History of MTAC

Stanislaus County Branch

According to "The Musicians' Journal" published in September, 1913, Volmer Hoffmeyer was the guiding spirit who shaped the birth and organization of the Music Teachers' Association, in October, 1894. Elected President, and elected to serve four terms, the Journal reports, "He cast about to improve the organization, and with his forethought of the future, advised incorporation of "The Music Teachers' Association of California" in 1897. He was a man with a genial smile and winning personality, not soon to be forgotten."

Until July of 1935, Mrs. Rose Hosley Ireland, of Turlock, was the only music teacher from Stanislaus County to be affiliated with this state-wide musical association. For fifteen years she had been a member, attending the state convention annually. Since there was no County Branch, and because of her active interest and support of the State organization, she had been given the distinction of becoming a County Vice-President. She had always hoped that a Stanislaus County Branch might be formed, but it was necessary to have a minimum enrollment of ten members to establish a Branch.

It was after the convention in 1935 held at Mills College in Oakland, that Mrs. Ireland and Richard Waring, a guest at the time, returned home filled with enthusiasm and hope--with visions of forming a Stanislaus County Branch. Mrs. Ireland, as county vice-president at Large, became the head of this organizing nucleus, and it was through her careful planning and directing, that the Stanislaus County Branch of MTAC became a reality. Later that year, on November 19, 1935, sixteen members proudly represented the MTAC in Stanislaus County, with Richard G. Waring as the first president.

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