Executive Director's Letter

For the first time in my two years here (Can you believe it? Two years!), I feel at a loss for words. It feels impossible to say just how special it was to see so many in our community come together this March.

The theme for this year’s conference was Expanding and Connecting Communities. A grand total of 3,750 members, students, teachers, artists, administrators, and leaders took part in this year’s conference. Expand and connect, we did. Everywhere I walked, I saw faces from Zoom boxes I recognized, young musicians making music together, and Suzuki teachers hugging after years apart. From Vijay Gupta’s keynote to the incredible young musicians who took the stage, and the 171 sessions that took place over the course of four days, it was absolutely impossible to not feel like you were constantly missing out on something, or missing seeing someone.

There are so many people that I want to say thank you to. With my limited space, and your limited time, I’ll keep the list short, and I’ll ask for your help in offering thanks to the incredible staff of the SAA, as well as our Conference Committee, chaired by Trina Christensen, and supported by Rolando Freitag, Charles Krigbaum, Nancy Modell, April Losey, and Robert Richardson. There were also several members who volunteered to support us in set-up, signed up for our sign in table, our Exhibit Hall Booth, who were session hosts, and who cheered us on. Our Board of Directors has supported our staff tirelessly. Finally, a thank you to our sponsors, and donors for their support of our work.

I can honestly say that no event I’ve been part of has felt as important to me as this one did. I still feel the buzzing energy of the space, and have so much gratitude for the privilege it was to be there with you. For those who were unable to join us this year, I hope this issue gives you a sense of the event, and for those who were, I hope it reignites the joy I saw while we were together. Abrazotes!

Sincerely,