AMERICAN STRING TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

Dear ASTA State Chapter Leaders,

I hope that your school year is off to an excellent start and that things are going well. It’s hard to believe that it’s nearly winter (at least for those of us who reside in northern states) and that the ASTA National Conference is just over three months away. Though I haven’t had a chance to meet all of you yet, it’s been good to have contact via email, our September webinar, or at the last ASTA conference. I hope to meet all of you in person at some point, and am very hopeful that you’ll all be able to join us at the dedicated pre-conference workshop for state leaders.

I want to thank Bob Phillips for his excellent work as the State Chapters Committee chair during the past two years. He’s been an invaluable resource for many of us, and I look forward to the great things that will come under his leadership as ASTA president.

In this newsletter, you’ll find important information about the next State Leadership Webinar, the ASTA National Conference in Providence, Rhode Island, and several other items. Please take the time to read through the newsletter, and as always, don’t hesitate to contact Tami O’Brien or me with questions about state chapter issues.

Finally, I want to thank all of you for your service on behalf of ASTA. The work that you do in state chapter leadership is extremely important. We know that it can be time consuming, so your sacrifice is deeply appreciated!

Sincerely,

Stephen Benham Chair, State Chapters Committee National President-Elect

Stephen Benham, Chair, ASTA State Chapters Committee, ASTA President-Elect

Fall 2012

State Chapter News A Message from the Chair

Contents

News and Notes from the National Office………...…......2

2013 ASTA National Conference……………..…....4

News from Our Chapters.......5

The ASTA National Conference heads to Providence, Rhode

Island in 2013!

Will you be there?

See page 4 for more information

about this exciting event!

February 27 – March 2, 2013

News from the National Office by Tami O’Brien, ASTA Membership Marketing Manager/Chapter Liaison

Next State Leadership Webinar

Scheduled for January 13, 2013

The next ASTA State Leadership Webi-nar will be held Sunday, January 13, at 8 p.m. Eastern time. The webinar is open to ALL state leaders but is particu-larly geared toward presidents, presi-dents-elect, and treasurers. Details will be sent to chapter leaders via email closer to the date.

Webinars are conducted online via FUZE Meeting, and it is a good idea to visit https://www.fuzemeeting.com/files/

ookla/PROD/Detector.html in advance of the meeting to run an “advance diag-nostic test” to ensure that your PC con-figuration is ready to go. Also, please be sure that the national office has correct emails on file for your chapter leaders by contacting Tami O’Brien, chapter liaison, at tami@astaweb.com.

State Leader Resource Web Page

Has Tools for Success

We know that being a state chapter leader involves organization, hard work, and passion for ASTA. Therefore, we want to provide you with the tools you need to run an active, successful chap-ter. The State Leader Resources page of the ASTA website contains informa-tion about liability insurance and tax requirements, update forms, the ASTA State Chapter Handbook, treasurer report templates and deadlines, and much more! In addition, you may ac-cess the State Leadership Blog, where you can interact with other state lead-ers.

We’re Only a Blog Away!

Don’t forget to take advantage of the State Leadership Blog—a clearing-house for state chapters to share ideas, talk through issues, and catch up with each other in an informal setting. To access the blog, visit the State Leader Resources page of the ASTA website, or click here to register for a wiki space, and you will be redirected to the invita-tion page for the ASTA blog. Once your invitation has been accepted, you may access the blog any time for updates and discussions.

State Chapter Award Nominations

Due December 1

We know our state chapters do out-standing work on behalf of ASTA and the advancement of strings. Don’t miss out on the chance to be recognized for your efforts!

Chapters are encouraged to submit nomi-nation forms for the 2013 chapter awards: Best Newsletter Award, Most Improved Chapter Award, Best Website Award, Outstanding Chapter Award, and State Chapter Leader Award. State chapter awards will be presented at the 2013 Na-tional Conference in Providence, Rhode Island, on February 27, during the State Leadership Workshop. Winners receive a handsome plaque and coverage in the American String Teacher journal. For de-tails and application forms, please visit the State Chapter Awards page, under Member Resources, at www.astaweb.com.

