February, 2006 Volume 17 Motifs Number 1 A Publication of the Midwest Clinic A DEFINING ACCOMPLISHMENT— 60 Years and Eagerly Looking to the Future

ith fondness and joy I recall the 25th wedding anniversary that my wife, Molly, and I celebrated with family and friends. We laughed a lot and marveled at how quickly those 25 W years had passed. Last December, just after the Midwest Clinic, we celebrated our 42nd year together and looked forward to that very special “Golden” milestone that is still ahead of us. After all, a 50th anniversary celebration becomes a time for special moments, events, and memories relishing past accomplishments, just as it was for the Midwest Clinic’s 50th year with special concerts, clinics, guests and the much-anticipated publishing of “The First 50 Years” by Victor and Marilea Zajec. Recently I was looking through this fantastic book and was once again struck by the wealth of our history and the incredible changes, growth and impact this organization has had on our profession.

Every one of the last 59 conferences has included individuals who attended the first Midwest Clinic, a band reading session, in 1946. Richard Brittain is one of these individuals. A Midwest Clinic board member since 1974, he has informed us he will retire from the board following this year’s conference, after having served in so many capacities, so faithfully for six decades. The Midwest Clinic has valued and appreciated his years of service and practical leadership.

Midwest This special edition of the Motifs focuses on the types of truly outstanding experiences you can have at the Midwest Clinic. Included on page 19 is a preview of some of the acclaimed guests who will be appearing at our 60th Anniversary Celebration this December. If you have ever considered coming to Chicago, or are a regular attendee, this conference will be a defining moment as we celebrate our heritage and exhibit our commitment to the future of the Midwest Clinic and instrumental music education. While we have experienced amazing changes and growth, thanks to your loyal support our efforts will only intensify in order to provide the most valuable, creative, and educationally sound environment possible. We will strive to provide the highest professional standards in promoting our mission. Please join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the past 60 years. The following quotation certainly relays our view of the past and the future of the Midwest Clinic.

“Celebrate what you’ve accomplished but raise the bar a little higher each time you succeed.” — Mia Hamm

As the Midwest Clinic looks forward to our 75th and even 100th anniversaries, we desire to keep raising the bar a little higher. We sincerely admire and respect all of you in our profession and thank you for making the Midwest Clinic the amazing event it is each and every year. Please join us in Chicago and help us celebrate this milestone achievement, our 60th anniversary.

Safe travels, good health and a pleasant spring to all of you.

Ray E. Cramer President Testimonials Wanted: The Midwest Clinic and Grade 1, 2, and 3 Music Community Bands and the Midwest Clinic

or community band conductors and expectation and ability is in a community he Midwest Clinic has instrumentalists, the Midwest Clinic that supplies interest and support, student always placed a high value Fis a veritable gold mine—a place achievements have no limits. Community to be inspired by thrilling performances, band performances reassure us that T on the performance of to learn about being a better musician expressive performance by non- grade 1, 2, and 3 music. We and a more effective influence within a professionals can continue throughout community. A life, that maturity would like to know what the Midwest audience brings continual opportunity to hear this music at is unique in the growth in musical way it bonds with understanding and the Midwest Clinic has meant to the performers, sensitivity, that you in your career as a teacher. consequently performance enriches each life in Please take a moment to let us establishing an artistic “electricity” very special ways, know. Send your response to that might not be and that [email protected] definable but is performance can be palpable in its an important and be sure to include your presence. element of lifelong name, school name, and city and Performers reach a Allen Beck, President of the Association of health. Community high point that Concert Bands with David McCormick, bands appearing in state. Submissions may be stands above their clinician, “More Helpful Hints for Community recent years have other achievements, Bands: Conduct, Don't Talk,” December 16, come from diverse printed in whole or in part in an 2005. and audience places such as upcoming issue of the Midwest members are inspired to reach higher Birmingham, England; Los Angeles, Motifs or on the Midwest Clinic goals upon returning home. Clinic California; Atlanta, Georgia; sessions bring practical information to Hamamatsu, Japan; and Wilmette, website. improve instrumental technique, Illinois. The Association of Concert Bands conducting, organization management, board of directors has met annually at community leadership, to open vistas on the Midwest. Clinics have included a repertoire, and myriad other elements for presentation on the details of organizing all musicians, including those in a community band, a panel giving helpful community bands. hints on a variety of community band topics, and a session offering advice on Concerts by the world’s finest, the issues that are faced specifically by Washington, D.C.-based professional community band conductors. bands of the United States military Attendees come away from the Midwest services, thrill us and provide ever-new Clinic with extra awareness of close insights into what we seek in the art of relationships between music in schools, music. In performances by high school colleges, professional concert halls, and orchestras, concert and jazz bands, the the town band shell. All attendees are effects of music are heightened by inspired to make the joys and human emotional fervor that is unique to values of music a more central part of life adolescents. Middle school and junior in every community. ■ high school students demonstrate that young people have unlimited potential, David C. McCormick and when a teacher with unbound Secretary

2 Midwest Clinic FAQ’s – Conference Edition

hat are some of the most 3. Do you think the late frequently asked questions at conference dates (December the annual conference? Read 19-23) will hurt your W attendance in 2006? on. Here, we share the answers. The late date pattern did not hurt 1. What are the numbers? attendance in 1995 or 2000, the last two By a wide margin, the most common years that the conference was held over question I get during the conference is for these dates. When we surveyed the latest registration figures. It used to attendees in 2004 about their preferred surprise me that so many people take an dates for 2006, December 19-23 interest in this, but I have since realized received twice as many votes as the that it reflects the investment we all share earlier week. We have even heard from not only in the success of the Midwest many teachers that they can only attend Clinic but also in the camaraderie and during these dates, since their school energy that are formed when this many activities have concluded by then. We music professionals and students come regret any complications that the late together. So what were the numbers? It dates may cause, but with a truly pleases me to say that our attendance for unforgettable program planned for the 2005 set a new record: 15,153. Thank 60th Anniversary, we promise you that you and congratulations to each one of any extra effort you put into attending you for making this the biggest Midwest will be more than worth it! Clinic ever. 4. When is the Midwest Clinic 2. How come you’re smiling? going to move into a larger 6. So, do you get some time Not only is the conference enjoyable facility? off after the conference? from an administrator’s perspective, but See #5. You’d better believe it, and there are in many respects it can be an easier days in November when the promise of week for the Midwest Clinic office staff 5. How could anyone even time off is the only thing that keeps us than the preceding two months. This think about moving the going. But an interesting thing happens owes as much to the expertise of our conference out of the Hilton? during the conference. Teachers often conference staff and the cooperation of For each person who encourages us to speak of recharging their batteries at the our attendees as to the painstaking find a larger facility, we hear from two or Midwest Clinic. The same is true for the nature of our preparations to ensure that three more who inform us that if we conference organizers. We may begin everything runs smoothly. The Midwest move from the Hilton, they would the week feeling fatigued and dreaming Clinic is the culmination of an entire consider no longer attending the Midwest of spur-of-the-moment tropical getaways, year’s work. Watching the week pass in Clinic. We analyze this situation each but we come alive with each new a blur can be a bittersweet experience, and every year, looking for new opportunity we see, each new suggestion but the feeling of seeing everything opportunities and alternatives while we receive, and each new idea that is coming together, old friends greeting keeping mindful of the balances that must inspired. In countless ways, each one another in the lobby, teachers be struck among convenience and conference moves us to make the next revitalizing their dedication to music spaciousness, tradition and innovation, one better, providing all the incentive we education, and appreciative audiences affordability and expansion. We are need to reopen the office in January with applauding triumphant student pleased that the Palmer House and Merle the feeling that the best is yet to come. performers, that feeling can keep me Reskin Theatre have recently made it With the 60th Anniversary celebration smiling the entire year. possible to offer new programs without ahead of us in December, that feeling is taking anything away from the rest of the stronger than ever. conference, and we are currently developing additional programs that Kelly S. Jocius follow these examples. Executive Administrator 3 Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way: Planning for the Midwest Clinic, Post-Katrina

