Marguerite began her music studies at age 6 at St. Scholastica’s College, Manila, Philippines. Through the years she received much encouragement from her professors and eventually pursued her interests abroad in the USA, Canada, and Switzerland. Her resume was impressive including a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance (Magna cum laude) from The Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.), a Master of Music Education from Holy Names College (Oakland, California), and a Professional Teaching Certificate from the University of B.C. (Vancouver), as well as the Sigma Alpha Iota Honor Certificate (for academic excellence) and a listing on the Pi Kappa Lambda (National Honor Society for Musicians) and the National Dean’s List Publication. In addition to these many academic achievements, she also performed in solo and collaborative recitals in the Philippines and Vancouver.

Marguerite was an enthusiastic and generous teacher. She was thoroughly trained, not only in piano pedagogy but also in Suzuki Piano, Yamaha Group Piano, Orff and Kodaly methods as well and she was head of the Orff department at the Vancouver Academy of Music for many years. To complement her teaching activities, Marguerite volunteered with the Vancouver RMT Branch Executive. Over two decades, she served in various roles, among them the positions of Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and SPG Chairperson. Marguerite was always cheerful, professional, and thorough in her duties, and she could be counted on in difficult circumstances. She gave much to our community and will be sorely missed by students and colleagues alike.

Submitted by Barbara Siemens

As of March 1, 2010, the membership of the following 15 members has now expired. They are no longer covered by the Group Insurance Policy and their names have been stricken from the membership list and the website.

These members are:

Should any of these members wish to re-join the branch they would need to do the following:

Payments made after March 1, 2010:

• Send THREE cheques (all payable to BCRMTA) to:

o One cheque for the Provincial/Federal Fee of $91

o A second cheque for the Branch fee of $71

o A third cheque for the reinstatement fee of $30

VSO TICKETS FOR $15 TO ALL BCRMTA Vancouver Branch Members!

The Vancouver Symphony Society is pleased to partner with the BCRMTA Vancouver branch in an effort to enhance the value of BCRMTA membership and to show its appreciation for the important work done by music teachers.

Beginning September 12 and thereafter 2 weeks prior to any concert of the upcoming season, Vancouver branch members with a valid membership card will be allowed to purchase VSO tickets for $15. A member may also purchase one guest ticket at 50% off the regular price. The tickets will be for any section except dress circle. This relates to regular subscription concerts only, not concerts listed in the VSO brochure or website as "special" concerts.