Northwest Division

American Music Teacher, Oct-Nov, 2004 by Kenneth Christensen

Many teachers and students were busy this summer attending state conferences and workshops throughout the Northwest Division. Washington held its state conference n June at Western Washington University-Bellingham. Marvin Blickenstaff was the featured guest clinician, and Stephan Beus. 2003 MTNA Young Artist Piano winner, presented a recital.

Oregon's conference, in July, was n Portland, along with the Piano Festival Northwest. Phyllis Lehrer, NCTM, piano pedagogue and author, presented sessions, and the Floristan Trio of Portland gave an outstanding recital.

Wyoming held its conference in Casper in June. Peter Mack presented inspiring clinics and master classes and also was active in adjudicating and performing during the conference. Jennifer Linn of Hal Leonard was the featured guest clinician for Idaho's state conference, held in June in Idaho Falls.

Montana's state conference will be held in conjunction with the state MTNA competitions November 4-7 in Great Falls, Montana. Pavlina Dokovska from the Mannes School of Music will be the featured artist and clinician.

All states in the Northwest Division will hold state MTNA competitions this fall. Everyone in the Northwest Division appreciates the work of the state and national competition chairs and the committees that organize these events. These competitions give every teacher and student encouragement and inspiration, which leads to the continued growth of the highest standards of performing and teaching.

Kenneth Christensen

Bozeman, Montana