Baton Rouge named Local Association of the Year.

Baton Rouge Music Teachers Association (BRMTA) in Louisiana, was selected as the 2006 MTNA Local Association of the Year for its programs, innovation and unique ideas, programming and support from students, the community, the state MTA and MTNA.

BRMTA hosts workshops that provide its members opportunities to work with nationally known clinicians. BRMTA's teachers also benefit from a close association with Louisiana State University through use of the school's facilities and the services of its music faculty. Members are also involved as presenters at monthly meetings, state conventions and the national conference.

BRMTA offers students many performance opportunities, including competitions, recitals and District Rally. Students also have the opportunity to earn scholarships for summer music camp.

BRMTA has served the community with student performances at nursing homes and have teachers who instruct a MusicLink keyboard class. It has also supported Save Our Students, the Louisiana Music Teachers Association (LMTA) fund aiding students and teachers affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The highlight of its community service involves joining with New Orleans Music Teachers Association (NOMTA) to sponsor and host CURE--Celebrate, Update, Reunite and Enjoy--to compensate for the cancellation of the state convention due to Hurricane Katrina. NOMTA would have celebrated its 100th anniversary at the October convention.