"Our expectations for the conference was exceeded in all manners,” declared Denny Senseney, treasurer of the Midwest Clinic. “The exhibit hall was nearly sold-out with approximately 50 new exhibiting companies. But most of all the concerts and clinics met our primary objective of serving the music education profession.” More than 80 professional development clinics were mixed with multiple concerts. “As a result, music educators benefited, and as we hope, so will their students, schools, communities, and our culture.”
While final numbers are still being tabulated, based on a significant increase in registration, it’s expected that this show will be a record-breaker, he adds. Impressive, as the 63rd time it was once again set in Chicago a week before Christmas. But the bitter cold and dreary weather didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of those who came from all over the country.
The increase in numbers of participants and exhibitors was not accidental, as Senseney explained the board expanded their marketing efforts to get more band directors to the show. He says that there was anecdotal evidence of the effort’s success as board members reported many hands going up on the “how many are here for the first time?” question put before clinics. “We have always thought that once an instrumental music educator attends the conference, there is great probability they will return.”
There were quite a few stars at the show. Violinist Mark Wood was in the Ludwig Masters Publication performing his new work with students. Saxophonist/composer/educator Greg Osby was in the P. Mauriat booth, and he performed a special concert at P. M. Woodwinds on Friday night. Of course, Tom Batiuk author of the “Funky Winkerbean” comic was penning autographs in the C.L. Barnhouse booth.
“Midwest is always a good show for us, and this year was no exception,” says Jupiter’s president Tabor Stamper. “No where else can we connect with as many music educators all in one place who care so much about building better bands and orchestras. Although we exhibit at State MEA shows, Midwest provides a great cross-section of instrumental music teachers from across the country.”
He’s been a long time visitor who started attending when he was a band director himself. “It’s a great way to catch up with old friends, eat at some good Chicago restaurants, and hear some of the best examples of just how strong music education really is in this country.”
“The Midwest Clinic was quite successful for Yamaha this year,” Rick Young, senior vice president of Yamaha, says. “With attendance up to near record levels and funding coming back to schools, our ability to show the breath of our products to very interested music educators is helpful for them to make decisions on purchases for the spring bid requests.
“Taking that together with our sponsored clinicians and needed percussion products for bands that need to travel for their performances, round out our consistent support of the conference, and it all makes it a very worthwhile event for us.”
Young was one of many who attended a special SupportMusic Coalition Webinar held on December 19th at the show that was hosted by NAMM. “An Ensemble of Advocates” was just that, and moderators Bill Harvey of Buddy Roger’s Music, and George Quinlan, Jr., of Quinlan & Fabish lead a panel of music education advocates including Dr. John Benham. Updates and inspiring stories were heard by the standing-room-only crowd there plus hundreds more who listened online.
“The Midwest remains the largest instrumental music conference in the world,” Senseney says. “That’s in part because of the programming, but also because of the tradition of dedicated band, orchestra, and jazz educators gathering in Chicago every December to learn, share, and rededicate themselves to this wonderful profession.”
