Nebraska ASTA
Officers & Membership
Private String Teachers
Forms/Applications
NationaNational
SPRING 2002 ISSUE
Volume 16, Number 1
President's Message
Dear Fellow Members,
This is my last Stringing Along message to you as your President.
The past two years have flown by, and I have learned a great deal
about our organization, and about many of you. (My lips are sealed...)
Together, we have been very creative:
The position of Private Studio-Member-At-Large to our
Board
The All-State CD
The NEASTA Private Teacher list
The NEASTA State Officer's Handbook
I'm excited about Dr. Karen Becker taking over as our President.
She has been a constant source of sanity and fun during her term
as President-Elect, and I know that she will boldly lead our organization
during the next two years.
My involvement on the Board as Past-President will continue, giving
me the continued opportunity to help to further the effectiveness
of string teaching in our state alongside some of the most dedicated
humans that I have ever met.
As I find myself waxing nostalgic, I realize that I could sure
use a support group about now. To this end, I invite any of you
who have yourselves been president of this or any other state chapter,
to join me on Saturday, during the Central States Workshop, for
a PAST PRESIDENTS PIZZA PARTY. Any of you who are interested, please
let me know (g-s@alltel.net). This will give us a chance to share
experiences, as well as the check. I am hoping that this will be
a nourishing and therapeutic session. Please feel free to suggest
your favorite Omaha pizza place, and we can all car-pool.
Thanks for entrusting me with the position of President. From
what I have experienced, I can say with great pride and relief,
that we in Nebraska ASTA are definitely part of the solution!
Sincerely,
Deborah Greenblatt
President Nebraska American String
Teachers Association With NSOA
PRESIDENT-ELECT'S MESSAGE
Dear Fellow String Teachers,
On Wednesday, February 27th the string teaching world lost an
outstanding cello teacher. I'm sure every member of Nebraska ASTA
knew Carol Work. Carol will be sorely missed by all of us in Nebraska
as well as cellists all over the country-- even outside the borders
of the United States. She has influenced many students through
her teaching and commitment to music, as well as non-students like
myself, always being supportive and encouraging. Her love of music
was contagious and her commitment to playing the cello and teaching
an inspiration to us all.
I met Carol even before I moved to Lincoln. She was an unofficial
member of the search committee when I interviewed for the cello
position at UNL and a friend of my former teacher, Phyllis Young.
As soon as I moved to Lincoln she made sure I met some of the other
cello and string teachers in town. She was someone I could call
on to borrow cello ensemble music, someone I could chat with, and
from whom I could seek advice.
Thank you Carol, for being our friend, our colleague, and influencing
so many people through your teaching. We will miss you!
Sincerely yours,
Karen Becker
CAROL WORK
Words of support and sadness have been circulating following the
death of our dear colleague, Carol Work.
From Bill Ritchie in Omaha:
Some sad news to report: Carol Work passed away yesterday afternoon
after celebrating her 80th birthday and 54 years in the Lincoln
Symphony last week. No details, but she'd been ill for some time,
I hear. I was told this morning a memorial service will be held
within a month.
From Jim Johnson in Hastings:
I will truly miss Carol Work. I saw her last spring when yet another
of her students won the Hastings Symphony Young Artist Auditions.
She was a great musician, teacher extraordinaire and a wonderful
and caring person.
From Morris and Aleta Collier :
Our string quartet and spouses had taken Carol out for a late
birthday lunch at the Olive Garden last Friday where we all had
a wonderful time together. We've been The Lincoln String Quartet
with the same people for 47 years. We had a quartet rehearsal set
for Monday night when we parted. Carol called Monday to say she
was not feeling well, we postponed it to Tuesday, and were to play
the last part of Beethoven's Opus 132 Wednesday morning for a little
music club she belonged to. George called Tuesday to say she was
just not well enough to rehearse or perform next day. She died
that afternoon while George was helping her get ready to go to
the doctor.
When son George and his wife arrived from Iowa that evening, he
found the music for Opus 132 on her music stand and her cello beside
it, downstairs in her studio. She was doing what she loved about
as close to the end as! you can get. Son George indicated that
some kind of heart failure seemed to be the cause. She will be
cremated, and they are planning to have a memorial service... They
were still considering what memorials to name.
