Fall 2024 Update Coming Soon!
Fall 2023 Conductor & Clinician: Doug Spata
Renowned Composer and String Educator
The North Carolina chapter of the American String Teachers Association is proud to sponsor the fifth annual All-State String Orchestra Festival and Clinic. This year’s clinic will again take place at Cannon School in Concord, NC on Saturday, October 7, 2023. We are excited to announce that this year’s Conductor and Clinician is nationally renowned composer and educator, Doug Spata
Although he initially trained as a clarinetist, Doug Spata’s passion for teaching orchestra led him to focus primarily on composing for strings. His exceptional style has made his compositions beloved by teachers, students, and audiences alike, with his award-winning music being performed around the United States and the world. From student musicians to opera and ballet scores, symphonies, and chamber works for ensembles of all sizes, Mr. Spata’s versatile talent knows no bounds.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Doug Spata’s childhood in Kandy, Sri Lanka, ignited a lifelong fascination with the diverse cultures of the world, which greatly influences his compositions. Currently residing in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Spata also nurtures interests in art, history, movies, and even pinball.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION:
This clinic is open to all students in grades 5-12 who are sponsored by current NC-ASTA members. Sponsors will be asked to provide their membership number at registration.
Want to become an NC-ASTA member? Please click Here to apply.
The application committee will determine the orchestra’s size and scope based upon the number of applicants. If there is suitable interest, the application committee will consider opening a second group. Students will be grouped by ability level and not by age. The size of the orchestra(s) may also be limited due to facility constraints.
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
All applications are due: September 15, 2023
The application committee will be responsible for participant selection based on: Student Application, Recorded Excerpts, Teacher Recommendations, and the Maximum Size of the Orchestra. As a teacher, please rank and rate your students based on their current ability, and not on potential.
HOW TO SUBMIT STUDENT APPLICATIONS:
Please read the following Documents before submitting Teacher and Student Applications!
(Forms to be used as reference until event details are finalized.)
- NC-ASTA Fall 2023 Director Letter
- NC-ASTA Fall 2023 Student/Parent Letter
- Please forward this Parent letter to all students you plan to nominate.
- 2023 North Carolina ASTA String Orchestra Festival Itinerary
- (2023 Itinerary Coming Soon – Please see 2020 for Reference)
Both Forms 1 and 2 need to be completed by the Sponsoring TEACHER ONLY!
Please DO NOT let students complete these forms for you.
Students who record their audition videos will need to forward those on to their teachers – where the teacher will attach those videos to the application.
Complete these (2) Google Forms:
Form 1: Director Information
You will need to complete this form for each organization you represent.
(i.e. private studio, youth symphony, or school.)
Form 2: Student Information
You will need to complete this form for each student you wish to sponsor. (Please note that you will need to have (1) video audition excerpt/scale ready to upload for each sponsored student.)
Attendance:
Teachers: Must be current NC-ASTA members and will serve as chaperones for their students at all activities. If the sponsoring teacher cannot attend, he/she must submit a written request (10) days in advance to the Event Chair and the NC-ASTA President requesting permission for a substitute to take his/her place. This substitute will need to be an active NC-ASTA member.
Students: They are required to be in attendance for the entire day. Students who are selected for a chair and do not participate will be barred from participation for the next year.
Questions? Contact:
Amanda Turner
Festival Chair & NC-ASTA President
NC-ASTA 