Late Summer Newsletter
Late Summer Newsletter
Dear ASTA
Members,
I hope you have all had time to relax, and also, to
play and listen to great music this summer! I wanted
to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the
President of the MA-ASTA Chapter for the 2010-2012
cycle. I am entering my fourth year as Orchestra
Director in the Belmont Public Schools, and also
beginning a new chapter of my life with the birth of
our daughter, Roisin, this past spring. My husband
and I are taking bets on which instrument will be her
first choice!
As the
MA-ASTA Board
prepares for
another year of service to our members, I'd like
to mention several of our ongoing initiatives at
the state level, and also invite you to give us
your input and ideas!
- Host the Semi-Annual ASTA Solo Competition, this year held on Sunday, Oct 24, 2010 at Boston Conservatory, contact Scott Lesser: ma.asta.competition@gmail.com. Full performance requirements are listed here.
- Host auditions for the Semi-Annual NHSHO (next held in Spring 2011)
- Provide professional development workshops at the annual MMEA All-State Conference, Please send workshop and clinician ideas to Chris Memoli
- Studio Teacher Forums, facilitated by Joan Ellersick
- Implementation of the ASTA/CAP , facilitated by Jody Harmon
- Present Annual ASTA member awards for: Studio Teacher and Orchestra Director of the Year (nominations by colleagues should be made in January 2011)
- Using our member e-mail listserv to provide information on performance, teaching, and professional development opportunities
We are always looking for more ways to serve our colleagues, and are considering the following ideas for this year:
- Providing professional development during the District Festival rehearsal times
- Working with the All-State Board to develop a comprehensive string repertoire list for annual audition rotation
Additionally, we have funding available for special projects—PLEASE INQUIRE! We want to be of service to our members, and all it takes is a quick email to one of our board members.
Lastly, we are always looking to recruit string teachers to be a part of the ASTA community. Maybe you have a colleague or string teacher on your private teacher list who's membership has lapsed. I know for me, the MA-ASTA and National ASTA has provided great networking, resources, and professional development opportunities I wouldn't have had access to otherwise—the All-State conference is always great, but the National Conference and summer sessions are incredible, too! If there's someone who should be a part of ASTA, but isn't--talk to them! Or, pass their name along and our Board will contact them personally.
We are currently looking for more Board members, especially representatives from Western and Southeastern districts! Meetings cover event topics, networking, membership issues, and planning for special grants and initiatives. Your first dinner is on us! This year's meeting dates (held from 6:30-8pm at the Green Papaya Restaurant in Waltham, MA, directly off Exit 27 on Rt 95/128):
Thurs, Sept 30
Thurs, October 21
Thurs, Nov 18
Thurs, January 20
Thurs, March 24 (Annual Mtg at All-State)
Thurs, April 28
Thur, June 16
Thanks again for sending along your input and ideas for this coming year! I look forward to sharing them with the Board at our first meeting in September.
Sincerely,
Margot B. Reavey