Chapter News

Fall Workshop 2022

As promised, I am sending more information about the upcoming Georgia ASTA Fall Workshop on Saturday, September 10th, 2022, at Westminster Schools, 1424 West Paces Ferry Road, NW, Atlanta GA 30327 from 8:00 AM–3:00 PM. This will be located in the Barge Common building which is located by the parking garage. Breakfast and social time begins at 8:00 am and our first session will start at 9:00 am.


We will be offering 4 exciting sessions:


1st Session: Jim Palmer

Jim will be presenting and sharing his new method book, Sound Orchestra: Ensemble Development String or Full Orchestra


2nd Session:Round Table Discussion

We will break into smaller groups divided by what you teach (middle school, high school, private lessons or collegiate) to discuss trends and patterns we are all seeing in our programs and strategies to provide the best experience for everyone.


3rd Session: Nathaniel Parker

This one hour clinic will focus on conducting skills to help us be the most effective conductor for our ensembles.


4th Session: Reading Session sponsored by JW Pepper and many Door Prizes!!!

Bring your instruments to play through many exciting new pieces - organized by Krissi Davis and Noelle Williams.


ASTA members may attend for free while non-members may attend for $25.00. Breakfast will be sponsored by William Harris Lee and lunch will be sponsored by Mandarin Strings. All participants must register via this google form by Tuesday, August 30th.


https://forms.gle/qAtSEXaq6NeHGnL16


I hope you see you on September 10th!!


Amy Clement,

President, Georgia ASTA

The election results are in!

Congratulations to the following GA-ASTA members who will serve on our new leadership board!

  • President-Elect: Shawn Morton

  • Secretary: Annalisa Chang

  • Treasurer: Tim Anderson

In addition, Amy Clement will move into the role of President. All board members will begin their terms in May and serve through 2024.

We are excited to welcome all ASTA members to Atlanta for the National Conference happening now!

Emailed to members on 3-16-22

It's time to vote for GA-ASTA officers 2022-2024!

Here are the candidates...

President: Shawn Morton

Shawn Morton is currently in her twentieth year as an orchestra teacher in Gwinnett County. Mrs. Morton has taught in her current position at Duluth High School for fifteen years. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. Mrs. Morton also holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Shorter College.

Mrs. Morton conducts the Gwinnett County Kendall Youth Orchestra, and she has served as a clinician for local school orchestras, workshops, clinics and camps. Mrs. Morton’s orchestras have performed at the 2007 Midwest Clinic, 2009 American String Teachers Association Conference, the 2011 Georgia Music Educators Association In-service Conference, the 2013 National Band and Orchestra Festival at Lincoln Center, the 2014 Midwest Clinic, and the 2018 American String Teachers Conference, and the 2019 Capital Orchestra Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. This year, the Duluth HS Chamber Orchestra has been invited to play at the 2022 Georgia Music Educators Association In-service Conference.

Mrs. Morton has served as the secretary for the Georgia Chapter of the American String Teachers Association and as the GMEA District 13 Orchestra Chair. In addition, Mrs. Morton was selected to present at the 2014 GMEA In-service Conference about recruitment and retention of orchestra students and the 2019 GMEA Conference about working with student teachers. Mrs. Morton also presented at the 2019 Midwest Clinic and the 2021 National ASTA Conference. Recently, she served as one of the writers for the new Georgia Standards of Excellence for Orchestra. She currently serves as the HS Orchestra Lead Teacher for GCPS and the Duluth HS Fine Arts Department Chair. Mrs. Morton also serves the facilitator for the GA DOE Orchestra Community. She is the 2021-2022 Duluth High School Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Morton is a member of the American String Teachers Association, Georgia Music Educators Association, Professional Association of Georgia Educators, and Sigma Beta Delta. She resides in Buford, GA with her husband Dale, son Hudson, and dogs Mozart and Aria.

President: John Sweat

Currently in his 24th year of teaching in the Bibb County Public Schools (Macon, GA), John Sweat is the Director of Orchestras and the Guitar Ensemble at Howard High School. John holds degrees in Violin Performance from the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. In addition to teaching at the high school level, he taught elementary orchestra for 5 years and middle school orchestra for 7 years. John is currently an adjunct instructor at Mercer University and has previously served in an adjunct capacity at Wesleyan College. In 2013, John received the inaugural Robert McDuffie Center for Strings Award from the McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University.

Under his direction, the Howard High School Orchestra program has earned consistent superior ratings from the GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation. Since its opening in 2008, the orchestra and guitar program has grown extensively. His students have performed for numerous local organizations such as senior citizens communities, children’s hospitals, and shelters. Orchestra and guitar students have also performed at the Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta, The Walt Disney World Resort, the Universal Orlando Resort, Charleston, SC, and St. Augustine, FL.

The Howard High School Orchestras and Guitar Ensemble regularly perform repertoire that combine the two ensembles for their on-campus performances. Students from both ensembles joined forces to present “Orchestra and Guitars Performing Together? ABSOLUTELY!” at the 2019 GMEA conference and the 2020 ASTA National Conference in Orlando.

John serves as the GMEA District XI Vice-Chair and has served of the District XI Orchestra Chair as well. He is active as an adjudicator for other districts throughout the state. John has presented sessions at the Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina MEA Conferences and the ASTA National Conference. He has served as the Fine Arts Department Chair at both Westside High School and Howard High School, and was the 2019-2020 Howard High Teacher of the Year. He has been a member of several symphony orchestras in Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama, including a 20-year tenure with the Macon Symphony.

John is also the organist for Forsyth United Methodist Church and is married to Jennifer who is a middle school math teacher at Stratford Academy in Macon. They have three beautiful children – Brian, Amber, and John Mark and five fur babies.

Secretary: Annalisa Chang

Annalisa C. Chang is Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Music Education at Clayton State Universityin Morrow, Georgia. Dr. Chang received her Ph.D. in Music Education from Florida State University. She also holds degrees in Music Education (M.M. and B.M.) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow.

At Clayton State, Dr. Chang teaches general music education courses, string methods, music for early childhood, music appreciation, and supervises student teachers. Additionally, she serves as the Associate Conductor of the Clayton County Youth Orchestra and the Director of the CSU Music Preparatory School.

Her research on string teacher education, the inclusion of students with disabilities in string classrooms, and equitable access to music education has been presented at state, national, and international music education conferences. Her work has been published in the String Research Journal, the Florida Music Director, and the ArkMEA journal. Dr. Chang is an active member of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA), currently serving on the Editorial Committee of the American String Teacher, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and the Research Committee. She is also an active member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) through her participation in the Georgia Music Educators Association, the Musician Health and Wellness Area for Strategic Planning and Action (ASPA), and the Children with Exceptionalities Special Research Interest Group (SRIG), for which she is currently Chair-Elect.

​As a clinician, Dr. Chang has presented sessions on teaching students with disabilities, string education, classroom management, and traditional (folk) music instruction in the schools at state in-service conferences (Georgia, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina), the American String Teachers Association National Conference, and the Midwest Clinic.

