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<title>MA-ASTA RSS Feed</title><link>http://index.html</link><description>The latest...</description><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><dc:rights>Copyright 2008 MA-ASTA</dc:rights><dc:date>2012-01-29T10:59:07-05:00</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.realmacsoftware.com/" />
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<lastBuildDate>Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:09:12 -0500</lastBuildDate><item><title>Sharan Leventhal&#x27;s Blog</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>Link</category><dc:date>2012-01-29T10:59:07-05:00</dc:date><link>http://files/55acca698ae3442ec9fadfcdb6c479e5-26.html#unique-entry-id-26</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/55acca698ae3442ec9fadfcdb6c479e5-26.html#unique-entry-id-26</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span style="font:15px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; ">Hi All,<br /><br />Those seeking to connect or who are looking for a little musical inspiration check out MA-ASTA board member Sharan Leventhal&rsquo;s </span><span style="font:15px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><a href="http://justtuningin.wordpress.com" rel="self">blog</a></span><span style="font:15px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; ">. <br /><br />Best,<br /><br />Ken Culver<br />MA-ASTA Editor<br /></span>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>ASTA-CAP</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-11-09T21:56:19-05:00</dc:date><link>http://files/dec63a1ff8dd5d4a957942f87b9c5d51-25.html#unique-entry-id-25</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/dec63a1ff8dd5d4a957942f87b9c5d51-25.html#unique-entry-id-25</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; ">Check out the </span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><a href="page29/page29.html" rel="self" title="ASTACAP 2012">ASTA-CAP</a></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "> page for all the information on 2012 student evaluations.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font:19px Verdana, serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">ASTA Certificate Advancement Program</span><span style="font:11px Verdana, serif; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:15px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">MA-ASTA proudly announces the <br /><br /></span><span style="font:22px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">2nd annual ASTA CAP evaluations.</span><span style="font:15px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><br /></span><span style="font:15px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /></span><span style="font:15px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">March 25 Indian Hill Music School (in Littleton)<br />March 31 Gordon College (in Wenham)<br />April 1 Dana Hall School of Music (in Wellesley)<br />April 7 Dana Hall School of Music (in Wellesley)</span><span style="font:15px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:15px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">Forms must be postmarked by February 17, 2012.</span></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Solo Competition Winners</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>News</category><dc:date>2010-10-25T21:18:19-04:00</dc:date><link>http://files/c6c797dffa73f9ea4943dcfc28db168b-24.html#unique-entry-id-24</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/c6c797dffa73f9ea4943dcfc28db168b-24.html#unique-entry-id-24</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font:28px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">MA-ASTA is proud to announce <br />the winners from its <br /></span><span style="font:47px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">2010 Solo Competition</span><span style="font:15px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:19px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">Senior Division Semifinalists</span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><u>1st Place</u></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:16px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">Weiting Sun</span><span style="font:14px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "> </span><span style="font:13px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><br /></span><span style="font:13px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; ">winner of CodaBow Diamond SX with customized ASTA/CodaBow Frog, courtesy of CodaBow International</span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><u>Tied for 2nd Place</u></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:16px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">Mari Black </span><span style="font:13px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><br /></span><span style="font:13px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; ">winner of Presto Ovation Violin Bow, courtesy of Shar Music Products<br /></span><span style="font:13px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><br /></span><span style="font:15px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">T</span><span style="font:16px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">om Hofmann</span><span style="font:15px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "> </span><span style="font:13px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br />winner of $250 gift certificate, courtesy of Johnson String Instrument</span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><u>3rd Place</u></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:16px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">Madison