Southwest Division.

In this month's column, we visit the Aloha state, Hawaii.

"Pianomania," a major event hosted in July by the Hawaii MTA, featured two multi-piano concerts. More than 350 students from 3 major islands played duet pieces in ensembles, on 10 grand pianos. There was a great deal of preparation on the part of the 32 piano teachers, who also performed several selections. The music performed by students in the two concerts was selected for the very elementary to advanced. Rehearsals were held on two consecutive weekends in May, June and July at the University of Hawaii. Besides learning their pieces individually, students were required to follow the directions of a conductor. The highlight of each concert was guest artist Thomas Rosenkranz, winner of the 1999 MTNA Collegiate Piano Competition, performing Rhapsody in Blue with a student piano orchestra.

The Hawaii MTA annual state conference had a different twist this year. All workshops were omitted, with only performances and MTNA competitions scheduled. Performances included a recital featuring Ignace Jang, concertmaster of the Honolulu Symphony, Leon Williams, vocalist, and Beebe Freitas, pianist; the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra with pianist Thomas Yee; the Chamber Music Hawaii featuring Jon Nakamichi; and a winner's recital following the student competitions.

--Cheryl Pachak-Brooks, NCTM

Portales, New Mexico