Secretary: Kinsey Edwards

Dr. Kinsey Edwards is a Gwinnett County Public Schools alumna. She attained her undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Music Education, from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. She earned her Masters of Music Education and Educational Doctorate from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. Since beginning her teaching career in Gwinnett County, Dr. Edwards participated in the Gwinnett County Teachers as Leaders cohort in 2012 and was selected as Teacher of the Year and one of Gwinnett County's top 25 Semi-finalists in that same year. She has presented at the Georgia Music Educators Association Convention and the National Association for Music Education Research Conference. Dr. Edwards conducted at the GMEA District 3 Honor Orchestra clinic, and organized GMEA All State for two years. Dr. Edwards was selected as Teacher of the Year at Crews Middle School and one of Gwinnett County's top 25 Semi-finalists for the second time in 2020. Dr. Edwards has been published in the Georgia American String Teachers Association Newsletter, Georgia Music News, and in The Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education. She lives at home in Buford, GA with her daughter Ansley, and husband, Dr. Andy Edwards, who teaches music technology at Peachtree Ridge High School in Gwinnett County.

Treasurer: Tim Anderson

Tim Anderson grew up and began his musical career in the Atlanta area. He earned his undergraduate degree from University of Illinois and a master’s degree from the University of Georgia. He has been the orchestra director at Autrey Mill Middle School in Fulton County since 2004. Prior to this he taught in Gwinnett County where in 2003 he was selected as teacher of the year. His orchestras perform and compete regularly throughout the South, most recently winning third place in the ASTA National Orchestra Festival in 2018. Mr. Anderson has served in various GMEA and ASTA capacities, recently retiring after working at the Georgia ASTA Camp for over 20 years. He performs regularly as a cellist throughout the Southeast both live and as a studio musician.

Treasurer: Noelle Williams

Noelle Williams is the orchestra director and connections department chair at Sweetwater Middle School in Lilburn, GA. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) where she studied music education with Dr. Rebecca MacLeod, and a master's degree from the University of South Carolina under Dr. Gail Barnes. While at UNCG she served as the Gate City chapter ASTA secretary/treasurer, as well as chapter president. Noelle has also served as a counselor for the GA-ASTA orchestra camp for many years. She has been a presenter and co-organizer for the ASTA Fall Workshops and remains active in the organization throughout the year. She has been a teacher mentor in the national ASTA mentoring cohort and has a passion for helping preservice and early career teachers in their first few years of teaching. Noelle has presented at GMEA, Midwest, and was recently selected to present in the ASTA hybrid national conference for 2022. She lives in Suwanee with her husband Wes, and her two dogs Truly and Bebe.

Vote Now!

Ballots were sent via email. If you did not receive one, please contact Charles Laux.

Note: A valid ASTA Membership is required to vote and you will be asked to enter your ASTA ID number.


VOTING ENDS ON FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022!


News for February 2022


1. ASTA Private Instruction Volunteers

ASTA is inviting members who are interested in serving as clinicians for schools in the Atlanta area which are usually unable to bring in clinicians. ASTA is also inviting members to serve as master teachers for 30-minute private lessons with string students in the Atlanta area who may not currently have access to private instruction. Please signup on this link to participate. https://forms.gle/KSGsBumsVZVvWcrD7


2. ASTA Teaching Volunteers

The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) is inviting its members to serve as clinicians for schools in the Atlanta area which are usually unable to have clinicians come work with their ensembles. Clinicians will be available for schools on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.

ASTA is also inviting its members to serve as master teachers for 30-minute private lessons with string students in the Atlanta area who may not currently have access to private instruction. Private instruction will be available on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 during and after the school day. Private instruction will occur at the Atlanta Hyatt Regency, 265 Peachtree NE, Atlanta. Students participating in the private lessons must be accompanied by a responsible adult and that adult will remain with the student at all times, including during the instruction. Please signup on this link to participate. https://forms.gle/d6KeMAvsRYbzmyDLA


3. ASTA Scholarship

The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) has received two generous donations to support full-ride scholarships for Georgia-based African-American college students studying to become string educators. The intent is to support students who have not been active with ASTA in the past, and introduce them to the ASTA community for their professional development and support throughout the rest of their career. Preference will be given to candidates who are first generation college students, and/or candidates who would otherwise not be able to afford to participate in ASTA offerings.

Each scholarship includes:

1. Conference registration to attend the March 17-19 2022 ASTA National In-person Conference at the Hyatt Regency, Atlanta, GA. Registration also includes full access to the virtual conference the week following.

2. Registration for one of the pre-conference options on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 16.

3. Three hotel nights at $189/night at the Hyatt Regency.

4. One-year student membership in ASTA

5. $100 to the recipient to cover meals, parking or other incidentals during their conference experience.

https://forms.gle/iqxqvvBE4KAW5TMi8


4. Reading Session featuring composers from Georgia

ASTA is featuring several Georgian composers at the DEI track of the Pre-Conference. In order to participate, you have to register for the DEI Pre Conference sessions. Selections for all musical levels will be presented featuring the following composers: Vanessa Fanning, David Robinson, Gregory Jackson, Juan Ramirez, Sergio Rodriguez, Reynard Burns, Cedric Adderley and Stephen Spottswood. Please signup to be a part of this great musical experience at https://www.astastrings.org/NationalConference/Registration/NationalConference/2022_Registration_Pricing.aspx?EventKey=ATL2022&hkey=9d728cfb-b079-4abd-9569-233a8d029127


5. ASTA National Conference Conducting Clinic

Join William LaRue Jones, ASTA past-president, and Victoria Gau, conductor and artistic director of the Washington DC Capital City Symphony, for an in-depth conducting clinic for orchestra directors. The session will focus on conducting fundamentals plus active podium time with an orchestra.

Presenters:

  • William LaRue Jones, University of Iowa

  • Victoria Gau, Washington DC Capital City Symphony

Date: Wednesday, March 16, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

News for 1/3/2022


Happy New Year! We hope that you had a wonderful break and holiday season! Our First Thursday Zoom Chat will be this Thursday, January 6 at 7:00 PM. We will feature special guest and amazing composer, Richard Meyer!


His topic will be the Non-Performance Lesson Plan! These are lessons that do not use instruments such as listening, history, theory, composition, etc. Session Description: Music education goes far beyond performing on an instrument. Mr. Meyer will illustrate and share lesson plans that he uses to teach musical skills and appreciation to his own students. These plans help develop listening skills and knowledge of theory, history, and composition, preparing students to become well-educated audience members and well-rounded musicians. Useful to Orchestra and Band teachers at all levels and it can be applied for REMOTE LEARNING.


Registration Link: Please register by Wednesday, January 5

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsd-CsqzwsGdOjY1vWf-YjP0OVFVYxnmtQ


Also, please don’t forget to register for our annual luncheon (at GMEA) and submit your chapter awards nominations. Deadlines are approaching soon!!


Luncheon Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdALIQz2MSB6PnauXu3Z2KiRzCs1cNTem5n-zVrweqaOF-9Aw/viewform


Chapter Awards Nominations: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9KP8GCBvwHtY75rR3MAHQ-Wgt6PaxboKYlxMWMwIMNB8rzA/viewform


See you online on Thursday!

News for 12/4/2021


Happy December Everyone!!


We have some important items of business to discuss. First, the annual GA-ASTA Luncheon is back! We are looking forward to seeing everyone in person to enjoy a delicious lunch and some string teacher fun.


Luncheon

Date: Friday, January 28, 2022 (during the GMEA Inservice Conference)

Location: The Graduate Hotel, 295 E. Dougherty Street, Athens, GA 30601.

Time: 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM

Registration Link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdALIQz2MSB6PnauXu3Z2KiRzCs1cNTem5n-zVrweqaOF-9Aw/viewform

Payment via PayPal:

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/gaasta/35?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US


Deadline: January 14, 2022 (or until reservation capacity has been reached)


Space is limited and will be first come, first served.



