Starr Music Academy students selected for MVMTA Ensemble Teams

Five students from Starr Music Academy were selected as members of the 2019 Magic Valley Music Teachers Association (MVMTA) Ensemble Teams.
To be chosen, students must pass the state Theory Test administered by the Texas Music Teacher's Association (TMTA) and pass an audition on the Ensemble music in front of a panel of judges. The selected students perform in costume at the TMTA State Convention in June.
"Students prepare all year for this event," says MVMTA Ensemble Chair Connie Glover-Nieto. "Theory Test in February, Audition in February, music preparation and costume fittings in the spring, daily rehearsals prior to the Convention, and performing at the Convention."
Only 30 students are selected per team from the over 200 Student Affiliates of MVMTA member teachers, from Rio Grande City to Brownsville. Representing Starr County is Emma Escobar and Dawn Isidro in Texas/American Ensemble Group 1, Laurel Cantu in Texas/American Ensemble Group 2, and Leslie Favela and Faith Garza in the High School Ensemble. They study piano under the tutelage of Ms. Corine Garcia.
The TMTA Ensemble program gives piano students of all levels the unique opportunity to play with other pianists in a piano ensemble. The state of Texas is home to the largest piano ensemble program in the United States, according to the TMTA website. Each year over 6000 students have an opportunity to perform in one of nine concerts held during the association's state convention on a stage with 15 grand pianos. This year's TMTA State Convention will be held June 20-23 in Houston.