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 past GMTA presidents: Julie Kirksey, Susan Andrews, and Cathy Thacker. 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
Gloria Park: 2023 – 2025