2018 ELECTIONS
NVASTA holds elections for officers during even years.


PRESIDENT ELECT CANDIDATES:
(Serves 6 years total)

James Hsia
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James Hsia was born in Taiwan and moved to New York State when he was 9.  He spent most of his pre-college days in Albany, NY developing much of his musical skills in a family of all musicians.  James has a sister that he loves to play music with.  Together, they grew up performing for various events including church services, and weddings.  He received his bachelor degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia, and a Master of Music Degree in Violin Performance from Binghamton University. 
 While obtaining his Masters Degree in 2012, he started his first teaching job at Binghamton High School in New York.  There, he taught string orchestra and music theory.  This job gave him the confidence boost he needed and absolutely fell in love with teaching kids.  This job soon came to an end due to budget cuts which brought him to where he is today - Las Vegas!  James is currently currently teaching string orchestra at Burkholder Middle school. 
Over the last few years he has completed his second Masters Degree in Secondary Education.  He has decided to continue pursuing educational courses because he is constantly looking for better ways to help students achieve their highest potential.  I'm interested in becoming the ASTA president because I want to further develop the appreciation of students and teachers love in music.  Students and teachers would learn more knowledge about the music that are played in other parts of the world.  This could include teaching methods that are used in other countries, and also performing music that belongs to a particular culture.  


Monica Muñoz
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Monica Muñoz first met the Viola, her primary instrument, in the 6th grade at Fremont MS under the direction of Mrs. Terry Shade, the co-author of the String Basics Series method book. Ms. Muñoz earned her Bachelors' degree in Music Education-Emphasis on Viola Performance at Loyola University New Orleans, making her the first person in her family to earn a college degree.

Monica likes to stay involved in all things string in the CCSD, including serving as a viola coach for the LVYO for three years. She is currently in her 4th year as a Chairperson for the CCSD Honor Orchestras. In the fall of 2018, she will be starting her 8th year as a string educator in the CCSD. When she is not working, she enjoys karaoke, cutting and styling hair, hiking, and spending time with her beautiful 3 year old son. There are few Hispanic Orchestra directors in the city of Las Vegas, and she is proud to represent such a small demographic. She is very proud to serve a community much like the one in which she grew up.



SECRETARY CANDIDATE:

Debra Yavitz
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Debra Yavitz received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2014. After receiving her degree, she began her music teaching career at Robison Middle School where she currently resides as the orchestra director. Along with teaching in her school, Debra also coaches the upper string sections in Concert Strings for the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra. Aside from teaching, Debra also loves to play her Violin in the Henderson Symphony Orchestra, where she is currently a member of the first violin section. Ms. Yavitz is excited to grow as an educator by being a part of Nevada ASTA.
"Being the secretary of NVASTA these last few years have been truly rewarding. Being a part of the “behind the scenes” has helped me grow as a teacher and professional. I have enjoyed working with the NVASTA team and I look forward to working with them in the future."