“Transitional” Memberships

Available to Graduates

Did you know that ASTA student mem-bers are eligible to renew at a discounted rate when their membership term ends following graduation? The transition from student to working professional can be challenging, so we created the ASTA transitional membership, designed to ease the financial burden experienced by new graduates as they begin their ca-reers. Rather than paying the full cost of a professional membership, student mem-bers may renew for one year at the dis-counted rate of $75—a savings of $30!

We want to retain our student members, so please spread the word about transi-tional memberships. To take advantage of the special rate after graduation, stu-dent members simply write “TRANS” on their next membership invoice and submit it to the ASTA National Office with pay-ment of $75. They may also renew at the transitional rate by calling the ASTA Membership Department at 703-279-2113, ext. 14.

Two for One! Save Money on 2013 Summer Workshop Adver-

tising Packages

Back by popular demand, ASTA is offer-ing a two-for-one advertising rate to help promote your summer workshop or conference. This means we will place your ad and description in both the Feb-ruary and May issues of American String Teacher (AST). A detailed Sum-mer Workshop/Conference packet was mailed last week. Information is also available under Conferences at www.astaweb.com.

The deadline for inclusion in the Febru-ary and May Summer Workshop section of AST is December 14. Summer con-ferences and workshops have proven to be among the most revitalizing and worthwhile projects for string and or-chestra teachers. We encourage you and your colleagues to provide this sig-nificant service to string and orchestra teachers. Several economical summer conference advertising packages are available. For more information on our great rates, or to download forms, visit www.astaweb.com and select Confer-ences from the menu. For additional information, please contact Mary Jane Dye, deputy director of communications, at maryjane@astaweb.com.

Elizabeth A.H. Green Award

Nominations Due November 1

Nominations are currently being ac-cepted for the ASTA Elizabeth A.H. Green School Educator Award. The award is given annually to a school string teacher with a current and distin-guished career in a school orchestral setting. Recent recipients include Kath-ryn Hoffer, Steve Reed, Susan Elling-ton, Mary Lou Jones, Jan Garverick, Michael Alexander, Pamela Tellejohn Hayes, and E. Daniel Long, along with a host of other distinguished string educa-tors.

The postmark deadline for nominations, which should be sent to the ASTA na-tional office, is Monday, November 1. Late forms will not be accepted. For more information or to download form, visit the Competitions and Festivals page at www.astaweb.com.

PAGE 2 STATE CHAPTER NEWS FALL 2012

continued

Action Required: 501(c)(3) and

Commercial Liability Insurance

State chapters wishing to remain subor-dinate under ASTA’s 501(c)(3) exemp-tion must complete the top portion of the form attached to this newsletter and return it to Tami O’Brien no later than December 31, 2012.

ASTA also provides state chapters with the opportunity to be included in its group commercial general liability insur-ance policy. Chapters that want to be included in this group insurance policy must complete the bottom portion of the form and return it to Tami O’Brien no later than December 31, 2012.

Responses Wanted in Fall State

Chapter Survey

Recently, you should have received an email with a link to the annual “State of the Chapters” survey. The survey takes only a few minutes of your time, and your input is very important to us. Please respond by October 29. Thank you for your participation!

Strategic Planning Framework

Over the past six months, ASTA has engaged in a strategic planning process to be completed in June 2013. We’d like your feedback.

During the 2013 ASTA National Confer-ence in Providence, there will be sev-eral forums for input and comment on the draft, including the State Leadership Workshop, the inaugural Town Hall Meeting, and a special one-hour strate-gic planning focus group. The plan was created by a special task force of ASTA members and chaired by President-Elect Stephen Benham, whom you may contact for more information at benham@duq.edu.

