PAST PRESIDENTS

FREDRICA "TEDO" WYMAN

"When I first joined RCMTG it was in the early 1990's and Rhoda Forté was President. The meetings were very lively, often held at the New City Library. Most members were piano teachers: George Bryant, Rhoda, Marie Cowen, John Lampkin, Kay Swensen, Vinnie Hill, Gregory Aslani, Susie Covello, Marilyn Hazan and many more. I had taught piano before, but had taken a long break when my children were little. We had recently moved to Nyack and I was looking for guidance and colleagues to help me figure out how to establish a teaching studio in Rockland. I always felt warmly welcomed, invited to perform, invited to participate. I was accompanying more than teaching in those days so I was "initiated"; into the excitement of Auditions as an accompanist. It was a HUGE affair - at the Rockland Center for the Arts - was it Saturday AND Sunday? I confess to being somewhat overwhelmed by the whole thing. Did I even belong? There were wonderful lectures on those RCMTG Wednesday mornings each month and quite an organized structure of leaders and events. I was impressed and wanted to participate. Of course as time went by, I was able to establish a nicely growing piano studio and found the advice and counsel of Guild teachers to be very valuable. It also became a place where I could bring my own ideas about teaching and running a studio. There was a great sense of sharing information and inspiration. Again, almost everything in those days was about piano, occasionally voice. Though we didn't know it at the time we were seeing the tapering off of days when every house had a piano and parents all wanted their children to play piano. I do know that I became a much better teacher thanks to all the wisdom that was shared and the community of support.

As the years went by more instrumentalists joined us and became integral. Here are some favorite memories: Gregory Aslani's concert at Naraushaun Church of music from Iran and his own works. Roundtable Discussions. Guild members sharing knowledge with each other. Delightful and sometimes nutty. John punning, Kay wanting the hardcore pedagogy, Susie speaking up for the little learners, George quoting Leschetizky. Sitting on the floor in Nyack Library with Barbara Benares - were we doing rhythms? Lecture Recitals by Lisa Yui - always impeccable and fascinating. Always someone piping up during question time to talk about their relationship with Rachmaninoff or Vengerova. You realized many of the members had had amazing careers, amazing teachers, a rich life. Board meetings with Rhoda - she made sure things were run correctly and she didn't put up with flakes. She had the energy and drive of 10 people. Becoming president and discovering it was nearly a fulltime job because I tried to do everything. A great feeling of giving back to the community, but exhausting! Sitting at the desk up on the second floor at the old Rockland Conservatory while the concerto competition was going on and hearing the most gorgeous concerto music bursting from that little auditorium. Feeling proud and in awe of those dedicated young musicians. Having a sense of something greater at work.

Dostoevsky said: "Beauty will save the world." I take that to mean art can transform and be a source for good in the world. Encouraging music-making or art-making of any sort is a good thing, inherently. How great to be doing this work. Congratulations to all."