Southwest Division.

In this month's column we feature our forty-eighth state, Arizona.

The Arizona Study Program (ASP) was started in 1958 and continues to provide a consecutive and comprehensive plan of music study designed to motivate and encourage students to strive for growth and excellence. This is a twelve-year graded course of study developed by the Arizona State MTA to provide for the development of musical performance, theory and technique. It requires continual work throughout the year and is evaluated in the spring by a master adjudicator and a written theory test.

The McCurnin Teacher Enrichment Grants, the ASMTA state conference, student scholarships and travel grants for student competitors are among programs supported by ASP.

ASP welcomes Janice McCurnin, NCTM, and Gloria Rift, NCTM, as ASMTA honorary life members. Janice was one of the founders of the ASP, and Gloria served as the ASP treasurer for ten years. Congratulations!

The James R. Anthony Honors Competition is another outstanding program. This program promotes the development of musicianship, technique and performance of the highest level. A winners' recital takes place after the final rounds and features the most outstanding students in the state. This program is open to all instruments, vocalists and chamber music ensembles.

--Cheryl Pachak-Brooks, NCTM

Portales, New Mexico