Southwest Division.

The Southwest Division competitions were held January 21-23, 2005, on the campus of California State University-Long Beach. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mary Louise Beckstrand, NCTM, who is stepping down as the Southwest Division competitions chair after serving for the past three years. We appreciate the countless hours spent organizing the many details involved with running these events.

Also working tirelessly were chairs Kathryn Denos, NCTM, composition; Jeanne Grealish, NCTM, junior; Mallie Riecken, NCTM, senior; and Charles Asche, young artist, who carried out the successful competitions in Long Beach.

The students, parents and teachers were treated to generous hospitality by the California Association of Professional Music Teachers; Darlene Vlasek, president; Shun-Lin Chou and the CSULB Collegiate Chapter; Bette Wilson, NCTM, local coordinator; and many other teachers, parents and students.

The level of playing at the competitions seems to rise to a new height each year. It is a testimony to the teaching excellence in our members' studios and the commitment of students and their parents.

The state presidents held a meeting in conjunction with the competitions, where a wealth of information was shared. In addition, a program about membership was presented by Cheryl Norman, NCTM, and Lezlee Bishop, NCTM, shared a presentation on volunteerism.

--Cheryl Pachak-Brooks, NCTM

Portales, New Mexico