The KMTA Music Carnival
Field Day for Musicians
Come one, come all to the Music Carnival! This event usually hosts over 200 students engaging in performances, ensembles, music-related arts and crafts displays, demonstration of music theory knowledge through WSMTA Music Literacy Program (MLP), carnival games and food. Sponsored by the Dorothy Woodcock Endowment, the Carnival is held over several hours on a Saturday in April. Check our Calendar for this year’s date.
To assist with the Carnival in any way, (volunteer parents, students, and teachers are all welcome and needed!), contact your teacher or an event chair to sign-up!
Mini Performances
Enjoy short recitals throughout the day featuring KMTA students at all ages and stages.
Project Ribbons
Students enjoy preparing written reports, decorated treats, Lego creations, paintings and drawings, and anything they can dream up with a musical theme! All on display on the Project tables, with a special ribbon awarded for each one.
Carnival Info for Teachers
Student Preparation
KMTA uses Music Literacy Program (MLP) evaluations developed by the Washington State Music Teachers Association (WSMTA) at our Music Carnival event. Tests are available in 10 progressive levels in the subject areas of Ear Training, Rhythm, Sight Reading, Technique and Written Theory. Some subject areas are further differentiated with separate tests for Treble Instruments vs. Keyboard.
In addition to the tests above, students can earn ribbons for ungraded, non-competitive Solo Performance, Ensemble Performance, Art or Written Projects, Music Theory Games, Composition and more!
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It is the responsibility of each teacher to prepare your students to be successful in the Music Literacy Program tests and other Carnival activities.
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The WSMTA MLP page hosts Music Literacy Program Curriculum Guides and other resources to assist in test preparation. As you use the Guide to determine the appropriate exam levels for each student, err on the side of success.
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Especially helpful are the MLP check lists for scales at each level, and other required exam materials.
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Teachers should distribute this Parent Information Letter (updated yearly) detailing the Carnival and Music Literacy Program.
Registration
Registration opens in January and closes in February. Dates will be published in the Quavers newsletters.
The registration worksheet is also available as a spreadsheet on the WSMTA site.
The teacher fee of $40.00 is waived for teachers that meet either of the following:
- WSMTA/KMTA member teachers (become a KMTA/WSMTA/MTNA member — dues reduced by 50% at this time of year!), or
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Teachers who are not members but are willing to help the day of the Carnival
Post-Registration
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Submit Scale Keys for the students registered for Technique (not needed for in-studio testing*). Link provided by email to registered teachers.
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Forward the Parent Permission Slip and Liability Release Form link (updated each year) to all your participating families after registration has closed. (not needed for in-studio testing*)
Participation and Volunteering
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Any parents or students (13+) that would like to volunteer at the carnival can sign up. (link posted when live)
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The carnival personnel/assignment list is in our Members Only section (link posted when live)
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A training meeting for all examiners (teachers only) is held prior to or during the regular April membership meeting. See the Calendar for this year’s date and time.
The Music Literacy Program may be offered both in-person and virtually through private music studios, where individual teachers give their own students the WSMTA Music Literacy Program exams.
However, in-person attendance at the Carnival is strongly recommended, as it allows for:
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pooling of teacher resources and time to give and grade tests;
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all tests administered and grading completed in one day;
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testing wrapped in a fun social event for both students and teachers.
For teachers administering MLP exams in-studio:
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Test papers, test questions, and information about administering the tests will become available at testing time via password-protected page (to be posted).
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Only teachers who register their students for the current year will be given password access to the page.
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Testing must be concluded by (TBA).
*In-Studio Testing Option
Print-your-own posters will be available to download here.
Promotion
Contact any of the following with questions:
Questions?
Melanie Stroud, NCTM
KMTA Carnival Co-Chair
melaniejoymusic96@gmail.com
360-434-2117
Debra Florian, NCTM
KMTA Music Carnival Co-Chair
360-434-8684
flostudio@comcast.net
Diane Layton, NCTM
Music Literacy Program Co-Chair
mrsboxL1@yahoo.com
360-633-5082
Dianne Johnston, WSCTM
KMTA Music Literacy Program Co-Chair
360-930-0168
diannej23@comcast.net