1

2016CALASTASTRATEGICPLAN

ContentsPreface,p.1

Preamble–Mission,PurposeandValues,p.2&3FinancialDevelopment/Budget,p.4

LeadershipManuals,p.6SoloCompetition,p.16Membership,p.18

FutureStrategicPlanningOpportunities,p.20Postscript,21Acronyms,22

PREFACETheCaliforniaAmericanStringTeachersAssociation(CalASTA)representsatapestryofconstituentsincludingteachersandstudents;composersandperformers;makersandshopkeepers;andenthusiastsandamateurseachwoventogetherbyacommonthread,anenduringinterestinstringedinstruments.Thekeytounlockthebeautyandpowerthatresidesinourtapestryistoidentifytheneeds,interestsandaspirationsofourvariedconstituentsinordertoserve,promoteandcelebrateeachofthoseinterests.The2015StrategicPlanningCommittee(SPC)developedalistoffourareasofopportunitytostrengthenCalASTAasanorganization.Theplanpresentsablueprinttorealizethoseopportunities.Foreachofthetargetedareas(Budget,Officers’Manuals,SoloCompetition,andMembership)theSPCpresentsarationaleforCalASTABoardactionwithdetailedsuggestionsandprogramsforeffectiveinclusionandimplementationwithinCalASTABoardpriorities.TheSPCwasgiventhetasktodream–dreamthefutureofCalASTA.WeareallaskedtodreamgreatlyasCalASTAcannotsoarhigherthanourcollectivevisionnorgreaterthanourcollectivevalues.Letuscontinuallysetstandardsbeyondwhatwecanpresentlysee,wellbeyondthenextleadershiprotation.ThefutureofCalASTAcallsustorenewedeffortsandevengreaterhope!Theprocessofworkingtogetherwithpeopleoflikeinteresttocreateopportunityandpromotetheloveofmusicthroughstringedinstrumentsmaybeasvaluableastheactualspecificsoftheplan.TheSPCcommitteehopesthroughthisprocesstheCalASTABoardwillusethisdocumenttohelpguideandshapefutureopportunitiesforallwholove,andmoreimportantly,forthosewhowillcometolovestringedinstruments.

Disclosure:Thestructure,manycontextualelementsandevensomephraseswereborrowedforthisreportfrom“AmericanViolaSocietyReportoftheStrategicPlanningCommitteeMay,2012”.TheAmericanViolaSociety

strategicplanningteamwasledbyandthereportwaswrittenbyDr.ThomasTatton

2

PREAMBLEToensureourorganizationremainsfocusedandontrackaperiodicreviewofourmissionstatementandpurposeiscritical.Asourorganizationgrowssowillthescopeofouropportunities.Solidifyingandarticulatingoursenseofmission,purposeandholdingtoourcorevalueswillshapetheCalASTAdecision-makingprocessgoingforward.Further,ourfoundationwillbemuchstrongerandthecoordinatedprogramofCalASTAactivitiesmorecoherentifallactionsareshapedtomatchourstatedmission,purposeandvalues.

Our Mission

The mission of the California Chapter of the American String Teachers Association is to promote excellence in solo string, chamber, and orchestra playing and teaching. We pursue this mission through an open sharing of ideas, benefits, services, and activities responsive to the musical needs of all members and their students. This is accomplished by the development of strong and active Section leadership, enhancement of the image and visibility of string teaching and study, advocacy for string education through communication and cooperation with other music advocacy organizations, and fostering an inclusive community of string teachers, players and their students. We will fulfill this mission by embracing and inspiring our membership and by welcoming, empowering and serving their string related aspirations.

Purpose Specifically the purpose of CalASTA shall be:

a. To publicize, promote and participate in the performances, conferences, advocacy, and publications of national ASTA

b. To publicize, promote, and celebrate the activities of our Sections throughout California

c. To serve as a resource of string related opportunities in California d. To promote the highest standards of string pedagogy and performance

through continued improvement and development of our Solo Competition e. To provide leadership a forum for the discussion of the programs and

activities of the CalASTA Sections through our bi-annual board meetings f. To act as the liaison for the dissemination of information from national ASTA g. To function as a fiduciary in handling monetary activities including payments

and distributions.

3

Core Values An articulated set of core values supporting the mission and purpose of CalASTA completes the necessary guidelines for decision-making within our organization. As opportunity and challenges arise it is the power of these tools, effectively embedded in our organization that will provide the decision-making parameters to resolve issues and confidently welcome opportunities. Fosteringthebondsamongallstringplayers,teachersandstudents

• Encouragingsectionactivities• Providingavehiclefornetworkingatsection,stateandnationallevels• PartneringwithsisterorganizationsincludingCODA,CMEA,MTACandtheSuzuki

Association• ReportsinTheSoundpost• LosAngelesandSanFranciscosectionstyleeventstitled“MeetandGreets”

Providingopportunitiesforindividualgrowthandrecognition

• Encouragingandpromotingleadershipwithinoursections• Identifyingpotentialleadersforsectionandstateactivities• Highlightingmemberaccomplishmentsatthestateandnationallevels• Celebratingour“stars”withperiodicawardsceremonies

SSupportingartisticperformanceandexpressionthroughpedagogy

• Engagestudentsandteachersinsection,stateandnationalsolocompetitions• PromoteASTACAP• Celebrateoutstandingteachers,whereverandwheneverpossible.

Stewardship

• Announcingandsupportingstringrelatedactivitiesofinteresttoourmembership• Participatinginmusicadvocacywhereverandwheneverpossible,i.e.,Stand-

Up-4-Music• MaintainingourhistorybyhavinganHistorianonourstateboard• PreservingandcelebratingourhistorythrougharticlesinTheSoundpost• Membershiprecruitment

EEncouragingteachingandlearning• Sectionactivitiesincludingchambermusic• ParticipationinannualCASMECconferences• SanFranciscosectionstyle“Practicums”• SanFranciscoandLosAngelessectionstylegrants

4

FINANCIALDEVELOPMENT/BUDGET

FiscaldevelopmentisaplanforraisingfundsorganizedanddesignedtomaintainahighlevelofopportunityforallCalASTAmembers.Theefforttocreateandimplement,onacontinuousbasis,arobustdevelopmentsystemwillrequireconstant,consistentanddiligentattention,continuousexaminationofourCalASTAcultureplusaconsiderableamountofcourage.Adevelopmentplanneedstofollowourmission,purposeandvalues.Failingthat,CalASTAwilltakecareoftheday-to-daytasks,solvingoneproblematatimewithoutlookingboldlyintothefuture.ActionstakentodaytosecurethefiscalhealthofCalASTAwillpaydividendsintheopportunitiesofourtomorrows.CalASTAleadershipshouldkeepinmindthattherealstrengthofourorganizationliesinourmembers.Ifweareawareofandwillingtotapthatstrengthourmemberswillstepforwardandhelpcreatethebrightfutureweallseekanddesire.TheFirstStep–CreateaBudgetOurorganizationmustknow“Why”itexistsandwhatithopestoaccomplish.Thisisarticulatedthroughourmissionandpurposestatements.TheStrategicPlanhelpsdefinethe“How”ourorganizationplanstoachievethatmissionandpurpose.Abudget,anadjustablefinancialgameplan,ensuresourCalASTAresourcesarethoughtfullydeployedandusedtosupportourmissionandpurpose.Itmeansbudgetingtowardthatmissionandpurpose.IfCalASTAleadershipstaysfocusedonbudgetvis-à-visourmissionandpurposeitwillguideleadershiptospendourresourceswiselyandefficiently.

SampleBudget,FiscalYear2016-2017(July1–June30)INCOME

NationalRebate2015-16 2016-17Q1(JulytoSept,postedinOct.) Q2(OcttoDec,postedinJan.) Q3(JantoMar,postedinApril) Q4(ApriltoJune,postedinJuly)

Grants/donations/Companysponsorships2015-16 2016-17Listed

SoundpostAds–Listed.(IftheADrevenuecomesinonacalendarbasis,divideappropriatelyandnote)2015–2016 Proposed2016-17

WebSiteSponsoredTiles(Ifthetilerevenuecomesinonacalendarbasis,divideappropriatelyandnote)2015-16 Proposed2016-17

Miscellaneous–Listed2015-16 Proposed2016-17

Totals:2015-16 Proposed2016-17

5

ExpensesSectionRebatesFresno2015-162016-17 2016-17ActualQ1 Q2 Q3 Q4

LosAngeles2015-162016-17 2016-17ActualQ1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Sacramento2015-162016-17 2016-17ActualQ1 Q2 Q3 Q4

SanFrancisco2015-16 2016-17 2016-17ActualQ1 Q2 Q3 Q4

SanDiego2015-16 2016-17 2016-17ActualQ1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Stockton2015-16 2016-17 2016-17ActualQ1 Q2 Q3 Q4

StateSoloCompetition2015-16 16-17ProposedMonetaryAwards(evenyears) CompetitionExpenses(oddyears)1.Hall/roomrental2.Certificates3.Judges4.Lunch,etc

MeetingExpenses 2015-162016-17ProposedMeeting1Date:

Meals/AttendeesExpenses(travel/incidentals)

Meeting2Date:Meals/Attendeesexpenses

ASTANationalConference2015-16 2016-17CalASTApaysfortwoofthepossiblefouryearsofleadershipserviceforthepresidentandthepresidentelect

Registration/Travel

Coalition/AdvocacyExpenses 2015-16 2016-17InstitutionalMembership Representative’sCosts

Travel:/Meals/Lodging,misc.

Website 2015-16 2016-17

6

SiteHost–JonasMusicServices Miscellaneousexpenses

RecognitionAwards 2015-16 2016-17PlaquesOther

SpecialProjectsFund 2015-16 2016-17MoneyavailabletopromoteCalASTA,activities,e.g.,firsteventforanewsection,e.g.$__________.Boardapprovalrequired.Listandbrieflyexplain

Officers’ExpenseAccount 2015-16 2016-17Moneyavailableforincidentalofficerexpenses,e.g.travel,meals,mailings,etc.Upto$400.$___________________________.Listandbrieflyexplain

LEADERSHIPMANUALS

Inourcontemporaryworldmostgeneral,necessaryandcriticalinformationistransferredviacomputer:websites,drop-downmenus,links,E-blastsandemails.SuchisthecasewithASTA.InstructionsforstatechaptersarefoundintheASTAsiteunder“StateLeadershipResources”andalinktitled”StateChapterHandbook”.Includedareseveralpagesofhelpful,generalandcriticalinformation.Theseareavailableat:

www.astaweb.com/MemberResources–Drop-Downmenuto:

StateleaderResources–linkto:StateChapterHandbook

ForCalASTA,generaldescriptionsforeachelectiveofficeandmostappointedofficesarefoundintheBylaws.Particularpiecesofoftencriticalinformationarehandeddowntoeachleadershipteamorally,sometimesleftunsaid,butinalessthanorganizedmanner.InordertograspthefullnessofCalASTAandparticularleadershipresponsibilitiesitisimportantthatCalASTAcreate“CalASTALeadershipManuals”.Thesemanualsaretobeconsidered“living”documentsandthusadjustabletobereviewedperiodicallyandupdated.Bulletpointsbestorganizesomemanuals;others,suchasthepresidentandtreasurer’smanualsarebestorganizedbythefiscalyear.The2015SPCdeemeditimportanttostartwithbothprintedandcomputerbasedmanualsthatdescribetheduties,responsibilitiesandobligationsoftheCalASTA:President,Treasurer,Webmaster,SoundpostEditor,andInsuranceRepresentative.

President’sManualJuly

• Q4(April–June)rebatecheckmailedfromnational.(Thepresidentreceivesthecheckalong

7

withtherawnumbersforeachsectionsothattheTreasurercancalculatetheamountofCalASTA’srebatesandsendachecktoeachofthesixsections)

August• August10–ChapterNewsSubmissionforinclusionintheNov.issueofAST(not

mandatory)• Aug15–Treasurer’sReportduetonationalforthe6monthsendedonJune30.

Treasurer’sresponsibility• Traditionalmonthforthesecondbi-annualstateboardmeeting• TargetdatetomailTheSoundposttomembership

SeptemberOctober

• Q1(July-Sept.)Rebatecheckmailedfromnational• TraditionalmonthfortheStateSoloCompetition–evennumberedyears.

