Congratulations to Dr. Kristin Herkstroeter, Viewpoint School’s Music Department Chair and Middle and Upper School Strings Teacher, who was awarded Outstanding School Teacher of the Year by the Los Angeles Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). This award is presented to a school teacher with at least 10 years experience and a member of ASTA, who has made a significant contribution to a school orchestra or a university program, epitomizing every facet of excellence in string teaching. Teachers must have a reputation that goes beyond their classroom, in such areas as mentoring peers, presenting sessions at conferences, or for being lifelong learners.

Dr. Herkstroeter has been a valued member of the Viewpoint teaching faculty for the last 21 years. Her notable accomplishments include founding the Suzuki strings program in the lower grades, developing the Middle and Upper School Orchestras, greatly expanding the CAIS Honors Music Festival hosted on Viewpoint's campus, and pioneering the Annual Viewpoint Arts Fest. Her ensembles have consistently received superior ratings and first place awards at adjudicated festivals and competitions. As a result, the Upper School Orchestra has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York, Symphony Hall in Chicago, and Davies Hall in San Francisco. 

Dr. Herkstroeter’s colleagues around campus were delighted that she had been recognized by ASTA for her teaching. Head of School Mark McKee said, “Congratulations, Kristin! And thank you to Nick Alvarez and all of her proud colleagues for celebrating this very well-deserved honor. Our strings program – all of our music and arts programs—are emblematic of the daily excellence from which our students benefit.” Photography teacher Charlie Sitzer added, “Congratulations, Kristin. It is a great honor to be recognized by your peers for the dedication and inspiration you put into your love of teaching.”