n August 27, 2005, I evacuated contacting soloists and guest conductors, The actual Midwest Clinic performance my house and headed for gathering information about the program experience was incredible. Our soloists, OBatesville, Mississippi with my pieces and finalizing our program. While Dr. Lou Fischer, Marcus Printup, and family, my dog, enough clothes for a few we were in Florida, we saw a Katrina Mark Mullins, were great with the days, every photograph my wife could fit Benefit Concert with Harry Connick, Jr. students. They spent time with them, in the car, and a few scores to study. I on television. They performed Do You talked and joked with them, commended thought we would be home in a few Know What it Means to Miss New them on their musicianship, and inspired days, just like the previous evacuations. Orleans? This inspired the idea to them. Many of these students plan to My only concern was that school might perform that piece at Midwest. John pursue music as a career, but even if they be cancelled for a day or two affecting Mahoney, Director of Jazz Studies at do not, they will have fond memories of my rehearsal schedule for our Loyola University, New Orleans, performing with these musicians forever. performance. Well, after Hurricane arranged it for us. Katrina hit, that day or two turned into The motto of Mandeville High School is five weeks. On October 3rd, we started back to “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” school. The students were anxious to get Never has that seemed more fitting. This After being away for a week, I went back to work. Our biggest obstacle was performance meant so much to our home to check on my house. Three feet of that the school board stopped all school and community. We worked water in the house meant that my home fundraisers, and we were not allowed to toward a common goal that seemed computer was fried, along with all of my ask for money from the community or unattainable just weeks earlier. The Midwest Clinic contact information, from the students. Also, all field trips students were able to concentrate on this soloists’ biographies and photos, and were cancelled. My principal, Mr. Bruce performance of a lifetime instead of any planning I had completed thus far. Bundy, handled the red tape to get our dwelling on items lost, houses lost, living My program selection was almost trip approved. Financially, LMEA District with two or more families in one house, complete. I visited local high schools VII Band Directors Association started the and the destruction throughout our around Batesville and Memphis, ball rolling by collecting money in their community. All of that aside, this was an Tennessee, to finalize my music district and sending our first donation. incredible experience, one we will all selections. I informed the Midwest Clinic Then, the Band Boosters got to work, and treasure for the rest of our lives. ■ office that I would continue as if we were the donations started coming in. After still planning to perform. At this point, I receiving one anonymous donation for had not had any contact with any $10,000, I knew we were on our way. students. After about ten days, and a few The Boosters handled the details of the e-mails, I received a text message from a trip, while I concentrated on the music band parent who was still in Mandeville. and salvaging the end of marching After receiving a text messaging lesson season. Kelly Jocius and Darcy Nendza from my thirteen year old daughter, this were very patient and understanding as and an occasional e-mail became the we just barely met deadlines, and Tony only means of communication I had with García, our liaison on the Board of my band. I learned that my students were Directors, provided a wealth of scattered all over the nation. knowledge and problem solving expertise Paul Frechou is Director of Bands ranging from programming ideas to at Mandeville High School, We bought a laptop computer to copyright information. Mandeville, Louisiana. continue Midwest planning and headed for Florida. We had a tentative start date Next was the task of creating our own for school, and it seemed that most of my program. Sharon McNamara-Horne, band students would be returning to talented Music Teacher, was willing to Mandeville. I spent most of my time take on this task, along with other aspects of the performance. 4 Thoughts and Impressions from the Newest Board Member “What in the World Am I Doing Here?”

n a timeline of less than six and well thought out. The “Director’s appointed to serve on the Midwest Board years, my experiences have Memos” and other communications from is an honor and a privilege, it also Oincluded my first attendance at Kelly Jocius and Darcy Nendza were represents a tremendous responsibility the Midwest Clinic, presentation of a clear and congenial. Through the requiring dedication, commitment, and a concert and a rehearsal lab at the experience, my respect for the philosophy great deal of hard work. It became Midwest Clinic, and my acceptance of an and procedures of the Midwest Clinic obvious to me why the Midwest Clinic is invitation to serve on the Midwest Clinic concerts was firmly established. I so successful and effective when I Board of Directors. It all seems like an thoroughly enjoyed the entire process. observed the seriousness with which the amazing and exciting dream. board members and the staff Understanding my respect and regard for approached their duties. My feelings As a young band director, my impression the Midwest Clinic, you may be able to were solidified in December while of the Midwest Clinic was one of awe understand the thrill of receiving the working as part of the team during the and inaccessibility. Even though some of invitation offered by President Ray 2005 Midwest Clinic. my friends in Florida had told me over and over again that attendance at the “It became obvious to me why the Midwest Clinic is so Midwest Clinic could be a life-changing experience, it was not until adjudicators successful and effective when I observed the seriousness with and colleagues were suggesting that my which the board members and the staff approached their band should apply to perform that I decided to make plans to attend and “see duties.” for myself.” At that, my first Midwest Clinic, I wandered, wide-eyed, around Cramer to serve on the Board of There is no great mystery or aura the Chicago Hilton, taking advantage of Directors. It would be impossible for me surrounding the Midwest Board of the concerts, exhibits, and clinic to describe how nervous and excited I Directors. They are simply a group of offerings. I purchased Victor Zajec’s was to be traveling to the Chicago Hilton conscientious, diligent, accomplished book, The First Fifty Years: A History of in June of last year. I was about to attend individuals dedicated to serving the the Mid-West Band and Orchestra Clinic. the same performers’ meeting I had needs of the attendees of the Midwest After experiencing the Midwest Clinic for attended in 2002, but this time, I would Clinic—year after year after year. I am the first time, and subsequently looking have a very different role in the meeting. proud to be part of this amazing group! ■ through that wonderful historical I was fortunate to be able to participate document, I realized what I had been in the board retreat—a series of strategic missing and vowed never again to planning meetings over several days deprive myself of the opportunity. prior to the performance meeting. This experience was invaluable in providing My band was selected to present a me with a broad view and an historical concert at the Midwest Clinic the very perspective on the function of the next year. My colleagues who had Midwest Clinic Board of Directors. previously presented concerts at the Additionally, the retreat afforded me the Midwest Clinic cautioned me about the opportunity to spend time working side meticulous nature of the performance by side with the members of the board, literature selection process. So began my all of whom are icons of the music world. first experience “inside the Midwest These wonderful individuals created for Paula Thornton is Director of Bands Clinic.” The structure and organization of me an aura of congenial acceptance and at Buchholz High School, the performance process, starting with sincere welcoming that I never expected. Gainesville, Florida. the band’s acceptance and finishing with During this first encounter with the the concert itself, was truly amazing. The members of the Midwest Board, I arrived guidelines and the procedures were clear at the following realization: While being 5 Midwest Clinic Rehearsal Lab Perspectives Opportunities and Potential

