Abstract
Dear Colleagues,
The summer and fall have been busy times for all of us, and ASTA has been transitioning to provide support, adjust current programs, and begin new programs. Previously, I wrote, “This time requires new pedagogical strategies for teaching in times of disruption (COVID-19) and the need for community action in upholding access and justice for all members of our community” (Pellegrino 2020, 6). First, we assembled a task force of amazing members, led by ASTA President-Elect Rebecca MacLeod. They created documents with guidance about how to return to teaching and learning (classroom, studio, and wellness) in a safe and pedagogically sound manner (www.astastrings.org/instructionduringcovid). This was a Herculean job and the documents were published on July 1. Then, task force members gave a free webinar in August for 583 participants, our largest webinar to date!
The ASTA Board of Directors has met seven times over the summer and fall. Having started our terms on May 15, our first action was creating a collective statement “condemning the continuing acts of violence against the Black community. The board denounces racism, hatred, and violence in any form and raise our voices in support of our Black members and our Black string students. Black Lives Matter.” We committed “to advancing the conversation, to engaging in deep reflection, and to doing the internal and external work necessary to effect change” (www.astastrings.org/boardstatement). The board voted to reopen ASTA’s three-year strategic plan and began conversations and reflection to develop an overarching policy statement for ASTA to help guide our focus on and integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion. These are first steps in the long process in which we will continue to engage.
We look forward to ASTA’s seventy-fifth anniversary in 2021 and we are making plans to celebrate throughout the year! The theme is “Celebrating the Past While Building the Future.” Bob and Pam Phillips are chairing our anniversary task force, which began work in the spring. Task force members have developed plans, including a composition competition for string orchestra and solo orchestral string literature, a timeline and history of ASTA, collections of member stories and photos, virtual chats hosted by ASTA state chapters, and a “looking forward” project with our collegiate student members so we might better understand their vision for the future. More information will be forthcoming.
ASTA continues to invest in technology. So far, we have (1) invested in technology to support remote participation in our annual conference and virtual options for National Orchestra Festival participation; (2) purchased a Zoom platform for webinars, collegiate conversations, national board meetings, and discussions, which we have already put to use throughout the summer and fall; (3) continued investment in our chapters to build and facilitate local engagement through Zoom; (4) offered ASTACAP online throughout the month of June (this was free in June 2020 for ASTA members’ students and we had a 425 percent increase in participation!); (5) launched ASTA Connect so our members can stay connected in real time; and (6) developed auto-renew capabilities to make managing your membership easier. These programs address our new strategic plan (January 2020 to December 2022), which includes the following:
Strengthening opportunities for members to be involved in ASTA regardless of location or area of interest.
Ensuring every member has access to a high-quality membership.
Ensuring people are aware of the incredible ASTA resources and experiences.
Developing and delivering high-value, timely solutions that support the string teacher and player’s evolving needs.
Fostering community among string teachers and players.
Although we cannot predict the future, we will continue to work to support and serve you to the best of our ability during these uniquely challenging times.
Sincerely yours,