November• 11/10ChapternewsSubmissionforinclusionintheFebruaryissueofAST• 11/15990-EZformtoIRS(CheckwiththeTreasurer)

December• StateChapterCommercialLiabilityInsuranceElectionformisdue.(Theformis

foundintheASTAStateChapterHandbook)ItissenttotheMembershipCoordinator/ChapterLiaison–currentlyAmandaBernhardt–4155ChainBridgeRoad,FairfaxVA22030

• TheExemptionfromFederalIncomeTaxunderSection501(c)(3)duetotheMembershipCoordinator–AmandaBernhardt.ThisformisfoundonthesamepageastheInsuranceLiabilityform.Eachisveryeasilyfilledout.

January• Q2(Oct-Dec)RebateCheckmailedfromnational• TargetdatetomailTheSoundposttomembership

February• 2/10ChapterNewsSubmissionforinclusionintheMayissueofAST• 2/15Treasurer’sreportdueforthe6monthsendedDecember31• CASMECConference.CalASTAorganizeswithCBDAanExhibitHallbooth,string

relatedsessionsorganizedincoordinationwithCODAand,inoddnumberedyears,organizesproduceswithCODAtheShowcaseRecitalofthepreviouswinnersoftheStateSoloCompetition.

• Traditionalmonthforthefirstbi-annualstateboardmeetingsMarch

• ASTANationalConference.TwoCalASTAleaders(PresidentandPresidentElect)aresubsidized–travelandregistration–toattend.Oneorbothshouldsignupforthe“StateLeadershipSession”Withregardtobudget–astateleadermaybesubsidizedonlytwiceinthepossiblefouryears.

April• Q3(Jan-March)RebateCheckismailedfromnational

May• 5/10ChapterNewsSubmissionforinclusionintheAugustissueofAS

CONTACTS:• CODAPresident–DonnaHarrison:harrison.donna3@gmail.com

8

• CMEAAdministrativeOfficer–TrishAdamsOffice559-587-2632;cell559-904-2202E-mail:cmea@calmusiced.com

• CMEAPresident–ScottHedgecock(Termfrom2016-2018)Work:714-626-3984;E-mail-scotchdir@aol.com

• ASTAChapterLiaison703-279-2113;E-mail-asta@astaweb.com

InsuranceRepresentativeManualCurrentRepresentativeisGayaneKorkmazian–korkyhome@att.net

TheInsuranceRepresentativeactstoassureallsanctionedCalASTAeventsareproperlyinsured.CalASTAprotocolrequiresallrequestsforASTALiabilityInsuranceoriginatefromtheCalASTAInsuranceRepresentative.ThefollowingrequiredinformationistobesenttotheInsuranceRepresentativefourtosixweeksinadvancetoassurereceivingtheinsuranceform(s)inampletimefortheevent(s):1.Name,address,e-mailaddressandphonenumberofthesponsoringpersonrequestingtheinsurance

2.Dateandbriefdescriptionoftheeventandestimatedattendance.Nameande-mailaddressofthecontactpersonforthevenueifnotthepersonnamedabove3.Iftheinsurancecertificate(s)isneededbyacertaindateindicatethatdateon/inyourrequest.Ifaspecificdateisnotindicatedonecanreasonablyexpecttoreceivetheinsurancecertificateabouttwoweekspriortothedateoftheevent4.CopyofcontractwiththevenueshowingtheirinsurancerequirementIFAVAILABLEasrequestedbytheinsurancecompany5.Nameande-mailaddressofthecontactpersonforthevenueifnotthepersonnamedaboveThisprocedureassuresthatallCalASTAsanctionedeventsareproperlytrackedandcoveredandthatanindividualCalASTAmembercannotrequestinsuranceforprivatepurposes.TheCalASTAInsuranceRepresentativeistheonlysanctionedpersonallowedtoworkwiththeASTAsponsoredInsuranceAgency.

HuntingtonT.BlockInsuranceAgency,Inc.PidonSok–InsuranceRepresentative

202-862-5346piden.sok@aon.com

RichardV.Mercado,VicePresidentrichard.mercado@aon.com

9

WebmasterManualTheWebmasterpositionsupportsacrucialcommunicationtoolofCalASTA.ThroughourWebpageandtheE-blastcapabilityCalASTAcaninstantlycontact85%ofourmembership.Thus,wehavebothaWebmasterandanAssistantWebmaster.Currentlytheyare:

• WebmasterKimberlyColeFeeney–kfeeney@djusd.net• AssistantWebmasterYu-TingWang–yuting.cello@gmail.com

Ourwebhostis:JonasMusicServicesPOBox589Wallkill,NY125891-800-897-1774clientsupport@jonasmusicservices.comDr.AnnLathanKerzner,ExecutiveDirectorInorderforanotherCalASTAmembertobeauthorizedtousethistoolthereisaone-hourtrainingsessionofferedbyJonasMusicServices.TheWebmastersetsupanytraining.ThereisanominalfeetoCalASTA.Informationonthehomepageshouldcomefromthestatepresident.Informationonsectionpagesshouldcomefromthesectionpresidents.CalASTAmembersmaypostawebpagewith“nameonly”onthe“Links”tab.SendallinformationtotheWebmasterforposting.

NopersonsotherthantheWebmasterandtheAssistantWebmasterareauthorizedtopostinformation.

WebmasterDuties

• Keepthehomepageupdatedregardingofficers,upcomingconferences,state

competitioninformation,statenewsletter,Bylaws,etc.asneeded.Loadanyotherinformationsuchas“elections”,“SpecialOpportunities”,etc.asdirectedbythestatepresident.

• SendoutreminderstoSectionPresidentsforupdatedofficerandcontactinformationabouttwiceandyear.

• Beonacontinuoussearchfortileadvertisers.Thisishowwepayforthe

webpage.Keeparecordofpayment,sendoutreminderinvoicesasneededandmoniesreceivedaresenttotheCalASTATreasurer.

• Sendout“E-blast”announcementsasdirectedbytheStatePresident.

