Midwest Clinic, Part 1

First, let me say that I love coming to the Midwest Clinic. For me, it is better than Homecoming in many ways. I get to see colleagues from all over the country and world, hear amazing concerts, and learn about the newest repertoire and instruments available in our amazing industry.
My flight from LaGuardia to O’Hare yesterday was interesting. First, I could have made the 7:10 am flight, and there was room for me, but because I had not paid full fare, I would have to pay $50 to travel earlier. I guess this is how American Airlines is getting out of bankruptcy. I did manage, however, to save $25 by checking my bag at the jetway, not the check-in counter. And it still was delivered to the carousel with everyone else’s bags.
On arrival, the flight attendant announced, “Welcome to Chicago, the home of the 1908 World Series Champion Cubs, where the local time is 10:45 am.” At least he had a sense of humor!
I checked in quickly at the Palmer House, and hopped on the bus to McCormick Place West. (Since moving there in 2009, the Clinic has done a great job of improving the shuttle transportation.) I did a quick tour of the exhibits, including the Northwestern University booth (gotta have my NU sticker!), Northshore Concert Band booth (where I had a chance to see Scott Golinken), and French Woods Camp booth (where I saw Brian Worsdale). I felt the gravitational pull of the Shattinger Music score bins, and before I knew it, I had to hurry to return to Orchestra Hall in time for the 3:00 pm Chicago Symphony Brass concert. I’ve attended this concert every year since its inception (6 years ago, I think), and it is truly the 8th wonder of the world. The program included Highlights from The Magic Flute (the Queen of the Nightaria was spectacular), not one but two Gabrieli Canzoni, a JS Bach Concerto (beautifully arranged by Chris Martin’s brother, Michael), a new work by Terracini, Gegensaetze, which was gorgeous, Greensleeves, Lo, Ho a Rose ‘Ere Blooming, and the final Trio and Waltz Suite froom Der Rosenkavalier. They added a couple add-on Chrismas tunes, including two romps by the trombone section and Gene Pokorny, tuba. It was brilliant playing, and you could feel the empathy in the hall from the throngs of band directors who attended.
I met Brian for dinner, and then I attended my last event of the dayy, the US Army Band “Pershing’s Own” concert. The band is filled with expert musicians, but this program (with all due respects) lacked electricity and vibrancy.
Today I am heading back down to McCormick for more clinics and concerts, and will end the day at the NU reception tonight.