News
Board News
ASTA AZ Board Meeting
April 10, 2010
10:00 AM at the home of the Atsumi's
The meeting was called to order by Jan McDivitt at 10:10. Present were: Jan McDivitt
Shelley Rich, Ann Williams, Terry Alexander, Cayce Minors, Gail Roland, and Anita Archer.
Jan provided each board member with an agenda for today's meeting, and advised us that we had much to cover in order to adjourn and attend the Jeffrey Solow master class going on that afternoon at ASU. All minutes written below will correspond to the referenced agenda item:
I. Reports
Secretary, Anita Archer read the minutes from the September 20, and January 9 meetings.
Treasurer, Cayce Minors gave an update on current balance, informing us of all expenses, including events, mailing and GigMailz, plus the cost of setting up the website.
President-Elect, Shelley Rich gave a brief report on ASTA CAP, which was discussed later in the meeting.
President , Jan McDivitt congratulated and welcomed new officers as of May 15!
Terry Alexander, President-elect
Ruth Kurtis, Secretary, who was unable to attend
II. Planning for next year
A. Fall Workshop
Shelley Rich reported on the successes of our last workshop. Stephen Benham gave excellent sessions: "Beyond the Bow Hold: The Development of Bowing Fluency and Artistry", and "Right Rhythms, at the Right Time, in the Right Place: Developing Rhythmic Accuracy and Fluency". A grant of $600 for student members helped bring the attendance to 81. The location, (Westwood High School in Mesa), the reading session led by Cayce Minors, the luncheon arranged by Kathy Willson, and prize drawings were all terrific.
After discussion on the date of the next workshop, it was decided that we should check the AMEA/ABODA calendars, as well as clinician availability. It was agreed to consider the following dates: September 11, 18, 25, and October 2. It was decided to repeat the prize drawing, and Gail Roland and Ann Williams volunteered to solicit prizes. We also decided to apply for a grant again to help student members.
We agreed to find a clinician who will appeal to a broad group of teachers, and address the needs of all string players. The following speakers were considered: Winifred Crock (public school as well as a Suzuki teacher); Brenda Brenner; Philip Baldwin (excellence in private studio and application for all string teachers); Martha Walwoord (practice); (Martha Walwoord's husband teaches bass and could possible present lower string sessions); Fritz Gearhart (a performer who has also written interactive rhythm and scale study books); and composer/teacher, Richard Meyer (or possibly AMEA workshop presenter).
B. Membership directory
Jan McDivitt reported that the paper copies were not popular, so we agreed to make the next one electronic. Also the Private Teacher Directory is now a pdf on website link.
C. Events - Virtuoso Violas, Cellobration, and Bass Jam
All were reported to have successful attendance and outcomes. The chairs for each event have been contacted to set dates for next year. We discussed the possibility of a new event, "Very Vivacious Violins", and decided to make it manageable we will need to limit the number of students. Shelley Rich volunteered to co-chair the new event, and suggested that possibly Steve Moeckel present a session on "How to Audition."
D. Solo Competition
It may be moved to a slightly earlier date next year, which is also a national year. Claire Gordon continues to do a beautiful job with it every year.
E. AMEA/Solo Recital/ASTA General Meeting
1. Sessions
Several session topics were suggested: "Band Directors - How to choose music for your orchestra"; "Band Directors Restrung to teach orchestra"; "What's wrong with this violin?" (viola, cello, bass as well) - Repairs; "Off to a Great Start - teaching beginning strings"; "Bass for non-bass players". We may suggest that AMEA consider Dan Long, and ask them to contribute to his fee. Dan Swaim and Richard Meyer were also suggested clinicians.
2. Outstanding Public School Teacher Award
Guidelines were discussed for nominations, and posting the application on-line. After a discussion about when the award should be presented, and we decided that it be given at the AMEA Luncheon either on Friday or Saturday to generate an awareness of ASTA's contribution to music education. We also agreed on awards to add next year - Outstanding Young Teacher Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award.
3. Solo Competition Honors Recital
There was much discussion about when and where to schedule the recital for better attendance. It was decided that we would explore venues outside the Convention Center, and possibly move the recital to Saturday morning.
F. ASTA CAP
Shelley Rich reported that the first AZ ASTA CAP, which NAU advertised as a solo event, was a huge success. The success was largely due to preparation based on other state's years of experience with ASTA CAP (and if I might add, Shelley's dedication). It was held February 28 in Flagstaff, with 49 violin and viola student participants, representing 7 teachers. The event, which lasted nine hours, was judged by certified judges Laura and Toru Tagawa. All 10 levels of Suzuki Violin were covered in the comprehensive exam that included repertoire performance by memory, scales, and sight-reading. Fees were based on the student level and time involved ($10-$30), and was subsidized in part by ASTA AZ.
Plans for next year center on expansion to the Phoenix and Tucson areas. For more information, links have been added to our website, as well as a condensed version of ASTA CAP. Our goal is to involve more studios through the website, word of mouth, mailers, and information sheets at Cellobration and Virtuoso Violas. We are currently looking into possible grants avail, and will try to subside the current fees until the event grows.
G. Website/Newsletter
Jan McDivitt reported that the website is working beautifully, and the pdf addition is great. Terry Alexander will continue as Newsletter Editor to help with updates and information. She recommended one paper Newsletter in mid August to publicize the Fall Workshop. We still need a chair for ads. We will keep the cost at $100 for members, and $200 for non-members. The cost of the website is $264 per year, with GigMails at $180. Jan is looking into adding links to ning.com for recordings.
H. Membership
We discussed the need for a formal plan to build membership and welcome new members. Jan informed us that the Handbook, below, gives guidelines. It was suggested that we send letters to new members, as well as those whose membership has lapsed.
I. New State Chapter Handbook
The Handbook is available at www.astaweb.com. Everyone should download it, and refer to it for chapter operations.
J. Proposition 100
After discussion about it's importance to music education, and our need to vote, it was decided that information about the proposition itself be listed on the website.
K. New Endeavors
It was suggested that we offer another master class, possibly a violin event, inviting Steven Moeckel to conduct it.
Interest was expressed in adding another adult string camp to possibly piggyback with Doris Gazda's New Horizons Camp in Prescott. Gail will investigate.
It was suggested that we plan another teacher training weekend, and possibly partner with a Suzuki group.
Jan urged us to think big, as in big names, such as Brenda Brenner, Barry Green, and the Calder Quartet.
We also agreed to do more to include harp and guitar teachers and students.
III. Recognition of retiring officers
Ann Williams and Anita Archer were recognized for their service to AZ ASTA.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 by Jan McDivitt.
Respectfully submitted, Anita Archer
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