Southwest division news.

Luiz de Mauro Castro and his wife Bridget were featured artists at the Hawaii MTA state conference held November 10-13. They also helped judge the HMTA competitions.

The Nevada MTA's state conference was held November 3-5 in Las Vegas at the University of Nevada. The conference featured Robert Vandall and his suite entitled Nevada Riches to commemorate his Nevada visit, as well as pianist Hans Boepple from the University of California at Santa Clara.

The Professional Music Teachers of New Mexico held its state conference in Albuquerque at the University of New Mexico, November 10-12. Richard Cionco served as the guest artist/clinician. Katie Evilsizer was awarded Life Membership in PMTNM at the state conference. Evilsizer joined PMTNM in 1979. She has devoted many hours promoting non-competitive student programs in New Mexico.

The Utah MTA celebrated its 50th anniversary during the state conference held November 10-11 at Salt Lake Community College. Helping celebrate were MTNA President Paul Stewart and Melody Bober. Kevin OIson was commissioned to write a concerto entitled Concerto Bravo for the celebration.

Best wishes to our incoming state presidents: Barbara Dyer, HMTA; Pierce Emata, NMTA; Lynda Broadbent, UMTA; and Melissa Toedtman, PMTNM.

The Southwest Division Competitions will be January 12-14, 2007, at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

--Cheryl Pachak-Brooks, NCTM

Portales, New Mexico