George is handling this very well. I think he would appreciate
your cards, even with his very limited vision. The address is 2515
So. 39th (68506).
From Clark Potter:
Carol Work leaves behind a marvelous
legacy, seen most easily perhaps by the amazing number of high
quality cellists who have
been her students. More than a few of these students have achieved
significant positions in the music world. Her students have also
become excellent teachers in their own right. She was known as
a tough but caring teacher. Her 54 years of service and artistry
in the Lincoln Symphony speaks for itself. She also was involved
in two stints at UNL, teaching both cello and Comprehensive Musicianship.
I never once heard Carol complain or even talk about her health
unless it was forced out of her, and then it was "Oh, I'm fine,
how are you?". On the day she died (which came rather suddenly
and quietly) her cello was outtof the case and the cello part to
the Op. 132 Beethoven String Quartet was on her music stand. She
performed in the Feb. 19 Lincoln Symphony 75th anniversary concert,
and was she honored that night for her time in the orchestra and
the fact that it was her (80th) birthday. How fitting, though who
could have known? Carol will be missed. She leaves behind her husband
of 45 years, George, Sr., a fine bassist, and George, Jr., cellist
of the Ames Piano Quartet and Professor of Cello at Iowa State
University.
From Sidney Hahn Culver:
Carol subbed for me in my piano quartet in February for a performance
while I was recovering from a knee replacement. I miss her greatly!
TRI-CITY JUNIOR YOUTH SYMPHONY
The Tri-City Junior Youth Symphony is a newly formed organization
for string players who are middle school age. Rehearsals are held
in either Kearney, Hastings or Grand Island, and are held in conjunction
with the Tri-City Youth Symphony. The first Concert will be held
Sunday, March 24, at 3:00 in the Kearney High School Auditorium.
The TCJYS is conducted by Jodi LaChance, a Suzuki violin teacher
from Hastings, and Christa Speed, an orchestra director for the
Grand Island Public Schools. For further information about the
TCJYS, please contact Christa Speed at 308-381-0664, or email: cspeed@esu10.org.
CRYSTAL PLOHMAN RETURNS IN MAY
The fantastic clinician Crystal Plohman, whom we enjoyed at the
November convention, will be leading a clinic concert in Millard
on May 4th. We are heading toward the first ever Middle School
World Fiddle Fest. Knilling is footing half of the bill. If you
are interested, contact Patty Ritchie at Millard West High School
(pritchie@mpsomaha.org).
VIOLA FIDDLING CD REVIEW
The latest issue of the Australian & New Zealand Viola Society
Journal has reviewed two Greenblatt & Seay publications.
The Viola Fiddling Tune Book CD: "This excellent CD includes all
27 of the tunes found in Deborah Greenblatt's 'The Viola Fiddling
Tune Book'. All the pieces are played with 'spirit' and in a clean
classical folk style. I highly recommend the music for all violists
and viola students... I find playing the CD to my students enhances
their enjoyment of the tunes. The 'tune book' is also available
for cello (same tunes & same keys), making mixed instrument
duets possible." The Viola Player's Book of Rounds: "All the rounds
are playable by grade one players, so this is an excellent book
for teachers. The rounds are excellent for warm-ups for violists
of all levels. The wide variety of rounds in this book makes it
hard to stop playing once started. Many are well known rounds and
all are very melodic (as one would expect). Technically, all are
in the first position, with only one round requiring an 'F' above
the stave to be played and all are written in alto clef. All the
keys used are basic and well suited to the viola sonority. Highly
recommended. (note: The round book is also published for the following
instruments: violin, cello, recorders, all in the same keys as
the viola book, so you can mix and match instrument ensembles.
ELECTION RESULTS
Dear Fellow NEASTA Members,
The election is concluded, with a high level of participation,
and no violence. The results were close---in each case less than
10 votes made the difference!
And the winners are:
President-Elect: Dottie Ladman (dladman@lps.org)
Private Studio Member-at-Large: Clark Potter (cpotter1@unl.edu)
Member-at-Large: Patty Ritchie (pritchie@mpsomaha.org)
I have included their e-mail addresses, for your congratulatory
greetings. They will be assuming office on May 15.
