Classics at the Merc: Music Teachers’ Association of California

Every Sunday afternoon in Old Town, the music series, Classics at the Merc, normally features soloists, duets or even trios of excellent classical musicians. For the August 17^th installment, they’ve invited a group with 4,700 members.

With over sixty branches spanning the state, the Music Teachers’ Association of California has been an incorporated professional organization for over 100 years. Each branch, from Humboldt County down to San Diego, maintains their own schedule of events and activities, while still participating in statewide collaborations and programs.

“The mission of the Music Teachers’ Association of California is to promote excellence in the music teaching profession,” Kate Prestia-Schaub of the Temecula branch of the MTAC, said during a recent interview. “We do this through high membership standards, strong ethical values and continuing professional education.”

For the August 17^th Classics at the Merc show, the Temecula branch of the MTAC will showcase some of the finest musicians and instructors the valley has to offer; incorporating numerous musical styles and instruments.

“We will play chamber music featuring everything from a two-piano duo, piano solo, cello, voice, piano and flute, two flutes, two flutes and piano and voice and piano,” Prestia-Schaub said. “Each musician brings a different flavor to their work and the program has an excellent variety of classical music.”

Old Town’s hidden gem, the Merc is a 48-seat theater in Temecula providing an intimate setting for the audience as well as the musicians.

“[The Merc] allows for better eye contact; sharing some great stories about the music and really sharing the experience,” Prestia-Schaub said. “This particular program has music that has excellent stories behind them. I think that uniting the music with the stories and then letting in the audience to these is a wonderful opportunity to make classical music fun and inviting.”

Proceeds from this Sunday’s Classics at the Merc will go towards the scholarship fund for students studying with a teacher at the Temecula branch of the MTAC. Prestia-Schaub hopes the community will come out and support the efforts they make for their students.

“California Chamber Orchestra and the Golden Valley Music Society have created this wonderful opportunity to play music as a way to raise money for our students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford their music lessons,” she said. “The teachers enjoy close friendships so performing together to create beautiful music for the benefit of our students is not only a great experience for us but also a treat for the audience.”

Classics at the Merc: Music Teachers’ Association of California, Temecula Branch

August 17^th at 3pm
The Merc at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater
More information

Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter

Receive our latest posts and special deals to your inbox!

First Name:

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you're human: