ASTA NATIONAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN,

MARCH 7–10, 2007

Conference Features Performances by Midori, Lynn Harrell, Turtle Island String Quartet, the ASTA National Orchestra Festival, and a Variety of Educational Sessions

Fairfax, Va.---The 2007 National Conference of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) will be held March 7 through 10 at the downtown Detroit Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. The conference celebrates all aspects of teaching and playing stringed instruments.

In addition to a wide variety of educational sessions, the conference features music industry exhibits, master classes by renowned artists, and the ASTA National Orchestra Festival.

Highlights of the conference include a performance by famed violinist Midori, acclaimed cellist Lynn Harrell, and the energetic Turtle Island String Quartet. Midori and Harrell will perform with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra conducted by Neemi Jarvi, music director emeritus, at the Max M. Fisher Center.  Renowned string educators and performers will lead master classes for all levels of experience, and Aaron P. Dworkin, founder and president of the Sphinx Organization, will give the conference keynote address on ideas and strategies to increase diversity in school orchestras or private studio teaching environments.

Educational sessions, held throughout the conference, are offered in seven categories: Alternative Styles, Chamber Music, Crossover, K–12, Private Studio, University, and String Industry Showcases.

The conference’s special Gala Benefit Evening features the annual ASTA Silent Auction, which offers attendees the chance to bid on an array of donated items to benefit the National Foundation to Promote String Teaching and Playing, as well as the closing concert by the Turtle Island String Quartet.

As always, conference attendees can visit the exhibit hall between educational sessions and other events. The extensive strings-only exhibit hall is packed with industry products and services, and exhibitors will be available to answer questions and offer demonstrations.

The 2007 ASTA National Conference offers something for everyone interested in string music. School orchestra directors and music teachers, private studio instructors, alternative styles enthusiasts, university educators, and professional performers alike will benefit from the many exciting elements of the four-day event.

Complete details about the conference, including registration materials, travel and accommodations information, and session descriptions, can be found at www.astaweb.com.

The American String Teachers Association is committed to advancing string education and performance in the United States and around the world. Its 11,500 members include educators, performers, string industry representatives, students, and string enthusiasts.

# # #