The Michigan Violin Maker's Association had one of their quarterly meetings in Britton Recital Hall, sponsored by UM-ASTA. This event was open to ASTA memebers and the public. A pannel of 4 memebers from the MVMA ran the meeting. During the morning session, University of Michigan student Michelle Davis played many of the makers' violins. She gave comments on the sound and feel of each of the instruments. After the break and lunch, U of M ASTA president Andy Anderson gave a demonstration on his bass and answered questions from the audience and pannel. When his presentation was completed, 3 handouts from pannel memebers were discussed. Many questions from these handouts were centered on the fine details and tips on how to carry out certain crafting ideas. The meeting was an interesting opportunity to hear about the work that goes into making a finely crafted instrument.

The UM-ASTA website has officially moved to http://www.umich.edu/~umasta. Several additions have been made to the website, including a guestbook and a page of helpful string links.

The U of M ASTA student chapter had it's first Fall 2000 meeting on October 11th, at 4:30pm.

President Andrew Anderson gave a warm welcome to all and introduced officers Kevin Sylves (Vice President) and Melissa Foor (Secretary.) Andrew Anderson introduced our first speaker Prof. Culver. A brief history of ASTA and current day ASTA was addressed by Prof. Culver.

Prof. Kantor was our 2nd guest speaker and the meeting took on the shape of an inverview format. Prepared questions and questions from those at the meeting were asked of Prof. Kantor and his dealings with ASTA.

Also covered at the meeting were events that are in the planning for this year. A few of the mentioned ideas were:

• Paul Bartel's "Trash to Treasure" Demonstration
• Having a luthier come and give a demonstration on simple instrument repair, set-up, and care
• Seeing Mr. Culver "in action" teaching a group of high school students
  
  

UM ASTA student chapter is looking forward to a great year!