Our History

Early in 1977 David England and Marilynn Berry Farrow of England Piano and Organ Company of Lawrenceville recognized a need to organize music teaching efforts in the Gwinnett County area. Marilynn met frequently with Trellis Arnold, already a member of a chapter affiliated with the Georgia Music Teachers Association, and a core group of interested teachers to lay the ground work.

As the only piano and organ store in Gwinnett County at that time, England Piano and Organ Company was used as “central office” for organizing membership and as a meeting facility. By the fall of 1977, the Gwinnett County Music Teachers Association had approximately twenty members, a charter, a Junior Music Club, and full participation in all the metro Atlanta and state wide functions.

Through the years, members of GCMTA have served in a variety of leadership positions in the state association, including two past GMTA presidents, Julie Kirksey and Susan Andrews. Not only are GCMTA members outstanding leaders, they are committed to a high standard of excellence in teaching. That standard was recognized in 2004 when long- standing member Jean Mann was named as Teacher of the Year for the Georgia Music Teachers Association.

Membership

Membership in the GCMTA is selected upon joining MTNA. A part of your dues will go towards state and county association memberships.

Past Presidents

Marilynn B. Farrow: 1977 – 1979

Judy Spears: 1979 – 1981

Jean Mann: 1981 – 1983

Julie Kirksey: 1983 – 1985

Susan Andrews: 1985 – 1987

Nancy Dunn: 1987 – 1989

Brenda Wheeler: 1989 – 1991

Charlotte Wood: 1991 – 1993

Kathy Cardwell: 1993 – 1995

Mary Parsons: 1995 – 1997

Julie Kirksey: 1997 – 1999

Linda Crumpton: 1999 – 2001

Debbie Murphy: 2001 – 2003

Judy Harper: 2003 – 2005

Yumi Patterson: 2005 – 2007

Lois Simon: 2007 – 2009

Janet Will: 2009 – 2011

Cathy Thacker: 2011 – 2013

Deb Hughes: 2013 – 2015

Mary Ann McTier: 2015 – 2017

Eva Bone: 2017 – 2019

Pam Asberry: 2019 – 2021

Cathy Thacker: 2021 – 2023