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FALL 2000 ISSUE
President's Message
Here's a new tune for your get-up-and -go. Play for inspiration,
then proceed to nominate the Teachers
of the Year, vote for the Private
Studio Member at Large. and vote for the Constitutional
Revisions. See you November 18 (check the Calendar
of Events.
It Starts With Your Feet
by Greenblatt & Seay
Sincerely,
Debby-in-the-Schoolhouse
President Nebraska ASTA with NSOA
NEBRASKA ASTA WITH NSOA
STRING TEACHERS OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Each year the Nebraska Unit of the American String Teachers Association
recognizes two outstanding string/orchestra teachers in Nebraska
by presenting an award to one school orchestra director and one
private studio teacher. We urge you to consider submitting the
name of a person whom you believe to represent outstanding teaching
in one or both areas. Send nominations to: Dave Klein, RR4, Box
57, Kearney, NE, 68847. The deadline for nominations is November
1, 2000.
ELECTION
VOTE FOR THE NEWLY CREATED OFFICE
PRIVATE STUDIO MEMBER AT LARGE
Well, boys and girls, do you remember this one? We recently added
this office, and now we need to vote for someone for the Private
Studio Member at Large, This person will be a voting member of
our executive board.
STRING TEACHERS "IT'S ABOUT TIME" PARTY
October 7, 2000
7:00 p.m. until 10:00-11:00-12:00-?
Bill and Patty Ritchie's house, 13905 Pierce Street, Omaha
R.S.V.P. (402) 333-0853 or email Prichtie@tconl.com
Join private string teachers, area conductors, arts administrators,and
public school teachers for an informal evening of information sharing,
good food and a dip in the hot tub, if you like. Pick up some written
materials on how to "audition your next instrument", by Glen Hadsell,
or tell the school teachers what the students really say about
them. Don't sugar coat it.
Find out how to retain (or let go of) certain pupils in your studio,
how to advertise, and how to tap into the wealth of knowledge shared
through ASTA, American String Teachers Association. Consider joining
the organization! Free magazines, brochures and tips.
In keeping with the spirit of community, and recognizing the small
budget of Nebraska ASTA and the Ritchies, bring a beverage or a
snack to share. So, don't be surprised if this turns out to be
an annual affair. Hot tub professional parties represent the major
paradigm shift for networking in the new millennium.
Try to make it. Child care can be provided in the dungeon, (I
mean lower level) of the mansion.
REPORT ON NE-ASTA CENTRAL STATES WORKSHOP
by Bill Ritchie, UNO
The 6th Biennial NE-ASTA Central States Workshop was held this
past September 15-17 on the UNO campus in Omaha with our featured
clinician, Bob Phillips. Bob is a topnotch public school orchestra
teacher from Saline, Michigan who has an international reputation
as a fine clinician, co-author of three string class publications,
and an engaging presenter on a number of teacher training topics.
Our thanks go out to Jim Berg and the folks at Alfred Publishing
for helping to make Bob's visit possible, as well as to Dean Karen
White of the UNO College of fine Arts for the use of the Strauss
Performing Arts Center and the nice reception Friday evening.
the workshop began Friday evening with a concert by the Lark Quartet
on UNO's Ecoutez! series. All in attendance said is was a fine
concert, and that the four young women were excellent musicians
with a wonderful way of communicating music to the audience.
An elegant reception was held in the Chancellor's Room following
the concert, hosed by Karen White, The next morning we were all
welcomed back with fresh coffee, juice, and sweet breads to prepare
us for a long day of listening to sessions and playing. The Lark
Quartet returned to coach two student ensembles for UNO and Millard
West High School and impresses us all with their nice way with
the students, but insightful comments about their music making.
Following that, Bob Phillips was introduced and began with a presentation
on his new book, Fiddlers Philharmonic. This set of books
teaches fiddling in the string orchestra and is a wonderful change
of pace from our usual literature. Bob explained how it can be
integrated into the classroom, teach a number of techniques, and
fulfill many of the US National Standards in music. He also gave
out some great ideas on how to start a fiddle group and market
in your community.
