Finally, in my 8th year of teaching, I attended the Midwest Clinic in Chicago.  All I have to say it “Mind…Blown.”  Well, that’s not everything, but I have never experienced anything like this in my entire career.  State conferences cannot even compare the caliber and size of Midwest (except maybe TMEA, so I’ve heard).  This year, attendees broke the record for the most ever attending (over 18,000) and the largest exhibit hall that the conference has ever had.  I believe it.

I walked into sessions that were jam packed with standing room only.  And by standing room only, I don’t mean a few people sliding in late hanging around the back or by the door.  I mean people were packed like sardines in every open space in the room.  Those band and orchestra directors, from all over the country: young, old, retired, pre-service college students, were all intently watching and listening during each of those presentations.  I even had the opportunity to support my good friend Dr. Christopher Cicconi from Towson University give an incredible session on choosing repertoire for your ensemble and what you need to look at when considering your choices (remember that colleagues are a FANTASTIC resource).

My favorite session was one dealing with burnout.  As a high school director, I know that’s something that many of us deal with, myself included.  Dr. Giovanni Santos from La Sierra University in California gave some worthwhile advise about making sure we take care of ourselves, and that includes scheduling our day out, taking time for us, and dynamic/static stretching (I mean, we are active during the day; definitely not a stationary job).  As sick as this sounds, it was reassuring to see so many others feeling the same why I do; it’s nice to know that you’re not the only one and the you can find strength in others.

Centennial High School Band from just up the road from me in Maryland was also selected to perform.  It was an outstanding performance, probably one of the best high school band performances I have ever heard.  Kudos to David Matchim, band director, for bringing his students to that level and giving them this once in a lifetime opportunity.  Not only were they chosen to perform at Midwest, but by being selected for this performance opened up other another phenomenal opportunity for his students: to work with Harlan Parker and the Peabody Institute in Baltimore.  Simply astonishing.

The Exhibit Hall was something that was simply overwhelming.  Hundreds of sheet music distributors, uniform makers, instrument creators, military bands, professional organizations, electronic massage kits, music stores; you name it and it was there.  I felt like a kid on Christmas morning every single time I walked into the Hall.  I spent so much time in there and I still wasn’t able to see everything.  I will tell you that the EMP 10 massage kit was my kryptonite; I bought an entire set and I’m certain that my life is changed forever (goodbye conducting shoulder pain).

My two other favorite moments of the conference (excluding all of the social benefits between my Maryland/Mid-Atlantic colleagues and the new band friends that I made), were catching up with my own college band director, Dr. Philip Klickman (previously at Frostburg State and now at St. Norbert College) and attending my first ever Women Band Director’s International meeting (more information in my next blog post).  I have not seen Klickman in almost two years since he had relocated and it’s always such a pleasure to sit and pick his brain (or chew his ear off…same difference).  He is, after all, the singular reason I even finished my undergrad degree.

I believe my only regret from this trip is that I failed to get some Chicago deep-dish.  That is my first priority next year.

And my last bit of advice to those that have never been: Save your pennies and GO.  It will change your life.