As the Future Past President, I know that our organization would
have been in good hands no matter how this election turned out.
All elections should be this much fun.
Thanks go out to our nominating committee for providing us with
a fantastic slate of potential officers for our Nebraska ASTA/NSOA
chapter.
Larry Maupin, Chairman, Grand Island
Pattie Ritchie, Millard West
Mike Swartz, Lincoln Public Schools
Dave Klein, Kearney
POST CARD FROM MUSIC CAMP
Can you guess who wrote this?
Dear ma & pa. How are you? I am fine. Love Arnold.
Arnold love, fine am I. you are how? pa & ma dear. dlonrA evol .enif
ma I ?uoy era woH .ap & am reaD...read am & ap ?woh era
uoy. I ma enif.
,evol dlonrA
2002 TEACHER RECOGNITION PROGRAM
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has announced the launch of the company's
seventh annual Teacher of the Year program. For 2002, Wal-Mart
has partnered with Phi Delta Kappa International and will donate
$2 million to local schools with winning teachers. The deadline
is April 14, 2002.
Winning teachers will receive $500 educational grants from the
Wal-Mart Foundation payable to their local schools to be used for
an educational program of the teacher's choice. Winning teachers
also have the opportunity to apply for state and national Teacher
of the Year honors. State Teachers of the Year will receive a $5,000
grant for their schools, and one National Teacher of the Year will
receive a $10,000 grant for his or her school. (State and National
Teacher of the Year winners will be selected by Phi Delta Kappa.)
Nomination forms as well as program guidelines are available at
the Phi Delta Kappa web site, and on the Foundation Center's web
site (http://www.pdkintl.org/walmart/newsrel.htm).
ASTA WITH NSOA NATIONAL STUDIO TEACHERS FORUM
For the first time in its history, ASTA WITH NSOA will hold a
stand-alone conference The National Studio Teachers Forum will
take place on the campus of Michigan State University from May
17-19. The conference will begin at 8:45 am on Friday and conclude
mid-day on Sunday. MASTER CLASSES, TECHNIQUE PANELS, PANEL DISCUSSIONS,
SPECIAL SESSIONS, SUNDAY IMPROV WORKSHOP ! The Friday evening concert
will feature the winners of the 2002 ASTA/NSOA National Solo Competition,
and also the award presentation to Heidi Castleman of the 2002
Artist-Teacher Award. For more specific information, and to register,
please go on-line at http://www.astaweb.com/.
UNO'S FIFTH ANNUAL HONORS ORCHESTRA FESTIVAL
by Christopher Stanichar, Director of Orchestral Activities,
UNOmaha
The UNO Honors Orchestra Festival that took place on January 18
and 19 experienced the most successful year ever. In fact, we had
a total of over 120 students, representing the best of music programs
from high schools all over Nebraska and Western Iowa. Indeed, this
is three times as many students as those who participated last
year.
I was very impressed with the talent that I heard, and I hope
that we will be able to attract some of these students into our
music program. I know that several students have expressed a desire
to audition at UNOmaha, and some students have even started to
attend rehearsals for Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra as a result
of seeing our campus and working with our faculty.
I led the Honors Orchestra in a
performance of traditional classical music (no arrangements!):
Berlioz's "Hungarian March" from The
Damnation of Faust, Borodin's On the Steppes of Central Asia, and
Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite no. 1. We also played selections from Gershwin's
Porgy and Bess as an encore. We had a hall filled to capacity with
parents, family, friends, and teachers, and I was especially proud
that the orchestra received a standing ovation.
As a result of our contacts at the Festival, several of the area's
high school orchestra teachers have invited me to guest conduct
their orchestras, including Anne Frame at North High School, Lanny
Stutheit at Westside High School, Stephanie Kardijan at Jefferson
High School, and David Klein at Kearney High School. Larry Maupin
has also invited me to conduct a festival high school orchestra
in Grand Island next spring. I am happy that these friends of ours
will continue to promote the music program at UNOmaha.