Johnson</span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "> <br />winner of $150 + 2 bow rehairs courtesy of Thomas Dignan, bow maker<br /><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><u>Honorable Mention</u></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:16px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">Miriam Barfield</span><span style="font:14px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "> </span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br />winner of $100 + 1 bow rehair, courtesy of Rutman's Violins<br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:19px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">Junior Division Semifinalists</span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><u>Tied for 1st Place</u></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:15px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">Sasha &nbsp;Scolnik-Brower</span><span style="font:13px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "> </span><span style="font:13px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br />winner of $200 cash<br /></span><span style="font:13px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><br /></span><span style="font:15px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">Yi Qun Xu</span><span style="font:13px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "> </span><span style="font:13px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br />winner of $200 cash</span><span style="font:13px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br />The prize money is courtesy of Boston Symphony Orchestra, Carriage<br />House Violins & Shar Music Products.<br /></span></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Solo Competition Program</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>News</category><dc:date>2010-10-24T11:01:29-04:00</dc:date><link>http://files/f4841bf836feaf318fed47eda683fdcd-23.html#unique-entry-id-23</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/f4841bf836feaf318fed47eda683fdcd-23.html#unique-entry-id-23</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; ">Hi,<br /><br />For those of you who are not able to be there here is the program for today&rsquo;s MA-ASTA Solo Competition. Scott Lesser really did a beautiful job in putting together the competition and the program. <br /><br /></span><a href="http://files/ma-asta-solo-competition-2010.pdf">MA-ASTA Solo Competition 2010</a><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; "><br /></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; "><br /></span><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font:13px Cochin; ">Sponsored by:<br /></span><span style="font:17px Cochin; ">Boston Symphony Orchestra <br />The Boston Conservatory <br /></span><span style="font:16px Cochin; ">Shar Music Products <br />Carriage House Violins of Reuning & Son Violins <br />CodaBow International<br /></span><span style="font:15px Cochin; ">Rutman&rsquo;s Violins <br />Thomas Dignan, Bow Maker <br />Atlantic Symphony Orchestra: South Shore In Concert <br />Fenway Printers</span></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>October Studio Teacher Forum</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>News</category><dc:date>2010-09-25T15:27:51-04:00</dc:date><link>http://files/8b177596f79af304ac27d5d6ca1d6416-21.html#unique-entry-id-21</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/8b177596f79af304ac27d5d6ca1d6416-21.html#unique-entry-id-21</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font:32px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">MA-ASTA Studio Teacher Forum</span><span style="font:19px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "> </span><span style="font:19px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /></span><span style="font:19px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><br />Monday, October 18, 10:00 - 11:30 am </span><span style="font:16px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:24px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">Sharan Levanthal:&nbsp;</span><span style="font:16px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br />relaxation in playing and teaching,<br />bringing out the best from your students and yourself<br />a hands-on session with time for questions.<br /><br />***Bring your instrument***<br /><br />*****<br /></span><span style="font:16px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">Rivers Music School - Rivera Recital Hall <br />333 Winter Street Weston, MA 02493:</span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /><br />RIVERA RECITAL HALL is in the barn - when you enter the Rivers campus from Winter Street, turn immediately right into the first parking lot and walk past the music building to the barn.</span><span style="font:16px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><br /><br />*****<br /></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font:16px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; ">DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO RIVERS<br /><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">From the south</span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; ">: Route 95/Route 128 to Route 9 West. Follow Route 9 in Wellesley for about 4.1 miles to Weston Road Exit. Turn right onto Weston Road at the bottom of the ramp. Follow Weston Road .8 of a mile to Bogle Street. Turn left onto Bogle Street. Follow Bogle Street to stop sign at Winter Street. Take a left onto Winter Street, travel about 50 yards, then take a right to enter campus.