Recruitment and retention are vital to sustaining our string music programs in each and every community. Connecting to the community is HOW (Brenner, 2010; Gillespie, Russell, & Hamann, 2014; Ferguson, Lewis, & Omelchenko, 2015)! There are excellent initiatives and programs from many organizations and associations to assist…but each of us must look deeply inside our unique communities to learn. WHAT string teaching and learning opportunities are we offering or not offering in our communities? HOW are we communicating the specific value of string music education? And most importantly, WHY is there a need and why should the community value or sustain string music education programs? Participants will analyze data, discuss researched strategies, and share ideas within our community of participants. We will use research in music education and leadership to connect and inspire our WHATs, HOWs, and WHYs (Sinek, 2011).
Target Audience
all level orchestra
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Blair Williams
Dr. Blair Williams is Director of Professional Development for the American String Teachers Association. She has served our string teaching community in public schools, higher education, civic and youth symphonies, and in the string studio for over 25 years. She is on the conducting staff with the Manhattan (KS) Youth Symphony and performs as a freelance musician. A frequent guest conductor, clinician, lecturer, and adjudicator, Dr. Williams enjoys working with and learning from teachers, musicians, and students across the country. Recent events have taken her to eighteen states. She has served on committees and boards for international, national, state, and local music associations and organizations including ASTA, NSPC, Credo, SMTE, and TMEA. She has published articles and chapters in multiple national and international journals and publications. She holds degrees from Baylor University (BME), Kansas State University (MM), and The Ohio State University (PhD).