Why do we need a Classical Mandolin Society of America?

Mike Schroeder

The Classical Mandolin Society of America was created by Norman Levine, president of Plucked String, Incorporated in the Fall of 1986. Norman should be lauded for his vision in creating an organization that would promote the art of classical mandolin playing in North America. It's well documented that classical mandolin was near extinction in this part of the world at the point when the CMSA was created. Over the past ten years, the CMSA has been promoting the mandolin with a variety of programs and with each passing year the standard of classical mandolin playing in North America has been heightened.
    Norman's goals for the CMSA were clearly articulated in the Introductory Newsletter distributed in the Autumn of 1986. "Our goals are hardly modest: promoting the classical style of mandolin, increasing the numbers of students and teachers, determining professional standards in the field, fostering use of the mandolin in professional events and concerts, encouraging research and compositions, preserving our antiquities, working with other organizations wherever possible and acting as a general information agency for the instrument."
    It's amazing that most of the work identified at our inception has come to fruition and continues today. 1998 will be a very exciting year for the CMSA. A look into my crystal ball shows the following important developments for this year:

1. membership in the CMSA will exceed 500
2. 12 new mandolin ensembles will be created in North America
3. 12 new classical works for mandolin will be created/published in North America
4. our 1998 CMSA convention in Washington D.C. will be the largest ever
5. a new alliance will be formed between the CMSA and the European Mandolin and Guitar Association (EMGA)
6. this CMSA web site will continue to grow and be a vital resource to mandolinists everywhere

In the coming months, this web site will document the important accomplishments of the Classical Mandolin Society of America. Please return here often. Mandolin players can use this web site as a tool for locating concerts, ensembles, instruments, music, and teachers.
    It's important to note that all of the CMSA's work is done by volunteers who share a love for the mandolin and desire to elevate classical mandolin playing to the highest standard possible. Your active participation will help all of us to reach our common goal.

Mike Schroeder
CMSA President

Upcoming editorial: A treatise on creating and managing a mandolin ensemble