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.<\/p>\n
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 statewide functions.<\/p>\n
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. Subsequent to 2004, GCMTA members Susan Andrews and Debra Hughes were named as Teachers of the Year for the Georgia Music Teachers Association in 2017 and 2025, respectively.<\/p>\n
Membership in the GCMTA is selected upon joining MTNA<\/a>. A part of your dues will go towards state and county association memberships.<\/p>\n Marilynn B. Farrow: 1977 – 1979<\/span><\/p>\n Judy Spears: 1979 – 1981<\/span><\/p>\n Jean Mann: 1981 – 1983<\/span><\/p>\n Julie Kirksey: 1983 – 1985<\/span><\/p>\n Susan Andrews: 1985 – 1987<\/span><\/p>\n Nancy Dunn: 1987 – 1989<\/span><\/p>\n Brenda Wheeler: 1989 – 1991<\/span><\/p>\n Charlotte Wood: 1991 – 1993<\/span><\/p>\n Kathy Cardwell: 1993 – 1995<\/span><\/p>\n Mary Parsons: 1995 – 1997<\/span><\/p>\n Julie Kirksey: 1997 – 1999<\/span><\/p>\n Linda Crumpton: 1999 – 2001<\/span><\/p>\n Debbie Murphy: 2001 – 2003<\/span><\/p>\n Judy Harper: 2003 – 2005<\/span><\/p>\n Yumi Patterson: 2005 – 2007<\/span><\/p>\n Lois Simon: 2007 – 2009<\/span><\/p>\n Janet Will: 2009 – 2011<\/span><\/p>\n Cathy Thacker: 2011 – 2013<\/span><\/p>\n Deb Hughes: 2013 – 2015<\/span><\/p>\n Mary Ann McTier: 2015 – 2017<\/p>\n Eva Bone: 2017 – 2019<\/p>\n Pam Asberry: 2019 – 2021<\/p>\n Cathy Thacker: 2021 – 2023<\/p>\n Gloria Park: 2023 – 2025<\/p>\n Kimber Kwiatkowski: 2025 – 2027<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 … Continue reading About<\/span> Past Presidents<\/h2>\n