June 3 Meeting

I can’t remember ever being so excited to go to a meeting, much less one on a Saturday.

It won’t surprise anyone who has been to even one Midwest Clinic that everything they do is first class. The materials were meticulously prepared. The binder…the very thick binder…we were given will be a huge resource as we prepare and plan for our performance. Most of the meeting detailed the different rules, guidelines, and expectations for our concert. The meeting was followed by a luncheon in one of the banquet rooms of the Palmer House.

Without a doubt, though, the best part of the day was meeting and talking with the other performing conductors and the Board of Directors. It’s amazing to hear how these fine educators and teachers are handling the different challenges of bringing a group to Chicago to perform. Without exception, the members of the Board of Directors were outgoing, friendly, and genuinely interested in how they could help. There is a definite sense of community and a feeling of everyone being in this together. This 60th Anniversary Midwest Clinic is planned to be the biggest one yet. I can’t say enough how proud we are to be a part of it.

I can’t remember if it’s been mentioned before, but there is a new requirement for music selection this year. The Board has selected several works performed at Midwest in the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. We are required to program one work off of this list. Many of the works haven’t been performed much, if at all, since their Midwest Clinic premier. The intent is to provide a historical perspective while also reviving some very deserving works. Since one of our previously reserved works was on the list, I was able to avoid the mad rush on the reservation system later that day to secure one of these pieces. Even so, I did reserve a couple more works on the list. Having flexibility in the programming is good. Switching out one work for another often has a domino effect on the rest of the program. Even though I’m very secure with our original selection, having additional options to meet this programming requirement may come in handy when the finishing touches start being placed on our program.

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