My session presentation as a clinician at the conference went well. I was comfortable with the material I prepared and delivered it well in the topic of: beginning jazz improvisation in a band class. I demonstrated three methods that I use at school in my own teaching. Mi had prepared all the written examples in music notation over the summer and brought my accordion to demonstrate. A good turnout of colleagues attended, better than I thought with my session occurring in the last time slot on the Saturday. David DiGirolamo came up with me, and we had good discussions. Huntsville is a beautiful spot. I think it's the 4th time OMEA music conference was held there at this location.
I enjoyed attending other sessions and have already acted on some ideas gleaned from the conference. I ordered a band piece; ordered method books; used some ideas in my teaching. For example, "evaporation" of sound. Plan to explore and use sound trap next semester. So, the conference offers great learning. It was also great to meet fellow colleagues, attend performances, and social gatherings. Michelle Janzen and her sister attended the conference too.
I plan to submit for next year as a clinician again. The conference will be in Hamilton!
