2024 Midwest Clinic

This year I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the Midwest Clinic. This is the second time I have been able to attend and it is such a wonderful experience! I was able to attend sessions on new music and small schools. I learned a lot from educators around the United States about how to run my program better and how to provide opportunities to my students to enrich their musical education and experiences. I was also able to reconnect with some wonderful people and meet some new composers and educators. Getting to see my composer collective friends and help them sell some music and make connections was definitely one of the highlights of this trip. Shoutout to all my CodaChrome Collective friends and the help they give me in becoming a better composer. 

One thing I really enjoyed about this trip was how I got to and from the conference. I got to ride a train. Something that I have dreamed about for a long time is taking a cross country trip by train. This may seem silly since the time it takes to travel is so much longer than flying, but I have to say it was quite enjoyable! The stress of packing and getting on the train was so minimal. The ability to sit back and enjoy the countryside and see sights I might never have seen in any other way was so relaxing. Being able to sit back in my seat and let the engineers and conductors direct our train to our destination was so peaceful. When I got to the conference, I was not nearly as stressed as I have been when I get off a plane that is stuffed full, emerging into an airport that is also jam packed and then trying to make it to my hotel. Instead I got off the train, grabbed my bags and walked into the grand vista that is the Chicago Union Station. It was all decorated for Christmas and Hanukkah. The tree that filled the center of the station was decorated with all the different railways that have, or currently, run through that station. I was able to walk through the station and catch an Uber. Despite there being some heavy construction going on in and outside the station, it was relatively painless.

Once I got to my hotel, it was only a matter of walking to the conference center at McCormick Place. One thing I love about this conference is that even though it is a large international conference there are three hotels directly connected to the convention center by sky bridges. If you have ever been to Chicago in December, you know it can be cold and snowy! You almost never have to go outside, which is super nice. I could enjoy the vistas of Chicago without having to endure the cold too much.  

---

One of the benefits of this conference is the networking I get to do. I was able to meet many new people and see some familiar friends. It really helps me feel connected in a world where I am isolated from a lot of my colleagues. Even in the digital age it is nice to get together and discuss things in person, grab a bite to eat together, and talk about our personal lives in addition to the usual business. It helps me solidify those friendships and rejuvenate in a time of year when music education can get a little difficult.

Speaking of rejuvenation, I have had a hard time being creative lately, especially in the realm of composition. I finished two pieces this year, but it was a stretch for me. I haven't felt like myself and have struggled with depression that has been worse than I've ever experienced before. The bouts of depression have continued to worsen these last few years and I've finally garnered up the courage to do something about it. I had been worried that I wouldn't ever be able to compose like I used to, and making these changes and attending Midwest has helped me turn over a new leaf. I was able to get a good start on a new piece that I'm really excited about. I can't recall the last time I felt excited to be writing something, but when I was on the train and traveling back through Illinois and Iowa, the ideas just started flowing and I came up with three movements worth of musical ideas and concepts in a matter of minutes. It was exhilarating! I haven't felt such clarity of thought and passion for my music in so long I had forgotten what it felt like. The rejuvenating effects of hanging out with colleagues and learning together are so valuable. If you ever get a chance to attend a conference, I highly recommend you go!

As things return to normal home life, I'm looking forward to the new year and teaching my students, as well as writing new music. I hope the holidays have treated you wonderfully and that you find happiness, joy, and peace this season! Here's to new music and new adventures!

Look at the new scarf! Won't Rachel be surprised!