Linda Jennings of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania hosted a day long string festival and solo contest featuring nationally acclaimed string educator Phyllis Young. Shelly Beard from the Community Music School in Trappe, Pennsylvania hosted a violin masterclass and teacher workshop featuring Victoria Vorreiter.

David Swinehart of Delaware Valley High School hosted the Vega String Quartet masterclass and workshop for all the string students in the school district. These teachers and directors are to be commended for offering outstanding opportunities to area string students.

There are still opportunities available for you to acquire funds. Grant funding has been awarded for projects such as establishment of youth orchestras, instrument festivals e.g. Cello Day, urban-suburban partnerships, and master classes given by guest artists. If you have an idea for your school or studio that would benefit from some financial assistance, consider funding that special project with grants from ASTA and PADESTA. The PADESTA grants committee is now soliciting applications for Summer 2003 and beyond. Early submission of Applications for PADESTA Mini Grants is Highly Encouraged.

PADESTA with PSOA Mini Grants $100.00-$500.00): These grants help fund projects that promote string teaching and playing. Deadlines for submission of applications are as follows:

For projects that occur in October through December 2003 and January 2004: September 1, 2003
For projects that occur in February 2004 through May 2004: January 1, 2004
For projects that occur in June, 2004 through September 2004: May 1, 2004

In addition to the PADESTA mini grants, ASTA with NSOA offers the following grants:

ASTA with NSOA Special projects grants ($100.00-800.00): for innovative activities that promote the state chapter. Application deadline - February 1, 2004

ASTA with NSOA Urban Outreach Program Grants (up to $1000.00): to support innovative projects in economically challenged areas. Application deadline - April 1, 2004

ASTA with NSOA String Industry Council Grant Program (SinC) (up to $1000.00): intended to help finance new string programs and support existing ones. Application deadline - May 1, 2004

Classics for Kids Foundation will donate instruments to ASTA with NSOA state chapters, studios and school programs that do not have financial resources to purchase instruments. Application deadline - May 1, 2004

Potter's Violins Instrument Award: Potter's Violin in Bethesda Maryland is donating three Rudolph Deutche instruments twice per year to students who demonstrate a particular worthiness and musical promise. Next deadline - April 1, 2004 Award of a Violin, Viola or Cello

Coda Bows for America Community Outreach Program: donates approximately $5000.00 worth of CodaBow Aspire bows annually to promising schools or studios whose financial circumstances prohibit the purchase of a fine bow. Application deadline - October 1, 2003

Applications and guidelines for the ASTA with NSOA Grants can be found at www.astaweb.com/progscomp.html

For more information about any of the grant programs listed above, please contact:
Maryellen Caldwell
PADESTA with PSOA Grants Committee Chair
45 Spring Road
Malvern, PA 19355
tel. 610-296-3150 or email: dcald@aol.com