Treblemakers History

     Much credit goes to Dr. Diana Page, who established the Weber State University UMTA chapter. Fall Semester of 1990, Dr. Page began teaching at WSU and had one student---Carrie Maxson. Dr. Page initiated the Weber State University Piano Festival, which has continued each year since that time.

     In 1991-1992, the Weber State UMTA chapter was born, and by Fall Semester of 1995, there were eighteen students. With Linda Eads as President, student taught music classes two days a week for two summers at Migrant schools in the Ogden School District. In 1997, they won MTNA’s “National Student Chapter of the Year” for their service and received a grant. As a chapter, they went to Nashville to accept it. Linda remembers that the money created a piano scholarship, which was given to a student. That was the third year of the WSU Piano Festival, and also the first year of the renovation of the Browning Center. Linda Eads recalls: “It was crazy! We were running all over campus!” During her service as President, she spent many hours preserving memories in a scrapbook.

     Melissa Virgin served as 2000-2001 Chapter President. She had the privilege of serving on the National Student Advisory Board that year. Melanie Adrizzone were both Judging Interns for the UMTA Concerto Competition in 2001-2002.

     With Dr. Yu-Jane Yang as Director of Piano Pedagogy, the WSU Student Chapter has received much recognition with 3 Students awarded “UMTA Student Teacher of the Year.” The first was Angela Ford, followed by Janelle Peterson in 2003, and in 2006, Martha Aston was chosen.

     About this time, chapter members submitted names for the WSU chapter. The winning name came from Jaynie Larsen---“Treblemakers.” Indeed they were!

     The chapter earned more National recognition during 2002-2003during Amy Collard’s tenure as President. For the second time, the chapter was awarded “National Student Chapter of the Year.”

     A new tradition for Opening Socials was started the Fall of 2003 by President, Jessica Young. With help from her family members, Jessica cooked an extraordinary Dutch oven dinner for all to enjoy. Other chapter members brought deserts, salads, and drinks to complete the wonderful mea. The chapter has since enjoyed time in the canyon each fall with good food, good friends, and fun entertainment.

     For the third time, with Sarah Tu as President, the WSU Student Chapter was awarded “National Student Chapter of the Year,” fall of 2005. Sara and Jessica Young put together a music video, describing the many activities the chapter was involved in that year. Sarah Tu, Jessica Young, Noelle Sadler, and, Martha Aston were present at 2005 National Convention in Seattle to receive the award.

     After 16 years of service as the Chair of the Piano Department at WSU, Dr. Diana Page retired, Spring of 2006. Much credit goes to her for establishing the WSU Student Chapter. She was the founder of the very successful WSU Piano Festival, which will continue at Weber in future years. Under the leadership of Dr. Diana Page and Dr. Yu-Jane Yang, this chapter will be remembered for its many accomplishments and recognitions.

     Dr. Ralph van der Beek join WSU in 2006. The Treblemakers were excited for him being here.

     With Rosann Owen as the president from 2007-2008, the Treblemakers was award "National Student Chapter of the Year" again! Eight of the students together with the Club Advisor Dr. Yu-Jane Yang and Dr. Ralph van der Beek was present in the National Conference in Denver to receive the award. Because of that, they had the opportunity to present in the coming state conference(08-09). They applied to present in the National Conference in the same school year and got accepted. They are now looking forward to go to Atlanta.

     During the year of 2008-2009, the Pedagogy class of WSU presented at both the Utah Music Teacher's Association Conference and the Music Teachers National Association.  What an honor it was for the student teachers.  Rosann Owen, Emily Inderrieden, Alyson Robinett, Whitney Wasden, Linda Clement, and Shing Yau Kai were all selected to participate in the presentation.  Both presentations were on Group Teaching.  Great video footage from WSU Pedagogy Classes with the WSU Piano Preparatory Program as well as the College Piano Group Classes.

Source: Robinson and Bishop, UMTA Though the Year, 2006
PS: Additional information from 2006 onwards is added by Shing Yau Kai