10

Treasurer’sManualTheCalASTATreasurerisclearlythelinch-pinofourorganizationandisvestedwithmultipleresponsibilitiessomeofwhichare,untilnow,lessthantransparent.ThispersonischargedwiththefinancialmanagementoftheoperationofallCalASTAactivitiesinordertofulfillourmission,purposeandvaluesinthemosteffectiveandefficientmanner.ItmustbenotedthattheExecutiveBoardofDirectorsisultimatelyresponsibleforthefinancialmanagementofallCalASTAactivities.GeneralDutiesinclude:

• MaintenanceoftheCalASTAbankaccount(BankofAmerica,NorthNatomas,Sacramentobranch)

• Receive,disperseandaccountforallfunds• IncooperationwiththePresident,developanannualbudget(July1–June30

budgetyear)• Periodicallycompareactualrevenueandexpensesincurredagainstthatbudget

andreportfindingstotheExecutiveBoardbiannually• Fileallrequiredreports

SpecificDutiesInclude:

• ReceiveanddepositquarterlyrebatechecksfromnationalASTA• ReceiveanddepositchecksforwardedfromTheSoundposteditor(payment

fromTheadvertisers)• ReceiveanddepositchecksforwardedfromtheWebmaster(paymentfor

advertisingtilesontheCalASTAWebpage)• Filereportsasoutlinedbelow–FTB,IRS,andASTA

NormalandRecurringExpensesInclude:

• RebatestoCalASTASections(thetotalequalsonehalfeachnationalrebatecheck)

• PaymentofexpensesincurredforeachofCalASTA’sbiannualmeetings• PaymentforexpensesincurredfortheproductionofTheSoundpostandthe

operationoftheWebpage.• ExpensesincurredbythebiennialSoloCompetition• Paymentoftheincidentalofficerexpensesupto$400.00peryear.

ExpensesrequiringExecutiveBoardorthePresident’sapprovalinclude:

• ExpensesforcollaborativeactivitiesincludingsuchprogramsaCMEAsponsoredStand-Up-4-Music

• SpecialProjectsFunds• OtherExecutiveBoardapprovedprojectexpenses

11

FutureissuesthatneedtobeaddressedandpoliciesdevelopedbytheExecutiveBoardincooperationwiththeTreasurerinclude:

• AddressthelegalvulnerabilitytotheentireboardandCalASTAitself.EvaluatetheneedforBoardandDirectorsLiabilityInsuranceandfollowthroughwithsecuringsame

• CreateareportingprocessformoretransparencytoinsureopenandconstantlinesofcommunicationbetweentheTreasurerandtheExecutiveBoardofDirectorsaboutsoundfinancialpoliciesandproceduresonbudgetoversight

• DevelopaplantomorefullyrealizethefiscalandfinancialopportunitiesavailabletoCalASTA(SeeFutureStrategicPlanningOpportunities,p.22)

• Developapolicyregardingconflictofinterestissues.FiscalYearDates(July1toJune30)

• August15–Six-monthTreasurer’sReport(JanuarythroughJune)dueatNational

• August(mid-month)-Treasurer’sReportforChapterBoardMeeting• August(late-month)–Deposit4QFYrebatefromNationalandissue

Sectionchecks• October(late-month)–Deposit1QFYrebatefromNationalandissue

Sectionchecks• November15–DeadlineforfilingIRSForm990-NandCaliforniaFTB

Form199-N• December31–AnnualTaxExemptionformdueatNational• January31–DeadlineforsendingIRSForm1099toindividualsand

vendors• February15–Six-monthTreasurer’sReport(JulythroughDecember)due

atNational• February(mid-month)-Treasurer’sReportforChapterBoardMeeting• February(late-month)–Deposit2QFYrebatefromNationalandissue

Sectionchecks• February28–DeadlineforsendingIRSForm1099stoIRS• April(late-month)–Deposit3QFYrebatefromNationalandissueSection

checksTreasurer’sReportsDuedates:February15(for6monthsendingDecember31)Useformat:http://www.astaweb.com/App_Themes/Public/DEC31%20Treasurer%20Report.xlsAugust15(for6monthsendingJune30)Useformat:http://www.astaweb.com/App_Themes/Public/JUNE30%20Treasurer%20Report.xls

12

ExemptionfromFederalIncomeTaxUnderSection501(c)(3)TheIRSrequiresthattheAmericanStringTeachersAssociation,Inc.,annuallyupdatethesubordinatesinformationforthosechapterschoosingtobeincludedinthe501(c)(3)groupexemption.Inanefforttoprovidethemostup-to-dateinformationtotheIRS,pleasecompletetheformfoundhere:http://www.astaweb.com/App_Themes/Public/ChapterTaxInsuranceForm.pdf.

IRS1099Forms

Allpersonsorcontractorsearningmorethanatotalof$600inthepreviouscalendaryearfromthestatechaptermustreceiveaForm1099.Thisappliesonlytopersonsorvendorsreceivingpayments,notreimbursements.Theseformsareduetoindividual(s)nolaterthanJanuary31ofthefollowingyearandtotheIRSnolaterthanFebruary28ofthefollowingyear.Formoreinformationonthe1099process,pleasevisithttp://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Forms-and-Associated-Taxes-for-Independent-Contractors

IRSForm990E-Postcard

Smalltax-exemptorganizationswithannualgrossreceiptsthatarenormally$50,000orlessmayberequiredtoelectronicallysubmitForm990-N,alsoknownasthee-Postcard,unlesstheychoosetofileacompleteForm990orForm990-EZ.Filinginstructionscanbefoundat:https://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Annual-Electronic-Filing-Requirement-for-Small-Exempt-Organizations-Form-990-N-e-Postcard

FTBForm199-N

Californiasmalltax-exemptorganizationswithannualgrossreceiptsthatarenormally$50,000orlessmustelectronicallysubmitForm199-N.Filinginstructionscanbefoundat:https://www.ftb.ca.gov/businesses/Exempt_organizations/Filing_Requirements_Form_199N.shtml

13

THESOUNDPOSTManualTheSoundpostisthepublicpersonaandacrucialmeasureofthepulseofCalASTA-itdefinesCalASTA!Thejobofputtingtogetherthispublicationisahugeresponsibilityrequiringmultipleskillsetsincludingtiming,punctuality,judgment,peopleskillsanddiplomacy,multi-tasking,and,attimes,theabilityto“nag”.Therearetwodistinctcomponents:

• Thetimelyproductionanddistributionoftwoissuesperyear–oneinthefall,oneinthewinter

• Maintaining,solicitingandservicingtheadvertisementscarriedinthepublication–identifiedasVendorAdvertisers.Thevendoradvertiserssupportfinanciallythetotalityofthepublication.