n Friday, December 16, the thoughts on the Midwest Clinic and their note taking and attentive listening. Having Valley High School Symphony rehearsal clinic with Professor McMurray. I the opportunity to be at Midwest is a great OBand enjoyed the distinct was not wholly prepared for the thoughtful honor, but having the opportunity to play pleasure and honor of acting as a nature of the students’ words or the depth in front of talented conductors is even demonstration ensemble for the 59th of their understanding. Their testimonials more of an honor. Thankfully Midwest is Annual Midwest Clinic. Under the speak volumes. not just a once in a lifetime opportunity, direction of Professor Allan McMurray, and I hope to return to the conference Endowed Professor, Chair of Conducting “Midwest was one of the best experiences again in later years.” and Director of Bands at the University of of my life. Being surrounded by so many Kelsey Scavo, clarinet Colorado, our students experienced and people who were passionate about music demonstrated rehearsal techniques while was totally energizing and is something I The rehearsal lab opportunity is a performing the Second Suite in F, Gustav will never forget. The clinics provided me wonderful way to bring perspective, Holst, ed. Matthews, and My Jesus! Oh, with insight and tips on playing my exposure and educational growth to a What Anguish, J.S. Bach, arr. Reed. instrument, as well as new outlooks on program, school and community. Aspiring how to approach any piece of music. The bands and band programs can grow not The Midwest Rehearsal Lab Series is a exhibits were informative and fun. The only through interactions with exceptional new program designed to offer educators concerts, of course, were amazing. I’d like conductors, but also through contact with insights into rehearsal philosophy and to thank Professor McMurray for being the the environment we call Midwest. Our technique. Initiated in 2004, this series, best clinician with whom I have ever self-organized, 3-day itinerary included held at the Palmer House, is an exciting worked. Especially important were the guest speakers, guest conductors (in addition to the Midwest offering. One of ideas of directed listening and the addition to the rehearsal clinic with the primary goals is to bring educators in “heartbeat” of the music. In the seventy- Professor McMurray), a panel discussion contact with noted and respected five minutes we had with him, I think each with directors, parents and administrators, conductors “in the act” of collaborating person in the band changed how they prescribed time at the conference, and with a musical ensemble. Through this listened and played. I’m incredibly free time at the conference. And last, but contact it becomes possible to gather grateful for the opportunity the Valley not least, we were able to enjoy Chicago’s ideas, techniques, and rehearsal tools for High School Symphony Band had with cultural amenities such as Giordano’s consideration and possible incorporation him and hope he enjoyed the clinic as Pizza, Christkind Mart, Marshall Field’s, into the educator’s classroom. much as I did.” the Miracle Mile, and a show at Comedy Sarah Waskom, flute Sportz. The Palmer House Hotel provided Not only is the lab experience a wonderful a beautiful, comfortable and professional seminar for educators, it also is a “once in “Midwest was by far the most eye- environment for our stay. a lifetime” opportunity for students. How opening and interesting conference I have often will a band have the chance to ever experienced. This clinic showed me The Midwest Clinic offers rich educational receive 75 minutes of praise, direction, what is possible and presented and advocacy awareness opportunities for insight and affirmation from one of our opportunities that I could take advantage parents, community members and nation’s noted conductors? All of this was of in the future. Because of Professor administrators. We were fortunate to have provided in an environment that celebrates McMurray’s attentive and thoughtful style a strong number of parents who chose to the accomplishments and preparations of our ensemble will continue to improve our support and chaperone our students the students. I had high expectations for musical endeavors.” through their attendance. These same the potential of the experience from the Robert Adams, euphonium parents, in turn, were able to see and first day I learned of our invitation to be hear musical and organizational models part of the rehearsal clinic series. It was, “The Midwest Conference was full of that are standard-bearers across the however, upon our return home that I education and new experiences. The United States. The power of this exposure began to realize even my highest music all of the groups performed was is evidenced in their words. expectations had been exceeded. As a phenomenal! Every person in the closing assignment I asked the students to audience truly wanted to be a part of the “As Band Booster Presidents it was a write a few sentences relative to their performance and showed this through privilege to be able to experience first

6 Midwest Clinic Rehearsal Lab Perspectives hand the excitement that is the Midwest The rehearsal clinic also provides the “Music is the only subject that lights up Clinic. The concerts we attended showed potential for administrative exposure to students physically, intellectually, us the quality performance level that can outstanding instrumental music program emotionally, socially, and psychologically. be achieved by a public school band models and the culture of Midwest. Our It was a very powerful experience to program. The exhibits we visited (and we band staff was especially pleased when watch the glow projected from the only scratched the surface) gave great Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Tom musicians as we enjoyed the concerts. insight into the possibilities that await Narak, Curriculum Coordinator, Dr. Three days of Midwest put me under the students who want music to continue in Phyllis Staplin, and Principal, Dr. Vicky spell! As an administrator and educator, I their lives beyond high school, even if Poole, accepted our invitations to join us appreciate truly exceptional learning they don’t want to be music majors in for the conference. Their interest and experiences for our students. The quality commitment to our program is important, college or play professionally. The of this experience was outstanding! and the opportunity for them to exposure to so many people who are Watching the Valley High School experience the conference will help passionate about music education was Symphony Band work under the direction provide background and deeper inspiring. of Professor McMurray, I could understandings for future conversations appreciate the subtle changes he brought regarding our program. Their thoughts “It was wonderful to be around so many to their performance.” are an affirmation of the entire people who have such a love of music. experience. Dr. Vicky Poole, Valley High School We saw students who were inspired by Principal what they experienced (those from our “As a school administrator I found the school as well as some from other Midwest Clinic a very rewarding In closing, I would like to extend my schools we saw in passing). Since we conference. Having the opportunity to thanks and gratitude to Kelly Jocius, were trying to give our students a great observe our students and band instructors Executive Administrator, and the Midwest experience, this was a rewarding sight experience this outstanding clinic was Clinic Board of Directors for this for us. We also believe we can start to quite inspiring. I would highly wonderful opportunity. The chance for the ask questions that will help our district’s recommend The Midwest Clinic to other West Des Moines Community to enjoy an program develop and improve. As interested school administrators.” association with Midwest invites us to parents of a music education major, we Dr. Tom Narak, West Des Moines celebrate our accomplishments and, at were in awe of the amount of Community Schools Superintendent the same time, reaffirm our commitment information, the quality of the programs to the educational environment fostered and the people, and the endless “. . . It was a place where generations by Midwest. I am confident our time at opportunities that await our son as he met.... exemplary high school students Midwest will inspire many positive and continues his education and as he begins interacting with the best music educators rewarding memories for our students to educate others. It helped us begin to in the country. If there is any doubt about and, in addition, encourage our better understand his passion for music the importance of instrumental education community to deeply consider all that we education.” as a basic and indispensable element of are and all that we can become. ■ a rounded educational experience, Joel and Barb Waymire, VHS Band attendance at Midwest will dismiss any Booster Presidents, 2005-2006 skepticism. Observing and listening to our students have musical conversations “ . . . Midwest is a place where our regarding style, tone and phrasing; administrators, directors, parents and hearing the subtle changes in music students walked in the realm of what is performance that took place in the 75 possible and reaffirmed the essential role minute clinic time; and viewing and music plays in our lives. Good music sensing the complete engagement of the does not just happen. It takes desire, students and the pride in their dedication, direction, discipline, and performance—all of these were part of drive. Midwest made me want to work the aesthetic culture felt in the ballroom at harder to assure that music thrives in our the Palmer House. Bach and Holst filled schools. I would encourage more parents the ballroom; students were working so Tony Garmoe is Director of Bands to attend the conference and actively hard and their thinking was visible to all at Valley High School, advocate in their communities for strong who watched.” West Des Moines, Iowa music programs.” Dr. Phyllis Staplin, Director of Denise Suess, VHS Band Parent Curriculum

