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Eastern Michigan University Student
ASTA Chapter Update
mentors might make sure levers are set properly, assist with
tuning or call out measure or rehearsal letters.
We always present the end-of-the-year ensemble concert as a
surprise to the parents. They are never allowed to sit in on
group rehearsals, so the rst time they hear the full ensemble
is at the performance! And, we always take a group photo
before the concert for a memento.
AY: In the studio, students learn to be successful at
something; the resultant condence lasts a lifetime! As an
example of this philosophy, I make sure students are reading
notes by Book IV. This allows students to rely on themselves!
KS: Be picky from the beginning. For example emphasizing
staccato vs. legato helps establish sensitivity to style. Using
duets early on helps with intonation and rhythm. Similarly,
legislate bow distribution from the start so it becomes natural
and in the muscles intuitive.
GTA: I realize that I live a very privileged life, and I am very
grateful. Music in your life is so wonderful!
Armed with an idea, some business savvy, and a concern for
the amount of field experience among music education
students, the Student Chapter of ASTA at Eastern Michigan
University has launched it's most ambitious project yet.
Launched on February 4th, 2013, the Strings for Students
program brings the benefits of studying string instruments to
at-risk students in Ypsilanti Middle School twice a week. The
idea began with a simple crowd-funding campaign on
Indiegogo.com which allowed ASTA at EMU to raise over
$1,200 and gain a vitally important supporter. Livonia-based
importer/wholesaler Instrumental Distribution LLC (owned in
part by MASTA member Rick Dapprich) has graciously
agreed to donate the eight violin outfits needed to jump start
the program and perform minor maintenance on the small
fleet of instruments.
Strings for Students has also partnered with the Bright
Futures Program at EMU which runs high-quality afterschool
programs at four economically challenged school districts,
serving nine sites. This partnership poises Strings for Students
for eventual expansion as ASTA at EMU grows in the future.
By adopting a business plan, creating an instructor code of
conduct, and gaining support with thanks to Rick Dapprich
and Instrumental Distribution LLC, we have created a
program designed to give EMU students the opportunity to
work with at-risk students for years to come.
The Strings for Students program runs the length of the
school year at Ypsilanti Middle School, providing that EMU
Bright Futures is in session. Currently there are six students
enrolled in the program with four instructors. This
collaborative setting allows the teachers to be able to discuss
the successes and failings of lessons, thereby allowing us to
strategize together and problem solve as a group. By
providing these opportunities to work with at-risk students,
we hope that music education majors will be better prepared
to have successful careers.
-Roy Binder, Strings for Students Coordinator, ASTA at EMU
Vice-President
EDUCATING and ENRICHING
Youth Through MUSIC
AUDITIONS
2013-14 Season
Auditions
April / May 2013
Oakland University
OYO Open House March 7 & 14
www.oyomi.org
AUDITIONS
2013-14 Season
Auditions
April / May 2013
Oakland University
OYO Open House March 7 & 14
Community Update