In2014CalASTAputtogetherafour-personSoundpostteam:Editor,twoAssistantEditorsandanelectedofficerasliaisontotheCalASTAExecutiveBoardandadvisortoTheSoundpostteam.Eachmemberoftheteamhasdesignatedtasks(outlinedbelow)allofwhichbringtogetherthesuccessofTheSoundpost.ThecontentseachissueofTheSoundpostshouldincludebutnotlimitedto:

• ThePresident’sMessageandpresidentialsuccessionlist• Minutesfromthepreviousmeeting• ATreasurer’sreport(mostoftenafiscalreportbutitcouldbeasimplestatement

ofthefiscalhealthofourorganization)• One-pagereportsfromeachofoursixsections:Fresno,LosAngeles,Sacramento,

SanDiego,SanFranciscoandStockton• ASTACAPreports-oneeachfromthenorthandsouthcoordinators• StringProjectreports:UniversityofRedlands,PointLomaandSacramentoState• Specialreports,member-at-largereports,retrospectivearticlesand/or

pedagogicalmaterialTheSoundpostTeamwantstoincludeasmanyphotosofyouthfulstringplayersandmemberteachersaspossible.Thegoalisforreportsbalancedinscope,lengthandcontentandtoexercisethejudgmenttoeliminatepromotionalmaterialsandovertpublicityintextualcontents.

IndividualResponsibilities

ConsistentCommunicationatalllevelsisthekey!CurrentCalASTAPresident:Shouldapprovethe“final”Draft.CurrentElectedLiaison:Shouldbeconsultedthroughouttheprocessandassist,ifnecessary,inprocuringreports,workingwithadvertisers,providingjudgmentofappropriatecopyand,facilitatingcommunication.

14

TheSoundpostEditor–LawrenceHuang-matrixbach77@gmail.com

TheNewsletter1. Timelycommunication(email,textandphone)withCalASTAofficers,section

leaders,members-at-large,StringProjectChairsandothersregardingcopydeadlines,edits,etc.Atleastthreeemailreminderswithguidelineswillbesentpriortoeachissuesdeadline(seedeadlinesbelow)

2. CompilearticlesandreportsforanAssistantEditortoproofreadandedit3. NOTE:Theguidelinetemplateisstoredinthesoundpost.astagmailaccountgoogle

docsfolderlabeledNewsletterGuidelines4. Review“final”draftwiththeCalASTAPresidentordesignee5. Theapproved“final”andmailinglistaresenttoMarsPrintingandCharters

MailingGroup(seecontactinformationbelow)forprinting,preparationandposting.

6. NOTE:Themastercopyofeachissuewillbeputintothesoundpost.astagoogledocslabeledbyeachissueinthefolderNewsletters

TheVendorAdvertisers1. Communicatewithvendoradvertisers,asneeded.Sendyearlyinvoicestoeach

VendorinJulyorearlyAugust.NOTE:Thelistofcurrentadvertisercontactinformationisstoredinthesoundpost.astagmailaccountgoogledocsfolderlabeledVendorAdvertisers.

2. Compileadvertiserspayments/checksandsendtotheCalASTATreasurer3. Helpcreateandmaintainapotentiallistofvendoradvertisers

AssistantEditorSouth–Dr.JonathanThomson–jonathanmthomson@yahoo.com

1. AssistantEditorSouthwillreceiveaSoundpostwordfiletoproofreadandeditthearticlesandreports.OncethatiscompletethefilewillbesenttoAssistantEditorNorthforlayoutandformattingwithintheSoundposttemplate.

2. ContactpotentialvendoradvertisersinsouthernCalifornia.3. Helpcreatearticlesandencourageotherstowritearticlesregardingstring

pedagogyAssistantEditorNorth–Yu-TingWang–yuting.cello@gmail.com

1. ThisAssistantEditorwilldesign,worklayoutandinputarticlesintothetemplate.WillworkwiththeSoundpostTeamregardinganyissuesregardingarticles,graphics,etc.

2. ContactpotentialvendoradvertisersinnorthernCalifornia3. Helpcreatearticlesandencourageotherstowritearticlesregardingstring

pedagogy

DeadlinesThegoalistohaveeachissueinthehandsofconstituentsroughlybeforeeachsemestersoastobeabletoincluderegistrationdeadlines,concertdatesandothertimelyinformation

• ThefallissueshouldbepostedlateJuly/earlyAugust.ThedeadlineforarticlesandreportsisMay1

• ThewinterissueshouldbepostedDecember/earlyJanuary.ThedeadlineforarticlesandreportsisOctober1

15

Particulars:• Eachissue“mastercopy”ofTheSoundpostwillbeputintothesoundpost.asta

googledocsfolderlabeledNewsletters

• TheNewsletterisdoneusingMicrosoftprogramcalledIn-Design.TheASTAlogocanbeobtainedfromtheASTAOffice:703-279-2113;asta@astaweb.com

• ThemailinglistisobtainedfromtheASTAoffice:703-279-2113:asta@astaweb.com

• Theprintingisdoneby:MarsPrinting17426StudebakerRd.Cerritos,CA90703;562-924-2535;mars@marsprinting.com

• MarsPrintingdeliversthecopyforfolding,staplingandpostingto:ChartersMailingGroup1426E.33rdSt.SignalHill,CA90755562-424-3202;chartersmailing@gmail.com

• Theentireprocessfromprintingtopostingtakesabouttwoweeks.