7 Midwest Clinic Rehearsal Lab Perspectives A Student Listens

s a high school musician, I have perfect balance. The first time, we did it cut us off—we were responsible for using lived for several years under the rather well, and I enjoyed seeing looks of our newly-honed listening and breathing A pedagogy of “looking up.” The awe in the group of music educators—to skills to run through the music. first time I worked with my current band many of them, the notion that this could director, it was made very clear to bring be accomplished by a high school group The first piece, Puszta by Jan Van Der the music stand just high enough to see likely seemed ludicrous. (In fairness, Mr. Roost consists of four movements, each a his baton and the bottom of his Kirchhoff had visited our school where we different dance. Here we experience the conducting range. Workshops I have did this exercise. Nonetheless we did it varying tempi, as well as starts and stops participated in with other directors, at quite a bit at the clinic). in each movement. We applied the skills festivals and at school, have helped Mr. Kirchhoff had worked on with us and indoctrinate “looking up,” preferably Quickly after attempting to play the note managed to get through each movement, every other measure. One guest con- simultaneously once or twice, we complete with tempo changes, pauses, ductor proclaimed that he was prepared discovered the key—breathing. We had and even dynamics and style. to give a college scholarship to a student to take an audible, deep breath, which who he saw watch his conducting and could in turn prompt others to do the However, the second piece we were leadership through an entire passage. same, and then we would play the note in playing was the slow and pensive Eric concert. One of my music teachers Whitacre piece, Lux Arumque. At our It makes sense. Especially in a high school described it as a chamber music conductor’s initial urgings, we were setting, the conductor is the finest approach to wind ensemble, which is an playing a good deal of this piece without musician in the group. They are respon- interesting way to think of it. A full wind his conducting a mundane 4/4; rather, he sible for determining everything—good ensemble playing is no different than a was cueing each entrance. Needless to conductors can make clear not only their clarinetist performing a solo with piano say, the prospect of playing the whole intentions for tempi and dynamics, but accompaniment, when it comes to piece without a conductor gave us pause. also for style and even emotion. breathing. Again, it all came down to what Mr. Kirchhoff had said—the breath. We One can imagine my surprise when Craig Mr. Kirchhoff had several goals in this— started, all almost giving a gasp in efforts Kirchhoff, our rehearsal technician, first and foremost, he wanted us to listen, to be audible, and as the student approached with his distinct style of and use our ears to accomplish this. The teacher dropped the baton to his hips we educating. Perhaps his greatest gift was exercise sharpened our hearing, which (of started playing. Right on time, each time, his ability to make all of us listen much course) in turn helped our intonation. we breathed. Remarkably, the breaths better and more carefully to one another. Also, as he explained, when we breathed allowed us to make our way through the First, in a rather complex section of our we gave a discreet motion to begin piece. I distinctly remember each section piece where we accelerated from quarter playing. Suddenly, it seemed that we were taking a deep breath before they entered, = 60 to 138 in only a few short measures, conducting. and it worked wonders. I noticed new even with the aid of conductors, our things in the playing I hadn’t before; accelerando was neither even nor Even with a conductor, it grew to become further, the intonation and tuning as a together. Mr. Kirchhoff’s approach was to a great help to breathe so audibly and band was improved. Something as give us the downbeat of the first measure, clearly. I fondly recall the first time some mundane and seemingly obvious as and then completely stop conducting—we of us played with the school’s symphony breathing and listening turned out to be a were responsible for listening to each after the clinic, and hearing the wind vital aspect to our playing. other playing together. After accomplish- players breathing…if memory serves, we ing this, he did a similar thing in other got a few odd looks from violinists. In the long run, and at our concert only passages; thus, we learned to listen However, we were able to take these skills three days later, we were able to acutely to other members of the group and apply them to other musical settings, accomplish much more. Our band and follow certain instruments and successfully. director did not have to be responsible for passages more than others. conducting tempi with marching band The next day, our director was at the style, linear technique. Rather, he was However, that was merely our penultimate conference for a second day, while we able to communicate with us through his listening exercise; the climax of our were back at school to rehearse our music conducting—dynamics, feeling, style, experience came when he had us close with a student teacher. He was not everything! ■ our eyes and, without cue, play a concert familiar with the score; thus, after hearing Bb at the exact same time, together, in about Mr. Kirchhoff’s styles, he decided Travis A. White-Schwoch for each piece to give us a downbeat and Student, Evanston Township High School 8 Midwest Clinic Rehearsal Lab Perspectives A Community Sees a Difference

his year, Hickory Creek Middle School was invited to Our private lesson teachers also participated by checking each perform in an open rehearsal at the Midwest Clinic. We student’s Midwest music individually, and by assisting in Treceived our invitation to participate in late August weekend clinics held here at school. The weekend clinics also 2005, indicating that we would be paired up with a noted involved guest conductor, David Allie from Memorial Junior High clinician (Linda Gammon of Robinson Secondary School, in School in Lansing, Illinois, who would demonstrate many of the Fairfax County, Virginia) and that we would be presenting an techniques Mrs. Gammon would eventually utilize. open rehearsal, including warm-up chorals, singing, tuning and other rehearsal procedures that are usually conducted behind The clinic itself was held on December 14 in the Palmer House’s closed doors. This would be our opportunity to show our entire Grand Ballroom. The kids were beyond excited. None had been community what a fine rehearsal includes. in a room like this before, and for many this was their first trip to Chicago. Our event was We immediately recognized attended by directors from that, should we accept this around the U.S. and abroad. invitation, it would require some Our administrators and band changes in our program. Most parents sat in as well. Dana significantly, we would have to Rohally, a sixth grade clarinet cut a major autumn marching player in the band, offered the performance in which our band highest praise available to a annually participated. At first, junior high student: “I thought it we were worried that this was really cool!” The impact on change would be met with the adults in the audience, resistance – after all, parents in however, was even more our community are very fond of profound. So much of what we our traditions. What we do as band directors is judged in discovered, however, was that a single moment. Performances students, parents, community become the end-all be-all, in members, our board of music education, when in reality education and administration they represent about one percent were more than happy to accept the challenge and explore new of the program. Opening up this rehearsal not only possibilities within our program. Participating in this event demonstrated for the attendees what a fine rehearsal involves, provided us a venue to educate our parents and our community but it reinforced that music education is a process, not a simple, about the Midwest Clinic and the benefits of quality literature. compartmentalized final product. And even our students, to But, even more significantly, we found the level of our students’ whom some of these types of concepts are a little high minded, musicianship took a sharp turn for the better. Without the came to understand that a musician must concentrate on every emphasis on their marching feet, students were able to detail of a piece of music, every time they play it, whether it be concentrate on finer points of musical performance that are in a lab setting, a concert, a rehearsal, a school gym, a grand usually ushered aside at this time of year. ballroom, a practice room, or a friend’s basement. It brought to them a new level of concentration… or at the very least, the Frankfort School District 157-C has approximately 145 students recognition that such a level exists. in the middle school band. We audition the students the first month of the year, and place them into one of two bands based We can’t lie, preparing for the Midwest Clinic was a stressful on playing level. Our top band, the Hickory Creek Symphonic ordeal. We obviously wanted to uphold the Clinic’s impressive Band, would require its 70 members to prepare the following traditions and to make sure that everyone involved from our end literature for the day: Chant and Jublio by Francis McBeth, got the most out of the experience. But in the end, it was more Sousa’s The Liberty Bell March edited by Keith Brion and than worth it. The Clinic not only helped us to refine our own Yorkshire Ballad by James Barnes. The students also prepared program and its goals, but revealed to our community just a bit chorals and scales in the keys of the literature they’d be of the complexity that lies beneath the surface of fine rehearsing, and brushed up on their sight-reading techniques musicianship. ■ (they would be asked to sight-read Portrait of a Clown). Quite a challenge! Our students were challenged to perform at a level Doug Adams they generally don’t reach until the end of the school year. They Assistant Director learned many concepts we’ll be able to apply throughout the Hickory Creek Middle School Band year – we can’t wait to hear what they sound like this May! Frankfort, Illinois 9 SCENES FROM THE 2005