After lunch, Bob continued with a presentation on using folk music
to motivate and develop technique, and another one about recruiting
and retention. I was asked to join him on the session using the
brand-new book, Jazz Philharmonic, and all of us joined
in to read most of the tunes along with the accompanying CD, Bob
on mandolin, and Patty Ritchie on the ride cymbal! a few of us
even took turns playing some improvised solos, as well. A panel
discussion moderated by Bob followed, with Richard Loheyde from
UNO, Patty Ritchie from the Millard Schools and Dave Klein from
the Kearney Public schools. We all broke for a nice supper and
some wonderful fiddle dinner music given by our own NE-ASTA President,
Debby Greenblatt. The big hit was all of us singing along on Debby's "Alice
Johnson's Jig".
Following the meal, all of us returned to the stage to read through
some new string literature provided by our good friend at Wingert-Jones
Music, Jerry Fuchs. Bob asked for brief comments about each piece
and all came away with some ideas about these recent publications.
A few of us stopped by an adult beverage at Billy Frogg's afterwards,
but most retired after a long, but fruitful day.
The next morning we held a very brief membership meeting with
some officer reports and some brainstorming about ways to apply
for some of the ASTA grants that are available. One idea was to
record all of the NMEA string All-State solos on a CD which students
cold purchase, and another was to compile a list of chamber music
pieces accessible to high school and college students. Clark Potter
reminded everyone of the dates for the Middle School Ajudication
as UNL next spring, and then we moved back into the recital hall
for the remaining sessions with Bob. Curriculum development and
a comprehensive learning sequence were discussed, as well as the
difference between "teaching" something to a student vs., "telling" them.
All in all, a very productive weekend was had by the almost 50
participants in attendance, including friends form Iowa, south
Dakota, and string education students form UNL and UNO. Lots of
new ideas were shared, friendships made and renewed, and our professional
batteries recharged for a productive and inspired year of teaching.
Thanks also go out to Richard Loheyde, David Low, and the UNO Department
of Music for helping to coordinate this workshop.
ASTA WITH NSOA PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
The Print Music Task Force was formed as a response to a "My Turn" article
in the August 1999 issue of American String Teacher written
by Kathleen Horvath, University of Illinois, where she discussed
the challenges of teachers ethically following copyright laws with
the current lack of availability of some print music. President
Louis Bergonzi asked Kathleen to chair a task force to research
and discuss options with music publishers. The other members of
the task force are Sandra Dackow, from Hew Jersey and Diana Elledge,
Kjos Music and president of the String Industry Council.
The Task Force met in March 2000 and determined that its primary
goal will be to open channels of communication so that all parties
will have and opportunity to voice their concerns. Specifically
the Task Force will:
1. educate teachers about copyright laws and help them
realize their role in maintaining a positive relationship with
the publishing industry.
2. initiate discussions with the publishers to help them understand
the plight of teachers as well as the demand for certain out-of-print
music.
The Task Force will conduct a session at the December 2000 Midwest
clinic to facilitate dialogue between teachers and publishers.
Any ideas or suggestions about the work of the Task Force can be
sent to Kathleen at khorvath@uiuc.edu.
NEBRASKA ASTA CONSTITUTIONAL REVISIONS
Please read the proposed additions to our constitution and by-laws,
and send your vote to Deborah Greenblatt, The Old Schoolhouse,
PO Box 671, Avoca, NE 68307-0671. The passages that are in italics
are the revisions that the Revisionist Committee have suggested
we consider. (The entire document will be posted on this website
as soon as the results are announced.)
ARTICLE ONE-NAME AND OBJECTIVE
Section One: The name of this organization shall be The Nebraska
American String Teacher Association With National School Orchestra
Association. (rationale: to be consistent with the National
name.)
ARTICLE TWO-EXPENDITURES
Section Three: Emergency Allocations. Emergency monetary allocations
may be distributed if agreed to by a unanimous vote of the existing
or available Executive Committee members. such a decision cannot
be made without the consent of the Treasurer. The party which
receives such an allocation shall provide a report of how the
money was spent. This report shall be submitted to the Treasurer
and shall become a part of the Treasurer's Annual report. (rationale:
to be responsive to requests in a more timely manner.)
