Sessions are Wednesday  12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. – unless otherwise noted
$59 for members/$79 for non-members* additional cost - not part of conference registraion fees

Solo Adjudication 101
As a new member benefit, ASTA has created a special pre-conference session that is designed to prepare ASTA members to adjudicate at festivals, competitions and ASTACAP exams.  All members who complete the session can have their photos, biographies, and contact information placed on this special page on the ASTA website.  This site can be accessed by schools, organizations, camps and others looking for string educatiors to assist with their program.
Clinicians:  Leslie Webster, private studio teacher; Michael Heald, University of Georgia

Alternative Styles
Join us for an afternoon of information and playing!  Come and experience Blues Immersion, Arabic Taqasim and Western Swing.
Clinicians:  Randy Sabien, Matt Turner, Paul Anastasio

Conducting Techniques for School Orchestra Conductors
This session is targeted to school orchestra conductors at all levels. It will provide teachers with the opportunity to conduct an ensemble of string players and receive feedback from a panel of university/professional conductors and teachers of conducting, all of whom perform internationally, train conductors and are leaders in the Conductors Guild.
Clinician: Sandra Dackow, Hershey Symphony Orchestra

Successful Studio Teaching
Whether you are a private teacher, Suzuki teacher or university professor, there are many challenging topics and issues which are relevant to all.  A panel consisting of the most well-respected and successful teachers of each of the above areas will address topics to include:  eithics in the studio, "hands-on" teaching, teaching to auditions and competitions at the expense of technique, and the recruitment and retention of students.
Clinicians:  TBA

Inspiring the "Net Generation"  String Player with Instructional Technologies (Technology)
Students under the age of 25 are considered to be the “Net Generation.”   Their method and mode of learning is vastly different than any previous generation.   As a result, educators must be prepared to teach and mentor in new ways that connect with the standards and expectations of this “Net Generation.”    Scholars surmise that teachers will see a drastic shift in their role as content deliverers to that of facilitators/mentor in coming years.   String, orchestra, and private studio teachers must not only keep up with this exciting trend in education, but serve as pioneers.   These dynamic sessions will cover utilization of instructional technologies for classroom enrichment, effective online content delivery, assessment, sequencing and accompaniment, communication, and course management.   Sample classroom scenarios and teaching strategies, as well as hardware and software components will be discussed and demonstrated.

Session 1:   Framing the discussion: The changing role of teachers and studentS
Session 2: Incorporating instructional technology into the classroom
Session 3: 24/7 content delivery and classroom management
Session 4: Technology and Assessment tools
Clinicians:  Scott Laird, North Carolina School of Science and Matematics; Charles Laux, Hilliard City School District

Motivation:  The Key to a Successful Program (K-12) 
*If participating in STEP, you must attend the session from 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. 

Demonstration Orchestra: Stanley Middle School Orchestra, Lafayette, California
Loretta McNulty, Director

Motivation
Building your ensemble is 90% motivation and 10% the craft of technical skills.  Reach your ensemble’s full potential through meeting the goals and needs of individual students.  Hear from a 47-year veteran how she has personally stayed motivated in the magical, musical classroom.
Clinician:  Ida Steadman, El Paso, Texas

Warm-ups with Pizzazz and Purpose
This session will address the beauty of a five-minute warm-up and how to have warm-ups as a dynamic, purposeful addition to your rehearsals.  We will go from the simple to the sublime in skill building as an every day activity that your students will look forward to.  You are welcome to play along with the student demo group.
Clinician:  Ruth Kurtis, Marana, Arizona

Ensemble Rehearsal Strategies
Real life ensemble rehearsal strategies are shared through the medium of a live ensemble. Come join and see the fun in action as kids are the best barometer of teaching effectiveness.  This session will focus on: rehearsal techniques, musicality, ensemble precision and motivation.
Clinician:  E. Daniel Long, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Alt Styles for the K-12 Student
Bring your axe and jam in style, alt styles that is!  We will share in proven literature and teaching skills as you become the well-rounded musical expert for the 21^st century string classroom.  Expand your comfort zone to play and teach in all styles while motivating your students with alternative music.
Clinician:  Jan Garverick, San Antonio, Texas

It Can Happen!  How to Successfully Launch a New String Program in the Schools:  A Working Session - This session will be held from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm
Over 100 new string programs have been launched in the schools over the last 8 years.  This working session will build on the results of a recent research study conducted on those factors that lead to the success of creating new string programs.  The sesion will feature advice from ASTA members who have successfully navigated this process and include practical step-by step procedures to successfully start a new program in the schools.

This session is complimentary, however, particpants must pre-register due to space limitations.
Clinician:  Robert Gillespie, The Ohio State Univeristy

State Leadership Training Workshop (invitation only)
State presidents from around the country will join together for an informative and critical half-day training and networking session. This workshop will arm you with the tools to effectively lead your state chapter, give you the opportunity to form relationships with nearby state chapter officers, and hear the challenges and successes of running a state chapter unit. A great place to gather ideas for you state chapter, big or small, active or not so active. State Chapter Awards
for Membership Recruitment, Best Newsletter, Most Improved Chapter, Outstanding Chapter, State Chapter Leader, and Best Website will be presented.