10 MIDWEST CLINIC

Photos by Jonathan Kirn 11 Tomorrow’s Directors Learning Today

everal years ago I was sitting in a so I enlisted the aid of my wife Janis. She down the lobby was Frances McBeth, so I Midwest Clinic concert and said to became the group organizer and asked him if he would stop and share a Smyself, “I would like to bring some planner, the go-to person for the trip. She few words of wisdom with the students, students to see and hear some of the booked the hotel and airline and put the and he did. They also met and took a outstanding groups from around the itinerary together using the Midwest picture with Edward Lisk, who arranged country.” The goal would be for them to Clinic website. The website had all the the edition we performed of Edwin see peers their age performing at a very information that the school board, Franko Goldman’s ABA March. We all high standard and witness the joy on principal, and parents required. Because know how exciting it is to meet the their faces, then to bring back what they of the amount of money being spent, a composer, however, what about those had experienced and share it with other financial report was put together to show kids? They shouted, “He’s alive!” They members of the Oxon Hill High School how the funds were being used. Each are in band heaven now! All the students Band Program here in Prince George’s student was required to turn in receipts want to play in band when they get to County, Maryland. and keep a journal, and a report from college and many want to major or each student was due the first week of the minor in music. This is how we can In the summer of 2003 I had just New Year for the sponsors to read. encourage more students to choose a completed a meeting with our Oxon Hill career in music education. The Midwest High School Marching Band Invitational Clinic has something for everyone to see, Committee at my home and one of our hear, and learn. To the Midwest: keep up business sponsors, Eugene Green, stayed all the hard work because you are to enjoy some food with us. We all call helping us all to change the lives of our him Brother Green. So I said, “Bro. students. I would like to say thank you to Green, I have been trying to take my my wife Janis and I love you because band to Chicago to perform at a December 15 is our wedding anniversary conference, but I can’t get the money for and we celebrate it together at the my band to travel. I travel there every Midwest Clinic in Chicago. “These are December for the Midwest Clinic and the band directors of tomorrow learning Chicago is a beautiful city.” So he said, today.” Have a Blessed Year making “If you can’t take the whole band, why good music. ■ not a few students?” I said, “This is my The students participated in all the professional conference and I do not workshops, clinics, and concerts. The For more information about this program have time to watch any children.” Bro. exhibit floor was one of their best places to bring students to the Midwest Clinic Green said, “How much does it cost?” I to visit. I asked them to bring their you can contact me at said, “I paid around $1,000 for the mouthpieces to try out new instruments [email protected] or complete trip.” I remember one specific and technology. It was my students who 301-749-4332. statement that he said: “You have not introduced me to Smart Music on the because you ask not.” Then I said, “Ok! I showroom floor, and now we have a want to take five students and it is going Music Technology Lab in the band room to cost $5,000.” with five workstations. Students will see things that we band directors sometimes I began to talk to other businesses with overlook because there is so much for us the aid of Bro. Green and shared the to see and do at the conference. Some vision of taking some band students to students may think all composers are the Midwest Clinic. It was exciting as the dead, but they are wrong. Now they look money came in and all the sponsors forward to meeting them! This fall the wanted to stay anonymous. So I made students did a report on the life and Walter Harley is that promise. I sent five students letters in music of the late Alfred Reed. They were Chairman and Director of Bands at the mail in September of 2003. The letter amazed to see how many tributes in the Oxon Hill High School had to be returned in five business days performing groups were programmed to Instrumental Music Department and signed and notarized. Putting this the great Alfred Reed. I use the McBeth Oxon Hill, Maryland together quickly became overwhelming balance system in the band and walking 12 The following comments are excerpted from papers written by students in the Oxon Hill High School Band Program in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

