About

Who We Are

Salem District OMTA members are a dynamic group of independent music teachers in the mid-Willamette Valley. Salem District OMTA is a subdivision of the state organization Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA).   OMTA is an affiliate of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), the oldest professional organization of music teachers in the United States.

Our Mission

Salem District OMTA is dedicated to furthering excellence in music education by:

A History of the Salem District OMTA

The first assembly of the Salem Music Teachers was held on July 30, 1917. Miss Minetta Magers, who was a vocal instructor and director of music in the first Salem High School, had invited the teachers through the press to meet in her studio. At this time, after the OMTA constitution and bylaws had been read by Miss Magers, the group decided to form an organization affiliated with the state association. 

The slate of officers was chosen: President, Minetta Magers; Vice President, Elma Weller; Secretary, Bertha Junk Darby. At first, the group was known as the Tuesday Music Club and did not adopt the name of Salem District until some years later. 

Meetings were held in the Leslie Methodist Church. These sessions established the basis for present professional standards, routines, and area activities that have been developed and revised over the years in accordance with the purpose and policies of OMTA. Attention was given to the accreditation of private teachers, business, procedures, ethics, and problems of the profession such as the length and price of lessons and payment in advance. 

Salem District Officers

President  ~  Deborah Snow Butler

Vice President  ~  Melissa Terrall

Secretary  ~  Debbie Smith

Treasurer  ~  Esther Fields

Past President  ~  Jill Foster

Salem District Comittee Chairmen

Education  ~  Deborah Snow Butler

Membership  ~  Esther Fields

Certification  ~  Jill Hickenlooper, NCTM

Budget Committee   ~  Esther Fields

Bylaws

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Salem District, Oregon Music Teachers Association, referred to as Salem

District OMTA, affiliated with Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA), and with Music Teachers National


ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

Association, Inc. (MTNA), Cincinnati, Ohio, a Code Section 501 (c)(3) organization.

Section 1. The purpose of the Association is to advance musical knowledge and education, to unite music teachers,

and to raise the standard of the music teaching profession. Activities of the Association are aimed at the promotion

of the art of music, the advancement of musical educational activities, and the appreciation of music among people

of the community.

Section 2. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of any individual. No substantial

part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence

legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in

opposition to, any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of this document, the

organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from

federal income tax under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Section 3. In the event of the dissolution of this organization, any funds remaining in the treasury after the payment

of any outstanding debts shall be contributed to the Oregon Music Teachers Association, a 501 (c)(3) organization,

scholarship fund, or the Music Teachers National Association, a 501 (c)(3) organization.


ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Membership Classifications

The following membership classes are open to those who meet the respective qualifications and pay annual dues

provided for the respective classification pursuant to Section 2 hereof. All member of Salem District OMTA shall

hold membership in OMTA and MTNA. See www.oregonmta.org for application procedures.

A. Active membership in Salem District OMTA may be granted to a person who meets the requirements set out in the OMTA Bylaws. Such membership provides the privileges of voting, holding office, and participating in the activities of the District.

B. Retired membership is open to those who have been active members for at least 20 continuous years, are essentially retired from teaching, and meet the age requirement set forth by MTNA. A member must send written notice to the MTNA executive director for this class of membership to be activated. A retired member may vote, but cannot hold elective office at the division or national levels or enter students in MTNA competitions. A retired member must also be a member of OMTA.

C. Student membership is open to all students from grade nine (9) through age twenty-six (26) who are currently involved in regular music study, or fulltime college students currently involved in music study as directed in the OMTA Bylaws. Student members may attend all meetings of the District, but do not have the right to vote or hold office. Student members may chair events, serve on committees, and perform other helpful services as will enhance the aims of the District. 

D. Associate membership is available for persons interested in music and the performance thereof. They shall not be engaged in the teaching of music. An associate member does not have the right to vote or hold office.

E. Honorary life membership may be conferred by Salem District OMTA Board. This tribute shall be to a member who has rendered long and distinguished service to Salem District OMTA. All rights and voting privileges shall be retained by those holding Honorary Life Memberships.

Section 2. Annual Dues and Membership Year

A. In addition to the OMTA and MTNA dues, annual District dues for all categories of membership will be established by the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall establish any changes in the annual dues amount, present to the District for vote, and publish the dues information in the next official publication (The Musette). 

B. Dues are delinquent July 1 for active members, October 1 for student members, after which time members are not in good standing or entitled to any privileges of membership until dues are paid for the current membership year.

C. The membership year shall be the same as the MINA fiscal year, beginning July I and ending June 30.

D. Members in good standing who have attained senior status, as listed at www.oregonmla.org will be

eligible for reduced District dues. Student members pay district, state, and national dues.


ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS

Section 1. Officers and Duties

The officers of the Association (Executive Committee) shall be: Past President, President, Vice-President, Secretary,

and Treasurer.

A. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association, and the Executive Committee, shall appoint all standing and special committees with the approval of the Executive Committee, and shall perform such other duties applicable to the Office as prescribed by the parliamentary authority adopted To br by the Associalion. He or she shall serve as an ex officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee.