FALL 2000 ISSUE
President's Message
Here's a new tune for your get-up-and -go. Play for inspiration, then proceed to nominate the Teachers of the Year, vote for the Private Studio Member at Large. and vote for the Constitutional Revisions. See you November 18 (check the Calendar of Events.
by Greenblatt & Seay
Sincerely,
Debby-in-the-Schoolhouse
President Nebraska ASTA with NSOA
NEBRASKA ASTA WITH NSOA
Each year the Nebraska Unit of the American String Teachers Association recognizes two outstanding string/orchestra teachers in Nebraska by presenting an award to one school orchestra director and one private studio teacher. We urge you to consider submitting the name of a person whom you believe to represent outstanding teaching in one or both areas. Send nominations to: Dave Klein, RR4, Box 57, Kearney, NE, 68847. The deadline for nominations is November 1, 2000.
ELECTION
VOTE FOR THE NEWLY CREATED OFFICE
PRIVATE STUDIO MEMBER AT LARGE
Well, boys and girls, do you remember this one? We recently added this office, and now we need to vote for someone for the Private Studio Member at Large, This person will be a voting member of our executive board.
STRING TEACHERS "IT'S ABOUT TIME" PARTY
7:00 p.m. until 10:00-11:00-12:00-?
Bill and Patty Ritchie's house, 13905 Pierce Street, Omaha
R.S.V.P. (402) 333-0853 or email Prichtie@tconl.com
Join private string teachers, area conductors, arts administrators,and public school teachers for an informal evening of information sharing, good food and a dip in the hot tub, if you like. Pick up some written materials on how to "audition your next instrument", by Glen Hadsell, or tell the school teachers what the students really say about them. Don't sugar coat it.
Find out how to retain (or let go of) certain pupils in your studio, how to advertise, and how to tap into the wealth of knowledge shared through ASTA, American String Teachers Association. Consider joining the organization! Free magazines, brochures and tips.
In keeping with the spirit of community, and recognizing the small budget of Nebraska ASTA and the Ritchies, bring a beverage or a snack to share. So, don't be surprised if this turns out to be an annual affair. Hot tub professional parties represent the major paradigm shift for networking in the new millennium.
Try to make it. Child care can be provided in the dungeon, (I mean lower level) of the mansion.
REPORT ON NE-ASTA CENTRAL STATES WORKSHOP
by Bill Ritchie, UNO
The 6th Biennial NE-ASTA Central States Workshop was held this past September 15-17 on the UNO campus in Omaha with our featured clinician, Bob Phillips. Bob is a topnotch public school orchestra teacher from Saline, Michigan who has an international reputation as a fine clinician, co-author of three string class publications, and an engaging presenter on a number of teacher training topics. Our thanks go out to Jim Berg and the folks at Alfred Publishing for helping to make Bob's visit possible, as well as to Dean Karen White of the UNO College of fine Arts for the use of the Strauss Performing Arts Center and the nice reception Friday evening.
the workshop began Friday evening with a concert by the Lark Quartet on UNO's Ecoutez! series. All in attendance said is was a fine concert, and that the four young women were excellent musicians with a wonderful way of communicating music to the audience.
An elegant reception was held in the Chancellor's Room following the concert, hosed by Karen White, The next morning we were all welcomed back with fresh coffee, juice, and sweet breads to prepare us for a long day of listening to sessions and playing. The Lark Quartet returned to coach two student ensembles for UNO and Millard West High School and impresses us all with their nice way with the students, but insightful comments about their music making. Following that, Bob Phillips was introduced and began with a presentation on his new book, Fiddlers Philharmonic. This set of books teaches fiddling in the string orchestra and is a wonderful change of pace from our usual literature. Bob explained how it can be integrated into the classroom, teach a number of techniques, and fulfill many of the US National Standards in music. He also gave out some great ideas on how to start a fiddle group and market in your community.
