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Reinhardt College
Artist-in-Residence Celebrates 50 years of Membership in the
Music Teachers National Association
The “South’s Harpsichordist” of the ‘60s, owner
and enthusiast of historic musical instruments, professor and
book editor are just some of the many roles that Dr. George
Lucktenberg, Reinhardt College’s artist-in-residence, has played
in his life. This past November, Lucktenberg added another role
to his list when he was honored at the Georgia Music Teachers
National Association for 50 years of membership in the Music
Teachers National Association (MTNA).
“I joined MTNA in 1957, and in 2007, I was 50
years strong and counting in the MTNA—longevity certainly has
its rewards,” says Lucktenberg.
His Career in MTNA
His career in the MTNA began in 1957 when he
returned from Vienna, Austria, following a year on a Fulbright
Scholarship. He joined the Tennessee Music Teachers Association
while teaching at the University of Chattanooga. Upon taking a
professorship in 1960 at Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C.,
Lucktenberg inquired about joining a state affiliate of the MTNA
but was told that one did not exist in South Carolina.
After much traveling and speaking with leading
music teachers and department heads, he gained enough support to
hold an organizing convention to present his findings, as well
as the Constitution and Bylaws that he developed. His strong
determination led to the successful creation of the South
Carolina Music Teachers Association. He was immediately
voted-in as the first president.
“At the organizing convention, I held the gavel
while we went through the constitution and bylaws,” Lucktenberg
explains. “The meeting ended with my announcement of success in
the adoption of the organization’s policies, as well as
encouragement to elect officers. I then thought my job there was
done and walked off the stage. Five minutes later I was elected
president.”
Lucktenberg held the office of president until
1963—putting through the organization’s polices and functions
and helping it grow from an initial 40 members to more than 100.
From 1964-1972, he held two vice presidencies and
the presidency of the southern division of MTNA. His current
local MTNA affiliation is with the Cherokee Music Teachers
Association. Since moving to Georgia in 1990, Lucktenberg has
held teaching positions at Clayton State College and University,
and he currently has positions at Reinhardt College and Georgia
State University. Over the years, he has traveled extensively
giving concerts and lectures, many of which featured historic
keyboards from his impressive collection. For many summers, he
taught at Interlochen, a prestigious arts camp in Interlochen,
Mich.
Why He Came to
Reinhardt College
Retirement holds little allure for Lucktenberg.
“In 1995 I got be 65 years old, and everyone told me I should
retire,” reveals Lucktenberg. “So I did, and it only lasted an
hour and a half. The late Judye MacMillian [professor of music]
and Susan Naylor [associate professor of music], both Reinhardt
College music professors, and Dr. Floyd Falany, who was
Reinhardt’s president at that time, rescued me so I didn’t have
to quit. Because in my line of work, unless something
happens—you break a hand or go senile—you don’t have to quit.
So, I still fancy myself as being useful.”
Upcoming Performances
Lucktenberg is certainly useful. He will be
playing and talking about “The Experimental Piano Music of Henry
Cowell” on Sunday, February 3, 2008, at 3 p.m. in the Falany
Performing Arts Center (FPAC) at Reinhardt College. On Sunday,
February 12, 2008 at 8 p.m. in the FPAC, he will be joined by
Naylor on piano, Nan Maddox on cello and Nancy Schechter on
violin in a concert of music by composers from Eastern Europe.
The concert is presented as part of the College’s Celebration of
a “Year of Eastern Europe and Russia.” Both concerts are free
for the public, and tickets are not required for admission. For
additional ticket information, call the Falany Performing Arts
Center box office at 770-720-9167 or visit
www.reinhardt.edu/fpac
For more information
Office of
Marketing and Communications
top floor of Burgess Administration Building
media relations Lauren Thomas (770)720-5514
LHT@reinhardt.edu
marketing
Marsha White (770)720-5512
MSW@reinhardt.edu
graphic design Amanda
Brown (770) 720-5907
ALB@reinhardt.edu
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