Next, it’s time to nominate members for our annual Chapter Awards!


Chapter Awards

Nominations and details for Chapter Awards can be found on this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9KP8GCBvwHtY75rR3MAHQ-Wgt6PaxboKYlxMWMwIMNB8rzA/viewform


Deadline: January 10, 2022


The annual awards are:

  • Educator of the Year

  • Industry Award (Business or Individual)

  • Advocacy Award

  • Lifetime Achievement Award


A final note that there will be no Thursday or Sunday social this month, as we know everyone is very busy with concert/recital preparations! We will continue our series on January 6 with special guest, Richard Meyer. Mark your calendars!


Best of luck with the rest of your semester! You’ve got this!

News for 10/27/2021


Dear Colleagues,


We are very excited to have Gabriel Bolkosky as our guest speaker for our First Thursday Zoom Chat next Thursday, November 4 at 7pm. Please read more about Gabriel Bolkosky .


Registration Link to First Thursday Zoom Chat with Gabriel Bolkosky

Topic: Wellness and Student Motivation

Date and Time: November 4, 2021, at 7pm


Registration Link to First Sunday Zoom Chat for Private Teachers

Topic: Sharing best strategy for preparing students for All-State Auditions.

Date and Time: November 7, 2021, at 7pm


I look forward to seeing you next week!


Bo

News for 9/27/2021

Dear Colleagues,

It was great to see everyone who came out for the Fall Workshop. What a great day of learning and connecting!

Here are the links for our upcoming "First" events for October...

Registration Link to First Sunday Zoom Chat for Private Studio Teachers For October 3

Topic: Sharing best strategy for preparing students for All-State Auditions.


Registration Link to First Thursday Zoom Chat with Georgia Ekonomou on October 7

Topic: Exploring the “Island of Crete, Greece” through Music and Food!

Georgia Ekonomou will show us how to make a Traditional Greek Salad and Tzatziki. She will also introduce us to Lyra. Included is a grocery list just in case you would like to cook along from your home.

You will need the following:

1. Salad

1/4 cup red wine vinegar (Optional)

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp oregano dried

1/2 tsp salt or to taste

1/2 tsp pepper or to taste

1/4 cup olive oil

1 English cucumber cubed

1 red bell pepper diced

1/2 cup red onion diced

1 cup tomatoes diced

1/2 cup kalamata olives pitted

1 cup feta cheese cubed or crumbled

2. Tzatziki

2 cups coarsely grated cucumber (1 medium cucumber, no need to peel or seed the cucumber first)

1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 medium clove garlic minced

½ teaspoon fine sea salt

3. Pita Bread Store-bought!!

News for 8/8/2021

Hello everyone,

My name is Bo Na. I am honored to serve as President of the Georgia Chapter of ASTA. This year, ASTA is excited to celebrate 75 years of professional training and support for string educators.

VIRTUAL CHATS

One of the activities created by the ASTA 75th Anniversary Task Force is a new program of monthly virtual chats facilitated by ASTA state chapters for the 2021–2022 school year. It will replace our First Thursday social with a more structured zoom chat session. Zoom chats will feature short presentations by experts in various areas of string education, followed by a discussion and Q&A. But wait! The Georgia ASTA will offer another monthly chat for private teachers as well on Sundays.

FALL WORKSHOP

Please mark your calendar for IN-PERSON Fall Workshop on Saturday, September 11th, 2021, at Westminster Schools, 1424 West Paces Ferry Road, NW

Atlanta, GA 30327, from 8:00 AM–3:00 PM. William Harris Lee and Mandarin Strings will graciously provide breakfast and lunch for us.

We will be offering 4 exciting sessions:

  • 1st Session: Interactive Rhythm Session by Dave Holland

    • This is a 45-minute 'recreational rhythm-making session featuring body percussion, Boomwhackers, and hands-on drumming! The Focus Areas of this session are community, collaboration, and creative play.

  • 2nd Session: Improving Intonation by Jeremy Woolstenhulme

    • This is a 60-minute clinic on improving intonation in the orchestra classroom. Focus on using drone repetitive patterns and singing.

  • 3rd Session: 71 Rolled into One by Cathie Hudnall and Jim Palmer

    • This one-Hour clinic will include goal setting and teaching beyond the notes.

  • 4th Session: Reading Session sponsored by JW Pepper and many Door Prizes!!!

ASTA members may attend for free while non-members may attend for $25.00. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. All participants must register via this google form by Monday, August 30th.

NEWS SUBMISSIONS

Finally, if you have any news or accolades to share (include photos!) from your classroom, studio, etc., please send your news to our chapter secretary & webmaster, Charles Laux, at georgiaastawebmaster@gmail.com for inclusion in our next newsletter. We want to share all the great things our members are doing for our string students and our profession!

I hope you see you on September 11th!!

Best wishes,

Bo Na

American String Teachers Association Georgia Chapter President

News for 7/16/2021

Hello everyone! We hope you are enjoying your summer and are getting some time to rest and relax. Below are a few news items that were submitted to the chapter that you might find useful.

Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra of Atlanta

The Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra of Atlanta would like to invite your students to audition for the 2021-2022 season! We have openings remaining for strings, brass, and percussion.

MYSO meets on Sunday afternoons at Georgia State University, and we have a lot of fun and exciting things planned for this season, including a collaboration with world-renowned violinist Mark Wood.

Auditions are August 8-15 and are to be performed virtually. For more information about auditioning for MYSO, please visit our website:

https://www.mysoatlanta.org/auditions

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email our Executive Director, Megan Williams (meganwilliams@mysoatlanta.org).]

Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra

The Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra will return to a full, in-person orchestra experience this fall. Performances will include works by Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Wagner, and Saint-Saëns (Symphony No. 3, "Organ Symphony"). We look forward to hearing your students during our virtual audition weekend, to be held August 14-15. For more information on the orchestra and how to register for an audition, please visit www.emoryyouthsymphony.org. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at youthsymphony@emory.edu. Thank you for your support!

Announcement

Congratulations to Yesong Sophie Lee, Winner of the 2016 Menuhin Competition - Junior Division

Sophie will perform Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 1 at AFA’s Finale Concert on Saturday, July 31 with camp participants and members of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra! This concert will also feature Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 and sections of Tchaikovsky’s chamber masterwork, Souvenir de Florence.

https://atlantafestivalacademy.org/


News for May 2021


First Thursday Social

Please join us for our final First Thursday Social of the school year at 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 6.


Here is the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlc-Gsqj4tHteXENNRKjetXPgj1q9lH6vT

We hope to see you there!

ASTA Virtual Orchestra Masterclass

Check out more information about this Virtual Orchestra Masterclass on Saturday, May 15.

News for March 2021

New Online Orchestra Community

The Georgia Dept. of Education is hosting an online orchestra community. These communities are a digital platform meant to bring together orchestra teachers from all over the state of Georgia. There are 2 webinars posted monthly on a variety of topics (advocacy, digital assessment, favorite strategies, etc.). Shawn Morton is serving as the moderator and host for the webinars for the orchestra. However, what will make the communities so much more robust is if we can get people from all over the state to share their experiences on the discussion board. Each time a new webinar is posted to the discussion tool, there are some prompting questions to help get the conversation started. Be sure to join the communities with your school email address and to sign up for the orchestra subgroup!

Download the directions on how to access the online community here.