This was the first year which the Honors Orchestra has invited
wind players in addition to the regular body of strings. We had
several talented young wind players who have expressed an interest
in coming to UNOmaha.
I believe next year will be even more successful. I am planning
on limiting the number of students to a maximum of 120 players.
Next year we will include the names of the orchestra and band music
directors in our programs as well.
Finally, I want to commend our student body who did much of the
grunt work to make this festival such a success. I feel proud to
teach here and work with you on making good music at the university
and all over the Heartland!
NEW INSTITUTIONAL ASTA MEMBERSHIP
ASTA with NSOA has a new membership category: the Institutional
Membership. This membership offers schools, educational institutions
and otherorganizations supporting string education a variety of
benefits and opportunities to reach string teachers and players.
As an Institutional Member a school will receive:
* Ability to apply for ASTA with NSOA grants
* Opportunities to recruit string students
* Discounts on advertising in the AST Journal
* Annual subscription to the AST journal, the String Industry
Council newsletter and the Soundpost newsletter
* Institutional members can have news and information published
in the Notes Section of the AST Journal.
* Discounted rental rates on ASTA with NSOA mailing lists.
* Discounts on exhibit space at ASTA with NSOA meetings/ conventions.
Total cost for membership is $275, obviously a great value. For
more information http://astaWEB.COM/institutional.html and http://astaWEB.COM/institutionalapp.asp.
ANOTHER POST CARD FROM MUSIC CAMP
Can you guess who wrote this?
Hello heh heh hello, o-hell o-hell oh ellow ellow heh heh heh
hello mama mama muh muh muh-mah, ah ah ah ahhhh! Aye aye aye aye
aye yam yam yam yam Eye yam yam Fie aye aye aye fuh fuh fuh fie
un yun yun yun Hah hah aha hah ow ow ow wow ow wow ow ow ah hah
aha haha are are are are yuh huh huh huh yuh you? oooh. oooooh.---Philip
UNL'S ORCHESTRA GOES TO NASHVILLE !
We are all very excited that the UNL Symphony Orchestra has been
invited to perform in April at the Music Educators National Conference
held in Nashville, Tennessee!
ASTA WITH NSOA PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
ASTA WITH NSOA offers members a number of benefits and services.
To learn more about these items, contact the National Office at
803-476-1316 or visit the association's web site at www.astaweb.com.
Instrument Insurance discount
Urban outreach Grants
Summer workshops and conferences
New Music reading folders
Visit the web site for a complete list of the member services
and benefits.
CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS CONTEST
Set your favorite animals to music--an exciting class project!
Now Music in Motion wants you to create your own zoological music
composition for voice(s) or instrument(s) accompanied by an original
poem and/or original artwork (photographs, drawings, paintings,
sculpture, etc.). You may have as many entries as you wish, and
may include a recording of your composition. Music in Motion will
select winners in the following categories: Pre-school/Kindergarten,
Elementary, Middle School, Jr. High, and High School. It's never
too early--or too late--to become a composer, and every contestant
will receive a free Carnival of the Animals poster. First, second
and third place winners in each category will also receive Music
in Motion gift certificates of $100, $50, or $25 respectively,
plus publication on our website for others to enjoy. A Grand Prize
of a $300 gift certificate will also be awarded. Include your age
and grade level with your entry. Deadline: April 30, 2002. Send
your entries to Carnival of the Animals Contest, c/o Music in Motion,
1601 E. Plano Parkway, Suite 100, Plano, TX 75074.
ASTA WITH NSOA PLANS 2003 CONFERENCE
For the first time in its history, ASTA WITH NSOA will hold a
stand-alone conference at The Ohio State University March 27 through
29, 2003. Conscious of the diverse demographics of its constituency,
ASTA WITH NSOA will have clinics and performances that address
the needs of private studio teachers, elementary and secondary
string and orchestra teachers, university string teachers in both
applied and music education areas, string students, Suzuki teachers,
professional classical and non-classical performers, non-string
performers who teach strings in schools (band directors, choir
directors), and administrators.