<br /><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">From the north</span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; ">: Route 95/Route 128 to Exit 24. Turn left onto Route 30 (going West). Travel 2.2 miles to the third set of lights and turn left onto Wellesley Street (towards Wellesley). Travel 2 miles and turn right onto Bogle Street. Follow to stop sign at Winter Street. Take a left onto Winter Street, travel about 50 yards, then take a right to enter campus.<br /><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">From the east</span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; ">: I-90 W/MASS PIKE. Take the I-95/RT-128 exit, EXIT 15, toward RT-30/WALTHAM/WESTON. Follow signs to Route 30; turn left onto Route 30 (going West). Travel 2.2 miles to the third set of lights and turn left onto Wellesley Street (towards Wellesley). Travel 2 miles and turn right onto Bogle Street. Follow to stop sign at Winter Street. Take a left onto Winter Street, travel about 50 yards, then take a right to enter campus.<br /><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">From the west</span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; ">: I-90 E/MASS PIKE. Take Exit 13 E (toward NATICK/WELLESLEY) and follow MA-30 for 2.5 mi. Turn RIGHT onto OAK ST. for 0.5 mi, then turn LEFT onto WINTER ST. Rivers is on the LEFT in 1.1 mi.<br /><br /><br /></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font:16px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">RSVP appreciated: jellersick@verizon.net</span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /></span></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Solo Competition</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>Events for Students</category><category>Events for Teachers</category><category>News</category><dc:date>2010-09-03T18:46:30-04:00</dc:date><link>http://files/ba74622c325116ff6e7572260113cc42-20.html#unique-entry-id-20</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/ba74622c325116ff6e7572260113cc42-20.html#unique-entry-id-20</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The 2010 MA ASTA Solo Competition is the preliminary round to the National 2011 ASTA Solo Competition. &nbsp;Applicants should only fill out the MA ASTA application and not apply to the national level. &nbsp;Winners at the state level will apply through the competition chair following selection by the judges. <br /><br /><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="imageStyle" alt="asta comp poster" src="http://files/asta-comp-poster.jpg" width="661" height="1020"/><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="mailto:ma.asta.competition@gmail.com" rel="self">Scott Lesser</a> has been doing a great job putting together the solo competition. Please check the <a href="page14/page14.html" rel="self" title="Solo Competition">Solo Competition</a> page for more details and information.<br /></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Late Summer Newsletter</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>News</category><category>From the President</category><dc:date>2010-08-18T09:45:56-04:00</dc:date><link>http://files/9feb123b957db602149509849a344a55-19.html#unique-entry-id-19</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/9feb123b957db602149509849a344a55-19.html#unique-entry-id-19</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font:17px Times-Bold; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">Late Summer Newsletter</span><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; "><br /></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br /><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">Dear ASTA Members,<br /><br />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!<br /></span><br /><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">As the </span><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; "><a href="page4/page4.html" rel="self" title="Contact">MA-ASTA Board</a></span><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; "> 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!<br /></span><br /><ul class="square"><li><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">Host the Semi-Annual ASTA Solo Competition, this year held on Sunday, Oct 24, 2010 at Boston Conservatory, contact Scott Lesser:  </span><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; color:#000080;"><u><a href="mailto:ma.asta.competition@gmail.com" rel="self" Scott Lesser="value">ma.asta.competition@gmail.com</a></u></span><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; color:#000080;">.</span> <span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">Full performance requirements are listed </span><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; "><a href="page14/page14.html" rel="self" title="Solo Competition">here</a></span><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">.</span></li><li><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">Host auditions for the Semi-Annual NHSHO (next held in Spring 2011)</span></li><li><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">Provide professional development workshops at the annual MMEA All-State Conference, Please send workshop and clinician ideas to </span><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; "><a href="mailto:memolic@comcast.net" rel="self">Chris Memoli</a></span></li><li><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">Studio Teacher Forums, facilitated by </span><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; "><a href="mailto:jellersick@verizon.net" rel="self">Joan Ellersick</a></span></li><li><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">Implementation of the ASTA/CAP , facilitated by </span><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; "><a href="mailto:jodyharmon@comcast.net " rel="self">Jody Harmon</a></span></li><li><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">Present Annual ASTA member awards for: