Henry Littich, KASTA president
The Annual Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop is in the final stages of planning. If you haven’t already begun doing so, now is the time to start making plans to attend. In addition to fantastic performances by the Kansas All-State Orchestra, Sumner Academy Symphony Orchestra, Wichita East High School Philharmonia Orchestra, Wichita State University Symphony Orchestra, and the Kansas Wesleyan University String Orchestra, there are many fantastic workshops scheduled. We look forward to seeing you there! Locations will be available on-line and in your program. Here are a few highlights of special interest to string teachers:
Thursday, February 23, 2017
- 5:00-7:00 PM – KASTA Solo Competition
- 7:00-7:50 PM – KASTA Board Meeting
- KMEA President’s Concert, Street Corner Symphony, 8:00-9:30 PM
Friday, February 24, 2017
- 8:00-8:50 AM – Dr. Lillian Green – Teaching Music Theory to String Students
- 9:00-9:50 AM – Dr. Cora Cooper – Evening the Score: Including Violin and Viola Music by Women in Your Solo Repertoire Choices
- 10:00-10:30 AM – Kansas City Sumner Academy Symphonic Orchestra – Michelle Sweeten, Director
- 11:00-11:30 AM – Wichita High School East Philharmonia Orchestra – Eric Crawford, Director
- 12:00-12:45 PM – KASTA Luncheon – See Michael Harbaugh for a ticket!
- 1:00-1:50 PM – Harvey Felder – Knowing the Score: A Path to True Artistic Leadership – All-State Orchestra Director Clinic
- 2:45-3:35 PM – Kathleen House & Catherine Tummons – Weight, Weight, Don’t tell me….SHOW me!
- 3:45-4:35 – Erinn Renyer – Transitioning from ¾ to Full Size Cello: Will we EVER play in tune again?
- 8:45-9:20 PM – Wichita State University Symphony Orchestra – Dr. Mark Laycock, Director
Saturday, February 25, 2017
- 8:00-8:35 AM – Kansas Wesleyan University String Orchestra – Dr. Jesse Henkensiefken, Director
- 9:00-9:50 AM – Dr. Jeffrey Bishop – Arranging for Instrumental Music Educators – A Pep Talk
- 11:00-11:50 AM – Jessica Amir-Foote & Allen Hisken – Instrumental Karate and Scale Olympians: Empowering Students Through Self-Guided Levels to Mastery
- 12:30-1:15 PM – KMEA All-State Orchestra Concert – Harvey Felder, Director
Don’t forget to make plans to attend the KASTA Luncheon on Friday at Noon in the Founder’s Room. The performances and workshops will be fantastic again this year, but often the most valuable part of any workshop is the opportunity to visit with colleagues and friends. Whether it is discussing your latest teaching success (or challenge!), or sharing stories about the great cabin you visited over the Holidays, these conversations are what will recharge your batteries, reaffirm your commitment to your students, and refocus your efforts to provide them with the very best instruction. Don’t overlook the value of time spent with friends and colleagues!
