Abstract
Dear Colleagues,
We are “Celebrating the Past While Building the Future” as part of ASTA’s year-long 75th Anniversary celebrations! Thank you to co-chairs Bob and Pam Phillips and a task force of twelve members who began planning last spring. Look for more information about anniversary activities:
Information will be shared through our website, journal, ASTA Connect, social media, and e-newsletters.
We have launched the
ASTA is working to support our members in a variety of ways, including offering free-to-members webinars. Examples include:
Resuming Instruction in the Classroom and Studio During COVID-19 (583 participants!)
Collegiate Conversations on studio instruction, string education, and conductors/ensembles
How to Engage Your String Ensemble While Teaching Remotely, Face-to-Face, or Hybrid
Practical Tips for Teaching Virtual Beginners
Taking Care of Ourselves as String Teachers and Players During COVID-19 and Beyond
Advocating for Your Program: Rebuilding and Recruiting During and After the Pandemic
You can find webinar recordings and details on upcoming webinars at www.astastrings.org.
Chapters have been using their ASTA Zoom accounts since last June and have hosted over 150 meetings and events! For example:
Illinois ASTA: Race and Equity PD Cohort meeting once a month on Sundays
Maryland/DC ASTA: Value of American Roots Music in Schools; Practice Like a Champion
Michigan ASTA: Webinars and get-togethers for online conversations
New Jersey ASTA: Back to School Symposium—Teaching in Virtual Classrooms
Utah ASTA: Fall workshops
Check the state calendar on ASTA’s website for upcoming events.
The ASTA Executive Board has been thoughtfully and diligently addressing
ASTA advances diversity, equity, and inclusion by engaging people who represent varied identities, differences, and musical styles (DEI).
Strengthening opportunities to be involved in ASTA regardless of location or area of interest (ENGAGE).
Ensuring every member has access to a high-quality membership (EXPERIENCE).
Ensuring people are aware of the incredible ASTA resources and experiences (COMMUNICATE).
Next, we are working on three initiatives and specific, measurable plans to implement the initiatives. Activities and programs will be viewed through this lens and the plan. Learn more at www.astastrings.org.
We hope you feel welcomed, empowered, and a sense of belonging in ASTA and that you will join us for the conference and other upcoming events!
Finally, we extend our deep gratitude and appreciation to Monika Schulz, CAE, for her exceptional contributions as CEO of ASTA for the past six years. Monika is transitioning to an exciting new position in February 2021 and we offer our congratulations and best wishes! Through her professional leadership, ASTA has risen from deficit to balanced budgets, improved its technology and infrastructure, improved member outreach and communications, and produced outstanding national conferences and orchestra festivals. Her contributions far exceed those mentioned but are too numerous to include. Thank you, Monika, for all you have done for ASTA and string education in America!
Sincerely yours,