Orchestrating Excellence—The American String Teachers Association and Suzuki Association of the Americas Support Their Members at Joint National Conferences

By Megan Westberg

The American String Teachers Association and Suzuki Association of the Americas collocated their national conferences this year at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square from February 25–28. It’s hard to describe the scope of just such a joint event through one specific itinerary, since as a whole, it unfolds a little like a “choose your own adventure” for music educators. Every experience will be different. So in this case, generalities actually seem the best way to capture the essence of the scene.

It is the kind of event where a total stranger will cheerfully walk a quarter mile out of their way as a guide when they notice you staring with a perplexed expression at a directional plaque on a wall. That person will volunteer to do this. And was probably on their way somewhere in the opposite direction when they found you.

Because everyone seems always to be on their way somewhere. The buffet of options in terms of educational seminars, workshops, roundtable discussions, performances, master classes, and industry talks would give Vegas at brunchtime a run for its money. On Thursday at 10 am alone, for example, there were 22 separate sessions from which attendees could choose. This schedule of ambitious variety runs part of the day on Wednesday, all day long throughout both Thursday and Friday, and finally comes to a close on Saturday around 4 pm. The large, bustling, busy crowd spends time between these sessions and performances patiently navigating circuitous indoor territory, offering assistance to the lost, and chatting brightly all the while with colleagues.

Many of these colleagues arrived in San Francisco with large contingents of students, as this year’s convention also plays host to the National Orchestra Festival for middle school and high school ensembles. So there are a lot of young people buzzing through the halls, also on their way both here and there. Performances and clinics. Coffee and sandwiches in the lobby and a circuit through the Exhibit Hall, where string-related exhibitors offer both information and, in many cases, a little promotional swag.

There are many high points. Sessions that yield story ideas, student orchestra performances that underscore the commitment and enthusiasm with which these ensembles and their dauntless directors approach string music, the amiable rapport that springs up between a student musician and teacher during a master class. Meeting old friends and new. Listening to music from many traditions, from contemporary to ancient. Observing the string teaching community come together in a collective effort to support each other and their students.

Strings was awarded one particularly special honor this year: ASTA’s Traugott Rohner Service Award. This award is presented to an industry leader in recognition of significant service to ASTA, and we at Strings couldn’t be more appreciative of this distinction. It is a privilege to serve this community of passionate, capable, and dedicated artists and educators.

San Francisco now a sunny memory (the city was afforded a few warm, sparkling February days to welcome its musical visitors), 2027 in Chicago is already on the horizon. String teachers, we salute you. String players, thank your teachers. They are a remarkable group of people deeply invested in your success.