Southeast Texas Suzuki Association
Mission Statement
To foster the musical enrichment of teachers, students, parents and the community by providing opportunities that promote the Suzuki philosophy, nurturing the growth of the whole person through the study of music with the belief that all children can learn.
Southeast Texas Suzuki Association Purpose
Southeast Texas Suzuki Association( STXSA) was created and continues to exist to foster the musical enrichment of teachers, students, parents and the community by providing opportunities that promote the Suzuki philosophy, nurturing the growth of the whole person through the study of music with the belief that all children can learn. STXSA creates a much larger Suzuki community in the greater Houston and southeast Texas area making it feasible to host workshops and events that individual private studio teachers would not be able to do on their own. All facets of the Suzuki triangle are considered at every event, parent, teacher and child. STXSA promotes the Suzuki method and Philosophy outside of the Suzuki community through public performances, education for teachers and publicity.
STXSA is a Chapter Affiliate of the Suzuki Association of the Americas
HASSA Historical Facts
Founded 1991 Incorporated 1993
SAA Chapter Affiliate 2018
Founded in 1991 by Pam Reit and Judy Offman as the “Houston Area Suzuki Violin Teachers”.
Charter members: (In attendance at the first meeting, Sunday, April 28, 1991, 8:30 p.m)
Claire Eary
Debbie Elafros
Rosemary Jodeit
Carol Kehlenbrink
Shirley Jamison Koch
Judy Offman
Gary Putnam
Sheryl Lafayette Putnam
Pam Reit
Joyce Torgerson
Carol Whiting
Catherine van Zanten
Original Board of Directors: (Installed in 1993)
Sheryl (Putnam) Lafayette – President
Shirley Jamison (Koch) Star, Vice-President
Joyce Torgerson, Secretary
Catherine van Zanten, Treasurer
Past Presidents
1991-1993 Sheryl (Putnam) Lafayette
1993-1996 Katie (Fitzgerald) Hemphill
1996-2000 Rosemary Jodeit
2000-2004 Danette (Schuh) Warren
2004-2006 Teresa (Henrichs) Hakel
2006-2008 Lucy Shaw
2008-2010 Flori Muller
2010-2012 Amy Mathis
2012-2014 Stacie Herrington
2014-2015 Terri Matchett
2015-2016 Darbi Green
2016-2018 Claire Eary
2018-2020 Meredith Harris
2020-2022 Elisabeth Hope
2022-2024 Katherine Sullivan