hile in attendance at the school bands. It showed me that age Fleming, the director of bands at Buffalo Midwest Clinic, I learned so doesn’t have to be a hinderer if you State; both happen to be good friends. Wmuch. There were fascinating choose not to make it one. One middle Francis Macbeth was also at the Midwest people, performers, and products. On school band that played outstandingly Clinic. He is noted for developing the Tuesday December 13, 2005 I viewed the was Piedmont Lakes Middle School Jazz pyramid system for balancing a band. Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. Ensemble from Apoka, Florida. They did His system (which my band director They played beautifully and were a not sound like a typical middle school teaches) requires that you build a band’s wonderful performance to start my trip band. Their musical skill and ability made sound from the bottom up. The basses with. There was an extremely talented them sound like a much older band. They should be more prominent than the violin soloist named Nicolas Kendall. He seemed to have many years of experience sopranos and provide support for the was quite a sight to see: he played an despite the fact that they are so young. band. I also had the pleasure of meeting entire solo (which was very long and Hearing musicianship coming from such Melvin Miles, the Director of Bands at complicated) from memory. His young players was a real eye opener for me. Morgan State University, which is located enthralling performance was in honor of in Baltimore, Maryland. I even got to his grandfather, John Kendall, who was One of the most memorable nights at the meet David Holsinger, who composed recognized that night with the prestigious Midwest Band Clinic was College Night. Hymnsong of Philip Bliss, a song that my Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor. Before There were dozens of schools with booths band plays annually at our Sacred Music that night, I had not heard of John and tables set up, eager to give out Concert. Kendall. However, I learned that he information about their college/university. brought the Suzuki teaching method from It was a great experience. It is very rare I am so grateful to have been selected to Japan to America. I also learned that the that I get an opportunity to hear and attend the Midwest Band Clinic in Suzuki method is a teaching method in learn about so many colleges all in one Chicago. I had a chance to experience which you start teaching a child to play place. I got all types of pamphlets and life in a different city and get a small feel at a very young age. The child first business cards so that I could keep in of independence. I got to see cutting learns to recognize the different pitches contact with recruiters and representatives. edge musical technology and test out of the instrument then learns to read the I got all types of information on the whatever instrument I wanted! I had a music and associate the notes on the school’s academic and musical programs. blast while playing the different flutes, page to the pitches of the instrument. As a matter of fact, many schools don’t piccolos and French horns that were on require their students to major in music in display. I had a chance to see astounding I have to admit that of all of the perform- order to play in the band. I also learned performances and enlightening ances that I saw during my stay in Chicago, about the cost of going to these various information sessions. I know that being my favorite would have to be the United schools and different ways to pay for able to go to the Midwest Clinic is a rare States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”. tuition. Many of the colleges/universities opportunity and I count myself blessed to Because of their popularity, they had two offered distinguished and lucrative have been able to experience it. concerts back to back to accommodate scholarships/grants. College Night was — Ebony Thompson all of the listeners. It is a well known fact quite an experience. that all of the military bands are held to Wonderful, exciting, and fantastic are a very high standard. I was extremely I also met a tremendous amount of just a few of the words I could use to pleased to experience this fact first hand. people at the Midwest Band Clinic. It was describe the time I had spent at the Fifty I enjoyed all of the songs but particularly immensely exciting to meet and talk to – Ninth Annual Midwest Clinic in enjoyed the solos that were exhibited. Edward Lisk. Edward Lisk arranged The Chicago, Illinois. From the plane ride to There was a solo trumpeter and a solo ABA March by John Philip Sousa. My Chicago until the plan ride back to trombonist. The trumpeter’s dexterity was school band played that song just Maryland, I was enjoying every last astounding and the trombonist’s had recently. My band director even gave us minute of it. range like I’ve never heard before (he an assignment to write a report about played notes that I didn’t know could Edward Lisk’s life, education, and When I got to Chicago I was so eager to even come out of a trombone). I was contributions to music. It is interesting to do everything I could. Eventually I took thrilled to get his autograph. I also loved research and write about someone’s life, my time so I could be able to enjoy the Herald Trumpets. Their sound was but it is amazing to actually meet him in everything in Chicago. When we arrived clear, bold and commanding. The whole person. I also met Dr. Graves, who is the at the Hilton I was a little surprised at performance was riveting and I’m glad Director of Bands at Tennessee State. I how nice and respectful the people were that I had an opportunity to witness it. met Rodney Dorsey, one of the board there. If you asked a person who works I was especially amazed by the middle members of the Midwest Clinic and Rick there a question, they were not rude to 13 you at all. They had a lot of respect The Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra made out of titanium, and although they towards you and did not look down at was held in the International Ballroom. were very expensive, they played you because you were a teenager. These young kids were great. They beautifully. How do I know, you might sounded like little professors and they ask? The man at the stand let me try one Thursday was the day when going to late looked like ones too. out. It was so smooth on my lips, and the night concerts started to catch up with me. notes came out so easily. But besides I was physically drained, but I kept on At 4:00 p.m. we went to the International metal mouthpieces, there were also plastic moving. On this day I went to a Ballroom to see and hear Beaumont mouthpieces. I bought a black 3c, which performance by Piedmont Lakes Middle Middle School Symphonic Band. They plays like an angel. I went inside a Jazz Ensemble. I was truly amazed at the were great and the solo trumpet was practice room, and it was magnificent talent these middle school students had. amazing. It encouraged me to practice inside—it could do so many things. For This was also the day that College Night more. instance, when the man played his occurred. During College Night I receive a trumpet he recorded it, and then he lot of information from colleges. I received Then it was time for College Night and I played it back. The room could also give information form Illinois State University was happy because I wanted to see what off echo, and it was totally sound proof. School of Music, Florida State University, colleges were good for me. I signed up and University of South Carolina just to for more information for the colleges I Day five was a little sad for me, because I name a few. liked. There was a college that we went to wasn’t ready to go home and go back to that Mr. Harley’s professor was there. The school. I had grown accustomed to going This is an experience I will never forget. I college was Anderson University and her to a concert at least every other night, am so thankful for the people who name was Dr. Susan Taylor. Jasmine and I playing on the best instruments, and allowed me to go to the Midwest Clinic spoke with her about college and Mr. mingling and talking with so many good and really thankful I was able to learn so Harley. It was funny seeing someone that composers. That day we walked around much. taught the man who is teaching us. While the city a little more, and took lots of —Jasmine Fassett waiting down stairs in the main lobby for pictures so we could always remember dinner we met Mr. Rasan Holmes band our trip to Chicago. We sang songs and After lunch I attended a workshop that director for Hampton University, Mr. skipped along the sidewalks. Being on gave me insight about why and how a Alfred Davis president of Hampton that trip made the five of us so much director directs the way he/she does. University and Mr. Everett Martin band closer. I’ll never forget it. We made it back Later that afternoon I listened to the director at Oxon Hill Middle School and to the hotel around 5:30, and we students Beaumont Middle School Symphonic Band trumpet player for Washington Redskins. decided to go to dinner without any and was amazed at how wonderful they adults. Of course Mrs. Dantzler was sounded. It also made me wish that the We went to eat breakfast and people at a table nearby, but the students all sat OHHS Band could be where they were were giving us compliments on how good together. We just ate ice cream and spoke sitting. After dinner, we went to another we were and how lucky we were to come of all the fun we had. It was truly a concert, where we listened to the United to this conference. We talked the whole remarkable experience. And then Mr. States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”. This time while waiting for the plane. When it Harley and Mrs. Harley came down to sit concert was so special because there was came it was a long line to get on it. It was with us. He asked us if we had a good a wonderful trumpet and oboe solo and a a quicker ride back to Maryland. When time, and we all said yes. But then I said magnificent trombone solo. I was able to we made it I was happy because I was to him, “When can we play in Chicago?” meet the oboist who played the solo at the about to see my family. When we went to And I’ll never forget what he said in end of the concert. She also gave me pick up our bags my whole family was response, “Do you all sound as good as some good advice on how to improve my there and I gave them big hugs. When we the bands that you heard here?” The truth playing abilities on oboe. Today we ate got our bags we took one last picture of is, we didn’t. He told us that he would lunch with the Director of Bands from us to say we made it safe and we are a apply play here when we sound as good Morgan State University, Melvin Miles. family. When I made it home I went back as the people we heard here. Then he Throughout the meal Mr. Miles told us to sleep. asked me, “Anthony, are you leading the stories about his young adulthood —Andre’ Christopher Dantzler trumpets?” And I said, “No, not all of experiences. them.” He asked everyone this question After that, Andre’ and I went to the and we all had the same answer, no. He Coming to Chicago was one of the best showroom floor, and I must say, I’ve seen told us that if we ever wanted to perform things that has happened to me. I would nothing like it in my life. There were so here, then we would have to practice like to thank all of my supporters because many trumpets, gold ones, and silver more, and he told the upper classmen that without their support I would not have ones. I saw trumpets with valves on the they would have to spend more time with been able to grow as a person the way I side, and trumpets with no valves, and the younger people like me, who play the did while in Chicago. I know that this even trumpets with four valves that were same instrument as them. He told us the experience will stay with me forever. called piccolo trumpets. They were future of the band rested on the youngest —Kamaria Sala actually an octave higher than the regular class’s shoulder’s, and he was absolutely b-flat trumpet I play. There was also a right. 14 stand that had mouthpieces that were —Anthony Daniel Advocacy Brief A Report on the National SupportMusic Summit

