Local Association of the Year.(Forum Focus: Local Associations)

MTNA established the Local Association of the Year Award in 2001 to recognize the MTNA local association that makes the most significant contribution to the music teaching profession through participation in MTNA national and state programs and through those established by the local itself. Since 2001, nine different local associations have been honored by MTNA. The recognition comes with a $1,000 grant from the MTNA FOUNDATION FUND.

An MTNA local association is defined as an organization formed within an MTNA-affiliated state association that has its own elected officers, collects local dues, and has adopted its own constitution/bylaws, which were ratified by the state MTA executive board. MTNA considers the local associations as the life blood of the organization and consider the award a great way to recognize and honor them.

The MTNA Local Association of the Year Committee members for this year's award were chair Jill Hanrahan, NCTM, Ken Bales, NCTM, and Kerry Henry, NCTM. They look for a well-rounded local association that supports MTNA programs like certification, donations to MTNA FOUNDATION FUND, studio festivals and in other ways. The local association also has to have members volunteering at the state and national levels. Providing educational programs for teachers and offering students a variety of activities and educational opportunities is also important. Collaborating and supporting music within the community is another way to receive notice.

The Lafayette Area Music Teachers Association in Lafayette, Louisiana, was selected as the 2009 MTNA Local Association of the Year. It was honored at the 2009 MTNA National Conference Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, March 31.

The Lafayette ...