This year's GWSI was even more valuable, fun, educational and inspiring than last year's institute, with a high level of musicianship, artistry, pedagogy, charisma and simple love of children. The faculty was selected from all over the USA and several new teachers were welcomed to the faculty. It was gratifying that families and teachers who came for professional development were very aware of this. 

Teacher Development offerings were well attended, offering Violin, books 1, 2, and 3, Cello book 3,  and a very popular, after hours Teacher Enrichment Course attended by teachers and faculty alike.

Daily activities included 5 orchestras, 7 quartets, Play-Ins, very popular Royal Scottish Fiddling classes every hour as well as 50 masterclasses and 16 repertory classes. During the week there were 10 recitals/concerts and 6 lectures.  For everyone Potter’s Violins and Fox’es Music Stores offered participants the convenience of goods and services right in the building in the midst of all of our activities.

A Few Comments from Students & Parent Participants

• “My teacher was great. I hope I will get him again next year.”
• “I especially liked the session for teens on ‘Music in Your Life’.”
• “Wow!, What a great experience!”
•  “We are inspired.”
• “Orchestra was fun.”
• “This week has set us up for great practices.  I hope this can last all year.” 
• “The faculty is world class, more than we’d even hoped for. We will return next year and bring our friends with us."

Mark Your Calendars!

Please plan to attend GWSI 2013 , George Mason High School, Falls Church, VA.

All students and families: Monday, June 24 - Friday, June 28, 2013

• Every Child Can, June 22, 2013
• Book 1 Violin and Cello Teacher Development Courses: June 23-30, 2013
• Other Teacher Development Courses: June 24-28, 2013

Topics for afternoon parent/teacher lectures will be implemented in 2013 GWSI.

We will keep much of the faculty we enjoyed so much this year and we are looking forward to expanding the cello program next year.

We would like to encourage pre-formed quartets to apply for chamber music coaching. We certainly have the faculty capability to handle quartets on every level.

Teacher Development courses will be offered for Book 1 Violin and Book 1 Cello teachers. “Every Child can” course will be offered for parents and teachers. We are considering which book unit courses should be offered for teachers as well as another after hours Enrichment Course for teachers.

Please email Ronda Cole with your suggestions for teacher courses for GWSI 2013 at ronda.cole@gmail.com