Thanks to the generosity of NAMM, ASTA selected two pilot sites to establish after-school strings programs: an after-school program in the Manor Independent School District in Manor, Texas; and an after-school Mariachi program at Pinecrest Elementary School in Immokalee, Florida.

These two sites were selected based on the following criteria:

• Teachers, Administrators, and Parental/Community support for starting an after-school string program
• Located in communities where we can foster long-term relationships with the administration and community members in order to build a sustainable program
• Have the potential to assume financial and administrative support for the program as it matures and becomes viable
• Communities with local businesses and/or individuals who demonstrate an interest in partnering with the program, including the potential to help with the procurement of instruments or other material needs
• Willingness to provide physical space for lessons, support for scheduling, and other related structural needs.

ASTA provided assistance in setting up the program's structure, including hiring local teachers, and identifying local support for the purchase or rental of instruments.  We also provided three days of professional training to the selected teacher by experts in the field of urban music education, as well as a personal mentor.

We plan to pursue additional funding to expand this project in future years. Please watch our website and other ASTA communications for the latest news. For more information, please contact Deb Bissen, ASTA Foundation and Advocacy Coordinator. Her email address is deb@astaweb.com.

We look forward to sharing our experiences from a project that we hope leads to the development of similar programs in many school districts across the country.

Click here for a step-by-step guide to creating an after-school music program.