New String Orchestra Piece Dedicated to GA-ASTA Chapter


Kendor Publishing just released a Level 2 string orchestra piece by Andrew Dabczynski entitled Springer Mountain Morning. From Mr. Dabczynski: "I was so inspired by the wonderful time I had working with the Georgia ASTA teachers in 2018 that I decided to arrange something with Appalachian origins, and dedicate it to all of you and your students! It's based on one of the tunes ("Bonny James Campbell") that I introduced to the teachers in one of my workshops!" Georgia ASTA is honored to have been the inspiration for this beautiful piece!

Congratulations to Corie Benton!

The Georgia ASTA chapter would like to congratulate our chapter Past-President, Corie Benton, as she was elected as Member-at-Large for ASTA!!  Corie will serve a two year term beginning in May of 2021. Thank you for representing Georgia at the national level!


Mrs. Benton received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Loyola University in New Orleans. After graduating from Loyola, she began her teaching career in Plano, Texas, moving to Georgia in 2000.

Mrs. Benton is an active member of both GMEA and ASTA. Throughout her career, she has presented a workshop at the GMEA In-Service Conference (2013); performed at the GMEA In-Service Conference and had students perform (2015 and 2019); and competed in ASTA’s National Orchestra Festival (2018). She is a regularly requested adjudicator at workshops, clinics, honor orchestras, and LGPEs in metro Atlanta. Corie is a member of MENC, GMEA, and the past-president of the Georgia chapter of ASTA.

Although teaching is her passion, Corie enjoys being with her husband and two sons.

Describe how your commitment and passion for strings will further ASTA’s current vision statement: Enriching lives through universal access to fine string playing and teaching.

When I graduated from college, I had to submit a resume that included my objective as an educator. My objective was to give every child the opportunity to have a well-rounded/wholistic education. I truly believe that includes music for all children; giving them tools for success. Although my beliefs are the same as they were at the beginning of my career, I’ve learned to qualify my original statement. Providing quality education is an important component of the education puzzle, but it can’t be generic.

In order to propel string education, it is imperative that we look at “how” we teach techniques. By re-evaluating our strategies, we give our students the best opportunities for success.

As a member of ASTA, I use the platform to connect educators at all levels of their teaching careers. Having access to knowledge from veteran educators helps novice educators navigate through possible pitfalls. Mutually, gaining knowledge from novice teachers benefits veteran teachers; connecting them to new technology and techniques that reach younger generations. Learning is an ongoing part of life and the majority of educators are willing to grow. I would love to continue to provide our membership access to strategies and resources that will enable them to provide or continue to provide quality instruction. These resources strengthen ASTA through the diversity of clinicians, types of ensembles, compositions, and techniques.

Mini Grant Award Winner 2020-2021

This years' Mini-Grant is awarded to Melinda Mauter from Drew Charter School. She will be purchasing Music First Subscriptions for her students!

Industry Award 2020-2021

The The winner of the Industry Award goes to Anna Huthmaker from Huthmaker Violins.

Huthmaker Violins was started by Dixie and Buddy Huthmaker who knew exactly what orchestra teachers needed since they were both educators. They are always willing to reach out and give a student or school whatever they need to be successful offering repairs, payment plans, instructional videos, practice space, or anything else that ensures success. The positive and uplifting environment of the shop is created by the caring and friendly staff that has never met a stranger. You walk in as a customer and walk out as a family. Thank you so much for years of support for string students and teachers in Georgia, and congratulations on this well deserved award.


By the way, this award introduction was written by award-winning author Sarah Ball!

Educator of the Year 2020-2021

It is with great pleasure that we announce Dr. Charles Laux as this years' Georgia ASTA Educator of the Year.

The The nominee for Educator of the year is one of the most innovative orchestra teachers we have here in Georgia. He is constantly searching for new ways of teaching and communicating with students and colleagues. His Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Youtube Channel, and his resourceful website are invaluable tools for teaching.


Newsletter - 1/5/21

Hello everyone,

Welcome to 2021! The Georgia ASTA board hopes you had a relaxing winter holiday season and would like to wish you a safe, healthy, and prosperous new year! Below is chapter information for January 2021.

First Thursday Virtual Social

On the first Thursday of each month, we have held a virtual social for our members. This is where you can connect and have fun with friends. Please use this link to sign up and join us! First Thursday Social Registration Link

Bass Workshop

The Georgia ASTA is offering a bass workshop and masterclass for students of members on January 23, 2021. Michael Klinghoffer will be our featured guest clinician. This event is generously being sponsored by Ronald Sachs Violins is so it will be free for ASTA members to participate! Please click here for more detailed information.

National ASTA Conference

Have you registered? Please use this link to register for the 2021 Virtual ASTA National Conference. The conference will provide many opportunities for you to engage virtually with your peers around the country and the world. Join us March 3–7, 2021, to recharge, learn, connect, and make music together.


Please know the Georgia ASTA board members are here to support you, so please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. Happy New Year!


Permalink: https://mailchi.mp/82a6659256dc/ga-asta-news-january-4826158

Fall Newsletter - 11/2/20

Hello everyone,

It was great seeing so many people at the Virtual Fall Workshop. If you missed the workshop and would like to get the resources, please visit the Georgia ASTA Chapter website.

Below are a few important links that may be of interest to you:

  • Chapter Awards Nomination Form - Nominate your colleagues for our annual chapter awards! Due 11/30/2020

  • Mini Grant Application - Each year, the Georgia chapter of ASTA awards money to individuals or groups to fund special projects, field trips, and enhance string instruction throughout the state. Due 11/30/2020

  • National and State ASTA Calendar of Events

  • How can we support you?

  • ASTA Connect (requires ASTA login)

  • GA-ASTA First Thursday Social
    Join us for our first MEMBERS ONLY virtual social on Zoom, starting this Thursday at 7:00 PM on Thursday, 11/5/2020! Registration Link

  • 2021 Virtual ASTA National Conference- ASTA has made the decision to move our 2021 National Conference to a fully online, virtual experience that will take place March 3 - 6, 2021. Conference attendees will be able to participate virtually in vital conversations about string education and how to continue to navigate the current landscape. Beyond learning, collaborate online with your colleagues from around the country and the globe, as well as music industry partners. This conference will give you the chance to share ideas and insights and build your network. Conference details — including education sessions, concerts, master classes, and industry partner showcases — will launch in late November 2020.


Statement from GA-ASTA Regarding Anti-Racism

Dear Georgia ASTA members,

We are forwarding the letter below that was recently sent from the the national ASTA president, Kristen Pellegrino, just in case you may have missed it. The Georiga ASTA Board agrees wholeheartedly with the goal of condemning racism in any form and we would like to raise our voice in support of all of our members. We stand by you and are here to assist you in any way we can. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

The Georgia ASTA Board

--

Dear ASTA Community,

During these troubling times, ASTA continues to be deeply committed to supporting our members. We condemn racism in any form and raise our voice in support of affected communities. Now more than ever, we need to come together to create a more just society in which everyone is safe and treated with respect and dignity.

We stand ready to listen, learn, and work together with our community to encourage inclusivity, respect, and compassion for one another. We stand behind ASTA’s vision and core values. Our vision: Enriching lives through universal access to fine string playing and teaching. ASTA supports string education and music for everyone—we believe arts education is essential.

ASTA’s core values:

  • Teaching and Learning: We are students. We are teachers. We are lifelong learners and share our knowledge openly.

  • Diversity and Inclusion: Everyone is welcome. We value every person for the differences of identity, ideas, and interests they bring.

