This clinic is intended for non-string players who find themselves in a situation where they are expected to teach beginning strings. You'll get all the basic information that you'll need to know to get your string players off to a good start. Topic will include: equipment basics, correct instrument and hand positions, tuning, and bowing techniques you MUST be able to demonstrate, as well as several more advanced techniques and ideas to move them to the next playing level.
Barbera Secrist-Schmedes
- Biographical Information
Barbera Secrist, recently retired Executive Director of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra of Atlanta (MYSO), frequently serves as an orchestra clinician, conductor and judge, and is Principal Oboe with the Cobb Wind Symphony. Prior to her position with MYSO, Mrs. Secrist was Director of Orchestras at Lovinggood Middle School in Cobb County (GA) for twelve years where some of her noteworthy accomplishments included performances at the 2013 and 2017 GMEA In-Service Conferences and recipient of GMEA's prestigious Exemplary Performance Award in 2016. For nearly thirty years, Ms. Secrist served as the Artistic Director/Oboist of the Pandean Chamber Players, performing an average of 100 concerts annually throughout the SE United States. Ms. Secrist holds advanced degrees from Auburn University, Florida State, and Kennesaw State. A published author of two books on wind chamber music repertoire, Ms. Secrist also served on the Georgia Council for the Arts music panel for twelve years. Ms. Secrist lived in Washington, DC, and New York City for a decade after completing a Bachelor of Music degree at GA State University where she performed with the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra, Wolf Trap, National Symphony, Amato Opera, American Chamber Orchestra and was a featured performer at the White House for President Jimmy Carter. Since returning to Atlanta in 1985, Ms. Secrist has performed with the Knoxville (TN), Greenville (SC), Columbus (GA), and Macon (GA) symphonies and was a member of the Augusta (GA) Symphony for 13 years.