Sessions will address the following areas: traditional pedagogy,
string and full orchestras, classical and alternative styles of
performance; university-level training of future string teachers;
non-string players who teach strings; use of technology as it applies
to playing and teaching strings; and the music industry. A call
for session proposals will be announced in Spring 2002.
Those attending the conference will hear the NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
HONORS ORCHESTRA, a new Alternative Styles Performance Contest,
solo recitals and chamber music performances, elementary - high
school orchestras, and university orchestras.
BITS OF BLIPS
SPRING 2002 ISSUE
President's Message
Dear Fellow Members,
This is my last Stringing Along message to you as your President. The past two years have flown by, and I have learned a great deal about our organization, and about many of you. (My lips are sealed...)
Together, we have been very creative:
The position of Private Studio-Member-At-Large to our Board
The All-State CD
The NEASTA Private Teacher list
The NEASTA State Officer's Handbook
I'm excited about Dr. Karen Becker taking over as our President. She has been a constant source of sanity and fun during her term as President-Elect, and I know that she will boldly lead our organization during the next two years.
My involvement on the Board as Past-President will continue, giving me the continued opportunity to help to further the effectiveness of string teaching in our state alongside some of the most dedicated humans that I have ever met.
As I find myself waxing nostalgic, I realize that I could sure use a support group about now. To this end, I invite any of you who have yourselves been president of this or any other state chapter, to join me on Saturday, during the Central States Workshop, for a PAST PRESIDENTS PIZZA PARTY. Any of you who are interested, please let me know (g-s@alltel.net). This will give us a chance to share experiences, as well as the check. I am hoping that this will be a nourishing and therapeutic session. Please feel free to suggest your favorite Omaha pizza place, and we can all car-pool.
Thanks for entrusting me with the position of President. From what I have experienced, I can say with great pride and relief, that we in Nebraska ASTA are definitely part of the solution!
Sincerely,
Deborah Greenblatt
President Nebraska American String Teachers Association With NSOA
PRESIDENT-ELECT'S MESSAGE
Dear Fellow String Teachers,
On Wednesday, February 27th the string teaching world lost an outstanding cello teacher. I'm sure every member of Nebraska ASTA knew Carol Work. Carol will be sorely missed by all of us in Nebraska as well as cellists all over the country-- even outside the borders of the United States. She has influenced many students through her teaching and commitment to music, as well as non-students like myself, always being supportive and encouraging. Her love of music was contagious and her commitment to playing the cello and teaching an inspiration to us all.
I met Carol even before I moved to Lincoln. She was an unofficial member of the search committee when I interviewed for the cello position at UNL and a friend of my former teacher, Phyllis Young. As soon as I moved to Lincoln she made sure I met some of the other cello and string teachers in town. She was someone I could call on to borrow cello ensemble music, someone I could chat with, and from whom I could seek advice.
Thank you Carol, for being our friend, our colleague, and influencing so many people through your teaching. We will miss you!
Sincerely yours,
Karen Becker
Words of support and sadness have been circulating following the death of our dear colleague, Carol Work.
From Bill Ritchie in Omaha:
Some sad news to report: Carol Work passed away yesterday afternoon after celebrating her 80th birthday and 54 years in the Lincoln Symphony last week. No details, but she'd been ill for some time, I hear. I was told this morning a memorial service will be held within a month.
From Jim Johnson in Hastings:
I will truly miss Carol Work. I saw her last spring when yet another of her students won the Hastings Symphony Young Artist Auditions. She was a great musician, teacher extraordinaire and a wonderful and caring person.
From Morris and Aleta Collier :
Our string quartet and spouses had taken Carol out for a late birthday lunch at the Olive Garden last Friday where we all had a wonderful time together. We've been The Lincoln String Quartet with the same people for 47 years. We had a quartet rehearsal set for Monday night when we parted. Carol called Monday to say she was not feeling well, we postponed it to Tuesday, and were to play the last part of Beethoven's Opus 132 Wednesday morning for a little music club she belonged to. George called Tuesday to say she was just not well enough to rehearse or perform next day. She died that afternoon while George was helping her get ready to go to the doctor.
