Like the National ASTA program, the CT-ASTA Mentor Program offers connecting early-career teachers with more experienced string/orchestra teachers. Our teachers are also available for ideas, clinics, or to simply get ideas and inspiration! Please contact our mentors directly, or reach out to any member of the CT-ASTA Board of Directors for more information.

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Kathryn (Kay) Crask is a distinguished music educator, recently retired after 30 years of teaching in both the public and private sector. Under her leadership as a string specialist for the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District in Orange County, California, orchestra flourished, with over 700 students participating in string orchestras in the secondary schools. She is a highly sought-after conductor, clinician, coach, and adjudicator
throughout California and New England. She was selected to conduct the Southern California Band and Orchestra Association Honor Orchestras in 2017,
2012, and 2003. She has also conducted in Europe with the Southern California Ambassadors of Music. In 2009, she was recognized by the California State Legislature as an outstanding California secondary instrumental music teacher, and was chosen as the 2010 Southern California Teacher of the Year by the American String Teacher’s Association.

As a mentor teacher/clinician for the Southern California Band and Orchestra Association, Ms. Crask performed the following duties:

• Visiting first-year teachers for support and mentoring
• Collaborating on classroom management techniques
• Preparing groups for ensemble festivals and competitions
• Assisting struggling teachers with improvement plans
• Giving clinics as requested by beginning or veteran teachers
• Presenting seminars at professional development days or conferences

In conjunction with Center Stage Strings, an MPulse Program at the University of Michigan, Ms. Crask has developed a Presentation Seminar on Audience
Engagement to aid extraordinary musicians ages 10-24 on their path to professional performance careers.

A graduate of the University of Kansas, she received degrees in both music theory and music education, and has a master’s degree in education of gifted and talented students.

Please contact Kay via email

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Dana Saccomano has been teaching strings in the public schools since 2006. Her first teaching job was in Norwalk, CT at Norwalk High School teaching orchestras and music theory. She currently teaches elementary strings in East Hartford, CT at 4 elementary schools.  She has served as a national ASTA mentor and is certified as a BEST mentor in the state of CT. She plays violin and viola and is a member of the Andante String Quartet.

Please contact Dana via email

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