  • Community: We harness the power of collaboration between people.

  • Integrity: Our word is our bond. We will be honest and aligned with our values—always.

  • Passion: All in, all the time. We approach our work with focus and intentionality of commitment.

  • Excellence: We will always strive to do our very best work in service with our community.

Together we are better.

Kristen Pellegrino, Ph.D.

President, American String Teachers Association

News - August 22, 2020

Hello everyone,


I wish you a safe and exciting new school year! It should definitely prove to be an adventure!


Please note that the ASTA website, https://www.astastrings.org/ has unlimited teaching and safety resources. Additionally, ASTA Connect https://community.astastrings.org/home offers a place where the members can share their expertise and resources with a whole community.


Mark your calendar for the Georgia ASTA Fall Virtual Workshop, which will be on September 12th. We will be offering a few mini sessions about taking care of our mental and physical health, technology, and learning the importance of diversity and inclusion. We will also have time to share our great teaching ideas with each other. And of course, we will give out many fabulous prizes. More details about the workshop will come to you soon!


We will work through this together. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.


Sincerely,

Bo Na

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Bo Na

Director of Middle School Orchestras

Lower & Upper School Orchestra Teacher

American String Teachers Association Georgia Chapter President


Spring 2020 Newsletter

National Conference Wrap-Up

Congratulations to our GA-ASTA members that presented, presided or performed at the ASTA National Conference in Orlando!

All-State Scholarship

Congratulations to our students and teachers that participated, organized, and performed at All-State 2020! Every year we present a scholarship to a deserving member of All-State whose future is to major in music in college. This year the 2020 ASTA scholarship recipient is:

    • Corban Johnson, bassist that attends Collins Hill High School (Rosie Riquelme, Director)

Elections for GA-ASTA Leadership 2020-2022

  • Elections closed.

Klinghoffer Bass Workshop

Michael Klinghoffer is an Israeli double bass musician, conductor, author and educator. He is the author of Mr. Karr, Would You Teach Me How to Drive a Double Bass? and Dean ofPerforming Arts and Senior Lecturer of double bass at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, Israel. www.michaelklinghoffer.com/. Bass Week will offer bass ensemble reading sessions, master classes, and recitals. Events are free and open to all high school, college, and adult bass players. Registration is required. See below for registration link. Click on the link to register. Registration deadline is April 1st .

To register, please use this link: Klinghoffer Bass Workshop

Annual Luncheon Wrap-Up

The luncheon this year was a complete success!!! A special thank you to all that attended and a HUGE thank you to ALL of our sponsors! Please share any photos you have with gaastawebmaster@gmail.com

2020 ASTA Luncheon Award Winners

  • Educator of the Year: Tim Anderson

  • Advocacy Award: Sam Lowder

  • Industry of the Year: Chris Johns from Ron Sachs Violins

  • Lifetime Achievement: Peter Lemonds

  • Mini Grants: Golden Isle Youth Symphony & KSU Collegiate ASTA Chapter

Online Resource Library

Make sure to visit the ASTA online resource library. They have also added the Snapshot of US strings and orchestra programs. This snapshot shows information as: Classroom Trends, Students Retention Trends, Students Enrollment Figures, etc.

Online Member Resources

Summer Camps

We have some great summer camps in our state, Please be sure to pass camp information along to your students and parents. The deadline is fast approaching, and we want everyone to have the chance to participate in the opportunities offered.

MYSO auditions are May 9th, 16th and August 16th. Please go to the link for more information.

Continuing Education

Teacher Education Opportunities

February 2020 News

Hello everyone and thanks so much for an awesome luncheon last month!

We had a great time and it was great to see everyone. I would like to acknowledge our winners for the chapter awards:

    • Educator of the Year: Tim Anderson

    • Advocacy Award: Sam Lowder

    • Industry of the Year: Chris Johns from Ron Sachs Violins

    • Lifetime Achievement: Peter Lemonds

    • Mini Grants: Golden Isle Youth Symphony & KSU Collegiate ASTA Chapter

National ASTA Conference in Orlando

We are fortunate to have several members presenting workshops at the National Conference in Orlando next month.

    • Mr. John Sweat, "Guitar and Orchestra Performing Together? ABSOLUTELY!"

    • Dr. Nancy Conley, "Improvisation for the 21st Century Music Educator"

    • Dr. Charles Laux, "How PURE is your orchestra's intonation?"

    • Dr. Annalisa Chang, "The Bluegrass Breakdown: Teaching Improvisation in the Classroom"

    • Dr. Katrin Meidell, "Putting Your Best Foot Forward: CV- and Resume Writing Workshop"

    • Dodgen Middle School, participating in the National Orchestra Festival.

We Want Your Photos!

As we approach the end of the school year, please send pictures of you and your students in action. Photos should be shared with georgiaastawebmaster@gmail.com. We want to celebrate the great programs in our state!

Please read about our events and summer camp information.

Fall 2019 Newsletter

Posted on October 22, 2019

Upcoming Events…

  • Luncheon is January 24, 2020, at The Graduate Hotel starting at 12:30 PM. The cost is $35 per person. This event sells out quickly so order your tickets once you see the announcement via email and FaceBook! 🙂

  • String In! at Georgia Southern for 7th and 8th graders, featuring a side by side concert with the Golden Isles Youth Symphony on February 1, 2020.

  • Southern Chamber Music Festival at Georgia Southern February 13-16, 2020

  • All-State final audition prep workshop at Georgia Southern University on November 9, 2019

  • Elections are in the Spring. Please email me Corie Benton at coriebentonasta@gmail.com if you are interested in running for an office.

  • The ASTA National Conference is March 4-7, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. Please plan to attend.

Fall Workshop Highlights…

  • Clinician: Thank you to Dr. Sandy Goldie for sharing her area of expertise and research with us!

  • Special thanks to Sponsors: JWPepper (Amber Loper and Doug McComas); Mandarin Strings (Charles Bostwick and Ying Zhou), Ron Sachs Violins of Peachtree City (Chris Johns)

  • Special Thanks to Helpers/Organizers: Corie Benton – President; Bo Na – President-Elect, Sam Lowder – Past President; Grace Parsons – Treasurer; Kevin Anderson – Secretary; David Metrio – Membership Ambassador; Denise Huewitt – Site Host; Georgia Ekonomou – Music Selections for JW Pepper Sponsored Reading Session, Einstein’s Bagels, Maggiano’s Italian Grill

Chapter News & Highlights…

  • Congratulations to Dr. Larisa Elisha and Sarah Ball as ASTA Mentors. They are available to assist young school teachers with their school program and teaching.

  • We have several people presenting at the National Conference in March. Congratulations to the following members: Sarah Ball, Dr. Annalisa Chang, Amy Clement, Dr. Nancy Conley, Dr. Charles Laux, Dr. Katrin Meidell, Jim Palmer, & John Sweat

  • Congratulations to the Dodgen Middle School Orchestra under the direction of Ashley Culley for competing in the upcoming 2020 ASTA National Orchestra Festival this year.

