining each other
for a tribute to E$en
both professionally and personally.
Masaki.
On behalf of the Board, I extend an invitation to you to come enjoy and
participate in the events and activities at this year’s state convention. I know
that you will discover something of interest, or at the very least, be able to forge
relationships and strengthen your network of fellow music teachers.
With aloha, Helen
PAGE 1
HAWAII MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION!
OCT / NOV 09
TRIBUTE TO PETER CORAGGIO: 1940 - 2009
beautiful singing soul of the piano, which is something
that truly touches any audience to the core.
I will never forget what Mr. Coraggio told me when
I left Hawaii for the mainland to continue my musical
studies. “Show them what beautiful sounds you can
make, Monika.” I shall forever be indebted for the
opportunity of studying under a truly consummate
musician and teacher of piano - Professor Peter
Coraggio.
~by Monika Haar
Monika studied with Mr. Cora'io for 7 years. Since leaving Hawaii
in 2006, Monika has studied with Robert Shannon at the Oberlin
Conservatory of Music, and is currently studying with Robert Durso
in New York City at the Aaron Copland School of Music.
Mr. Cora'io teaching Monika
I was truly disheartened to hear of the recent passing of
Professor Peter Coraggio, a gifted musician and teacher,
who had been my mentor during my many years of piano
study in Hawai'i.
Looking back, I am truly grateful to Mr. Coraggio for
dedicating much time and energy to help me develop into a
sophisticated musician. At the age of ten, he invited me to
participate in his weekly master classes at the University of
Hawai’i at Mānoa. I was fortunate to be put in the same
situation as his university
students from such a young age.
Mr. Coraggio treated me no
differently than his university
students. He made sure to
involve me with music in many
ways including attending
concerts together, listening
assignments, numerous
performance opportunities,
competitions, and lessons and
master classes given by
renowned visiting pianists. I
always gave him feedback on
every musical event I attended or performed in. He
believed that I could learn a great deal from every
performance, whether it was successful or not.
I was fortunate to have a teacher that was deeply
knowledgeable about productive practice techniques,
expressive touches, pedaling, musical styles, and the use of
imagery in music, as he wrote illustrated books on each
topic. He always emphasized the importance of sound
production. "It should never be a harsh sound, even when
playing fortissimo." He taught me to bring out the
Peter Cora'io and
Harry Partch - 1974. Peter Cora'io, was
a pioneer of
Electronic Music in
the 1960's and
1970's, working as a
professor at the
University of
Hawaii.
One of the 5 books in
“The Art of Piano Performance”
Peter Coraggio, Professor
Emeritus of the University of Hawaii, was a distinguished
pianist recognized for his extraordinary artistry. His vast
musical range of keyboard literature encompassed the
greatest of the classics to the most contemporary
explorations. Coraggio graduated from The Juilliard
School. Among his noted teachers have been Gordon
Stanley, James Friskin, and Wolfgang Rose. He was a
stimulating lecturer and teacher, and was continually in
demand internationally to coach students, and to present
performance seminars and lecture-recitals on a wide range
of topics.
A prolific writer, Coraggio’s five-book illustrated series,
The Art of Piano Performance, is available in the U.S. by
Neil A. Kjos Publishing. Also, his book, The Essential
Techniques of Piano Performance was published in Japan
by Ongaku no Tomo in May 2005 and quickly became a
best-seller among piano teachers and aspiring students.
For more on Peter Coraggio, visit his website at http://
petercoraggio.com.
PAGE 2
HAWAII MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION!
OCT / NOV 09
TRIBUTE TO ELLEN MASAKI: 1928 - 2009
A day in the life of E$en Masaki’s piano student... Ellen Masaki was a gift to all of us and I for one, will
Driving up
never forget her.
Wilhemina Rise
~ by Donna (Suehisa) Bender
Donna studied with Mrs. Masaki +om 1978 – 1989. She graduated +om
only took a few
Oberlin Co$ege with a BM in Piano Performance and a Master’s in
minutes but it felt
Music
Teaching. She now resides in the state of Washington and has been
like forever to
teaching piano for almost 22 years.
reach the top. The
top – of course
being her house.
Mrs. Masaki’s
house. It was
always an exciting
part of my week.
Donna and Mrs. Masaki
Beginning with the
steep uphill drive then the walk up the road, up those long
stairs...then finally arriving at those huge doors. I could
hear the music as I approached. Who was playing? What
was being played? For some reason it was often different
people playing some of the most incredible music I felt
like I had ever heard. And lucky me – I would be next - the
Photo above: Back row: Nancy Masaki Hathaway,
next to have a lesson to learn how to create those sounds
Whitney
Thra$, E$en Masaki. Front row: Milton
as well as to be a part of Mrs. Masaki’s day. Or rather, for
Keene, Edward Shipwright, Constance Keene. Photo
her to be a part of my day. taken at a dinner which Mrs. Masaki gave for pianist
As I tried to quietly enter, so not to disturb the ongoing
Constance Keene. Photo submitted by Ed Shipwright.
lesson, she would be laughing, singing, dancing, and saying
Mrs. Masaki, from Kalihi, was a musical prodigy. She
something passionately to the student before me. Then
began
piano lessons at the age of 5 years old when her
she would look up – wave me in and then I would sit on
aunt
Harriett
Ichinose taught her to play by ear. She
one of her large couches, stare out the windows and wait
went
on
to
study
with James Gallet, a member of the
for my turn. It was one of the most spectacular views of
Honolulu Symphony Society and a teacher of music.
