AMTA has established a Tornado Recovery Fund to assist member teachers and their students who have suffered loss in the April 2011 storms. Money from this fund will be used to assist teachers in re-establishing their studios, and will aid students in resuming lessons when they would not be able to otherwise.  I asked Misti Short, music recovery project coordinator if I could pass along her message to help get the word out a little more…

“As many of you are aware, on April 27, our state was tremendously impacted by over 50 tornadoes that took the lives of many and the homes and businesses of many more.  Several of our teachers were tremendously impacted with the loss of their entire home or apartment, and subsequently, their entire music library.  Some of our teachers were fine, but their students lost their homes and music, and at least two of our students lost their lives that day.

As the Alabama state affiliate of MTNA, we have created the Alabama Tornado Recovery Fund, and within that we have the Music Recovery Project, of which I am coordinator.  Teachers are just now beginning to create their lists of the music that they would like replaced, and we are asking others to consider donating the requested items.  The items requested can be found by visiting the state website: www.almta.org.  There is a link to the recovery project on the main page.  If upon looking at the list realize that you have an extra copy of a particular item and would be willing to donate it, you may contact me, and I can get you the mailing address for the teacher or student who needs the book.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to e-mail me.   Sincerely, Misti Short”