The American String Teachers Association (ASTA), headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, has received a prestigious National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chair’s Extraordinary Action Award to commission new musical works honoring three iconic American women: Billie Holiday, Sally Ride, and Amelia Earhart. This arts initiative is part of America250 and pays tribute to the National Garden of American Heroes, a project celebrating individuals who shaped our nation’s history. ASTA’s project will spotlight the power of music to tell stories of courage, creativity, and achievement.
Through the award, four talented composers—Taleya Jordan, Sharneisha Joyner, Marina Quintanilla, and Angelica Salazar—will create original pieces for youth choir and string orchestra. These works will not only celebrate the legacies of Holiday, Ride, and Earhart but also inspire a new generation of musicians and audiences.
The project is designed to foster collaboration and mentorship. Each composer will participate in virtual workshops and receive guidance from experienced professionals, ensuring that the creative process is both enriching and educational. These sessions will connect composers with student performers and music educators, creating a vibrant exchange of ideas and artistry.
The commissioned works will debut at two major events: the University of South Florida and the renowned Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. Following these premieres, the pieces will be published by Rising Tide Music Press, making them accessible to youth music programs nationwide.
This initiative promises far-reaching benefits. Student performers will gain the rare opportunity to work directly with living composers, deepening their understanding of the creative process. Music educators will receive fresh, innovative repertoire to share with their ensembles. And the composers themselves will have a platform to showcase their voices while honoring women who shaped American history.
Billie Holiday, celebrated for her emotive jazz performances, broke barriers in music and civil rights. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, inspired generations to pursue careers in science and technology. Amelia Earhart, a pioneering aviator, challenged societal norms and expanded the possibilities for women worldwide. Through music, their stories will resonate in classrooms, concert halls, and communities across the country.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, projects like this remind us that history is not only written in books—it is sung, played, and felt. By blending artistic expression with historical reflection, ASTA’s initiative ensures that the contributions of these extraordinary women remain alive in the hearts and minds of future generations.
About ASTA:
The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) is dedicated to promoting excellence in string and orchestra teaching and playing. With over 6,000 members, ASTA is a leading organization for string education and performance.https://www.astastrings.org/
For more information about Fairfax250 programs, visit https://www.fairfax250.com.