Sigma Alpha Iota

P A N P I P E S Spring 2021 19 19 MUSIC EDUCATION I still remember the day four years ago when my principal asked me if I would be interested in starting an orchestra. I had just returned to teaching aer a brief hiatus while having children and was caught off guard. Since then, we've had orchestra for three years, and I have loved every minute of it! As a former band director and chorus teacher, I had a bit of a learning curve. Many of my orchestra friends were helpful, but I had to glean a lot of information on my own. at is where the Ohio State String Teachers Workshop comes in. e OSU String Teachers Workshop is considered one of the best places for instruction for non-string players who wish to be orchestra teachers. I have been trying to go for a few years now, but due to the expense and having to be away from home for at least a week away from my small children, it seemed impossible. is year, OSU announced the workshop would be held virtually for a fraction of the cost and a grant from SAI Philanthropies, Inc. covered that cost. is was my first time attending an entire conference virtually (I had done webinars but not an entire two weeks' worth of content), and I was very impressed with how it was organized. ere were videos that could be watched on one's own time, but there were also many Zoom Q&A sessions with well-known pedagogues and composers. I also had the opportunity to take a Zoom masterclass with Dr. Mark Laycock, the Director of Orchestras at Wichita State University. While we didn't do much conducting, we "talked shop" and he gave me some great advice! I also enjoyed many other sessions, such as "Pedagogy for the Non-String Player," "Instrument Repair" (where the Baroque Violin Shop shared some basic repairs I could do on my own, but also how they do the advanced repairs), and some interesting sessions about improvisation and electric orchestra. ere were also many conversations around the uncertainty of virtual schooling and how to teach orchestra online, which were helpful. All of the material is available until December, so I can check back when school (finally) starts! I am grateful to SAI Philanthropies, Inc. for supporting me in this opportunity. I feel much more confident in teaching my string players, and I am looking forward to trying some new things with them. Kelly Nelson, an Epsilon eta initiate and member of the Charlotte (NC) Alumnae Chapter, is the Chorus and Orchestra Teacher at Corriher-Lipe Middle School. Ohio State String Teachers Workshop 2020

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