Studio Teacher and Orchestra Director of the Year (nominations by colleagues should be made in January 2011)</span></li><li><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">Using our member e-mail listserv to provide information on performance, teaching, and professional development opportunities </span></li></ul><br /><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">We are always looking for more ways to serve our colleagues, and are considering the following ideas for this year:<br /><br /></span><ul class="square"><li><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">Providing professional development during the District Festival rehearsal times</span></li><li><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">Working with the All-State Board to develop a comprehensive string repertoire list for annual audition rotation</span></li></ul><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; "><br />Additionally, we have </span><span style="font:12px Times-Bold; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">funding available for special projects</span>&mdash;<span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">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.<br /></span><br /><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">Lastly, </span><span style="font:12px Times-Bold; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">we are always looking to recruit string teachers to be a part of the ASTA community</span><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">. 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&mdash;the All-State conference is always great, but the National Conference and summer sessions are incredible, too! </span><span style="font:12px Times-Bold; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">If there's someone who should be a part of ASTA, but isn't--talk to them!</span><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; "> Or, pass their name along and our Board will contact them personally.<br /></span><br /><span style="font:12px Times-Bold; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">We are currently looking for more Board members, especially representatives from Western and Southeastern districts! </span><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">Meetings cover event topics, networking, membership issues, and planning for special grants and initiatives.  </span><span style="font:12px Times-Italic; "><em>Your first dinner is on us! </em></span><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">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):<br /><br />Thurs, Sept 30<br />Thurs, October 21<br />Thurs, Nov 18<br />Thurs, January 20<br />Thurs, March 24 (Annual Mtg at All-State)<br />Thurs, April 28<br />Thur, June 16<br /></span><br /><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">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.<br /></span><br /><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">Sincerely,<br /></span><br /><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; ">Margot B. Reavey<br /></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; "><a href="mailto:margot.reavey@gmail.com" rel="self">margot.reavey@gmail.com</a></span><span style="font:12px Times-Roman; "><br /></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br /></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>ASTA All-State Sessions</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>News</category><dc:date>2010-02-22T15:53:14-05:00</dc:date><link>http://files/fcefbebd61a1e903bd0aaa7f1549f9f4-18.html#unique-entry-id-18</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/fcefbebd61a1e903bd0aaa7f1549f9f4-18.html#unique-entry-id-18</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span style="font:16px TimesNewRomanMS; ">Hi all,<br /><br />Here are the ASTA sponsored sessions for this year&rsquo;s all state. Chris Memoli has put together a great slate of speakers and we will have our usual reading session and reception accompanying our annual membership meeting. I really hope to see you there. I would love to get your ideas and input into our professional organization.<br /><br /></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; font-weight:bold; color:#0000D4;font-weight:bold; ">Day	 -	Time -		Session Title -								Clinicians<br /></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; ">Thurs.		8:00-9:00, 	</span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><em>Jazz Improvisation Made Easy</em></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; "> - 					Jody Harmon<br />Thurs.		12:40-1:40,	</span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><em>Improvising in any Style</em></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; "> - 						Jody Harmon<br />Thurs.		3:15-4:15,	</span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><em>String Orchestra New Music Reading Session</em></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; ">	 -		Christopher Memoli<br />Thurs.		