Midwest Clinic, Part 2

Thursday was full of many activities and events. I began the day working my way through the exhibits, spending time specifically at the Disney Music Festival booth (discussing our upcoming trip), SmartMusic (online practice application), and the various publishers.
I attended an excellent clinic with Richard Floyd and the US Army Band, entitled “Do You Hear What I Hear,” which focused on techniques for communicating better listening techniques throughout the ensemble.
Next, I attended Paula Holcomb’s conducting clinic, “Economic and Sustainable Conducting Gestures,” which was a great review of basics I want to be sure to cover with Andrew Riopel during his upcoming student teaching semester.
The most exciting  clinic of the day was Bob Ambrose’s clinic, “Developing Rhythmic Sensitivity in Your Ensemble,” which included many challenging exercises for developing rhythmic independence. Some of the execises included “marching” in place while conducting a 4/4 pattern in my right hand, tapping upbeats with my left hand, and singing “London Bridge is Falling Down,” all at the same time. I can’t wait to try the basic exercises with my ensembles!
Because of scheduling conflicts, I couldn’t attend the University of Missouri Bassoon Ensemble concert – I am sure that was unique!
The big concert of the day was the Cobb Wind Symphony, from Marietta, Georgia, made up of many music educators from that area. This adult band played a terrific program, including three new works. Ray Cramer and Col. Arnald Gabriel were among the guest conductors. I was especially moved to see Col. Gabriel. He was the first guest conductor with whom I ever worked, at the Lower District PMEA Festival in 1974. It was an important experience for me, and a pivotal moment in my life.
The evening included the annual reception for Northwestern University alumni, where I saw many old friends (better than Homecoming!) I met composer Jonathan Newman (a former student of Jim Ruck), whose works I want to program, composer John Mackey, Judy Shellenberger (ACB President) and spoke with Dale Lonis, who extended an invitation to me for some guest conducting next year in Canada.
I am enjoying a very large corner room at the Palmer House – although the hot/cold is reversed in the shower, which is very disturbing!