To honor his long tenure of distinguished service to the Midwestern Historical Keyboard Society, the Board of Directors in 2007 created the Ben Bechtel Award. This award will be presented annually to a promising student with an interest in early keyboard instruments. The award will underwrite the cost of attendance at the next MHKS annual conference, with the goal of fostering interest in early keyboard instruments and the Society among younger people.

Anyone under the age of 30 who is currently learning to play, build, or otherwise expresses interest in any early keyboard instrument (organ, harpsichord, clavichord, fortepiano, etc.) is eligible to be nominated for the Ben Bechtel award. A statement describing the student's interest and aspirations and a letter of recommendation from a teacher will comprise a nomination for the award. Nominations should be sent to David Breitman, 382 Elm St., Oberlin, OH, 44074, USA, or by e-mail to david.breitman@oberlin.edu by March 1^st of each year, to be considered for attendance at that year's annual meeting. Winner will be announced by April 1^st.

The committee that oversees the Ben Bechtel Award appreciates your generous financial support. Donations may be sent to David Breitman at the above address. Thank you!