David Piersel named MTNA Fellow

The South Dakota Music Teachers Association is seeking to name our first-ever nominee for an MTNA Fellow this year. The Fellow program offers a meaningful method for honoring deserving individuals while supporting the efforts of the MTNA Foundation Fund. South Dakota’s chosen honoree is Dr. David T. Piersel.

David T Piersel is Professor Emeritus of Music at South Dakota State University, where he was Director of Keyboard Studies for twenty-two years. Prior to that appointment he served in a similar position at Black Hills State University for eleven years. Dr. Piersel holds the B.M.E. degree from Simpson College, and the M.A. in piano performance and the Ph.D. in piano literature from the University of Iowa. He is a past president of SDMTA, and also MTNA’s West Central Division.

Dave has served on the national certification board and the national executive board. He has been National Coordinator for the Collegiate Chamber Music competition and Competitions Chair for MTNA’s West Central Division. He is currently National Coordinator for the Young Artist competition.

Prior to his retirement seven years ago, SDMTA awarded him its first-ever Honorary Lifetime Membership. In addition to his service to SDMTA, David’s contributions to the Athol Conservatory are legendary.

Dave and his wife Myrna moved to Des Moines, IA, in 1999 and he now shares his talents with the Iowa Music Teachers Association.

Designating a Fellow is easy. A contribution of $1,000 or more will be sent to the MTNA Foundation Fund by SDMTA. The funds may come from one individual’s donation or from a group of persons wishing to confer this special honor upon a colleague. Please note that the Fellow distinction may not be established in the contributor’s own name. This is an honor bestowed by peers.

For those wishing to contribute to the cause, make out your checks to MTNA Foundation and send them directly to the National MTNA offices. Be sure to designate on the check that the amount is for the Piersel Fellow Fund. We can also collect donations at the SDMTA conference in Vermillion and send them on for you.

Each year new MTNA Fellows are recognized at the MTNA national conference. Fellows receive a complimentary ticket to the Foundation Fund Gala, an attractive MTNA Fellow certificate and pin. Also, new Fellows are prominently recognized in American Music Teacher magazine, and their names will appear on a plaque located at the MTNA National Headquarters in Cincinnati. For more information check out www.mtnafoundation.org/fellow.htm.

A Thank You from David Piersel

Dear SDMTA Members:

I am both proud and humbled to have been honored as South Dakota’s first MTNA Foundation Fellow! It was a huge thrill for me to receive the award at the Gala in Toronto, and the event was made even more special by my being able to spend the evening sitting with SDMTA friends.

I have been a member of SDMTA for over thirty-nine years, and there are many wonderful memories associated with that membership. Myrna joins me in extending greetings to all our South Dakota friends, and I thank all the people who supported my Fellowship. I am so very grateful that you still remember who I am!

Warm regards,
Dave Piersel