When son George and his wife arrived from Iowa that evening, he found the music for Opus 132 on her music stand and her cello beside it, downstairs in her studio. She was doing what she loved about as close to the end as! you can get. Son George indicated that some kind of heart failure seemed to be the cause. She will be cremated, and they are planning to have a memorial service... They were still considering what memorials to name.
George is handling this very well. I think he would appreciate your cards, even with his very limited vision. The address is 2515 So. 39th (68506).
From Clark Potter:
Carol Work leaves behind a marvelous legacy, seen most easily perhaps by the amazing number of high quality cellists who have been her students. More than a few of these students have achieved significant positions in the music world. Her students have also become excellent teachers in their own right. She was known as a tough but caring teacher. Her 54 years of service and artistry in the Lincoln Symphony speaks for itself. She also was involved in two stints at UNL, teaching both cello and Comprehensive Musicianship. I never once heard Carol complain or even talk about her health unless it was forced out of her, and then it was "Oh, I'm fine, how are you?". On the day she died (which came rather suddenly and quietly) her cello was outtof the case and the cello part to the Op. 132 Beethoven String Quartet was on her music stand. She performed in the Feb. 19 Lincoln Symphony 75th anniversary concert, and was she honored that night for her time in the orchestra and the fact that it was her (80th) birthday. How fitting, though who could have known? Carol will be missed. She leaves behind her husband of 45 years, George, Sr., a fine bassist, and George, Jr., cellist of the Ames Piano Quartet and Professor of Cello at Iowa State University.
From Sidney Hahn Culver:
Carol subbed for me in my piano quartet in February for a performance while I was recovering from a knee replacement. I miss her greatly!
The Tri-City Junior Youth Symphony is a newly formed organization for string players who are middle school age. Rehearsals are held in either Kearney, Hastings or Grand Island, and are held in conjunction with the Tri-City Youth Symphony. The first Concert will be held Sunday, March 24, at 3:00 in the Kearney High School Auditorium. The TCJYS is conducted by Jodi LaChance, a Suzuki violin teacher from Hastings, and Christa Speed, an orchestra director for the Grand Island Public Schools. For further information about the TCJYS, please contact Christa Speed at 308-381-0664, or email: cspeed@esu10.org.
The fantastic clinician Crystal Plohman, whom we enjoyed at the November convention, will be leading a clinic concert in Millard on May 4th. We are heading toward the first ever Middle School World Fiddle Fest. Knilling is footing half of the bill. If you are interested, contact Patty Ritchie at Millard West High School (pritchie@mpsomaha.org).
The latest issue of the Australian & New Zealand Viola Society Journal has reviewed two Greenblatt & Seay publications.
The Viola Fiddling Tune Book CD: "This excellent CD includes all 27 of the tunes found in Deborah Greenblatt's 'The Viola Fiddling Tune Book'. All the pieces are played with 'spirit' and in a clean classical folk style. I highly recommend the music for all violists and viola students... I find playing the CD to my students enhances their enjoyment of the tunes. The 'tune book' is also available for cello (same tunes & same keys), making mixed instrument duets possible." The Viola Player's Book of Rounds: "All the rounds are playable by grade one players, so this is an excellent book for teachers. The rounds are excellent for warm-ups for violists of all levels. The wide variety of rounds in this book makes it hard to stop playing once started. Many are well known rounds and all are very melodic (as one would expect). Technically, all are in the first position, with only one round requiring an 'F' above the stave to be played and all are written in alto clef. All the keys used are basic and well suited to the viola sonority. Highly recommended. (note: The round book is also published for the following instruments: violin, cello, recorders, all in the same keys as the viola book, so you can mix and match instrument ensembles.
Dear Fellow NEASTA Members,
The election is concluded, with a high level of participation, and no violence. The results were close---in each case less than 10 votes made the difference!
And the winners are:
President-Elect: Dottie Ladman (dladman@lps.org)
Private Studio Member-at-Large: Clark Potter (cpotter1@unl.edu)
Member-at-Large: Patty Ritchie (pritchie@mpsomaha.org)
I have included their e-mail addresses, for your congratulatory greetings. They will be assuming office on May 15.
As the Future Past President, I know that our organization would have been in good hands no matter how this election turned out. All elections should be this much fun.
