Midwest Clinic In just a few short days, band, orchestra and music leaders from around the globe will converge in Chicago for the 73rd annual Midwest Clinic. It’s the biggest music education conference in the world. There’s so much to see and do! Four hundred plus vendors, clinicians from around the world and instruction that […]
Long lines, airport delays, roadways crowded with impatient drivers … tis the season for holiday travel! We’re all anxious to get home for the holidays (or maybe someplace more exotic!) so we can re-connect, relax and rejuvenate. However, sometimes the stress of traveling makes us question if it’s all worthwhile. It is! Below are some […]
It starts in October. The stress begins to build as I think about what to get my kids (17 and 14) for Christmas. AirPods? There’s $200 I’ll never see again. They’ll be lost before the new year. Gift cards? They seem a bit impersonal. I suppose there’s always the standard socks and underwear… Oh, how […]
Ah…. Thanksgiving. If I close my eyes, I can still smell the globs of paste we used to make Pilgrim hats in elementary school. My mom always had a turkey in the oven by 5:00 am and the house smelled heavenly when we rolled out of bed to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The […]
Just when you thought New York City couldn’t get any more awesome, Hudson Yards debuts. Backed by some serious star power and VIPs, Hudson Yards opened to the public on March 15, 2019. As the largest private development in the nation’s history, it’s an epic addition to the New York City landscape. Be one of […]
The excitement of bowl season is nearly palpable as late December closes in. Bowl pools are completed in every office, family gathering, and online, while the big games are hyped on all channels. If you’ve ever attended one of these nationally revered events, you’ve heard the stadium roar to a fevered pitch as the crowd […]
Breathe deeply…. October is here! In my little corner of the world, October means crisp air and brightly colored leaves. It means smiling pumpkins and straw bales garnished with vibrant mums. It’s costume stress and an endless supply of candy. It means Halloween is on our doorstep as surely as the trick-or-treaters will be on […]
Recently, I sat in on a rather tense PTA meeting at my daughter’s school. The subject causing controversy? Eliminating class field trips. The district wasn’t considering canceling to save money, but rather because parents were concerned that children won’t be safe. I became increasingly agitated as I listened to the conversations detailing the certain perils […]
As far as school music programs go, the band tends to get a lot of attention. Between sporting events, concerts or even competitions, the band enjoys a certain amount of popularity. As a result, the orchestra and its talented musicians can occasionally be overlooked. School orchestras are comprised of students who are gifted in their […]
For some parents, autumn means back to school, crockpot cooking, and Friday night lights. For band parents, it means that band competition season has begun! If you are new to the joys and challenges of performance events (or just need a refresher), this band competition survival guide for parents may come in handy! Be A […]
When our son joined the high school band, I had visions of Friday night lights and a rousing drum beat calling to the crowd at our high school football games. I imagined the tattoo accompanying the cheerleaders and the military precision of a halftime show. I didn’t envision countless hours of summer practice and daily […]
I’ve just returned from an incredible Costa Rica trip. Having never been to this little slice of Central America, I had no expectations other than to enjoy some uninterrupted family time in a beautiful spot. Wow! Not only did our visit exceed my rather humble expectations, it awakened the dormant educator in me. The lush […]