16

SOLOCOMPETITION

Immediatelyfollowingthe2014CalASTASoloCompetitionacomprehensiveandrigorousreviewoftheeventwasbegunwitheverymemberoftheCalASTAleadershipteaminvitedtoparticipate.Thisreportistheculminationandtheachievablecollectiverecommendationsofthesalientpointsofthatcomprehensivereview.CalASTA’sbiennialSoloCompetitionistheapex,thesignal,andthedefinitiveeventofCalASTA.Itshouldbescrutinized,publicizedandorganizedinamannerproportionaltotheimmenseimportanceitholdsforourorganization.CurrentlyitisheldinOctoberofevennumberedyears,alternatingbetweenNorthernandSouthernCalifornia.The“winners”oftheeventarefeaturedinthefollowingyear’sstateconference,i.e.,CASMEC(CaliforniaAllStateMusicEducationConference).HISTORY:NationalASTAfirstorganizedaSoloCompetitionin1977;afterabiennialstart,NationalASTAwenttoanannualSoloCompetitionin1985.CalASTAfollowedsuitandbegananannualstatewideSoloCompetitionin1983-84.Fastforwardtoafewyearsago;NationalASTAreturnedtoabiennialSoloCompetition–CalASTAfollowedsuit.In2015(LibbyDietrichatNationalASTAfactcheckedtheabove)NationalASTAreturnedtoanannualSoloCompetition.CalASTAhasyettofindawaytocomeintolinewiththenationalSoloCompetition.Tofurthercomplicatethealreadyawkwardsituation,in2013,NationalASTAdecidedtode-coupletheNationalSoloCompetitionfromstatecompetitions,i.e.,nolongerrequiringyouthfulmusicianswishingtocompeteatthenationallevelberecommendedbytheirrespectivestateASTAorganizations.ThismeansthatCalASTAteacherscannowrecommendtotheirstudentsthattheybypasstheirsectionandthestatecompetitions.That,inpractice,meantthatparticipationnumbersintheCalASTASoloCompetitionandcompetitionatsectionlevelswerediminished.ThefollowingaretheSPCrecommendations:LongTermGoal–AnannualCalASTASoloCompetition-TargetDate-2018AlmosteveryrespondenttothecomprehensivereviewstronglyrecommendedthatCalASTAmovetoanannualcompetition.TheSPCagrees;threeobstaclesareidentified:I.Availablefunding,II.peoplepower,andIII.TheneedforapermanentcommitteetoreviewanddirecttheoperationoftheCalASTAAnnualSoloCompetition.I-AAtcurrentlevelsofincomeandthesolocompetitionawardamountsCalASTAcannotsupportanannualeventatthistime.OnewaytoapproachthisopportunityistoconsultwithourcorporateCalASTAmembers.Ifeventwoorthreecameforwardandagreedtosupportayearlysolocompetitionwinner’sprizeof$1000.00apathwayforwardcouldbeseenanddeveloped.

17

RationalLargecorporateCalASTAmembers(Kjos,Yamaha,Alfredetc.)areoftenlookingtofulfilltheircommunity/corporatephilanthropicrequirements.CalASTAcanprovidea“bigstage”forthattohappen.Ourcorporatemembersoughttobe,ataminimum,asked.I-BByre-adjustingtheannouncedprizemoneyandtheagecategoriessimultaneouslyCalASTAcanawardmoreprizeswithlittleornoriseintotalcost(Inrecentyearsfew,ifany,“seniors”participated).IfeachSectionandCalASTAre-aligntheagecategoriesmoreinlinewithnational-ages16to23years;andanyyoungercategoriesdeterminedlater,then,iftheFresnoModelwereadopted,thebracketsandprizeswouldlooklikethefollowing:AgeCategories AdjustedAwardsSenior–16-23 $1000.00Junior–12-15 $500.00Novice–8-11 $100.00II.TheSPCbelievestheneeded“PeoplePower”isalreadywithinourmembership.IftheappropriatefundingwereputintoplacethepersonsneededtoorganizeandrunanannualCalASTASoloCompetitionwillcomeforward,ifasked.III.Apermanent“SelectCompetitionCommittee”needstobeputintoplace.TheoperationoftheCalASTASoloCompetitionisintricate,delicateandtimeconsuming.Mostimportantly,anychangerequirestheinput,cooperationandapprovalofallsixsections.TheoverarchinggoalofCalASTAistodevelopawellfundedandwell-organizedannualCalASTAstatewideSoloCompetitionnottodisruptalreadyexistingandwell-runsectionsolocompetitions.CoordinatingthisprojectwilltakeastandingcommitteeofdedicatedandwillingCalASTAmembers(committeemembersneednotbeexistingofficersalthoughacurrentExecutiveOfficershouldleadthecommittee).Lastly,anadditionalgoalofthe“SelectCompetitionCommittee”wouldbetolobbynationalASTAtore-connect,insomeway,statesolocompetitionswiththenationalsolocompetition.SHORTTERMGOALS-2016SoloCompetitionFourimmediategoalswereidentifiedandSPCrecommendstheybeimplementedforthe2016Competition:1.Eachyouthfulparticipantoughttothehonoredinsomemeaningfulway-TheLosAngelesSectionModel:EachcompetitorforeachinstrumentandforeachlevelshouldreceiveaCertificate-First,Second,Third,HonorableMentionorParticipant.PatternsforthecertificatescanbeborrowedfromtheLosAngelesSection.2.Thecurrentlevelof$950oughttoberaisedto$1000.00,fortheSeniorDivision.Itisunderstoodthatpartofthatamountisforexpensesneverthelessatotalof$950.00appearsodd.$1000.00justseemsbetter,iffornootherreasonthanappearances.

18

3.Theamountofawardmoneyoughttobeincludedinallpublicity.4.CalASTAshouldplacepublicityinotherorganizations’newsletters:CODA,BaySectionCMEA,NorthernandSouthernCaliforniaViolaSocieties,CelloSocieties,Suzukinewsletters–northandsouth,GuitarandHarpsocieties,etc.Thepublicitymustincludethefactthatthecompetitor’steachermustbeanASTAmember.