4:25-5:25, </span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><em>String Orchestra New Music Reading  & Membership Mtg -</em></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; ">	Christopher Memoli<br /><br />Fri.		8:00-9:00,	</span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><em>Instrument Maintenance: Problems and Solutions for the Orchestra Teacher -</em></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; ">		Jason Hoynash<br />Fri.		9:15-10:15,	</span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><em>I Love Orchestra -</em></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; ">											Bob Phillips, Pam Phillips<br />Fri.		12:00-1:00,	</span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><em>So How Do I Teach a Large Heterogeneous String Class? -</em></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; ">				Bob Phillips, Pam Phillips<br />Fri.		2:45-3:45,	</span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><em>Beyond the Baton: Rehearsing the Orchestra -</em></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; ">						Bob Phillips, Pam Phillips</span><span style="font:10px ArialMS; "><br /></span>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>March Fiddle Fest</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>ASTA News</category><dc:date>2010-01-14T05:24:21-05:00</dc:date><link>http://files/60ac92d15e4e5e9597633e34b9bd71ec-17.html#unique-entry-id-17</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/60ac92d15e4e5e9597633e34b9bd71ec-17.html#unique-entry-id-17</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span style="font:16px TimesNewRomanMS; ">March String Fest is a fun afternoon filled with playing your string instrument in an orchestra in an informal atmosphere.  There are three levels of orchestra.  Orchestra I is for advanced players who read well and have lots of ensemble experience.  Orchestra II is for intermediate players who have experience but are not fast readers and Orchestra III is for beginners/second year players who are just starting to play and have some or minimal reading skills and experience.   There will also be a performance of a professional string trio, raffle prizes and a fiddling baking contest.   Come and join us on Saturday, March 6, 2010, from 12:30-5:30 pm at the Marshall Middle School, 17 Floyd St in Billerica, MA.  To obtain a registration form and for more information contact Robin Mallory at </span><span style="font:16px TimesNewRomanMS; color:#0000FF;"><u><a href="mailto:rmallory@dracutpublicschools.net">rmallory@dracutpublicschools.net</a></u></span><span style="font:16px TimesNewRomanMS; "> or 978-957-9745  x4507 or Carolyn Cardella at </span><span style="font:16px TimesNewRomanMS; color:#0000FF;"><u><a href="mailto:ccardella@billerica.k12.ma.us">ccardella@billerica.k12.ma.us</a></u></span><span style="font:16px TimesNewRomanMS; ">.  </span>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Upcoming String Teacher Forums</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>ASTA News</category><dc:date>2009-10-17T10:48:48-04:00</dc:date><link>http://files/8c2610983c68ef6848446c8c125cc9a7-16.html#unique-entry-id-16</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/8c2610983c68ef6848446c8c125cc9a7-16.html#unique-entry-id-16</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font:18px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">MA-ASTA Studio Teacher Forum FALL 2009</span><span style="font:14px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><br /><br />Janet Packer: Teaching the Teachers</span><span style="font:14px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; ">Monday, November 9, 10:00 - 11:30 am</span><span style="font:14px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "> <br /><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; ">What do teachers feel is important in learning to teach, both from their experience taking string pedagogy classes in school <br />and their experience as teachers?<br /><br />Janet will give an overview of Longy's <br />string teacher training course and lead discussion.</span><span style="font:14px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /></span><span style="font:14px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><br />*****<br /><br />Practice Techniques</span><span style="font:14px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; ">Monday, December 7, 10:00 - 11:30 am </span><span style="font:14px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; ">What strategies do you find most helpful with your students? <br />for yourself? with groups?<br /><br />*****<br /></span><span style="font:14px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">RSVP encouraged</span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br />Joan Ellersick <br />jellersick@verizon.net <br />508/481-3528<br /><br />many thanks to </span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; color:#000FED;font-weight:bold; "><u><a href="http://www.powersmusic.org/" rel="external">Powers Music School</a></u></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><a href="http://www.powersmusic.org/" rel="external"> </a></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br />for generously providing our<br /><br /></span><span style="font:14px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">NEW LOCATION</span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">Powers Music School, Room 1 & 2 </span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "><br /></span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">380 Concord Avenue Belmont, MA 02478</span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; "> <br /><br />parking available and accessible by MBTA buses to Belmont Center<br /><br />**lower level of the brick Armenian Church at 380 Concord Ave.<br />Follow the driveway along the right side of the church to entrance and parking.</span><span style="font:12px &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; "><br /></span></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>National High School Honors Orchestra</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>ASTA News</category><dc:date>2009-03-24T17:54:19-04:00</dc:date><link>http://files/e114c465468bf40e65870f991a0b40a8-15.html#unique-entry-id-15</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/e114c465468bf40e65870f991a0b40a8-15.html#unique-entry-id-15</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<table border="0.000000" cellpadding="10.000000" cellspacing="0.000000"><tr height="0"><td valign="middle" width="590" colspan="2"><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#000000;">New information on the coming NHSHO auditions have been posted with an application on </span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#000000;"><a href="page6/page6.html" rel="self" title="NHSHO">here</a></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#000000;">. Thanks to Jane Ezbicki for here work on this project.    <br /><br />Ken Culver<br />MA-ASTA President</span></table>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>String Fest Download</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>ASTA News</category><dc:date>2009-02-04T16:06:33-05:00</dc:date><link>http://files/69977f9503419339a9801b0ee1e1bd0e-14.html#unique-entry-id-14</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/69977f9503419339a9801b0ee1e1bd0e-14.html#unique-entry-id-14</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<table border="0.000000" cellpadding="10.000000" cellspacing="0.000000"><tr height="0"><td valign="middle" width="590" colspan="2"><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; ">Robin Mallory and Carolyn Cardella are putting on the March String Fest again this year. They do a really good job putting this together and the kids have a lot of fun over the course of the day.<br /><br /></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#000000;">The registration brochure for the March Fiddle Fest has been posted </span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#000000;"><a href="page9/page9.html" rel="external" title="Downloads">here</a></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#000000;">. Check out this great opportunity for kids to play together.<br /></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#000000;"><br />Have a great day,<br /><br />Ken Culver, MA-ASTA President<br /></span></table>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Discussions Link</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>ASTA News</category><dc:date>2008-11-12T19:14:10-05:00</dc:date><link>http://files/1ec59fd9a87adc4334d1dda126a1d12e-13.html#unique-entry-id-13</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/1ec59fd9a87adc4334d1dda126a1d12e-13.html#unique-entry-id-13</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<table border="0.000000" cellpadding="10.000000" cellspacing="0.000000"><tr height="0"><td valign="middle" width="590" colspan="2"><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#000000;">I just put up a link to the discussions page at ASTAWeb. You need to be a member of ASTA to take part. Once you are signed in you can choose to receive emails of the board messages if you prefer that to visiting the site. We decided to use this larger resource rather than make our own forums.<br /><br />Have a great day,<br /></span></table><table border="0.000000" cellpadding="10.000000" cellspacing="0.000000"><td valign="middle" width="590" colspan="2"><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#000000;">Ken Culver<br />MA-ASTA President<br /></span></table>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Past Director and Teacher of the Year Awardees</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>From the President</category><dc:date>2008-11-04T17:23:55-05:00</dc:date><link>http://files/46cefc79e2c6100d45924a05bb703969-12.html#unique-entry-id-12</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/46cefc79e2c6100d45924a05bb703969-12.html#unique-entry-id-12</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<table border="0.000000" cellpadding="10.000000" cellspacing="0.000000"><tr height="0"><td valign="middle" width="590" colspan="2"><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#000000;">Hi All,<br /><br />I am looking to put together a more complete list of past awardees. If you have received an ASTA or NSOA award in the past or know someone who has please send me an </span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#000000;"><a href="mailto:maastapres@mac.ocm" rel="self">email</a></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#000000;"> and I will add them to the </span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#000000;"><a href="http://www.astaweb.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Discussion_Groups&template=/Security/Login.cfm" rel="self" title="Past Honorees">web page</a></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#000000;">.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Ken Culver<br />MA-ASTA President</span></table>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Solo Competition Results</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>ASTA News</category><dc:date>2008-10-28T17:33:21-04:00</dc:date><link>http://files/71331acc1bd06de892ba3f80ec438d93-11.html#unique-entry-id-11</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/71331acc1bd06de892ba3f80ec438d93-11.html#unique-entry-id-11</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<table border="0.000000" cellpadding="10.000000" cellspacing="0.000000"><tr height="0"><td valign="middle" width="590" colspan="2"><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; ">I just got the email below from Joan Ellersick regarding the MA-ASTA Solo Competition this past Sunday. Thanks to all students who participated and congratulations to the winners. I would also like to thank Joan for all her hard work in putting together and managing this event.<br /><br />Ken Culver<br />MA-ASTA President<br /><br /></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; "><em>Hi all,<br /><br />We had a very enjoyable day of music making today.&nbsp; All went very smoothly, with special thanks to Jane Ezbicki, Andy Mark and our judges Michelle LaCourse and Steve Laven.