Thanks go out to our nominating committee for providing us with a fantastic slate of potential officers for our Nebraska ASTA/NSOA chapter.
Larry Maupin, Chairman, Grand Island
Pattie Ritchie, Millard West
Mike Swartz, Lincoln Public Schools
Dave Klein, Kearney
Can you guess who wrote this?
Dear ma & pa. How are you? I am fine. Love Arnold. Arnold love, fine am I. you are how? pa & ma dear. dlonrA evol .enif ma I ?uoy era woH .ap & am reaD...read am & ap ?woh era uoy. I ma enif.
,evol dlonrA
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has announced the launch of the company's seventh annual Teacher of the Year program. For 2002, Wal-Mart has partnered with Phi Delta Kappa International and will donate $2 million to local schools with winning teachers. The deadline is April 14, 2002.
Winning teachers will receive $500 educational grants from the Wal-Mart Foundation payable to their local schools to be used for an educational program of the teacher's choice. Winning teachers also have the opportunity to apply for state and national Teacher of the Year honors. State Teachers of the Year will receive a $5,000 grant for their schools, and one National Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 grant for his or her school. (State and National Teacher of the Year winners will be selected by Phi Delta Kappa.) Nomination forms as well as program guidelines are available at the Phi Delta Kappa web site, and on the Foundation Center's web site (http://www.pdkintl.org/walmart/newsrel.htm).
For the first time in its history, ASTA WITH NSOA will hold a stand-alone conference The National Studio Teachers Forum will take place on the campus of Michigan State University from May 17-19. The conference will begin at 8:45 am on Friday and conclude mid-day on Sunday. MASTER CLASSES, TECHNIQUE PANELS, PANEL DISCUSSIONS, SPECIAL SESSIONS, SUNDAY IMPROV WORKSHOP ! The Friday evening concert will feature the winners of the 2002 ASTA/NSOA National Solo Competition, and also the award presentation to Heidi Castleman of the 2002 Artist-Teacher Award. For more specific information, and to register, please go on-line at http://www.astaweb.com/.
by Christopher Stanichar, Director of Orchestral Activities, UNOmaha
The UNO Honors Orchestra Festival that took place on January 18 and 19 experienced the most successful year ever. In fact, we had a total of over 120 students, representing the best of music programs from high schools all over Nebraska and Western Iowa. Indeed, this is three times as many students as those who participated last year.
I was very impressed with the talent that I heard, and I hope that we will be able to attract some of these students into our music program. I know that several students have expressed a desire to audition at UNOmaha, and some students have even started to attend rehearsals for Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra as a result of seeing our campus and working with our faculty.
I led the Honors Orchestra in a performance of traditional classical music (no arrangements!): Berlioz's "Hungarian March" from The Damnation of Faust, Borodin's On the Steppes of Central Asia, and Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite no. 1. We also played selections from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess as an encore. We had a hall filled to capacity with parents, family, friends, and teachers, and I was especially proud that the orchestra received a standing ovation.
As a result of our contacts at the Festival, several of the area's high school orchestra teachers have invited me to guest conduct their orchestras, including Anne Frame at North High School, Lanny Stutheit at Westside High School, Stephanie Kardijan at Jefferson High School, and David Klein at Kearney High School. Larry Maupin has also invited me to conduct a festival high school orchestra in Grand Island next spring. I am happy that these friends of ours will continue to promote the music program at UNOmaha.
This was the first year which the Honors Orchestra has invited wind players in addition to the regular body of strings. We had several talented young wind players who have expressed an interest in coming to UNOmaha.
I believe next year will be even more successful. I am planning on limiting the number of students to a maximum of 120 players. Next year we will include the names of the orchestra and band music directors in our programs as well.
Finally, I want to commend our student body who did much of the grunt work to make this festival such a success. I feel proud to teach here and work with you on making good music at the university and all over the Heartland!
