2023 ASTA National Conference

Music & Events

Join us for exciting performances and events to connect with your colleagues!

Wednesday, March 15

Pre-Conference Workshops
12:00-5:00 pm
Locations: TBA

Learn More!

Newcomer's Welcome
5:30-6:30 pm
Location: TBA

Welcome Experience
6:30-7:30 pm
Location: TBA

Featuring the ASTA National Teachers Orchestra

Thursday, March 16

Opening Session
8:00-9:30am
Location: TBA

Keynote Speakers: Julie Duty and Dr. Connie McKoy

Musical Program:
Petite Suite, movements 1,2
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

Concerto in E minor, movement 1
Felix Mendelssohn
featuring Adrian Anantawan, violin

Performers:

Adrian Anantawan

Adrian Anantawan, who was born missing his right hand, faced many of these exclusionary practices growing up, not only in the music classroom but in society at large. However, through the support of unique individuals across multiple disciplines, he was able to play the violin, beginning a journey that would lead him to perform at the White House, for the Dalai Lama and at the Olympics. Adrian will share the lessons he learned along the way of how to create inclusive practices at the intersections of music, education and disability, with the goal of lifting the ceiling of human potential for all.

Howard W. Blake High School Symphony Orchestra
Jason Jerald, conductor

The Howard W. Blake High School Orchestra Program provides opportunities for young musicians to experience a conservatory-style learning approach, while achieving musical and academic excellence. The program consists of four orchestras of varied levels that are recognized for their superior performances locally and abroad. Blake students are committed to musical endeavors that extend beyond the classroom through their participation in All-County, All-State, All-National, and community ensembles. They are also dedicated to fostering early string education at elementary schools and community centers through Richard Meyer’s “Giving Bach” initiative. Blake is honored to be included in ASTA’s commitment to “Building a more inclusive community.”

View the Program

Thursday Evening Concert
8:00-9:30 pm
Location: TBA

Marian Anderson String Quartet

The critically-acclaimed all-female ensemble has performed at presidential inaugurations, the Library of Congress and more, making history in 1991 when they won the International Cleveland Quartet Competition – the first African American ensemble to win a classical music competition. Their rich program presents works reflecting on the theme of enslavement, beginning with MacArthur “Genius” Award recipient, Grammy Award winner and musical polymath Rhiannon Giddens’ “At the Purchaser’s Option with Variations,” through a suite by Jonathan McNair composed for the story of the underground railroad and pieces written in honor of the quartet’s namesake, before leading organically into a performance of Dvorak’s beloved “American” Quartet.
• “On Being Enslaved”
• Rhiannon Giddens, At the Purchaser’s Option with Variations (arr. J. Garchik)
• Jonathan McNair, Follow the Drinking Gourd
• Samuel Adler, In Memoriam: Marian Anderson
• David Wallace, In Honor of Marian Anderson
• Antonin Dvořák, String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, Op. 96 “American”
• John Rosamon Johnson, Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing (arr. J.W. Johnson)

Thursday Jam Session
9:30-10:30 pm
Location: TBA

Jeremy Kittel
Jeremy Kittel, LLC

Jeremy Kittel is an American violinist, fiddler, and composer. He received a Grammy nomination for "Best Instrumental Composition” in 2019 alongside prevalent composers such as John Williams and Terence Blanchard. Fluent in multiple musical genres, he composes original music that draws from a wide variety of influences including folk, jazz, Celtic, Classical, electronic, and more. Jeremy performs as a soloist, with his group Kittel & Co., and in collaborative roles with many of today’s leading artists.

Friday, March 17

Friday Evening Concert
8:00-9:30 pm
Location: TBA

Darol Anger

Fiddler Darol Anger has helped drive the evolution of contemporary violin since through pathbreaking ensembles such as The Duo, The Republic Of Strings, The Turtle Island String Quartet, the David Grisman Quintet, Psychograss, and others. Composing, recording and performing internationally since 1977, he has produced numerous important recordings, is a Professor Emeritus at Berklee College, tours with his band Mr Sun, and operates an online Fiddle School at ArtistWorks.com.

Friday Jam Session
9:30-10:30 pm
Location: TBA

Julie Lyonn Lieberman
Strings Without Boundaries

Julie Lyonn Lieberman has helped develop the multi-style string field over the last forty+ years through her work as an educator, author, radio producer, composer, writer, recording artist, and performer. She has performed on and off Broadway as well as in folk and jazz clubs throughout the United States and abroad. Julie is the recipient of the 2014 American String Teachers Association (ASTA) Kudos Award and three ASTA National Citations for Leadership & Merit awards.

Saturday, March 18