* Member Discounts with String Industry Council Members
Many SIC members generously offer exclusive discounts to ASTA members. Please click here to view the current promotions (member login required).

* National Foundation to Promote String Teaching and Playing
The Foundation provides grants, awards, instrument outreach programs, contests, and competitions exclusively for ASTA members.

* Comprehensive Website at www.astaweb.com
Filled with information about each program ASTA administers. Whether you are looking for job openings, grants, string industry contacts, awards, competitions, or the latest news, you will find it here.

* Online Discussion Groups
The new eCommunities provide members with online discussion groups where you can seek assistance when posed with a specific issue. Members find this method of communication extremely useful. It provides the broadest and fastest way to gather information and find innovative solutions to unique problems in a short time span.

* Access to String Employment Opportunities
Gives employers the opportunity to post available positions on the Web. Provides ASTA members access to potential employment opportunities.

* National High School Honors Orchestra
Performing group of 150 competitively selected high school musicians who assemble biennially to perform at the national conference under the direction of world renowned conductors.

* Cutting-Edge Publications
Discounted members-only rates for a wealth of string publications in a growing library of new and revised resources. A variety of tools are available covering topics such as Pedagogy, Classroom and Orchestra Instruction, Private Studio, Research and Resources, Music, and Compendiums.

* State Chapter Membership
Offering special clinics or conferences, chapter newsletters, state websites, and opportunities for leadership at the state level. Payment of national dues also provides membership in your state chapter of ASTA. State membership dues are already included in the price of nationals and are sent to each state unit on a quarterly basis.

* Conferences
Professional development avenues are available at the national conference to assist you and your students in achieving career and learning objectives. Special initiatives include: an Alternative Styles Forum, a National Studio Teachers Forum, special K-12 Focus Sessions, the Biennial National Solo Competition, the National Orchestra Festival, and the National High School Honors Orchestra.

* Professional Development Documentation Program
Members may also enroll in a professional development documentation program in which ASTA will issue professional development certificates for approved conferences and workshops. Depending on your state's requirements, this service may assist you in meeting required continuing education goals.

* Institutional Members
The Institutional membership category provides members access to colleges, universities, and other educational programs. The ASTA website and the February issue of AST provide a directory of Institutional members and their summer programs/workshops.

* String Industry Council
The String Industry Council builds a bridge between string teachers and players and corporate America. The Council encourages companies to support the string community and provides specialized support for corporate-sponsored projects. The annual and online directories are valuable sources of information for members to locate a wide variety of industry partners, including instrument manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers; music publishers and dealers; instrument repairs and rentals; bows, strings, and other accessories; as well as music festivals and tours.

* Advocacy and Outreach
ASTA has materials available to assist members in starting and growing string and orchestra programs as well as for community outreach programs. Some of the items available include Why Strings? brochures, a public service announcement by Mark O’Connor, advocacy kits, posters, and more.

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