Please remember to check the website regularly for information about mini-grants and scholarship opportunities.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN GA-ASTA SOUTHERN REGION

GMEA All-State Orchestra Final Auditions Preparation Workshop

November 9, 2019

Georgia Southern University (Statesboro Campus)

Georgia Southern University Strings Faculty, Dr. Steven Elisha (Head of Strings, Director of Orchestras, Cello/Bass) and Dr. Larisa Elisha (Coordinator of Upper Strings Studies

Violin/Viola/Chamber Music) will be the clinicians for the GMEA All-State Orchestra Final Auditions Preparation Workshop on November 9, 2:00 – 5:00 PM. String students will have the opportunity to gain valuable skills in preparing for the final round of the All-State Orchestra auditions. The workshops include instruction in detailed practice techniques for playing the orchestral excerpts and scales, as well as general issues associated with mental preparation and minimizing audition and performance anxiety. For more information, please contact Dr. Steven Elisha (stevenelisha@georgiasouthern.edu).

STRING-IN!

February 1, 2020

Georgia Southern University (Statesboro Campus)

Seventh and eighth graders are invited to come for a day of college tours, admissions counseling and careers in music information, as well as lunch, as a day-long event planned on Georgia Southern University’s (GSU) Statesboro campus. Musicians will be organized into groups by instruments to work on pieces that will be performed at the end of the day. Other partners for the day will be the college members of Georgia Southern University’s student chapter of the American Strings Teachers Association (ASTA), the Glynn County School District, and several donors to GIYO. The cost for students will be $10. For more information, please contact Dr. Steven Elisha (stevenelisha@georgiasouthern.edu).

Strings at Southern Chamber Music Festival

February 13-16, 2020

Georgia Southern University (Statesboro Campus)

Georgia Southern University’s Strings at Southern Chamber Music Festival, for high school and university students, will be held February 13 -16, 2020 on Georgia Southern University – Statesboro campus. This four-day festival includes a String Quartet Competition, string masterclasses, chamber ensemble coaching’s, workshops, chamber/symphony orchestra rehearsals, and student performances. String players have the opportunity to study with the internationally acclaimed Elaris Duo (Dr. Larisa Elisha, violin and Dr. Steven Elisha, cello), directors of the festival and faculty members at Georgia Southern University. Pre-formed groups, as well as individual applicants, are encouraged to apply.

https://cah.georgiasouthern.edu/music/areas-2/strings/strings-at-southern/

Michael Klinghoffer Residency

April 8-16, 2020

Georgia Southern University (Statesboro and Armstrong Campus)

During April 8-16, 2020, Professor Michael Klinghoffer, bass virtuoso and pedagogue, as well as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, will provide workshops, master classes, lectures and performances throughout Georgia’s Southeast Coastal Region. Workshop topics will include The role of the teacher in the 21st century; The Artist – an Agent of Change; String Pedagogy class with instruments for all strings. (Based on Frank Zappa’s song “The Torture Never Stops” and on Paul Simons song “Fifty ways to play a scale”); Improvisation as Listening; The Broken Consort (aka Building a young ensemble, based on Stuart Diamond’s Theory of Trust); Roll Over Beethoven (aka what can we learn from Rock musicians and from Karate Kid about performance skills). For more information, please contact Dr. Steven Elisha (stevenelisha@georgiasouthern.edu).

Spring 2019 Newsletter

Posted on April 9, 2019

Congratulations to the following GA-ASTA members for their participation at the ASTA National Conference!

2019 ASTA Scholarship Recipient

  • Esther Kim,Duluth High School

2019 National Conference Presenters/Adjudicators

  • Jim Palmer

  • Dr. Steven Elisha

  • Dr. Larisa Elisha

  • Dr. Cathie Hudnall

Annual Luncheon Wrap-Up

The luncheon this year was a complete success!!! A special thank you to all that attended and a HUGE thank you to ALL of our sponsors!

2019 ASTA Luncheon Award Winners

  • Mini Grant: Selinda Proctor & Dr. Steven Elisha

  • Industry Award: Mandarin Strings

  • Educator of the Year: Stephen Lawrence

  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Linda Cherniavsky

Online Resource Library

Make sure to visit the ASTA online resource library. They have also added the Snapshot of US strings and orchestra programs. This snapshot shows information as: Classroom Trends, Students Retention Trends, Students Enrollment Figures, etc.

Online Member Resources

We Want Your Photos!

As we approach the end of the school year, please send pictures of you and your students in action. We want to celebrate the great programs in our state!

Summer Camps

We have some great summer camps in our state, Please be sure to pass camp information along to your students and parents. The deadline is fast approaching, and we want everyone to have the chance to participate in the opportunities offered.

Summer Camps Inormation

Please check out the Clayton State Leadership for high school juniors and seniors. The workshop is geared towards students interested in becoming music educators of thinking about majoring in music education. The deadline has been extended to give more kids the chance to participate in training. (flyer attached below).

MYSO auditions are May 11th, 18th and August 18th. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Continuing Education

Teacher Education Opportunities

FOA/FASTA Flyer

Newsletter Archive 2013-2018

Fall 2018 Newsletter

Posted on December 5, 2018

Welcome to the GA-ASTA Newsletter for Fall 2018. Included is important information about our chapter.

Teaching Resources

Check out the wonderful teaching resources on the web library. There is a wealth of information available. Also, the Snapshot of US strings and orchestra programs has been added. This snapshot shows such as information as:

Highlighting chapter successes

We want to hear from you! Do you have a chapter program or service that you are especially proud of or that has been successful? Let’s highlight our chapter successes in the next newsletter.

Classroom trends Student retention trends

Please send them to coriebentonasta@gmail.com

Upcoming Deadlines

Please keep the following dates and events in mind. The deadlines are very close.

ASTACAP

The online ASTACAP is now open until November 30. For those of you unfamiliar with this program, please take a look at this link.

National Conference

The early registration deadline is has passed and the hotels are selling quickly and we encourage everyone to make their hotel reservations soon. ASTA has a limited amount of rooms available at the special rates and they can sell out prior to the deadline. They are 70% sold already. Link

National Orchestra Festival 2020

The 2020 NOF will be held in Orlando, Florida from March 3-7. The information will be available in January 2019. We anticipate due to the location a high response rate – If you know of an orchestra or you have an orchestra that wants to get on the preview mailing list – please follow the link on this page – https://www.astastrings.org/

Annual Luncheon

The annual GA-ASTA Luncheon is January 25, 2019 at The Foundry located at the Graduate Hotel in Athens. Register and pay here.

2019 Luncheon Information

Posted on December 5, 2018

The 2019 ASTA luncheon will be held on Friday, January 25th at 12:30p.m. at the Foundry (The Graduate Hotel- 295 E Dougherty St, Athens). No transportation needed! You can see the graduate hotel from the classic center and can walk there in minutes.

You can see the graduate hotel from the classic center and can walk there in minutes.

The meal will be buffet style with the option between two entrees (meat) and four sides (vegetarians will have plenty of sides to choose from). If there are other dietary restrictions, please notate on the order form.

SORRY, REGISTRATION FOR THE 2019 LUNCHEON IS NOW CLOSED AS WE HAVE REACHED CAPACITY.

Newsletter – 08-07-2018

Posted on August 7, 2018

Hello everyone,

I hope that the start of this new school year has you filled with excitment for I am excited to work with you as your GA-ASTA President and want to invite you to our upcoming Fall Workshop in September.

Our clinician for the Fall Workshop is Dr. Andrew Dabczynski, Emeritus Professor from Brigham Young University.

ASTA members attend free and non-members may attend for $25.00 (a light breakfast and delicious lunch will be provided). All participants must RSVP via email to coriebentonasta@gmail.com by Friday, August 31, 2018.

The GA-ASTA Fall Workshop will take place on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Clayton State University (Music Education Building/Spivey Hall) from 8:00 AM–3:00 PM. Ron Sachs Violins of Peachtree City will be hosting a light breakfast and Mandarin Strings has graciously offered to host lunch from Maggiano’s Little Italy again this year!