his year marked the first-ever SupportMusic Coalition Coalition Summit participants included national experts in National Affiliate Summit, hosted by NAMM, the grassroots mobilization and legislative affairs, as well as T International Music Products Association, and held representatives from the National Parent Teacher Association January 19-21 in Anaheim, California at the Disney Grand (PTA), the National Association for Music Education (MENC) the Californian Hotel. The Coalition brought together more than 90 National School Boards Association, VH1 Save the Music motivated and creative music advocacy leaders and coincided Foundation, Bands of America, Drum Corps International, and with the NAMM Show, the world’s largest musical instrument the Yamaha Corporation of America, to name a few. trade show. NAMM and MENC (The National Association for Music Education), launched the SupportMusic campaign and its Denny Senseney of Senseney Music, Inc., who serves on the anchor website, www.SupportMusic.com to give tens of Board of Directors for both NAMM and the Midwest Clinic, and thousands of advocates, educators and parents the tools they who spoke on a panel to advance need to become active in the fight to keep music in schools. coalition planning noted, “The The coalition continues to Summit provided an unprecedented gain support for its state Summit attendees explored opportunities for music advocacy opportunity for a group of powerful and planned strategies for action in the upcoming and diverse organizations to and local efforts to stand reauthorization period for the No Child Left Behind Act. Music collaborate in support of music product industry representatives discussed new ways to engage education. The information and defend every child’s parents, conferred with seasoned music teachers and exchanged was significant and right to a well-rounded brainstormed with grass roots mobilization experts. inspiring. It proved once again the value of a shared vision with public education that Arts education supporter Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas passionate and engaged includes music and arts addressed the Summit; while American Idol TV stars Diana stakeholders.” DeGarmo and Justin Guarini made a special appearance to education. discuss the important role music education has played in their Some highlights of the Summit lives. included: • Strategy sessions with some of the country’s foremost Since the launch of the SupportMusic campaign, the network of advocacy experts who taught how and when to use music and arts advocates as well as musicians who support grassroots mobilization techniques for effective local and music education in schools has continued to strengthen. The state actions. Coalition seeks organizations with proactive leadership, who are • A promise by Coalition members to unite when needed for willing to actively influence legislators, school boards and key upcoming state and national legislative decisions. communities. The coalition continues to gain support for its state • Working meetings that established key messages that will be and local efforts to stand and defend every child’s right to a utilized in 2006 for critical advocacy campaigns. well-rounded public education that includes music and arts • Presentation of new advocacy tools that will help communities education. engage in music education issues. • Refined the tools and resources available to everyone who The statistics proving the benefits of music-making are no secret: visits Supportmusic.com • Music majors are the most likely group of college students to get admitted into medical school** “The music products industry’s commitment to school music as • 78 percent of Americans feel learning a musical instrument the effective feeder system for lifelong music making has never helps students perform better in other subjects*** been stronger,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. “Bringing together so many powerful organizations all sharing a With one united voice, coalition members continue to garner common vision is a testimonial to the power and added value of support for key legislative decisions, hold monthly conference the NAMM Show.” calls on advocacy successes and enlist key national and local grassroots organizations in the fight to keep music education ** Lewis Thomas, “The Case for Music in Schools,” Phi Delta strong. Kappa, 1994 *** Gallup Poll, “American Attitudes Towards Music,” 2003 15 Faces of Midwest: Harry Begian

began my musical training in fifth conduct the accompaniment to grade when my band director gave vocalists. During the years at I me a much-used Conn cornet and Cass Tech I began receiving told me to clean it inside and out. I was guest conducting offers and inspired to make music my career by a traveling all over the country to Detroit Symphony’s children’s concert conduct. I attended while in junior high school. I saw that everyone was on their feet and While in high school I organized the I attended my first Midwest Clinic at the wildly applauding the band’s Dearborn Boy’s Club Band, the Sherman Hotel in 1950. A few years performance. Our announcer, Ray experience that led to my decision to later a music dealer friend of mine Dvorak, kept calling me off stage then become a conductor. encouraged me to apply for the Cass pushing me out to take a curtain call Tech High School Band to perform at the while the applause persisted along with After high school I headed to Wayne 1954 Clinic. The Cass Band was many calls of “encore”. Before sending State University on a band scholarship. accepted by the Midwest Board upon me out for my last curtain call he asked if I completed my Bachelors degree and hearing the recording that accompanied the band could play an encore; I assured continued immediately on my Masters our application. him that we could and went out on stage. studies, hoping to complete this degree We played “Berceuse and Finale” from before I was drafted. Halfway through the Firebird Suite by Stravinsky and as the Masters program, I received a call far as I know, the Cass Band has been from the supervisor of the Detroit Public the only band asked to play an encore at Schools, offering me the band directing the Midwest Clinic. job at McKenzie High School. Less than one complete school year passed before Sometime after our Midwest appearance, I was drafted into the United States Army. my friend and most influential mentor, I spent three years in the Army and then Larry Teal, talked to me about my musical returned to Wayne State to finish my future and advised me that I should Masters. “move on” towards a university band director position. He encouraged me to Upon my completion of this, the take sabbatical leave to earn a doctorate, supervisor from Detroit Public Schools which is “the union-card/passport to a called again and offered me the position university faculty position.” Taking his at Cass Technical High School. The advice and with a year’s sabbatical from seventeen years I spent at Cass were the the Detroit Pubic School system, I enrolled most rewarding part of my career. While in the doctoral program in the School of at Cass, I conducted the International Music at the University of Michigan. In Symphony Orchestra for two years. This Our concert in the Sherman Hotel was 1964, after having earned the doctorate, orchestra was made up of players from one of the most thrilling musical I was hired as Director of Bands at my Port Huron, Michigan and Sarnia, experiences of my life. It was held at alma mater, Wayne State University. Ontario, Canada. It would perform two 9:00 a.m. and when we started playing weekend concerts, one night in Port the ballroom was only half-filled. By the In my third year at Wayne State, I was Huron and the next in Sarnia. Also while time we ended our concert the hall was offered band positions at four leading at Cass, I conducted the Michigan Opera packed solid. Our concluding number universities. I verbally accepted the Company. This amateur company gave was Respighi’s “Pines of the Appian University of Texas at Austin offer on the me the chance to train the orchestra and Way” from The Pines of Rome. The contingency that some structural changes cast on operas such as La Traviata, La applause started before I had given the be made. Before the University of Texas Boehm, and Carmen. This experience final cut-off, so I motioned the band to offer was made to my satisfaction, I taught me how to handle large forces of stand up in acknowledgement. By the received a call from James Niblock, instrumentalists and singers and also to time I turned around to face the audience Department Chair of Music at Michigan 16 State University, telling me that Leonard quandary as to what to do because I Falcone had just announced his truly loved Michigan State, my band retirement and that he wanted to talk to students and my colleagues. But finally it me about being his successor. When I was the knowledge of the great concert reached Niblock’s office he drove me to band tradition at the University of Illinois the Office of the Provost. After a half an that tugged at me to accept the Director hour of discussion they convinced me that of Bands position at that university. since I had not signed papers with the Retiring in 1984, after 14 years as University of Texas, I could accept their Director of Bands, I wanted to produce offer of Director of Bands at Michigan one CD from some of the finest State University. taped/live performances of the Symphonic Band. When I called Mark I was thrilled to follow Falcone because Morette, president of Mark Records, I when, as an eleven-year-old I heard him asked him to produce and market a CD perform under its regular conductor. The in concert, his musicianship inspired me of our band and he answered “I will members of the orchestra voted and so much that he became a musical hero. produce as many CDs as you wish in a selected me to be their guest conductor. When I told Falcone of this, he replied series entitled ‘The Begian Years.’” To I had two wonderful days of rehearsal on with one of his favorite phrases: “That’s date, we have completed 20 volumes in music selected by the orchestra members, amazing.” I described the encore he the series and I am stopping with that! I and then the concert was played to a full played at this concert (O Solo Mio), and chose the pieces that are included on the house. During the first day I complimented told him that the old Italian ladies in the CDs and the order in which they are the horn section, and they glowed like audience that day had tears in their eyes listed; the editing is done by Mark high school students. I received six from his beautiful playing. Morette and the program notes are the curtain calls for that performance. work of John Locke, Director of Bands at I loved my years at Michigan State. The the University of North Carolina, I would like to thank Larry Teal for faculty there was the most congenial Greensboro. mentoring me throughout my career. group of people I have ever worked with, I would also like to express my profound aside from the Midwest Clinic Board of After retirement from the University of gratitude to the Midwest Clinic for Directors. I felt that I was now where I Illinois, the high-point of my conducting inviting the Cass Tech Band to perform at would be for the rest of my career. But activities was when I was called to the Midwest Clinic. These performances that was not to be; after three years at conduct the Detroit Symphony Orchestra were the beginning of the “serious” part Michigan State, I received an offer from at Orchestra Hall in 1985. The orchestra of my career. the University of Illinois to assume the was on a walk-out because the position of Director of Bands upon the management wanted to cut salaries. —Harry Begian retirement of Mark Hindsley. I was in a Therefore, the orchestra could not This article is the first in a new Motifs series, profiling people closely associated with the Midwest Clinic. It was written in response to specific questions submitted to Harry Begian by the Midwest Clinic.