After lunch, Bob continued with a presentation on using folk music to motivate and develop technique, and another one about recruiting and retention. I was asked to join him on the session using the brand-new book, Jazz Philharmonic, and all of us joined in to read most of the tunes along with the accompanying CD, Bob on mandolin, and Patty Ritchie on the ride cymbal! a few of us even took turns playing some improvised solos, as well. A panel discussion moderated by Bob followed, with Richard Loheyde from UNO, Patty Ritchie from the Millard Schools and Dave Klein from the Kearney Public schools. We all broke for a nice supper and some wonderful fiddle dinner music given by our own NE-ASTA President, Debby Greenblatt. The big hit was all of us singing along on Debby's "Alice Johnson's Jig".
Following the meal, all of us returned to the stage to read through some new string literature provided by our good friend at Wingert-Jones Music, Jerry Fuchs. Bob asked for brief comments about each piece and all came away with some ideas about these recent publications. A few of us stopped by an adult beverage at Billy Frogg's afterwards, but most retired after a long, but fruitful day.
The next morning we held a very brief membership meeting with some officer reports and some brainstorming about ways to apply for some of the ASTA grants that are available. One idea was to record all of the NMEA string All-State solos on a CD which students cold purchase, and another was to compile a list of chamber music pieces accessible to high school and college students. Clark Potter reminded everyone of the dates for the Middle School Ajudication as UNL next spring, and then we moved back into the recital hall for the remaining sessions with Bob. Curriculum development and a comprehensive learning sequence were discussed, as well as the difference between "teaching" something to a student vs., "telling" them.
All in all, a very productive weekend was had by the almost 50 participants in attendance, including friends form Iowa, south Dakota, and string education students form UNL and UNO. Lots of new ideas were shared, friendships made and renewed, and our professional batteries recharged for a productive and inspired year of teaching. Thanks also go out to Richard Loheyde, David Low, and the UNO Department of Music for helping to coordinate this workshop.
The Print Music Task Force was formed as a response to a "My Turn" article in the August 1999 issue of American String Teacher written by Kathleen Horvath, University of Illinois, where she discussed the challenges of teachers ethically following copyright laws with the current lack of availability of some print music. President Louis Bergonzi asked Kathleen to chair a task force to research and discuss options with music publishers. The other members of the task force are Sandra Dackow, from Hew Jersey and Diana Elledge, Kjos Music and president of the String Industry Council.
The Task Force met in March 2000 and determined that its primary goal will be to open channels of communication so that all parties will have and opportunity to voice their concerns. Specifically the Task Force will:
1. educate teachers about copyright laws and help them realize their role in maintaining a positive relationship with the publishing industry.
2. initiate discussions with the publishers to help them understand the plight of teachers as well as the demand for certain out-of-print music.
The Task Force will conduct a session at the December 2000 Midwest clinic to facilitate dialogue between teachers and publishers. Any ideas or suggestions about the work of the Task Force can be sent to Kathleen at khorvath@uiuc.edu.
Please read the proposed additions to our constitution and by-laws, and send your vote to Deborah Greenblatt, The Old Schoolhouse, PO Box 671, Avoca, NE 68307-0671. The passages that are in italics are the revisions that the Revisionist Committee have suggested we consider. (The entire document will be posted on this website as soon as the results are announced.)
ARTICLE ONE-NAME AND OBJECTIVE
Section One: The name of this organization shall be The Nebraska American String Teacher Association With National School Orchestra Association. (rationale: to be consistent with the National name.)
ARTICLE TWO-EXPENDITURES
Section Three: Emergency Allocations. Emergency monetary allocations may be distributed if agreed to by a unanimous vote of the existing or available Executive Committee members. such a decision cannot be made without the consent of the Treasurer. The party which receives such an allocation shall provide a report of how the money was spent. This report shall be submitted to the Treasurer and shall become a part of the Treasurer's Annual report. (rationale: to be responsive to requests in a more timely manner.)
©2005 ASTA with NSOA, Nebraska Unit, C. Ellenwood, Webmaster