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Joan</em></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; "><br /></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; "><br /></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">SENIOR DIVISION</span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; "><br /><br />The judges selected the following player to advance to the semifinal round:<br /><br />Francisco Vila, cello<br /><br /></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">JUNIOR DIVISION</span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; "><br /><br />The judges selected the following three players to advance to the semifinal round:<br /><br />Rachel Iba, violin<br />Ruby Mercure, violin<br />Sasha Scolnik-Brower, cello <br /><br />Each semifinalist will receive a $175 cash award. &nbsp;<br /><br />Prizes are also awarded to:<br /><br />Rachel Iba, violin - bow rehair from </span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#0050B1;"><u><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Izlfrpgd0BiUpP4M6H_5GueWGm8YiFjiBMDu1tw6s9t29GS8l3RZdwfIFIzmQCaEhqAcXBaOS7eEQYHC3RnRM1enNBXdDhgXRSn1bdf-Ik636LtItoWy1g==">Tom Dignan</a></u></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; "><br />Ruby Mercure, violin - bow rehair from </span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#0050B1;"><u><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Izlfrpgd0BiUpP4M6H_5GueWGm8YiFjiBMDu1tw6s9t29GS8l3RZdwfIFIzmQCaEhqAcXBaOS7eEQYHC3RnRM1enNBXdDhgXRSn1bdf-Ik636LtItoWy1g==">Tom Dignan</a></u></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; "><br />Sasha Scolnik-Brower, cello - bow rehair from </span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#0050B1;"><u><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Izlfrpgd0BiUpP4M6H_5GueWGm8YiFjiBMDu1tw6s9t29GS8l3RZdwfIFIzmQCaEhqAcXBaOS7cjY_72WyZT-edwyyPycSysqJY3TnZVBAfpQj9DA7t2-n5OpTfLCvNn">Rutman's Violins</a></u></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; "><br />Elena Korableva, cello - Guy Laurent bow from </span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#0050B1;"><u><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Izlfrpgd0BiUpP4M6H_5GueWGm8YiFjiBMDu1tw6s9t29GS8l3RZdwfIFIzmQCaEhqAcXBaOS7fymUUJcpDnnYjgdNuTR4r4bpoHNgufXpXrGcX83YCztA==">Shar Products</a></u></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; "><br />Thomas Hoffman, violin - new case from </span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#0050B1;"><u><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Izlfrpgd0BiUpP4M6H_5GueWGm8YiFjiBMDu1tw6s9t29GS8l3RZdwfIFIzmQCaEhqAcXBaOS7fsO7cHHU3mDG8k1VevPUzEKFoaT9cJ-rYKzPc0ghTa9Q==">Rayburn Music</a></u></span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; "><br />Francisco Vila, cello - gift certificate from </span><span style="font:13px Georgia, serif; color:#0050B1;"><u><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Izlfrpgd0BiUpP4M6H_5GueWGm8YiFjiBMDu1tw6s9t29GS8l3RZdwfIFIzmQCaEhqAcXBaOS7cMjdXk7cAr-gEOiD9-XH_-jMaxViaTPQLSlnq58bB7JA==">Italia Strings</a></u></span></table>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Board Meeting Minutes</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>ASTA News</category><dc:date>2008-10-21T20:28:03-04:00</dc:date><link>http://files/930e4dfab28ad2bcf07c9f4a762dd034-9.html#unique-entry-id-9</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/930e4dfab28ad2bcf07c9f4a762dd034-9.html#unique-entry-id-9</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span style="font:12px Georgia, serif; ">Minutes from MA-ASTA board meetings can be found in the Home menu. (Home></span><span style="font:12px Georgia, serif; "><a href="page17/page17.html" rel="self" title="Board Minutes">Board Minutes</a></span><span style="font:12px Georgia, serif; ">). Please take a look at what we are planning and let us know what you think.</span>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Theory Workshop Discount</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>ASTA News</category><dc:date>2008-09-13T16:18:55-04:00</dc:date><link>http://files/7bfd4a50359502cc7658efa394cfd50f-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/7bfd4a50359502cc7658efa394cfd50f-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span style="font:17px Georgia, serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">MA-ASTA Member Discount for the Theory Workshop</span><span style="font:12px Georgia, serif; "><br /><br />The Massachusetts chapter of the American String Teachers Association is happy to give its members a $5 discount for attending the Workshop for Music Theory Teachers. Private lesson and public school teachers can take advantage of this discount by showing their membership card at registration. Individuals who are not MA-ASTA members can also take advantage of this offer by applying for membership at the workshop.<br /></span>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Music Theory Workshop</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>Events for Teachers</category><dc:date>2008-09-13T16:11:38-04:00</dc:date><link>http://files/c8e063bb58e43637ada34c5fc365a36b-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/c8e063bb58e43637ada34c5fc365a36b-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span style="font:17px Georgia, serif; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; ">Theory for the Practicing Musician: A Workshop for Music Theory Teachers</span><span style="font:12px Georgia, serif; "><br /> <br />Theory for the Practicing Musician:  A Workshop for Music Theory Teachers will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at St. Mark's School in Southborough. The Workshop will be led by members of the New England Conservatory Theory Department Deborah Stein, Katarina Miljkovic, and Roger Graybill.