Here are the reports on our older events

2008
Sun 13th April at RWCMD in Cardiff	ESTA British Branch National Forum Day and Regional Representatives Meeting In association with the Menuhin Competition Cardiff 2008	Right: Inspirational Suzuki teacher, Helen Brunner, at work. A little boy called Daniel (tucked between Helen and his 'big' sister) had his first ever violin lesson, while downstairs Maxim Vengerov et al were adjudicating this year's Menuhin competition.
30th April - 5th May, Bern, Switzerland	36th International Conference	Janet got a hug from viola star Bruno Giuranna at Cathy Elliott's birthday party. (Blimey! What did Cathy get?)	Barbara Doll and team hosted this year's excellent conference.
Sunday 11th May, 11.00am to 4.00pm at Harborough Bank*	Small Ensembles Workshop Led by Corinne Frost	Another opportunity for violin, viola and ‘cello students of approximately grade 2 to grade 7 standard to benefit from playing together in string quartet and similar small ensembles, to develop their musicianship, musical independence and pleasure in music making.	This event was good fun and good experience for the participants. We assembled four string quartets in all, with the aid of a couple of 'staff' violas.
Sunday 29th June, 2.30pm at the home of Bob and Janet in South Birmingham.	A house meeting on The First Steps	A discussion starting from sharing views and experience on teaching the most basic stages. Followed by Janet's cake and Lucy's strawberries.
10th to 15th August, Dean Close School, Cheltenham	UK Summer School	Judy Tarling (right) gets a lesson on playing the spoons, Irish style.	The faculty included Raphael Wallfisch (cello), David Juritz (violin), Michael Rose (conducting) and Judy Tarling (Baroque). Such a success it's going to become an annual event. Dean Close has been booked again for 16th-21st August 2009.
Sunday 12th October, 2.30pm at Harborough Bank*	The Great Cellists With Margaret Campbell	Margaret checked her notes, while Angela's dog Juno took it all lying down	2008 Regional AGM During the AGM, Margaret Campbell and Pat Hibbs both joined the Committee. The proper minutes will follow in the fullness of time.
Sunday 9th November at the Menuhin School	The AGM ESTA Conference 2008. (Formerly known as National Forum Day with AGM.)	Once more, the sponsored goodies alone were worth the entrance money.	Nicola Benedetti (left) was quizzed by Nicole Wilson. Robin Ireland gave solo and chamber music masterclasses, and a speaker from D'Addario explained the mysteries of string construction.
2009
February 11th, 2009	With deep regret, we announce that our former Chair and long-term key activist, Angela Richey, passed away at her home. A dear friend and an inspiring musician. Our thoughts are with her family, and especially her husband Richard. ESTAWM events planned to take place at their home have been relocated.		Angela Richey 1931 - 2009
Sun 29 March, 3.00pm at Hillfields House	Pupils' Performance Platform	A concert opportunity for your pupils at any level to play in front of others. Strictly pre-booking only. Applications close 13th March.	Event cancelled - no subscribers
Fr 3 Apr - Wed 8 in Vienna	37th International Conference,		Another splendid and well organised conference. This is a picture from Bruno Giuranna's viola masterclass, which was a model of what a masterclass ought to be. In this case he was coaching the Bartok Concerto. Lucid and insightful, helpful and relevant the candidate learned a great deal, and so did we.
Sun 26 Apr	Spring National Conference, at the RNCM, Manchester	Featured items include Claire Noakes from Solihull Music Service on Wider Opportunities.	Details on the ESTA GB website or in the next issue of Arco.
Sun 17 May	National AGM, to be held at Birmingham Conservatoire.	The Circus Comes To Town, and all members are invited.	Details on the ESTA GB website or in the next issue of Arco.
Sun 28 June, 2.30 pm at the home of Bob and Janet in South Birmingham	A House Meeting on developing musicality in The Intermediate Levels	A discussion starting from sharing views and experience on teaching the developing stages. Cake and strawberries are traditionally involved in this event.	Event cancelled - no participants
Sun 16th - Fri 21st August at Dean Close School	UK Summer School in Cheltenham	Another mixed programme of delights.	It takes two. Janet has a tango lesson.
Sun 18th October, 2.30pm at Wribbenhall Parish Room, Bewdley*	ESTAWM 2009 AGM With Playing Through Ensemble Music		As reported in Arco. Mary Cohen led from the cello in one of the David Stone Miniature Quartets. Also in the picture are Hazel on 1st, Rachel and Pat on 2nd and Janet on viola, with my cello which I put down to take the picture.
Sun 8 Nov	ESTA National Conference at the Menuhin School	In the session pictured, participants were introduced to using Dalcroze-based methods, designed to improve awareness and co-ordination of time and movement in students working in groups, by being made to do some of the exercises themselves. It's not only educational, it's also a hoot.
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