As you know, many school districts are struggling with severe financial shortages and planning cuts in music and the arts. ASTA, the American String Teachers Association, is inviting all music educators to a workshop lead by Dr. John Benham, a nationally recognized leader in music advocacy. Dr. Benham will be giving a free three hour workshop on advocacy strategies. The session will be at the Santa Clara Convention Center on Saturday, February 20, from 9 a.m. to noon. Teachers need to RSVP to Mary Wagner at mscello@cox.net or call 703-789-5523.

Also, for more advocacy information, make sure you attend the CMEA State Conference in Sacramento on March 11-13. There will be many workshops and sessions dealing with advocating and strengthening your program. Marcia Neel, well known for her advocacy efforts in Music Education at the local, state, and national levels, will present a workshop on Saturday, March 13. You can register for the CMEA Conference at www.calmusiced.com.