Showing posts with label CBDNA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CBDNA. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

CPD23 - Thing #15 - Attending, Presenting, Organizing Conferences

In my music profession I've attended and presented at several conferences, and as a member of the NMEA executive board I've helped organize clincis and meetings for my area. I liked the statement about "being inspired" by something at the conference. I remember convention concerts that I've attended that have moved and inspired me. These sessions expand your understanding beyond the walls of your present conceptual box.

What advice would you give to others, based on your experiences?
Pre-plan which sessions you want to attend so that you don't miss the one event that you need the most. But, don't worry about attending every session on your list. Networking with people is an important facet of attending conferences. You'll get to visit with friends you haven't seen since last year's event, and you'll meet new people that can expand your present circle.

Are there conferences you’d like to attend?
I'd like to attend more Mid-West International Band & Orchestra Clinics, CBDNA conferences, and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. Mid-West is THE conference of the year for band director at all levels. You always hear new music and wonderful performances by DC based service bands and outstanding college and high school bands. Great networking, too.

CBDNA is where I go to get musically challenged by new music written for advanced university and professional wind bands. Many times I don't hear music that I owuld ever program, but my consciousness is always expanded, and so I'm a better musician for experiencing the unfamiliar. WASBE pulls the best of CBDNA together with directors and ensembles from all over the globe. There are incredible performances, and exposure to the musical styles of different countries.

Monday, August 8, 2011

CPD23 - Thing #7 - F2F or Professional Networks

I have my feet in two professions. My degrees and most of my career have been spent in the Music Education field. I have been a public school and college educator for over 25 years, and started working in the library field about 3 1/2 years ago.

So, my professional memberships are in the Music Education field and include: Music Educators National Conference, Nebraska Music Educators Association, Nebraska State Bandmasters ASsociation, Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, College Band Directors National Association, American School Band Directors Association, and most recently the Association of Concert Bands.

I receive publications from all of these organizations, most with articles to promote professional development. They cover many topics, including: anaylses of composer's works, methods of teaching instruments, methods of conducting effective rehearsals, planning interesting concerts, making wise equipment purchases, traveling with your ensemble, and so on.

Most of these organizations host yearly professional conferences. I regularly attend those in Nebraska, and occasionaly travel to other cities as well. Usually, I am inspired by a great performance by a featured ensemble or by an especially instructive clinic session. I enjoy seeing colleagues, many of whom I have known for a number of years.

It is my priviledge to have been elected to serve the profession as Research and College/University Affairs Chair for the Nebraska Music Educators Association, and as President of the Nebraska chapter of Phi Beta Mu.

So, I am well versed in the role of Professional Organizations, and their benefit in professional development. And while I am interested in developing my knowledge and service excellence in my current position in the public library, I am not pursuing memberships in professional organizations at this time.