MEMBERSHIPMoreActivities–Moreinfluence–StrongerProfession

Membershipisthelife-bloodofallorganizations.ForCalASTAthatstatementisespeciallytrue–withmorememberscomemorewell-runactivitiesandadditionalpossibilitiesineachofthesectionsandatthestatelevel.CalASTAisasomewhatdifferentkindoforganization–whenCalASTAprovidesopportunityformembers,inmanyrespects,theopportunitiesaccruetotheirstudents.Thisishowitshouldbe.WhenaCalASTAleaderattendsaStand-Up-4-MusicoraCMEAmeeting,thatpersonrepresentsanorganizationofover1000members.Muchmoreinfluenceisaccruedifthatsamepersonrepresented2000membersand,notasmuchinfluenceifthatpersonrepresentedonly500members.Thatissimplyhowitworks.WhenCalASTA’smembershipisgrowingthatindicatesmoremembersareavailabletoengageinsectionactivities,morenetworkingwithotherstringteachers,andmorestudentsavailableforsolocompetitions,chambermusicfestivals,ASTACAPevaluations.Theabove,whencombined,indicatesastronger,morevibrantstringteachingprofession.TheSPCrecommendssixstrategiestoincreasemembership–someofwhichCalASTAisalreadyundertakingbutcanbeunderscoredwithmoreemphasis:

• IncreasethenumberofCollege/UniversityChapters• WriteupayearlyarticlegivingKudostothesectionwiththelargestpercentage

growthinmembership• ContinuetheBoothattheannualstateconference–CASMEC• ProvideSectionswithacompletearrayofASTAinformationforeachoftheirsection

eventsandencouragethemtomakethatmaterialavailable.• KeepworkingwithourMembershipChairtoinformsectionsofnewandrenewing

members(sothattheycanbewelcomed)and,whenmembersallowtheirmembershiptolapse,thosememberscanbecontactedandknowwemissthem,notdismissthem.

• StewardshipCollegeandUniversitySections:ThecareandnurturingofcollegeagestringstudentsandtheirteachersisofvitalimportancetothegrowthandongoinghealthandstabilityofCalASTA.CalASTA’sattentiontothedevelopmentofprograms,servicesandopportunitiesforcollegeagestudentsshouldbecomeaCalASTApriority.ItshouldberecognizedthatitservesCalASTA’slong-terminterestsasthesestudentsarethemembers,theparticipantsand,intime,thefutureleadersofourorganization.

19

StartinganASTAStudentChapterisoutlinedthoroughlyonthenationalASTAWebSite–MemberResources-Drop-Downmenu–StudentChapters.Therewefindseveralpagesofinformationregardingtheformationofstudentchapters:Bylaws;suggestedactivities;listedrights,benefitsandprivileges;opportunities,etc.CalASTAcurrentlyhasanopenpositionintheBylawstitledStudentChapterLiaison.SPCrecommendsfillingthatposition.ThefirstdutyofthenewStudentChapterLiaisonwillbetocontactthefacultyadvisorattheonlyCaliforniauniversitythatcurrentlyhasaStudentASTAChapter:CSUSanBernardino.LiaisewiththatAdvisorandascertainwhatCalASTAcandotosupporttheCSUSanBernardinostudentchapter.Further,armedwithinformationfromthecurrentASTAStudentChapteradvisorandtheinformationfoundontheASTAWebSite,theStudentChapterLiaisoncouldthenexplorethepossibilitiesofcreatingASTAStudentChaptersatotherCaliforniaCollegesandUniversities.AyearlyKudosAwardforthesectionthatgarneredthemostnumberofnewmembersoverayearbypercentage.Thiswillhelpkeepmembershipgrowthontheagendaforeachsection.Awrite-upinTheSoundpostwouldbeaminimumreward.Perhapsaplaquewiththesectionname,president’snameandtheyearthatsectionwontheMembershipKudosAwardcanbedevisedandpresentedatayearlyCalASTABoardmeeting.Otherpossibletangibleawardscanbedevisedatalatertime.TheCalASTABoothattheannualstateconference–CASMEC–iscrucial.ItkeepsCalASTAvisible.NationalASTAprovidesaplethoraofmaterialsfromapplicationforms,informationaboutinsurance,ASTApins,etc.NationalASTAprovidesthismaterialfree.BravotoCalASTAfororganizingandmanningthisbootheachyear!ASTAMaterialforSectionEvents:Thematerialdescribedabove–applicationforms,tri-foldbrochurestitled“WhyMusic,”ASTApins,instrumentliabilityinsuranceinformation,etc.,allprovidedtoCalASTAfreecanandshouldbemadeavailabletoeachsectionforthesectiontodisplayattheirevents.TheretortthatonlyASTAmembersattendeventsisreallynottrue–SanFranciscoopenstheir“Practicums”toall;Stocktonholdseventsfortheentirestringteachingcommunity.Thereareothercasesandthentherearealwaysparentswhoattendevents.Further,anASTAmemberattendinganeventmightjustpickupsomematerialtopassontocolleagueswhoarenotASTAmembers.Toborrowaphrasefromabrokeragefirm–CalASTArecruitsnewmembers,onememberatatime.TheCalASTAMembershipChairplaysanimportantroleintheentirerecruitmentandCalASTAcommunicationscheme.TheMembershipChairischargedwithextractingtheCalASTAmembernamesfromtheAssociationNews--ASTAWelcomesNewandRenewingMembersfoundineachoffourannualissuesoftheASTjournal;gatheringfromtheCaliforniaRoster(providedbyNationalASTA)thecontactinformationforeachnameandpassingthatinformationontotheappropriatepersonineachsection.Eachsectionisthenencouragedtowelcometheneworrenewingmember(s)andprovidethemwithinformationaboutupcomingsectionevents.Thissoundsmorecomplicatedthanitisanditisnotastimeconsumingasitappears.Periodically,NationalASTAsendsnamesofmemberswhohaveallowedtheirmembershiptolapse.FortheMembershipChair,theprocessisthesame;forthesection,ourhopeisthateachofthesepersonsarecontactedandmadetoknowthatwewillmissthem.Therearemultiplereasonsforamembertolet

20

his/hermembershiplapsebutthisisanimportantprocessinmembershipretention.Stewardship:PartofCalASTA’sfutureistheneedformembership–WEARECalASTA-totakesomemeasureofstewardship.CalASTAisourorganization-itnurturesusandourstudentsandcelebratesourmanypersonalandcollectiveshiningmoments!Tellingourstorytoanon-member,takingpersonalprideinourmembershipandaskingthatnon-membertojoinASTAisaverysmallbutattractiveandeffectivewaytoparticipateinthatstewardship.CalASTAleadershipcanbeacollectivemodelforthatconceptbydoingexactlythat;tellourstorytoacolleagueandaskthemtobecomeamember.