Students Wanted for 2013 ASTA National Conference Master

Classes

Do you have a student who would be perfect as a performer in a master class at next year’s conference? ASTA now has an avenue for students to upload a recording of their audition to our website for review by a listening committee. Click here for information about avail-able classes, details regarding technical requirements, and the process for sub-mitting auditions. The deadline has been extended to November 30.

Eclectic Strings Festival Applica-

tion Deadline Is November 15

The 2013 Eclectic Strings Festival, to be held during the ASTA National Confer-ence in Providence, February 28 to March 2, features adjudicators Matt Glaser, Natalie Haas, and Mimi Rabson, who will judge and provide feedback for all individuals and groups participat-ing—in addition to hosting a clinic!

For more information, visit www.astaweb.com/eclectic. Hurry! The deadline to apply is November 15!

National Solo Competition Preliminary Round Deadline Is

November 12

The deadline for the national preliminary round of the ASTA National Solo Com-petition is November 12, 2012. Please submit your application using this link. The Final Round will be held April 6 through 8, 2013, in New York City’s Merkin Hall. For more information visit www.astaweb.com/solo.

PAGE 3 STATE CHAPTER NEWS FALL 2012

It’s Not too Late to Register for eVoting!

It’s election time again! Eligible ASTA members will soon be asked to cast their vote for national board members. Voting members in good standing with the association as of December 20, 2012, will receive a ballot either via U.S. Mail or email, according to their preference.

In an effort to reduce printing costs and keep membership dues low, we encourage members to vote electronically. If you have access to email and the Internet, please consider enrolling in eVoting. If you have not done so already, contact the ASTA Membership Department at membership@astaweb.com (including your full name, city, state, email address, and ASTA ID number, if known) and indicate that you want to sign up for eVoting. You may also call

703-279-2113, ext. 14, to register by phone. The deadline to register for eVoting is December 14, 2012.

Great Opportunity for New Teachers

Apply for the George Bornoff

Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is sponsored by the Foundation for the Advancement of String Education (FASE) in conjunction with ASTA. Three scholarships will be awarded each year, in the amount of $800, to be used for attending the ASTA National Conference. For specific re-quirements and an application form, visit www.astaweb.com or click here. Applica-tions are due Monday, December 3, 2012. Special consideration will be given to applicants who teach in underserved areas.

PAGE 4

ASTA National Conference Heads to Providence in 2013

Why Attend the ASTA National Conference?

The 2013 ASTA National Conference is the only conference that provides string teachers with educational sessions to learn and improve skills—no matter what your level! The conference expands your repertoire by providing many gen-res of music, from classical to eclectic. You are rewarded every day by being among prestigious peers and peda-gogues. Evenings are filled with outstanding performances by professionals and youth. You should not miss this experi-ence:

More than 215 educational workshops, master classes,

reading sessions, poster sessions, pre-conference ses-sions, and more

Amazing showcase performances

Talented students competing in the Eclectic Styles and National Orchestra Festivals

Specially targeted vendors for our strings-only exhibit hall

Engaging social events designed for you to catch up with friends and network with peers

NEW for 2013!

Exciting Town Hall Gathering

Energizing Sunrise Sessions beginning at 7 a.m. (attendees receive a special gift)

In-depth Learning Labs

Six hours of instruction on incorporating the ASTA String Curriculum in your classroom

Scrumptious Dine-Around-Providence evening—sample fabulous local cuisine with friends

Re-emergence of ASTA’s Silent Auction (new time, new format)

Efficient itinerary-builder feature on the ASTA website to customize your conference schedule

Student Chapter Conference Discount Available

To encourage student attendance at the ASTA National Conference, a special discount is available to active student chapters. When seven or more student chapter members mail or fax their conference registration forms and payment together to the National Office, each student pays just $99 to attend the event! This special price is even lower than the Early-Bird rate for student members. To qualify, students must be current ASTA members. (The annual dues rate for full-time students is $52.) Please encourage your state’s student chapters to take advantage of this offer. Students are the future of ASTA!

