Vermont ASTA with NSOA has sponsored many events during the past year. Robert Culver, Rhonda Cole and Mimi Butler visited our state for teacher in-service clinics, and we implemented the first annual "Day for Strings" festival for elementary students. In addition, Peter Miller's Piccolo Strings received an Urban Outreach Program Grant, and our state chapter tied Montana for first place in the national Chapter-Get-A-Member Campaign.
The board unanimously decided to continue the Day for Strings festival in 2002. We will also be organizing a committee to help plan an ASTA with NSOA sponsored summer string camp for middle school students.
The recent VMEA conference held on October 19, 2001 featured four ASTA with NSOA sponsored sessions of interest to both private studio and classroom string teachers. Troy Peters spoke on preparing students for auditions, Peter Miller discussed how to start a string program in the public schools, and Michelle Liechti presented on the pedagogy of Kato Havas at the conference, In addition, Michael Hopkins led a string orchestra reading session of newly released graded literature.
The annual membership meeting was also held at the October 19 conference. The membership decided to hold an ASTA with NSOA conference in January at UVM with presentations on string repair, Suzuki teaching, and pedagogy of Kato Havas.
Vermont ASTA with NSOA has gathered considerable momentum over the past year and we need the active participation of all our members to keep the organization healthy so we can continue to make a positive contribution to string education in Vermont. We also encourage ALL teachers of strings, both in the classroom and private studio, to become part of our growing organization. Visit the national ASTA with NSOA WWWsite to become a member. Contact Michael Hopkins, state president, for additional information about VT ASTA with NSOA.
Dr.
Michael Hopkins, President
Peter Miller, President Elect,
Karen Gettel, Secretary/Treasurer
Pamela Reit, Member-at-large
Kathryn Luzader, Past President