Catherine J. Nichols recently retired from teaching elementary strings in the Mesa, Arizona, Public Schools. Ms. Nichols received her Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees from the University of Michigan School of Music. She has taught public school music since 1968 in a number of states including Michigan, New York, New Mexico and Arizona. Mrs. Nichols is currently working part time as a Faculty Associate in the Arizona State University Music Education Department. Ms. Nichols is the Coordinator of Placements for student teachers and student interns. Much of Ms. Nichols’s life prior to retirement was devoted to mentoring new teachers and performing in professional orchestras.