</span>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>String Project Grants</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>ASTA News</category><dc:date>2008-08-04T17:44:45-04:00</dc:date><link>http://files/b70f07b9fac0b4e4a38076fbef222ab5-6.html#unique-entry-id-6</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/b70f07b9fac0b4e4a38076fbef222ab5-6.html#unique-entry-id-6</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span style="font:12px Georgia, serif; ">I received the following email from Executive Director Robert Jesselson regarding National String Project Consortium Grants.<br />-----<br /><br /></span><span style="font:12px Georgia, serif; ">Dear ASTA State President:<br />	<br />I would like to alert you and your state ASTA members to the next round of NSPC grants for new String Project sites. The deadline for grant applications will be November 17, 2008. Please go to our website at&nbsp;</span><span style="font:12px Georgia, serif; "><a href="http://www.stringprojects.org/" rel="external">http://www.stringprojects.org/</a></span><span style="font:12px Georgia, serif; "> for more information and for the application form.&nbsp;<br /><br />The NSPC now consists of 32 String Projects at universities around the country. These programs help to train string teachers by giving undergraduate students hands-on teaching experience during their college years. The NSPC provides $10,000 for the first year, and up to $25,000 over five years to help set up these String Projects. One of our goals is to have at least one such program in every state; so if your state does not yet have one, please encourage your colleges to consider this opportunity.<br /><br />If you have any questions, please do contact me.<br /><br />Best wishes for a good school year!<br /><br />Bob Jesselson<br /><br /></span><span style="font:12px Georgia, serif; ">-----<br />Collegiate members are encouraged to investigate and apply.<br /></span><span style="font:12px Georgia, serif; "><br /></span><span style="font:12px Georgia, serif; ">Sincerely,<br /><br />Ken Culver<br />MA-ASTA President</span>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Internet Communication</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>ASTA News</category><dc:date>2008-05-24T07:23:16-04:00</dc:date><link>http://files/0bf1b2b6d02cd26dad54cac8c2445597-5.html#unique-entry-id-5</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/0bf1b2b6d02cd26dad54cac8c2445597-5.html#unique-entry-id-5</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span style="font:12px Georgia, serif; ">The MA-ASTA board has voted to change the way that we communicate with our membership. In an effort to make our information more timely and convenient we are going to stop publishing our yearly paper newsletter </span><span style="font:12px Georgia, serif; "><em>The Bay State Bridge</em></span><span style="font:12px Georgia, serif; "> in favor of an updated web site and email bulletins which communicate upcoming events and board news.<br /><br />-Ken Culver, MA-ASTA Editor</span>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>All-State Wrap-up</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>From the President</category><dc:date>2008-05-24T07:21:37-04:00</dc:date><link>http://files/add7f97e3a56631ff25c8f9580823b54-3.html#unique-entry-id-3</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/add7f97e3a56631ff25c8f9580823b54-3.html#unique-entry-id-3</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Paula Zeitlin taught us Jazz Improv skills in such a simple and comfortable way, that the following day, we had a ball playing with a professional Jazz Trio. Louis Bergonzi lit up our inspiration and energy to raise up our rehearsal techniques and communication with our players. Pamela Tellejohn Hayes shared basic teaching techniques to solve common technique problems with our young string players. <br /><br />Congratulations to our ASTA award recipients&nbsp;Christopher Memoli and Andrew Marks.<br /><br />At our annual meeting, we voted in Ken Culver as next year's President and Margot Reavey as the President-Elect. &nbsp;Three points were announced that we all should be reminded about: &nbsp;<br />1. &nbsp;Encourage the studio teachers that you know to join ASTA. &nbsp;(It qualifies them not only for workshops for teachers and students, but makes them eligible for awards)<br />2. &nbsp;Ideas for workshops and student enrichment activities are always welcome. Just contact someone on the board. &nbsp;Our state chapter is also willing to fund master classes, guest conductors or relevant string activities at your school.<br /><br />Thank you to Johnson Strings for providing wonderful string instruments for us to play at our sessions, and for providing the food and refreshments at our annual meeting. FInally, thank you to Chris Memoli, for putting together wonderful sessions for us.<br /><br />-Jane E. Ezbicki, MA-ASTA President]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Update</title><dc:creator>maastapres@mac.com</dc:creator><category>From the President</category><dc:date>2008-01-19T19:46:00-05:00</dc:date><link>http://files/cdfa438fbd5950f0a663585cc778af48-2.html#unique-entry-id-2</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://files/cdfa438fbd5950f0a663585cc778af48-2.html#unique-entry-id-2</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Greetings to all of the string and orchestra teachers of Massachusetts! Anyone is welcome at our dinner meetings held monthly in Waltham at the <a href="http://www.thegreenpapaya.net/" rel="external">Green Papaya</a>, to share ideas or help out with special events or just to see what is going on in our organization.]]></content:encoded></item></channel>
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