B. The Vice-President is the President-Elect and shall assume all duries of the President in the absence of that officer and shall perform such other duties as may be designated by the President and/or Executive Committee or prescribed by the parliamentary authority of the association.

C. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the Association and the Executive Committee, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President or prescribed by the parliamentary authority of the Association.

D. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the payment of all bills authorized by the Association, shall keep an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements, shall prepare an annual budget, and shall present reports to the Association as requested and shall perform such other duties as may be designated by the President or parliamentary authority of the Association.

E. The Past President shall serve as a consultant/advisor to the President and Board.

Section 2. Term of Office

Each officer shall be elected for a two year term of office and shall serve until his or her successor assumes office.

The term of office shall begin at the end of the last meeting within the fiscal year, and end upon the installation of

the next officer. No member shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office, except the

office of Treasurer.


ARTICLE V - ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1. Nominating Committee

A Nominating Committee of two members and a chairperson shall be appointed by the President at the last meeting

of each fiscal year to serve for the ensuing year. The Nominating Committee shall announce a slate of one candidate

for each office at the meeting preceding the annual meeting. Before the election of officers at the annual meeting,

additional nominations from the floor shall be permitted, provided the person nominated has agreed beforehand to

be considered for that office.

Section 2. Election

Officers shall be elected by ballot, except in the event of only one nominee for an office, in which case the presiding

officer may declare the nominee elected by acclamation.

Section 3. Vacancy

A vacancy in any office, except that of President, shall be filled for the unexpired term by presidential appointment

and approval by the Executive Committee. A Vice President appointed in this manner, cannot assume the office of

President unless elected to the office in the same manner as the other officers.

Section 4. Removal of Officer

Any officer shall cease to hold office upon termination of membership, or may be removed from office by two-

thirds vote of the members present and voting at a regularly scheduled meeting. Such action may be taken when it

appears evident that an officer has been or is unable to serve or is otherwise unqualified.


ARTICLE VI - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1. Government

The officers of the Association and the Immediate Past President shall constitute the Executive Committee of the

Association.

Section 2. Duties

The Executive Committee, within the limits of the bylaws, shall have general supervision of the affairs of the

Association belween its business meetings, fix the hour and place of meetings, make recommendations to the

Association, and perform such other duties as arc specified in these bylaws. The Execulive Commiltec shall be

subject to the orders of the Association, and none of it acts shall conflict with action taken by the Association.

Section 3. Meetings

A. Meetings of the Executive Committec shall be held as needed, or at the request of a majority of the Committee.

B. Action taken by the Executive Committee via mail, or electronic transmission, shall be a valid action of the Committee. Such actions of the Committee shall be preserved and reported in the minutes.


ARTICLE VI - STANDING COMMITTEES 

Section 1. Standing Committee 

Standing Committees shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Committee and/or

members to facilitate and accomplish the work of the Association. Committee chairs may be asked to periodically

report at Executive Committee meetings at the discretion of the President. Standing Committees may consist of

those committees shall be appointed by the President at the time he/she shall take office. They shall remain in office

until their successors are appointed. Standing committees may be identified as the following:

A. Membership 

B. Syllabus Representative 

C. Education

D. Certification

E. Communications

F. Ethics 

Section 2. Auditors

The President shall appoint two auditors who shall examine the books of the Treasurer every two years, or whenever

a new Treasurer is appointed, during the month of June. They shall sign the books as correct before releasing the

books to the newly-elected/appointed Treasurer.

Section 3. Other Committees

Other Committees, such as task forces or special committees, may be appointed by the President with the approval

of the Executive Committee to facilitate and accomplish the work of the Association.

The President shall be an ex officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee.

ARTICLE VII - EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1. Government

The Executive Committee and the Standing Committee constitute the Executive Board.

Section 2. Duties

The Executive Board will meet at the will of the Executive Committee to direct the activities of the general

membership.

Section 3. Meetings

The Executive Board will meet once a year for planning. Other meetings may be held upon request of the President.


ARTICLE IX - GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

Section 1. Regular Meetings

Regular meetings of the Association will be held at such time and place as are decided upon by the Executive

Committee of the Association, but they shall be guided by the wishes of the membership.

Section 2. Annual Meetings

Annual meetings of the Association will be held at the regular meeting designated as the annual meeting by the

Executive Committee. The election of officers, annual reports of officers and committees, and any other business

that may arise will take place at this meeting.

Section 3. Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the President or the Executive Committee or upon the written request of one

quarter of the members. The purpose of the meetings shall be stated in the call.


ARTICLE X - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Association in

all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws, any special rules of

order the Association may adopt, or a higher-lever rule, i.e. the State or National Association.


ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

Section 1.

These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by a two-thirds vote of members present,

provided that the amendment has been submitted in writing at the previous regular meeting.

Section 2.

All amendments must be consistent with Article Il of the Bylaws and a copy of same must be sent to the OMTA

State Office, and the MTNA National Office.



Revised. 2019