Alice Joy Lewis, beloved Suzuki Teacher and founder of Ottawa [KS] Suzuki Strings, has been named the recipient of a 2007 Governor’s Arts Award. The Governor’s Arts Awards is an honor given annually to distinguished Kansas artists and arts educators; the award has been given annually since 1974 by the governor and the Kansas Arts Commission. Alice Joy will be honored at a ceremony on June 7 in Topeka, KA. In addition to her many achievements in the Kansas area, Alice Joy is well-known and respected throughout the worldwide Suzuki community. She received an Excellence in Teaching Award from the SAA in 1996 and was featured as a keynote speaker at both the 1996 and 2006 SAA Conferences.

Carol Carlson Tarr of Lakewood, Colorado, received the Colorado ASTA Distinguished Service Award for 2007 at the Colorado Music Educators Convention in Colorado Springs on January 19. Carol has served music education in Colorado for 30 years and, in addition to private cello teaching, directs the long-term Suzuki Cello Teacher Training Program at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music. She is a member of the SAA Cello Committee, adviser to the ASJ, member of the 2008 Conference Team. and former SAA Board member.