FUTURESTRATEGICPLANNINGOPPORTUNITIES

FiscalDevelopment:SPCrecommendsastrong,vigorousandcontinuouscampaigntoraisemoneyinadditiontonationalrebates.Expandingopportunitiesatthesectionandstatelevelisimportant,providingprojectsupportforsectionsisappropriateand,ifCalASTAhopestoholdanannualsolocompetitioninthefutureadditionalfundswillbenecessary.Sources:WehaveadvertisingopportunitiesbeyondthecurrentlevelsbothinTheSoundpostandourWebSite.OurTreasurer,MichaelFeeney,hasrecentlyrecommendedseekingadditionaladvertising;achartwithpossibleadvertisingopportunitieswascreatedlastspring(2015)anddistributedtoleadership.SPCrecommendsthisinformationbeputtousewithanactionplan.CalASTAisa501(c)(3)organizationandthusanycontributions,donations,orsupportinkindisfullytaxadvantaged.Solicitingfordonationsiswhatotherorganizationsdo,includingnationalASTA.SPCrecommendsdevelopingacontributionprogrambasedonprojectssuchastheCalASTASoloCompetition,somecreativeCalASTAactivityatCASMEC(e.g.achambermusicprogram)orstart-upmoniesforspecificsectionprojects.CollaborativeOpportunities:Itissaidthatinordertohaveafriendonemustfirstbeafriend.ThepurposehereistodeviseplansforCalASTAleadershipaswellasmembershiptoofficiallyreachouttocommunicateandmorefullyintegratewithoursisterorganizations:CMEA,CODA,SuzukiAssociations,MTACandmoreparticularorganizationssuchastheNorthernandSouthernCaliforniaViolaSocieties,violin,cello,stringbass,harp,andguitarsocieties.CalASTAcertainlydoesthisalreadybynaturalandsometimespragmaticinteraction–ASTAboothatCASMEC,SU4MwithCMEA,stringsessionsatCASMECincollaborationwithCODA.ItshouldnotbedifficulttoimagineandthendeviseotherwaysinwhichCalASTAleadershipcanincreasevisibilityandmorefullyintegrateintothegreaterstringandorchestrateachingcommunities,increaseopportunityforCalASTAmembersand,assistthroughcollaborationineffectivelyfulfillingourmission,purposeandvalues.

21

TechnologyImprovements:Communicationisthekeycomponentofahighlysuccessfulorganization.Contemporarysocietyplacesstrongemphasisontheplethoraofcommunicationtoolsincludingemail,smartphone,videoconferencingandthemanysocialmediaopportunitiesincludingFaceBookandLinked-In.Intoday’sworldmaintainingandupdatingtechnologicalcapabilitiesishoworganizationsaremeasured–notbysome–butbyall.CalASTAmuststayintheforefrontoftechnologicalopportunities.Technologicalgoals:

• PromoteeaseinaccessingandsharingCalASTAinformationamongourvariedconstituents

• Advanceandheightenopportunitiesforsocialandpersonalexchangeamongmembership

• Facilitatecommunicationamongleadershipmembershipandthegeneralpublic• Improverecordkeeping• Createandmaintainapositivepublicrelationsappearance• MoveCalASTAsolidlyintothe21stcenturysothatourorganizationisconsistently

onthecuttingedgeoftechnologicalopportunitiesRe-AlignorCreateNewSections:ThereareareasinourstatewhereasignificantnumberofCalASTAmembersresidethataresimplytoofarawayfromSectionactivitytobereasonablyserved.LocationssuchastheCentralCoast(ThousandOakstoPasoRobles)andthecommunitiesinandaroundBakersfieldaresuchareas.CalASTAneedstoexplorepossibilitiesforeitherrealignmentorthecreationofanewsection(s)designedtoprovidethoseASTAmemberswiththeactivitiestheydeserveandshouldreasonablyexpect.

POSTSCRIPT

Laidoutinthisreportareinitiatives,creativeideas,andplanstoopenaccess,createtransparency,broadenparticipationandfosternewpossibilitiesforallstringplayers,stringplayersatheartandstringplayersyettobethroughtheauspicesofourCalASTAorganization.Asyouponderthecontentsofthisdocument,the2015StrategicPlanningCommitteereport,weaskyoutorememberwhyyouchosetobecomeamemberoftheCalASTAboard.CanyouremembertheenthusiasmandpridefeltwhenyoufirstbecameCalASTABoardmember?Eachofyoubroughtacertainpassion,intensecommitmentandadeepdedicationforthestringedinstrumentsyouembraceandforallthosewhosharethataffectionwithyou–ourvenerablethread!AsCalASTAboardmembersweoweourallegiancetostringedinstrumentsandallthemultitudinousstrandsthatmakeupthethreadthatbindsustogether.Atthisparticulartimeinourhistory,andinthisparticularplace,weenjoythedistincthonor,theopportunity,theprivilegeandultimatelytheresponsibilitybyvirtueofourofficetoeffectandperfectthatallegiancethroughCalASTA.TheSPChopesthatthecurrentboardandfutureboardswill,overtime,seriouslyconsiderandimplementmanyoftheideas,programsandplanscontainedherein,eachwithinCalASTABoardpriorities,tobringtogethertheindividualneeds,interestsandaspirationsofourvariedconstituencytocreateastronger,enduringandmorebeautifultapestry,the

22

tapestrythatweallseekandsodesire.

PRESENTEDBY:• KyleChampion,ASTALosAngelespast-President,currentInterimSecretary

• GayaneKorkmazian,ASTApast-President,pastASTAFresnoPresident,currentHistorianandInsuranceRepresentative

• LorettaMcNulty,PastCalASTAMember-at-LargeandcurrentCalASTAPresident-elect.

• TomTatton,lead.CalASTAPresident

ACRONYMSASTACAP–AmericanStringTeachersAssociationCertificateofAdvancementProgramCASMEC–CaliforniaAllStateMusicEducationConferenceCMEA–CaliforniaMusicEducationAssociationCODA–CaliforniaOrchestraDirectorsAssociationMTAC-MusicTeachersAssociationofCaliforniaSU4M–StandUpforMusic(MusicadvocacyprogramdevelopedbyCMEA)

Disclosure:Thestructure,manycontextualelementsandevensomephraseswereborrowedforthisreportfrom“AmericanViolaSocietyReportoftheStrategicPlanningCommittee,May,2012”.TheAmericanViola

SocietystrategicplanningteamwasledbyandthereportwaswrittenbyDr.ThomasTatton