Federated Music Teacher's Association is holding the 25^th Annual Baroque Competition. The 2008 Baroque Competition Finals will be held at FOSTER FAMILY MUSIC in Bettendorf on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6. Elementary and Intermediate performances will be in the morning and the senior performance in the afternoon. The competition is open to the public. Refreshments will be served after each age group's competition.

Federated Music Teacher's Association is the local chapter of The National Federation of Music Clubs, an organization designed to promote study and stimulate interest in American and world music literature, and to encourage each participant to reach a high standard of musical achievement. The Baroque Competition was started 25 years ago by Richard Patterson & LaVonna Kiesele Bartlett, members of our local chapter to promote the study of baroque piano music.

Forty-five finalists will be chosen by recorded audition, judged by the University of Iowa pedagogy class under the direction of Dr. Alan Huckleberry. At the finals on December 6th fifteen students in each division will perform two pieces, one from the baroque period and one from a contrasting period of music. Our judge Dr. Rene Lecuona, from the University of Iowa will choose 1^st through 5^th place winners, who will receive trophies, cash and prizes from local sponsors. These are some young, talented, hard-working, local pianists. Let's celebrate and champion their achievements!