To read Dr. Begian’s reminiscences about Alfred Reed’s composition of Armenian Dances, Part 1, please visit www.midwest clinic.org/armenian_dances.asp. These remarks were read by Ray Cramer in honor of Alfred Reed at the Yamaha Symphonic Band’s performance of Armenian Dances, Part 1, on December 17, 2005.

17 Act Now! Opportunities Abound at the Newly Redesigned Midwest Clinic Website

he 2005 Midwest Clinic may be over and the 2006 Clinic Proposal Form: “60th Anniversary” Midwest Clinic may still be 300 days http://www.midwestclinic.org/pdfs/clinic_application.pdf T away, but there are plenty of opportunities for you to take part and several educational resources available to you Instruction Video: throughout the coming months. http://www.midwestclinic.org/clinicians/clinician_video.ram

All applications must be received in the Midwest Clinic office by Attendee Web Survey 5:00 p.m. CST on Friday, March 17. Please do not delay in You are invited to complete the Midwest Clinic’s annual survey, preparing your applications. This deadline cannot be extended. now available at our website. This survey includes questions about clinics and concerts and many other issues affecting the 2005 Concert Selection Streaming Videos conference. It is your best opportunity to tell us whatever is on You can relive the 2005 Midwest Clinic at any time this year by your mind and how we can better serve you. Responses to each watching streaming video concert selections through our website. year’s survey directly affect decisions about future Midwest Included in this archive are 90 selections from 31 ensembles that Clinics, including what kinds of clinics to program and how to performed at the 2005 Midwest Clinic. These TV-quality videos address space limitations at the Hilton. It will only take a few are available for viewing throughout 2005. minutes to complete your survey, and your response WILL make an impact on what is offered at the Midwest Clinic! Band Archive: Attendee Survey: http://www.midwestclinic.org/survey/ http://www.midwestclinic.org/videos/band_archive.asp Orchestra Archive: http://www.midwestclinic.org/videos/orchestra_archive.asp Appear at the 60th Anniversary Jazz Archive: Celebration of the Midwest Clinic http://www.midwestclinic.org/videos/jazz_archive.asp Small Ensemble Archive: Performance http://www.midwestclinic.org/videos/smallensemble_archive.asp Performance applications can be printed from the Midwest Clinic website. Also available are answers to Frequently Asked Clinic Handouts Available Questions about performance applications and our Performance Through our website, you can download and print clinic Application Recording Tips. handouts from the last six Midwest Clinics (2000-2005). Handouts from more than 140 clinics are available. The Midwest Performance Application: Clinic gratefully acknowledges all of these clinicians for giving http://www.midwestclinic.org/pdfs/performance_application.pdf permission for their handouts to be posted. FAQs: http://www.midwestclinic.org/performance_faqs/ http://www.midwestclinic.org/clinicians/clinic_handouts.asp Recording Tips: http://www.midwestclinic.org/recording_101/ Concert CDs and DVDs For Sale Clinic CDs and DVDs of Midwest Clinic concerts from the last four Clinic proposal forms can also be printed from the website. To years (2001-2004) can be purchased from Mark Custom aid applicants, we have created an instruction video about how Recording Services, Inc. through the Midwest Clinic website. to prepare an effective clinic proposal. http://www.midwestclinic.org/store/

18 Celebrating 60 How do you celebrate sixty years of serving music

education? By raising the bar for the next sixty!

Plan now to attend the 60th Anniversary Midwest

Clinic, December 19-23 at the Hilton Chicago.

Dallas Wind Symphony Concerts by Performances and Clinics by Indiana University Philharmonic Orchestra • Bob McGrath David Effron, Conductor "Bob" from Sesame Street Bloomington, Indiana • Cliff Colnot • ‘Cello Man’ Eugene Friesen Dallas Wind Symphony • Gunther Schuller Jerry Junkin, Artistic Director Dallas, Texas Premiere Performances of New Commissions by United States Navy Commodores Musashino Academy of Music • Cliff Colnot Wind Ensemble • Jennifer Higdon Kenneth Bloomquist, Ray Cramer, Russell Coleman, Applications are being Don Wilcox, Conductors accepted for clinics and Tokyo, Japan performances in all categories. Apply to be a part of the 60th Chicago Jazz Ensemble Anniversary Celebration! Jon Faddis, Artistic Director Applications and all materials Chicago, Illinois are due on March 17.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass The Hilton Chicago and the at Orchestra Hall Palmer House will begin accepting housing reservations United States Navy at 12:00 a.m. on MONDAY Chicago Jazz Ensemble Commodores APRIL 3, 2006. Please mark Senior Chief Musician Randy this date on your calendar. Mattson, Commodores Unit You will not be able to reserve Leader housing at the Hilton or the Washington, DC Palmer House before April 3. To reserve a room at the Hilton, please call (312)922- 4400. To reserve a room at the Palmer House, please call (312)726-7500.

Musashino Academy of Music Wind Ensemble Performers and clinicians are subject to change. 19 Presorted Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Evanston, IL 60201 Permit No. 170

828 Davis Street, Suite 100 Evanston, Illinois 60201-4423

OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ray E. Cramer, President 60th Anniversary Midwest Clinic—December 19-23, Richard C. Crain, Vice-President Mark S. Kelly, Vice-President Hilton Chicago Glenn E. Holtz, Treasurer Richard E. Brittain John Clinton Jacquelyn Dillon-Krass In this issue Rodney Dorsey Page J. Richard Dunscomb Antonio J. García A Defining Accomplishment ...... 1 Mark Kjos Ed Lisk The Midwest Clinic and Community Bands ...... 2 David C. McCormick Denny Senseney FAQ’s – Conference Edition ...... 3 Dorothy Straub Paula Thornton Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way: Planning for the ...... 4 John Whitwell BOARD MEMBERS EMERITUS Midwest Clinic, Post-Katrina Eugene W. Allen Harry Begian Thoughts and Impressions from the Newest Board Member ...... 5 Neil A. Kjos, Jr. Dorothy Kunkel Rehearsal Lab Perspectives ...... 6-9 Marvin J. Rabin EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR Scenes from the 2005 Midwest Clinic ...... 10-11 Kelly S. Jocius

Tomorrow’s Directors Learning Today ...... 12-14 EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Advocacy Brief: A Report on the National SupportMusic Summit...... 15 Darcy A. Nendza ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE Faces of Midwest: Harry Begian ...... 16-17 828 Davis Street, Suite 100 Evanston, IL 60201-4423 Midwest Clinic Website Features...... 18 (847) 424-4163 FAX (847) 424-5185 60th Anniversary Program Announcement...... 19 [email protected] www.midwestclinic.org