by Leslie Newlin
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60th Annual M.A.M.A. Festival in Lake of the Ozarks

Last weekend (July 28-31) two LMS students traveled to Lake Ozark, Missouri to participate in the 60th Annual MidAmerica Music Association Festival. Nathan and Mahathi have spent the last 6 months preparing to play at this adjudicated event. It was my honor and privilege to help them prepare their piano solos and support them at the festival.

The festival was a smashing success! Both students received Superior ratings (95% or above) on their piano solos and went home with trophies. I am so proud of my students!

About the festival: The 2016 M.A.M.A. Festival had 1177 entries in 19 different instruments and voice. Entry categories include solos, duets, ensembles, original composition, piano competition, pop/jazz/blues, music quiz bowl, adult/student hobbyist, talent show and theory bee. Entrants can sign up to participate in as many categories as they wish! Next year (2017) the M.A.M.A. Festival will be held in Kansas City, and then in St. Louis the following year (2018).

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Students earn a Superior rating and trophy when their performance rating is 95% or higher. More advanced students receive larger trophies – a great incentive to keep learning and growing as a musician.
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In this multi-state festival, students travel from near and far to participate. Music studios from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois were represented. Participation averages around 1500 students each year.
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Families enjoy the resort atmosphere at Lodge of the Four Seasons where the festival is held every 3 years. Indoor and outdoor hotel pools, recreation facilities, and activities on the lake such as cruises, parasailing, waverunners, swimming and more keep families smiling!

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This year’s T-shirt design