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Schermerhorn

Welcome to the Tennessee Chapter of the American String Teachers Association. We are an organization committed to advocacy for education in the performance of violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, and harp. Our membership includes private and public school teachers, professional performers, luthiers, amateur players, and university students and teachers. To become a part of our growing and exciting Tennessee string community, please visit http://www.astaweb.com/membership.htm.


Coming Events


TNASTA Luncheon

The Annual Tennessee String Teachers Luncheon will be in the Nashville Main Library on Church Street in Conference Room #1 at 12:30-1:30pm on Friday, April 17th during the Tennessee Music Educators Conference. The luncheon will be hosted by Carol Crittenden, who serves as the coordinator for the Metro Public Schools Department of Visual and Performing Arts. It is also sponsored by Williams Fine Violins located in Nashville.

Guest performers will include winners of the Tennessee ASTA Solo Competition, and a string ensemble from Tennessee Technological University under the direction of President-Elect of TNASTA, Dan Allcot. The annual state meeting for all TNASTA members will be led by Francis Elliott, TNASTA President.

Please e-mail Sara Johnson at saranjohnson@comcast.net with your reservation for the luncheon by April 1st. Be sure to note the number of either Turkey or Veggie Box Lunches you are reserving. We look forward to seeing all TNASTA members at this wonderful event.


2009 National Conference
Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta

The 2009 ASTA National Conference will be held in Atlanta, Georgia from March 18 - 21, 2009. The ASTA conference offers:

  • over 100 sessions in pedagogy, conducting, standards, alternative styles, literature, teaching strategies and more!
  • introduction to new products
  • networking with other string teachers from around the country
  • symphony and well-known artists performances
  • invited student performing groups
  • National High School Honors Orchestra
  • rehearsals and performance
  • pre-conference sessions on K-12 issues

More information about the conference can be found here.


Certificate
Certificate Program Exams

The Certificate Program is a framework for the graded periodic assessment of the string instrument student's technical progress and musical development. Through the program, students earn Certificates of Achievement as they complete each level of competency. The program is designed to encourage and motivate students, and to recognize their progress. It is open to all students, preschool through adult.

Certificate Program for Strings Exams will take place on April 25, 2009 at the UT Knoxville music building and on July 19, 2009 at the Palace Theatre in Crossville. Examiners for the Knoxville exams will be, Wei Tsun Chang Violin, Seanad Dunigan Chang Viola, and Wesley Baldwin, Cello/Bass. Examiners for the Crossville exams will be Susan Eddlemon, Violin/Viola and Dan Allcott, Cello/Bass. Students of ASTA members are eligible for participation in the exams. Please contact Melissa Allen for further details or visit http://www.tnasta.org/TNASTACertProg.html for more information.


Asta Logo
Opportunities for Students and
Student ASTA Chapters

Seeking Student Involvement...

Students of the string profession are an extremely important resource to help us pursue ASTA's mission. Do you know of a college or university that could benefit from the creation of an ASTA Student Chapter? If so, please send information to kari@astaweb.com. ASTA is currently offering special incentives for starting new Student Chapters.

We also have another great deal for student members to become active in the 2008 National Conference. This is a great place to get student ASTA members together and involved. To encourage this, we offer complimentary student registration to the conference in exchange for volunteering at least 16 hours. More information can be found on our website or by contacting Deanna at (703) 279-2113, ext. 24 or deanna@astaweb.com by February 8.



Funds Available for Career Development

NSPC


Tennessee Arts Commission Funds are still available through two Arts Education grant categories:

Teacher Incentive grants provide professional development funds for arts specialists, classroom teachers, roster teaching artists, and school administrators to attend arts integration training or opportunities that will benefit their career. Funds may be used as reimbursement for travel and/or registration fees as well as stipends. Training may include in-state, out-of-state, or international opportunities. Maximum request is $1000. Application deadline is at least 30 days before the PD opportunity begins.

Grant Guidelines may be accessed at

www.arts.state.tn.us/guidelines/fy08/guidelines_ae-ti_fy08.pdf

Arts Education Mini-Grants provide funding for one day or short term projects utilizing one of the Commission's approved Artists-in-Residence. Applicants may include schools, school systems, and 501(c)3 organizations. Maximum request is $1000. Application deadline is at least 30 days before the project start date.

Grant Guidelines may be accessed at

http://www.arts.state.tn.us/guidelines/fy08/guidelines_ae-mg_fy08.pdf

F. Michael Combs
Executive Secretary-Treasurer and
Publications Editor for the
Tennessee Music Education Association
865 573-2994; fax 865 577-9584
http://www.tnmea.org

The mission of TMEA is: To promote the advancement of high quality music education for all.