Virginia Tech Music Department to Host Annual VMTA Conference

Virginia Tech Department of Music will host the annual Virginia Music Teachers Association (VMTA) Conference from October 20-23 in Squires Student Center. The conference attracts music teachers of all disciplines from across the state who are united in promoting music and musicianship.

In addition to educational sessions, workshops, master classes, and student competitions, the conference also features a performance by the New River Valley Symphony on Saturday, October 22 at 8 p.m. in Burruss Auditorium with the winners of the VMTA State Concerto Competition as soloists with the symphony, as well as a Friday evening performance by the conference artist.

The conference artist for the 2005 VMTA conference is Henry Doskey, who will perform in a special recital on Friday, October 21 at 8 p.m. in Squires Recital Salon. The concert is free and open to the public. A reception for the artist will follow the event.

Doskey, a New Orleans native, has taught at the East Carolina University School of Music since 1976 and was awarded with the 1998 Robert and Lina Mays award for Teaching Excellence, presented by the ECU Alumni Association. He has performed throughout the US and China as a soloist, accompanist, and ensemble member. In addition, Doskey is ?the authoritative interpreter and judge of authenticity of stylistic treatment? of works by composer William Gillock, and has recorded the complete catalogue of piano music by the composer.

For more information on Music at Virginia Tech, please call (540) 231-5685 or visit us online at http://www.music.vt.edu. For more information on the Virginia Music Teachers Association Conference, check online at http://www.music-usa.org/vmta/.