ASTA with NSOA has a new membership category: the Institutional Membership. This membership offers schools, educational institutions and otherorganizations supporting string education a variety of benefits and opportunities to reach string teachers and players. As an Institutional Member a school will receive:
* Ability to apply for ASTA with NSOA grants
* Opportunities to recruit string students
* Discounts on advertising in the AST Journal
* Annual subscription to the AST journal, the String Industry Council newsletter and the Soundpost newsletter
* Institutional members can have news and information published in the Notes Section of the AST Journal.
* Discounted rental rates on ASTA with NSOA mailing lists.
* Discounts on exhibit space at ASTA with NSOA meetings/ conventions.
Total cost for membership is $275, obviously a great value. For more information http://astaWEB.COM/institutional.html and http://astaWEB.COM/institutionalapp.asp.
Can you guess who wrote this?
Hello heh heh hello, o-hell o-hell oh ellow ellow heh heh heh hello mama mama muh muh muh-mah, ah ah ah ahhhh! Aye aye aye aye aye yam yam yam yam Eye yam yam Fie aye aye aye fuh fuh fuh fie un yun yun yun Hah hah aha hah ow ow ow wow ow wow ow ow ah hah aha haha are are are are yuh huh huh huh yuh you? oooh. oooooh.---Philip
We are all very excited that the UNL Symphony Orchestra has been invited to perform in April at the Music Educators National Conference held in Nashville, Tennessee!
ASTA WITH NSOA offers members a number of benefits and services. To learn more about these items, contact the National Office at 803-476-1316 or visit the association's web site at www.astaweb.com.
Instrument Insurance discount
Urban outreach Grants
Summer workshops and conferences
New Music reading folders
Visit the web site for a complete list of the member services and benefits.
Set your favorite animals to music--an exciting class project!
Now Music in Motion wants you to create your own zoological music composition for voice(s) or instrument(s) accompanied by an original poem and/or original artwork (photographs, drawings, paintings, sculpture, etc.). You may have as many entries as you wish, and may include a recording of your composition. Music in Motion will select winners in the following categories: Pre-school/Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, Jr. High, and High School. It's never too early--or too late--to become a composer, and every contestant will receive a free Carnival of the Animals poster. First, second and third place winners in each category will also receive Music in Motion gift certificates of $100, $50, or $25 respectively, plus publication on our website for others to enjoy. A Grand Prize of a $300 gift certificate will also be awarded. Include your age and grade level with your entry. Deadline: April 30, 2002. Send your entries to Carnival of the Animals Contest, c/o Music in Motion, 1601 E. Plano Parkway, Suite 100, Plano, TX 75074.
For the first time in its history, ASTA WITH NSOA will hold a stand-alone conference at The Ohio State University March 27 through 29, 2003. Conscious of the diverse demographics of its constituency, ASTA WITH NSOA will have clinics and performances that address the needs of private studio teachers, elementary and secondary string and orchestra teachers, university string teachers in both applied and music education areas, string students, Suzuki teachers, professional classical and non-classical performers, non-string performers who teach strings in schools (band directors, choir directors), and administrators.
Sessions will address the following areas: traditional pedagogy, string and full orchestras, classical and alternative styles of performance; university-level training of future string teachers; non-string players who teach strings; use of technology as it applies to playing and teaching strings; and the music industry. A call for session proposals will be announced in Spring 2002.
Those attending the conference will hear the NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL HONORS ORCHESTRA, a new Alternative Styles Performance Contest, solo recitals and chamber music performances, elementary - high school orchestras, and university orchestras.
("Allstory" magazine, Autumn, 1990)
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The scheduled concert at the
Boston Museum of fine Arts this afternoon has been cancelled.
It was to have featured Viola da Gamba and the harpsichord.
(Boston Post, September 12, 1992)
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The Quartet seemed totally committed in their reading of
the Dvorak, though I had grave reservations about four of the players.
(Cumbrian local paper, Summer, 1990)
The scheduled concert at the Boston Museum of fine Arts this afternoon has been cancelled. It was to have featured Viola da Gamba and the harpsichord.
(Boston Post, September 12, 1992)
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The Quartet seemed totally committed in their reading of the Dvorak, though I had grave reservations about four of the players.
(Cumbrian local paper, Summer, 1990)
©2005 ASTA with NSOA, Nebraska Unit, C. Ellenwood, Webmaster