Diamond Head anywhere on the island. Looking out at
From a very young age she shared her musical gifts and
the mountain against the blue sky and ocean it was no
discovered her love of teaching. Her accomplishments as
wonder such beautiful music was so easily created in that
a teacher are legendary. Many of her students have won
house. I would watch her teaching someone and listen to
competitions nationally and internationally and have gone
them on those magnificent pianos that sat under the
on to have careers in music. In May, 2000 she was
enormous chandelier and watch as the light sparkled in
awarded “Teacher of the Year” from the Music Teachers
National Association. She taught piano for over 60 years.
the air. I would imagine that it was my home and my
pianos and daydream about how it would be ME on that
stage teaching others one day. Then she would smile and
motion to me – it was my turn. She was always beautiful and immaculately dressed but
the best part of her was her smile. It was so warm and
caring. She had the ability to make each person she met,
every student she had, feel special. She had the patience
of Job, and was completely dedicated to her students and
her craft. She was a fantastic pianist and had incredible
endurance. She would teach from sunrise to way beyond
sunset. Her memory to recall names, faces, and dates was
impressive. She was extremely generous in every possible
way. She was fearless and hard-working yet so gentle and
Mrs Masaki, far le., with her students. Photo taken at the
kind. The venues may have changed over time but her
Hawaii Performing Arts Festival on the Big Island in July 2009.
passion for teaching and love for her students never did.
She conducted her students at the festival which was her last
performance. Photo submitted by Renee Teruya.
PAGE 3
HAWAII MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION!
OCT / NOV 09
HMTA 42ND ANNUAL CONVENTION: NOVEMBER 7 - 15, 2009
CONVENTION SCHEDULE
Sat, Nov
7
Junior Artist - High School
Competitions (times TBD)
Piano - Rm. 36, Orvis
Strings - Rm. 212
Sun, Nov
8
State Honors Recital
1:30 p.m. - Orvis ($7)
Wed, Nov
11
WORKSHOPS
“Simple Solutions for a Clutter Free
Life”
Marilyn Nagel
10:00 a.m. - Rm. 36 ($15)
“Taxes -Facts and Myths!”
Lori Cacioppo (IRS)
1:30 p.m. - Rm. 36 ($10)
Fri, Nov
13
William DeVan in Recital
7:00 p.m. - Mozart House ($10)
Sat, Nov
14
Sun, Nov
15
MTNA Competitions
(times TBD)
Piano - Orvis
Strings - Rm. 212
WORKSHOPS
by William DeVan
“The Road to Good Teaching-the
Early Years” 10:00 a.m.
“Teaching Velocity And Ease” 1:30 p.m.
Both workshops in Room 36 ($15/each)
2009 HMTA Convention Finale
Fundraiser for UH Music Department
4:00 p.m. - Orvis ($15)
ABOUT THE CONVENTION
Do you feel stressed and overworked? Do you need
ideas to organize your life? Do you need new ideas to
refresh your teaching? Do you feel you need ‘shots’ of
inspiration and rejuvenation? The 42nd Annual HMTA
Convention may have answers for you.
The workshops by William DeVan, Marilyn Nagel,
and Lori Cacioppo may meet your needs by giving you
ideas on generating systems to manage your life,
teaching, and finances; thereby giving you better time
management skills, more energy, and higher levels of
production.
Besides workshops, the recital by our guest
performer and Steinway artist, William DeVan, will
inspire you with dazzling technique, musical
understanding, and versatile repertoire. In addition, the
annual Junior Artist and High School Competitions will
culminate with the State Honors Recital, which will
support Hawai’i’s reputation of teaching excellence.
Another benefit and perhaps most important benefit
attending the convention, is the opportunity to
network with colleagues and new acquaintances
(clinicians, performers, new members, and guests).
The 2009 HMTA Convention Finale will end the
convention with a BANG! Members have been
working cooperatively to prepare this collaborative
recital to benefit the University of Hawai’i’s Music
Department.
Please register by October 24, 2009 to
guarantee your seats for all events. A convention
pass may be purchased for $55 which covers
admission to all the events except the
Convention Finale Fundraiser. The registration
form was mailed to you a few weeks ago,
however if you need additional forms, log on to
www.hmta.org.
Non-members are welcome to attend all convention
events. Tickets will also be available at the door at all
events.
“Classics for Children”
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sander’s Piano - 4:00 & 6:00 p.m.
William DeVan, Steinway presenter, will introduce
great works of piano literature to children. Special
mention will be given to the art of pedaling. This
program originated in Birmingham, Alabama and
received received recognition on local NBC, CBS,
and Fox television affiliates. (This is not a
convention event.) (free admission)
PAGE 4
HAWAII MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION!
