In light of ongoing developments with COVID-19, and after thoughtful discussions with ASTA’s Board of Directors and collecting member feedback, ASTA has decided to move our 2021 National Conference to a fully online, virtual experience that will take place Wednesday, March 3, to Saturday, March 6, 2021.
One of the greatest strengths of ASTA is the scope of its membership. We not only serve the private and public school educators but our organization services the private studio teachers, Suzuki private teachers, professional and amateur chamber musicians, performing symphony musicians, and university and college instructors.
Alison Holden, North Rockford Middle School I recently discovered a few Google Chrome Add-On’s that have made my beginning string classes faster paced, more efficient and productive, and lots more fun to teach! Although I have mostly used these Add-Ons in my beginning orchestra classroom, I can imagine their potential in ensemble rehearsals, as well.
It’s time to vote for the MASTA Teacher of the Year. In 2014, our organization began alternating this award between studio teachers and classroom teachers each year, and this is the year to award a studio teacher. Voting is open until January 6, 2020. Please read about each candidate below, and then cast your vote
By Andrea Yun, Suzuki Cello Instructor The Ann Arbor Suzuki Institute celebrated its 50th year with a concert at Pease Auditorium in Ypsilanti on October 1, 2019. In attendance were all of the current Ann Arbor Suzuki Institute teachers, some past teachers, and all of the current students. Violin, viola, cello, and guitar students packed
Fifteen bass students in grades 6-12 attended BassFest – West 2019. The event was held on Saturday, October 19 at East Rockford Middle School and was organized by Allison Holden, orchestra director at North Rockford Middle School. John Kennedy, Farmington Public Schools orchestra director, and Larry Hutchinson, former bassist in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, were
Students from Lowell High School and NorthPointe Christian High School had their first meeting and decided to form a “West Michigan High School” Student Chapter of MASTA. The goal, once the vision of the group is clear, is to include students from neighboring schools and build a solid high school string community in Grand Rapids.
by Michael Hopkins 30 bass students in grades 6-12 attended the 2019 Bass Bash at the University of Michigan on Saturday, September 7, 2019. The festival was directed by MASTA President-Elect Michael Hopkins with U-M Bass faculty Max Dimoff, Robert Hurst, and Ranaan Meyer. Longtime MASTA members John Kennedy and Derek Weller also taught at
Western Michigan University will be hosting the Michigan Cello Festival on Saturday, November 2nd. This full day of events includes masterclasses, guest performances and a cello orchestra for all participants. Faculty includes Dr. Alice Ann O’Neil, Marilyn Kesler, Alicia Gregorian-Sawyers, Luke Cook, Bruce Uchimura, Anthony Elliott, Igor Cetkovic, and a special performance by hip-hop cellist
MASTA will be hosting BassFest West on Saturday, October 19th at East Rockford Middle School. Full details are available here.
The University of Michigan will host an incredible lineup of bass teachers and artists for the annual Bass Bash. On Saturday, September 7th students and teachers can participate in a full day of events dedicated to the bass. Faculty for the day include Max Dimoff, Robert Hurst III, and Ranaan Meyer in addition to MASTA’s
