The American String Teachers Association will hold its 2015 national conference in Salt Lake City for the first time March 18-21.
The conference is expected to bring about 1,200 teachers and performers to the Salt Palace Convention Center and is intended to help teachers and students alike learn new musical techniques, according to a press release.
"The people who are coming for the first time are going to be amazed by the sheer magnitude of lessons and concerts that they can attend," said ASTA president Stephen Benham in an interview. "That range goes from how you can start an instrument to very advanced lessons."
The four-day conference includes clinics and workshops throughout the day and nightly concerts open to the public. Scheduled events include concerts by the Brigham Young University Orchestra, the Ying Quartet and the National Solo Competition, ASTA's most prestigious competition with awards totalling $12,000.
Violinist Christian Howes will conclude the conference with a jazz/orchestral performance at 8 p.m., March 21. Howes said in an interview that he will do some "incredible things" with electric violin technology while performing.
Howes, who started playing the violin at age 5, began a transition from traditional, classical music to what he described as "alternative" strings.
"In high school, I really wanted to be able to relate to my peers, so I started getting into rock music," Howes said. "I had to think, 'How can I be loud enough in a rock band?' So I had to get an electric violin, and now I’ve got extortion pedals and amps and everything that goes with it."
The improvisational skills that Howes acquired from learning nonclassical music led him to other musical styles such as blues, R&B and jazz. He will be among several clinicians helping students and teachers learn how string instruments can be used in different musical styles across the world.
"Classical really only comes from western Europe, and every country in the world has different styles," said Julie Lieberman, a leader in eclectic strings who will also be presenting her own composition for the opening ceremony. "There is more than one style of music that string players can learn or enjoy."
Educational sessions are categorized by different musical styles and run the gamut from K-12 musical education to college and university classes. Educators can also receive training on topics such as modern musical technology and electric string recruitment for school music programs.
Registrants will have access to all the sessions throughout the weekend, and many more events are open to the public, including the 8 p.m. concerts each night for which tickets cost $5-$20. The BYU Orchestra concert is free, and Benham said some mini-concerts will also be held periodically on Temple Square.
More information is available at astaweb.com.
If you go ...
What: BYU Orchestra with guest Lynn Harrell
When: Wednesday, March 18, 8 p.m.
Where: Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple
How much: Free
Also ...
What: Ying Quartet
When: Thursday, March 19, 8 p.m.
Where: Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple
How much: $20
Also ...
What: ASTA National Solo Competition Finals
When: Friday, March 20, 8 p.m.
Where: Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple
How much: $5
Also ...
What: Christian Howes
When: Saturday, March 21, 8 p.m.
Where: Salt Palace Convention Center ballroom
How much: $20
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