Hawaii American String Teachers Association (HASTA with NSOA) presents: 5th Biennial HAWAII CONTRABASS FESTIVAL March 24-30, 2008 in Honolulu., Hawaii
	An intensive 7-day program will feature hands-on instruction, concerts, lectures and demonstrations by representatives from the world's leading institutions of music education and performance, including the Honolulu Symphony, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Toronto Symphony, The Curtis Institute, New England Conservatory, Rice University, University of California at San Diego, and University of Hawaii at Manoa. The 2008 faculty includes such prominent artists and craftsmen as Jeffrey Beecher, John Clayton, Mark Dresser, Gerald Clayton, Harold Robinson, George Rubino, George Wellington, Jr., and Kenneth Wild. This initiative is designed to benefit a primary target of approximately 75 enrolled students and music professionals. Applicants from Hawaii will be given preference, but outside applicants are also welcome. The community at large will be invited to a number of free and paid public performances.
The University of Hawaii's Outreach College will grant academic credit for festival participation and has agreed to offer the course at a special reduced rate of tuition. Credit will be valid for undergraduate as well as MA and PhD scholars. The University of Hawaii at Manoa is an accredited institution of higher learning. THE HAWAII CONTRABASS FESTIVAL is grateful for broad-based community and national support, including such collaborators as Ebb and Flow Arts, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hawaii Public Radio, International Rabbath Institute, International Society of Bassists, Kamehameha Schools, the University of Hawaii Department of Music and Dance, Outreach College of the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Xerox Hawaii, in addition to many individual private donors. In presenting this important event, HASTA/NSOA aims to encourage and assist the study, performance and appreciation of the contrabass in the Hawaii community and to help Hawaii gain recognition as a center of musical expression, teaching and culture worldwide.