Dr. Andrew Dabczynski is Emeritus Professor of Music Education at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he was the director of the BYU “New Horizons Orchestra,” a beginning string orchestra for adults and laboratory for string teacher training. Dr. Dabczynski has held teaching and administrative positions at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and in the public schools of Penfield and Mamaroneck, New York. In addition, he was the Supervisor of Fine Arts Education in the Waterford, Michigan, School District. Dr. Dabczynski received a B.M. degree in applied viola performance from the Eastman School, and a M.A. from the University of Connecticut, serving there as violist in the graduate string quartet. He also holds a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Michigan. As a performer, Dr. Dabczynski has played viola in the Rochester Philharmonic, the Hartford Symphony, the Portland (Maine) Symphony, the Kalamazoo Symphony, and the Greenwich (Connecticut) Symphony orchestras. For six years, he was a member of the Colden String Quartet, ensemble-in-residence at Western Michigan University. He also has been an adjunct faculty member at numerous other colleges and at national string workshops. Dr. Dabczynski has held a variety of national committee positions with the American String Teachers Association, and is currently president-elect of the Utah chapter of that organization.

Highly respected for his expertise in string pedagogy, Dr. Dabczynski is co-author of the widely acclaimed comprehensive string method series, String Explorer, published by Alfred Publishing Co. Additionally, a strong interest in folk music and ethnomusicology has led him to focus his research efforts on fiddling and the transmission of traditional music. In addition to his doctoral dissertation, he has written many articles on the subject of teaching and learning fiddling, both in contemporary America and other cultures. He is co-author of the groundbreaking Fiddlers Philharmonic series, also published by Alfred. Dr. Dabczynski also pursues professional and research interests in string pedagogy, school curriculum, and musical learning among senior adults. He appears frequently as a clinician for teachers and guest conductor for student ensembles throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico. His numerous published arrangements and compositions for string and full orchestra are played regularly in concerts throughout the world. Dr. Dabczynski, his wife Diane — a commercial vocalist — and two musical daughters live in Waterford, Maine.

In addition to the fabulous reading session and discussing a number of his own exciting compositions, he will also be presenting informative sessions on ways to teach various styles to your ensemble and tips for effective sightreading. Be sure to bring your instrument!

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. I look forward to seeing you at the workshop!

Sincerely,

Corie Benton

coriebentonasta@gmail.com

2018 Luncheon Information

Posted on December 1, 2017 by Charles Laux

The 2018 ASTA luncheon will be held on Friday, January 26th at 12:00p.m. at The Foundry (in The Graduate Hotel located at 295 E Dougherty St, Athens). No transportation needed! You can see the graduate hotel from the classic center and can walk there in minutes.

The meal will be buffet style with the option between two entrees (meat) and four sides (vegetarians will have plenty of sides to choose from). If there are other dietary restrictions, please notate on the order form.

The cost is $35 per person and the student price is $20. The final day to place your order is January 19 or until capacity has been reached, so don’t delay!

Reserve your ticket using this form, then mail a check to the address on the form) or use the PayPal button below!

Active Member/Student

Active Member $35.00 USDStudent $20.00 USD

Newsletter – 10/27/2017

Posted on October 27, 2017

I hope this communication finds you well.

Did you know that ASTA’s Elizabeth A.H. Green School Educator Award is given annually to a school string teacher with a current and distinguished career in a school orchestral setting?

Do you know someone that deserves consideration for this prestigious award?

Would you be willing and able to take the time this weekend to nominate them?

If so, follow this link: https://www.astastrings.org/Web/Membership/Elizabeth_A.H._Green.aspx to complete and submit an application form. Your nominee must have at least 10 years of successful school string/orchestra teaching experience in a program for school-aged children through the 12th grade. You and your nominee must be current ASTA members. The postmark deadline for nominations is November 1st.

Don’t forget to register for and attend the National ASTA Conference! It’s in our own back yard and you do not want to miss it! You can still save $150.00 if you register before November 30th!

https://www.astastrings.org/NationalConference/Home/NationalConference/Home.aspx?hkey=59a8915a-d8bd-445f-a596-8eff40928ecf

Has your membership expired? Is it about to expire? Don’t forget to renew today!

https://www.astastrings.org/Web/Membership/Join_Renew/Web/Membership/Join_Renew.aspx?hkey=1ee615da-f4a5-4a5a-841f-0df0e6f6e8bf

Check out the new ASTA Online Career Center at http://careers.astastrings.org/

If I may be of any help to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Peace and Love,

Sam Lowder

Newsletter – 09/08/2017

Posted on September 8, 2017

If your membership has expired, or if you know any non-members, please renew or join today – visit www.astastrings.org

  • The ASTA National Conference is March 7-10, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia! The early bird registration deadline is November 30, 2017. REGISTER NOW!

And now for some information on more amazing opportunities!

From Clayton State University

Dear Colleagues,

With the registration deadline for All State coming up next week, I wanted to send a follow-up about our All State Preparation Workshop scheduled for Saturday, September 23rd at Clayton State. See attachment!

Richard Bell, DMA

Associate Professor of Music

Clayton State University

RichardBell@Clayton.edu

From Kennesaw State University

Dear Colleagues,

I hope this note finds you all well and that your year is off to a great start! My name is Nat Parker and I am the Director of Orchestral Studies at Kennesaw State University. I wanted share with you some of the exciting string events we are hosting at KSU during the 2017-2018 academic year that you and your students may be interested in being a part of.

NORTH GEORGIA HONOR ORCHESTRA, OCTOBER 20-21, 2017.

This is a brand new event designed to bring together the most talented pre-college string instrumentalists in and around North Georgia. The Honor Orchestra will perform a program that includes the Elgar Serenade, Vivaldi—Winter from the Four Seasons with the amazing Helen Kim as soloist, and the finale from the Tchaikovsky Serenade; they will then combine with the KSU Symphony to perform the finale from the Saint-Saëns “Organ” Symphony. The deadline to apply and upload an audition video is 10/1/2017. More information, audition excerpts, and the online application form are available at www.NorthGAHonorOrchestra.com.

3RD ANNUAL KSU ORCHESTRA INVITATIONAL, NOVEMBER 3-4, 2017.

The Orchestra Invitational offers high school and middle school orchestras the opportunity to perform in one of the finest acoustical concerts halls in Georgia – Morgan Concert Hall at Kennesaw State University – and receive assessment-based feedback from a nationally-recognized guest clinician and KSU faculty. Our guest clinician this year is Dr. Michael Alexander, Associate Professor of String Music Education at Baylor University. KSU’s new Assistant Professor of String Music Education, Dr. Nancy Conley, and Dr. Nathaniel Parker, Director of Orchestral Studies, will be the other clinicians. The application deadline is September 29, 2017; spots are limited. More information and the online application form are available at http://arts.kennesaw.edu/music/concerts-and-events/orchestra-invitational.php.

Just a reminder that the application deadline for the 3rd Annual KSU Orchestra Invitational is fast approaching. The event is November 3-4, 2017, and the application deadline is September 29, 2017. Remaining spots are limited and applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.

