April has been a member for many years of the San Antonio Music Teachers Association (SAMTA) and has served as an officer numerous times. In 1996 I attended the annual officers' meeting with April, for which we had composed the following verses for that year's new officers.

For Installation of Officers (1996)

by April & Eric Brahinsky

P is for patience: have a lot in your possession.
R’s for responsive to the needs of our profession.
E is for eloquence — making things clear.
S is for students — that’s why we are here.
I’s for innovation — staying on the cutting edge.
D’s for dedication: your presidential pledge.
E’s for encouraging each little seedling.
N is for nurturing, nudging, and needling.
T is for teachers of the musical art:
You have our support; we’ll all do our part.


Our First Vice-President is the program chair —
He’ll discharge his duties with elan and with flair.

Our Second Vice-President prints the name of each member
In a book that we all hope to get by September.

The job of V.P. #3? Well, really, it’s
Dealing with all of those Student Affiliates.

The Recording Secretary comes to our meetings
And preserves for posterity all the proceedings.

In order that our members may stay informed better,
Our Corresponding Secretary puts out a newsletter.

Our Treasurer oversees all our accounts.
With our funds in her care, we trust no check will bounce.

The Historian gathers up documentation
Of SAMTA activities for their preservation.


To our outgoing President we say with much gratitude:
Your work was terrific and so was your attitude.
We’re glad that you’ll still hold a post on the board —
We know that your presence will strike the right chord.