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date the honor groups. (Band and Orchestra Instrumental ensembles are approximately 200 persons each; the mixed choir, 325; and the women’s choir, 175). The Northwest Division Board leadership contacted a variety of teachers in the Portland area to explore the possibility of using a church for the choral ensembles. Unfortunately, no churches were large enough to hold the choral honor groups and audience. Also, these facilities were generally not available for rental on Sundays.

Why do we have such large numbers in the Northwest Division Honor Groups? Two years ago state presidents discussed the possibility of reducing the number of accepted students for the honor groups. The response was overwhelming — keep the groups the same size. Northwest Division leadership and members agreed at that time to maintain larger numbers so that as many students as possible could participate in a musical experience that might not otherwise be available to them. Reducing the number of performers in the

Honor Groups is an undesirable option. As long as the Honor Groups remain the size as they currently are, it may be necessary to use ballrooms for performances. Certainly opera houses, churches, and other performance sites will be explored when costs and schedules allow.

Why are some of the rehearsal sites so far away from the conference? Rehearsal sites are chosen to provide students a musical experience during their stay. They also must be user friendly for space considerations of the large number of students, busses, lunches, chaperones, etc. In Portland all of the rehearsal sites are within walking distance of the conference so that interested directors may observe the students and conductors.

Students who were selected to perform in the honor groups deserve your collective respect and support. Congratulations to all of you who had students accepted.

Life is a continual process of growth and change. This may be the time to consider new options for future Northwest Division MENC Conferences and explore changes for 2005, which is scheduled for Bellevue, WA. Should you have a recommendation for any of the issues discussed here, please contact your state president, Northwest Division President-Elect Renee Westlake, or me. We will gladly take those sug-gestions to the Northwest Division Board to explore alternative approaches. I hope to see you in February!

Jim Howell

OMeA Board President