STATE CHAPTER NEWS FALL 2012

Conference Events You Won’t Want to Miss!

Town Hall Gathering

Join us Wednesday at 7 p.m. for our inaugural Town Hall Gathering. Members will get a preview of some strategic planning work ASTA has been focusing on for the past few months. Where are we headed? President Bob Phillips will present some of the preliminary ideas from the Board and Task Force Committee and will solicit your feedback. This will help to formalize a five-year strategic plan. There is also an additional opportunity for comment later in the conference.

Dessert Social

The Town Hall is just the opening act for the popular Dessert Social, which has been a member favorite for the past two years. Every year, there are new prizes and surprises! You can connect with old friends and make new ones. First time attendees—this is a great way to meet fellow teachers in your area and around the country.

State Leadership Workshop

Mark your calendars now for the State Leadership Workshop pre-conference session, Wednesday, February 27, at noon. This is an invitation-only event for our new state chapter presidents or, if your president has attended in the past, state presidents-elect. Leaders from around the country will join together for an informative and critical half-day training and networking session. This workshop will arm you with the tools to effectively lead your state chapter, give you the opportunity to form relationships with nearby state chapter officers, and hear the challenges and successes of running a state chapter unit. It’s a great place to gather ideas for your state chapter— big or small, active or not so active. State Chapter Awards for Membership Recruitment, Best Newsletter, Most Improved Chapter, Outstanding Chapter, State Chapter Leader, and Best Website will be presented. If you would like to be in-volved in the planning process or volunteer to assist during the workshop, please make a note on the fall survey or con-tact President-Elect Stephen Benham at benham@duq.edu.

Conference Registration Is Open! Don’t Miss the

Early-Bird Discount!

Complete national conference details, including session descriptions, presenter bios, hotel and travel information, and an online registration form, are available at www.astaweb.com/2013conference. In addition, the registration brochure soon will be available in PDF format.

To lock in the best rate, be sure to register by Decem-ber 14, 2012, which marks the deadline for the Early-Bird discount! ASTA members who register by this date

pay just $295 for the entire conference.

See you in Providence!

Montana ASTA Participates in University of Montana Homecoming Parade

On September 24, Montana ASTA’s “Fiddle Float” was a musical part of the Montana Grizzly Homecoming Parade in Missoula for the 19th consecutive year. Approximately two hundred 7th and 8th graders from C.S. Porter, Meadow Hill, and Washington Middle Schools participated. Cellos and basses rode on flatbed trailers, while violins and violas walked behind the trucks (three in all!). MSTA members involved in this impressive effort included Michael Johns, MSTA president; Pam Hillygus, MSTA Secretary/ Treasurer; Eric Hutchins; Loy Marks; and Kirk Easter.

Photo

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Students from C.S. Porter, Meadow Hill, and Washington Middle Schools march in the University of Montana Homecoming Parade

Enthusiastic young cellists from C.S. Porter Middle School perform on a flatbed trailer

PAGE 5 STATE CHAPTER NEWS FALL 2012

Chapter News

Meadow Hill Middle School’s Eric Hutchins with 7th grade orchestra students from C.S. Porter Middle School

ASTA State Chapter News is published twice annually, during the fall and spring. Please direct questions and/or comments about this

publication to Tami O’Brien, ASTA membership marketing manager/chapter liaison, at tami@astaweb.com.

American String

Teachers Association

National Office

4155 Chain Bridge Road

Fairfax, VA 22030

Phone: 703-279-2113

Fax: 703-279-2114

Web: www.astaweb.com

Email: membership@astaweb.com

Interested in helping to plan the State Leadership Workshop—and possibly serving

on ASTA’s State Chapters Committee?

Contact Stephen Benham, chair of the

committee, at benham@duq.edu.

www.astaweb.com