Mission Statement:
SAGa is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating community with Suzuki teachers, parents, and students in the state of Georgia.
History of SAGa:
SAGa began when a group of Atlanta area Suzuki teachers started meeting informally in an effort to create opportunities for their students to play and work together. In the spring of 2002, this small group of teachers sent out a call to all area Suzuki teachers to help them form what would become the Suzuki Association of Georgia:
Dear Suzuki teacher,
In an effort to create community with the Atlanta area Suzuki teachers, students and parents, there is a movement to establish a Suzuki Association of the Americas chapter. The SAA is now offering local chapter affiliation to smaller groups in order to provide increased communication and member benefits with the SAA as well as student activities, parent education and teacher networking.
There are many benefits that we will see as a result of forming a chapter:
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•Student activities such as play-ins and graduations
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•Education opportunities for students, teachers, and parents
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•Support for and education of the Suzuki philosophy
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•Fundraising opportunities
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•Student Scholarships
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•Teacher Scholarships
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•New Program promotion
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•Support for the Atlanta Suzuki Institute
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•Workshop sponsorship for students and/or teachers
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•Implement teacher recognition program through the SAA
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•Networking/mentoring new teachers
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•Promote Suzuki programs in the schools
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•Create and spot diversity projects
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•Promote parent involvement
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•Train leadership to feed into the SAA’s program/leadership
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•Identify parent and teacher resources
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•Collect information and data for research
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•Support SAA membership
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•Provide grassroots feedback to the SAA
The first meeting of this chapter is June 23, 2002 at 4:30 p.m. At this time, we will vote on the formation of this chapter as well as leadership positions. The chapter is open to Suzuki teachers and parents of all instruments. However, we need at least 30 teachers to officially form a chapter, so your attendance is crucial. Come and participate in this groundbreaking meeting as we cooperate in the true Suzuki spirit!
Sincerely,
Rachel Bachmeier
Kirsten Browning
Stephanie Graef
Gloria Jacobson
Tricia Loveday
Marla Majett
Mary Alice Rhodes
Sunny Saunders
Tracy Shealy
Pat Vas Dias
At this first meeting on June 23, 2002, approximately fifty Suzuki teachers, parents and supporters joined in a motion to create the Suzuki Association of Georgia and became the founding members of SAGa. It was also at this meeting that the first board of directors was elected.