OCT / NOV 09
SPOTLIGHT: WINFRED HANCOCK
Win+ed Hancock was born on April 20, 1920
in Red Rock, Texas. In 1937, he graduated
+om Blackshear High School, in Taylor, Texas.
He then received a scholarship to Ti$otson
Co$ege in Austin, where he graduated with
Bachelor of Arts degree. His major was
Spanish and his minor was music. In 1942 he
enlisted in the U.S. Navy and during his
service he was able to perform as an
accompanist with the Great Lakes Octet at the
Department of Interior in Washington D.C.
Win had been very active in HMTA and
served as its’ treasurer for many years. It had
been a while since he had attended any of the events, and recently, when I
spoke to Win, I learned that he had suffered a stroke 5 years ago. I was
inspired to hear that he sti$ plays the piano and organ, and is currently the
music director and organist for the Fort DeRussy Chapel.
When did you first know you wanted to be a musician?
When I was five years of age. I began the study of piano at age
seven.
Who was the teacher or mentor who most inspired you when
you were growing up and what did you learn from that person?
My grandmother’s sister -- Aunt Jennie Bell McNeal. I learned the
basics.
What was the first recording that you remember hearing or
buying? What was its significance to you?
The “Moonlight” Sonata, performed by Ignace Paderewski. I
desired to play like Paderewski.
What’s the most embarrassing moment you’ve had as a
performer?
Sitting too far back on the piano bench. I sat so far back on the
piano bench that I fell over backwards in front of the congregation!
What are your non-music related interests or hobbies? What
would people be surprised to know about you?
Prior to my retirement in 1972 with 30 years combined military
(navy) and civilian federal service, studying the piano, organ, music
theory, and performing were my avocations. From 1972 to present,
after my avocation became my vocation, I have no hobby.
If your students could only remember one thing from your
teaching, what would you want it to be?
That I am interested in their well-being.
Calendar
October 3, 2009
One piano, 30 fingers!
featuring Jonathan Korth, Bichuan Li
and Tommy Yee
UH Manoa Music Dept., Orvis
7:30PM
http://www.hawaii.edu/uhmmusic/events/
2009-10.htm
October 4, 2009
Edward Shipwright, pianist
Mozart House, 4PM
call MJ at 537-3441 to reserve a seat
October 14, 2009
Morning Music Club of Honolulu
features TJ Tario, pianist
in memory of Mrs. Masaki
Central Union Church Choral Room, 10AM
October 19, 2009
Funeral Service for Ellen Masaki
Central Union Church
4PM - viewing, 5:30PM - service
October 21, 2009
Memorial Tribute to Ellen Masaki
by the Honolulu Symphony
details TBA
October 31, 2009
HMTA Student Recital
UH Manoa, Music Dept., Room 36
2PM - 3PM
Deadline to submit students:
October 17, 2009
contact Elaine Lu, e-mail: [email protected],
phone: 456-1104
November 7-15, 2009
HMTA Convention
save the date!
see page 4 for more details
November 16, 2009
Classics for Children
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sander’s Piano - 4:00 & 6:00 p.m.
see page 4 for more info
What is your favorite thing about Hawaii?
I have lived in Hawaii since April, 1945. Since then, to me most of
the people have been most cordial. And, the weather I enjoy very
much.
PAGE 5
HAWAII MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION!
CLAVIER COMPANION SUBSCRIPTION OFFER
Two great piano pedagogy
periodicals – Keyboard Companion
and Clavier Magazine – have merged,
as of January 2009, as Clavier
Companion. The HMTA is hosting a
group subscription. This bi-monthly
publication is normally available at a
subscription fee of $29.95, but it will
ONLY cost $20.00 if you join the
HMTA group subscription. If you already have a
subscription, joining the group subscription will simply
extend (not duplicate) your current subscription for
another year.
This is the time to join! Over the next two years, the
magazine will publish a series of 10 articles reviewing the
most popular piano methods. The scope of this series of
articles has not been approached for the last twenty-five
years! Go to http://www.claviercompanion.com for more
details.
Please make your $20.00 check payable to “Clavier
Companion” and send in c/o Helen Chao-Casano (1634
Makiki Street #1102, Honolulu, HI 96822.) Deadline to
join the group subscription is October 31!
Christine Suehisa-Jang
1758 Ala Aolani St.
Honolulu, HI 96819
OCT / NOV 09
DISCOUNTED SYMPHONY TICKETS
The Honolulu Symphony is
continuing its discount ticket
policy for students and up to 2
adults. This is applicable for concerts in both the
Masterworks and Pops series. To obtain $10 tickets,
simply call the HSO box office at 792-2000 during
office hours (M-F 9am to 5 pm), or the office at
524-0815, ext. 245 after hours (M-F 5 pm to 9 pm)
and identify your party as including at least one
student. You will be able to purchase up to 2 adult
tickets at $10 and an unlimited quantity of student
tickets at $10. More than one student in the family
will not make you eligible for more than 2 adult
tickets at the $10 price.
Newsletter Submissions
Ka Leo Na Mele
is a bi-monthly publication.
Send articles for the Dec 09 / Jan 10 issue
to [email protected]
by November 25th, 2009