In the wake of the earthquake and tsunami, conditions continue to change in Japan from day to day. Earlier this week, the Talent Education Research Institute in Matsumoto (TERI) (the Suzuki Association in Japan) was able to determine that all Suzuki teachers were safe and that most Suzuki families were safe, as well. (Communications lines were down, making it impossible to reach a few families in the northeast coastal area.) We are relieved that members of the Suzuki family are doing OK amid so much destruction.

We are aware that Suzuki students throughout the world desire to express their concern and support for the victims of the earthquake, the tsunami, and the nuclear crisis. We encourage teachers and students to act in a way that they think is appropriate. Some studios and programs are planning practice-a-thons, playins, or other events; others are considering ways to pay tribute to Japan in their spring concerts.

If your decision is to make donations, we encourage you to send funds through a reliable relief organization. You might want to consult the following link to the American Institute of Philanthropy to learn about relief agencies helping with this tragedy in Japan.

http://www.charitywatch.org/hottopics/JapanTsunami2011.html

If you wish to donate directly to the Talent Education Research Institute in Matsumoto, please see the following webpage for information:

http://www.suzukimethod.or.jp/indexE.html

We anticipate needs to continue throughout the summer and into the fall. In the coming months, the SAA plans to work with the International Suzuki Association in considering a region-wide or international musical tribute to Japan, the birthplace of the Suzuki method. We will keep you apprised of those plans as they develop.

—SAA Board and Staff