Welcome to the start of the 2008-09 school year. I trust you found time to relax this summer with family and friends and that you also had the opportunity to renew your commitment to teaching by attending classes and/or workshops.

By way of introduction, my name is Carol Pederson and I am honored to be your WASTA president for the next two years. I currently teach at Ferris High School and at two elementary schools in the Spokane School District. I also conduct the Spokane Youth Symphony Junior Orchestra. As you peruse through this newsletter, I encourage you to make note of the current WASTA Officers, which include new and returning members. 

This past August marked the 50th anniversary of the Birch Bay Teachers Workshop in Ferndale, Washington. I would like to commend Ian Edlund for marking this celebration with a commissioned work by Richard Meyer and for providing clinics by two outstanding musicians – Bassist, Robert Gardner and composer and conductor, Roupen Shakarian. This workshop is highly regarded, and one which I encourage all to attend. It always takes place the first week of August in Ferndale, WA. Further information can be found at www.stringspecialist.com/birchbay. 

Start making plans now to attend the MENC All Northwest Conference in Spokane, Washington February 13-15, 2009. The next newsletter will include information regarding the location and time of the ASTA luncheon and other ASTA sponsored workshops.

Please feel to contact me regarding things you would like to see WASTA achieve over the next few years. I am here to represent and encourage the growth of string teaching in Washington State. 

Sincerely,