The Invitational is a great opportunity for high school and middle school orchestras to perform in one of the finest acoustical concerts halls in Georgia – KSU’s Morgan Concert Hall– and receive assessment-based feedback from guest clinician Dr. Michael Alexander, Associate Professor of String Music Education at Baylor University, as well as Dr. Nathaniel Parker, KSU’s Director of Orchestral Studies and Dr. Nancy Conley, KSU’s Assistant Professor of String Music Education. More information and the online application form are available at: http://arts.kennesaw.edu/music/concerts-and-events/orchestra-invitational.php.

KSU SCHOOL OF MUSIC YOUNG ARTISTS COMPETITION, JANUARY 20-21, 2018.

The Kennesaw State University School of Music Young Artists Competition seeks to showcase the most talented, pre-college instrumentalists in the Southeastern United States. Awards include over $10,000 in cash prizes and scholarships, the opportunity to perform as a featured soloist in concert with the Georgia Symphony Orchestra and the Kennesaw State University Symphony Orchestra, and more. The application deadline is December 1, 2017. More information and the online application form are available at www.KSUYoungArtists.com.

I’m proud to announce a new performance competition designed to engage and showcase the most talented, pre-college instrumentalists in the Southeastern United States—the Kennesaw State University School of Music Young Artists Competition (www.KSUYoungArtists.com). Awards include over $10,000 in cash prizes and scholarships, the opportunity to perform as a featured soloist in concert with the Georgia Symphony Orchestra and the Kennesaw State University Symphony Orchestra, and more. The application deadline is December 1, 2017.

STRING DAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018

The String Day is a consolidation of our previously individual events—Violin Day, Viola Day, Cellobration, and Bass Fest—into a single day of string synergy! The event is open to middle school and high school string players of all ability levels with at least one year of experience on their instrument. Participants will experience a day of masterclasses, performances, and fun led by KSU’s exceptional string faculty. Participants will receive technical instruction, hear a professional recital, and end their day performing in KSU’s Morgan Concert Hall! No audition is required; more information and online registration will be available by September 1 athttp://arts.kennesaw.edu/music/concerts-and-events/festivals-workshops.php.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you or your students have any questions about these events. In addition, I am always happy to assist you and your programs in any way I can. I send you all best wishes for a wonderful year!

Nathaniel F. Parker, DMA

nparke22@kennesaw.edu

From the University of Georgia

The following link is for the UGA Orchestra Festival Web site http://www.music.uga.edu/uga-orchestra-festivals. Our Tech department would not release our new website and this has caused us a lot of issues and most people have no way of knowing where to send their applications for registration. The “Weebly” site is NOT to be used. Applicants need to print out the application, fill it out and snail mail it to the address on the form along with payment.

Junior Festival: October 6 & 7

Dana Ballard, guest conductor

for grades 7, 8 and 9

fee: $85

Senior Festival: October 5 – 7

Jere Flint, guest conductor

for grades 10, 11 and 12

fee: $95

All participants will receive lunch both days. Other meals, lodging, transportation are the responsibility of the participant.

SOMETHING NEW: We are now required to have a completed authorization form for every applicant who is a minor. That form will be a part of the application form.

PLEASE. . . . never “reply all” – for DIRECT RESPONSE, please contact the directors at: mcedel@uga.edu cftaylor@uga.edu

From Katherine Irwin Thomas

Hello!

I’m assisting with this year’s Fiddle Tent at this year’s Scottish games in Atlanta. The first sanctioned Scottish fiddle competition will be held this year at The Stone Mountain Highland Games. Junior (U18) and Novice (O18) levels. All players need to play: an Air, (then pause), March, Strathspey and Reel 2x each.

The competition will take place at the Fiddle Tent on Saturday, October 21. Registration begins at 9 am with judging beginning at 10 am.

More info can be found here:

http://www.smhg.org/fiddling.php

The sign up form is here.

http://www.smhg.org/docs/2017-SMHGFidForm.PDF

Katherine Irwin Thomas

fiddlearound@gmail.com

Presenting the Forsyth Youth Orchestra!

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Charles Laux

Please see the article and press release regarding one of the projects that was awarded a 2013 GA-ASTA mini grant, given at the annual luncheon.

The Forsyth Youth Orchestra – FYO, is the brainchild of violin teacher, ASTA member and Cumming, GA resident Corina Brito. The orchestra was created to provide students who play a string instrument (violins, violas, cellos and basses), the opportunity to perform in an orchestral setting. In that setting they learn the basics of orchestral technique, they socialize with other students who play a string instrument, they learn to play various genres of orchestra music such as classical, popular, and folk, and they develop self-discipline, leadership skills and strong work ethics.

The orchestra came to fruition with the support of the Fine Arts Department of the Forsyth School Board and other members of the Cumming arts community.

Principals of each section of the orchestra form the FYO Quartet. These musicians are the primary ambassadors for the orchestra as they take on extra performance duties in the community, inspiring and setting an exemplary demeanor to audiences everywhere.

The FYO inaugural concert will be May 19 in the Cumming Playhouse. Tickets are available at www.playhousecumming.com

For more information about FYO you can check their website at www.forsythyouthorchestra.com.

Congrats to Corina and her efforts to bring strings to this area of Georgia!

Georgia Students Win Three Finalist Spots in ASTA National Solo Competition

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Charles Laux

Three students from the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music were selected as finalists in the American String Teachers Association national solo competition. Violinist Shin Jung Lee and cellists Riana Anthony and SiHao He were selected from string students from throughout the country. Mercer is the only institution to have three finalists in the 12-member Senior String division. Other schools represented include the University of North Texas with two finalists; and Curtis Institute, Juilliard, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Cleveland Institute of Music, Oberlin College, New England Conservatory, and Yale University with one finalist each. The finalist from the Curtis Institute participated in the Robert McDuffie Labor Day Festival for Strings and is a former student of Center for Strings Director and violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti.

“I think it’s extraordinary that our students are achieving this kind of recognition,” said Moretti, who holds the Caroline Paul King Violin Chair at Mercer. “It is always meaningful to be acknowledged like this by fellow musicians who are aware of the work and dedication necessary to achieve a great performance, but it is even more so because our program is only six years old.”

Founded more than 60 years ago, the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) is the premier membership organization for the strings community. Members include K12, university, and private studio teachers as well as orchestra directors, administrators, performers, students, and many other string enthusiasts.

“We are all very proud of the work that these students are doing,” said Dr. C. David Keith, dean of Townsend. “I know that they will well represent the Center for Strings and Mercer in the finals.”

The final round of the National Solo Competition will be held in New York City, April 6-8 at the Kauffman Center’s Merkin Hall. For more information about the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings and Townsend School of Music please visit music.mercer.edu or call (478) 301-5751.

Award Recipients 2013

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Charles Laux

Congratulations to the 2013 Award recipients! The following were announced at the GA-ASTA Annual Luncheon on January 25, 2013.

MINI-GRANT RECIPIENTS 2013

GA-ASTA on Facebook & Twitter

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Charles Laux

Be sure to “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! Now there are more ways for you to get your GA-ASTA news!

Purchase luncheon tickets!

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Charles Laux

We’re coming up on the biggest ASTA Party of the year!

Click below to get your tickets to the 2013 GMEA ISC ASTA Luncheon!

Friday, January 25, 2013 at 12:00 PM at Lady and Son’s in Savannah!

$31.50 – 1 Ticket – GA ASTA Luncheon$63.00 – 2 Tickets – GA ASTA Luncheon$94.50 – 3 Tickets – GA ASTA Luncheon$126.00 – 4 Tickets – GA ASTA Luncheon

[EDIT Jan 23, 2013] Sorry! Luncheon tickets are no longer available.