New York American String Teachers Association
Zone 6 NEWS!
Here is the most recent news from Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties...
Jeris
French, Crown Point
We live in a small rural community with a school population of 300. Being the only music teacher for Pre – K through 12th grade general and instrumental music can be overwhelming (and often is) but there are advantages for the string program. First, there is ample opportunity to promote the program through demonstration and hands on presentations with a captive audience, starting early on. More importantly, when it comes time to recruit, you can be selective, knowing which students are the best equipped musically and otherwise to play strings. Abilities are evident from the start. I also take advantage of the general music setting to introduce repertoire used in beginning string methods. For instance, first graders love singing “Go Tell Aunt Rhody”. And you can tailor listening lessons to introduce orchestra repertoire. The biggest advantage of being the “do it all” teacher is continuity. Transitioning to middle or high school doesn’t mean leaving the cello behind. It’s the same music room, same music teacher, with the same expectations. A special sense of cooperation develops because we’ve done music together for so long. “Doing it all” is a huge job, but it can be used to benefit your string program with great results.
Peru
Central School District
The String students have had a very busy school year. Casey Ann Dean is finishing her sixth year as the District String Teacher. In November, three HS string students were selected to participate in the 2008 Zone 5 Area All-State Festival at Potsdam. Due to the limited number of string players in Zone 6, an Area All-State orchestra does not exist. In late Fall, the Mezzo Orchestra performed at a Mall Gig at Champlain Centre Mall. The students performed festive tunes and pieces from their repertoire. The money donated by the public was given to Peru Music Boosters. Peru Music Boosters assists the performing groups to purchase new instruments, bring in visiting artists, and go on field trips. In December, the Middle School Mezzo Orchestra performed at the Treasure Chests Annual Holiday party honoring breast cancer survivors of the North Country. In early February, several string students from grades 7-12 participated in the All County Music Festival for Clinton County. The full orchestra was conducted by Peru’s very own Band director, Todd Pray. The Middle School Mezzo Orchestra and High School Avanti Orchestra both took a field trip in April to visit the Lake Placid Center for the Arts for the performance of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. The students were pleased to hear a professional orchestra play some of the music they have played themselves. Also, several students participated in the NYSSMA Festival hosted at Plattsburgh. Several duets and solos were performed, ranging from 3rd to 12th grade!
Submitted by Casey Ann Dean - Zone 6 Representative