Greetings,

Happy New Year to all!

For some time now CCMA has held juried solo competitions for high school musicians in January. The competition has afforded students an opportunity to perform before a jury and receive evaluations and pointers for improvement. For many, this was their dress rehearsal for the ISSMA competitions. Winners also received cash awards. Last year the competition was opened to all instrumentalists performing in ensembles. A week after the competition all students subsequently performed in a wonderful CCMA concert at the U.U. Church.

This year, On January 30, CCMA is again holding an ensemble competition and I am eager to have another youth concert on February 6 at the U.U. Church. Please spread the word to all the young people and music teachers you know. The application is on our web site: www.ccmachamber.org This is a wonderful opportunity for us to encourage our young musicians.

I would like to remind you that our March 13 concert will be in memory of Hans Tischler. Hans and Eve List founded CCMA in 1975 and Hans ran the organization for many years after Eve's death. It would be wonderful if some of our members who knew and admired Hans were able to perform in the March 13 concert. Please get in touch with me if you would like to do this.

Finally, on behalf of CCMA, I would like to extend our sympathy to the family of Bob Bent. Bob was a long-time member of CCMA and played 'cello frequently in earlier years.

Best wishes,

Ruth Boshkoff, President, CCMA