Greetings to all!

At our May ASTA Board meeting on May 6th we officially changed seats. Deanne Helquist assumed the Utah Chapter of ASTA president’s position, I became Past-President and Nancy Law and Mike Palumbo are graduating (ok, they finished their terms) on our ASTA Board. Mike’s term as Secretary of the National ASTA Board also ended on May 15. We have been fortunate to have a representative of Utah on the ASTA with NSOA Executive Board for the past two years. President-elect Andy Dabczynski and Secretary/Treasurer Dianna Rhodes Gallacher joined with us and brought new ideas and enthusiasm to the group. We look forward to welcoming other new members to the Board and know that they will also add a new dynamic to our ASTA organization. ASTA is an organization of incredible volunteers. My sincere thanks goes to each of you for being willing to serve.

Serving as your Utah Chapter president has been an honor and privilege for me. I have had great experiences that never would have come my way without the responsibilities that come with the office. My horizons have been broadened, I have learned much. Utah is blessed to have a string community that possesses a wealth of talent and energy. Many are ASTA members , probably more are not. Please help us spread the word. ASTA is the one organization that serves to connect the private and public teaching sectors, the students as well as the professional performers, the young who are just beginning their careers all the way to the experienced and seasoned retirees plus string devotees, people who belong just because they love the string world.. You see all of this when you attend a national convention – what a broad spectrum is represented! There is a wealth of talent, experience, enthusiasm, new ideas and new perspectives. You meet truly outstanding people from all over the country and networking begins – and continues. If only every Utah ASTA member could have this experience! Put attending a national ASTA convention on your list of “This I want to do – for me!” You will see your ASTA membership in a completely new light. The potential in this organization is immense.

My thanks to each of you for your dedication to string teaching and your involvement in ASTA. Please give Deanne and the new Board your enthusiastic support. Great things are in store for the Utah Chapter of American String Teachers Association. Stay tuned!

Janice McAllister