I was fortunate to have been in the Ohio All-State Choir twice during high school. That meant that during the OMEA Conference I was rehearsing and performing with an all-star choir of students from around the state. It also meant that I attended a few teaching clinics while I was there.
During all four years at Otterbein I attended the conference as an Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association member.
My first 6 years of teaching I attended the conference religiously and learned vigorously. After 12 years of attending the conference something happened...
In 2006 my first daughter was born and I didn't attend. "I'll go next year."
In 2007 my wife was studying for the Ohio Bar Exam. "I'll go next year."
In 2008 I was getting a Master's Degree in Administration. "I'll go next year."
In 2009 my second daughter was born and I didn't attend. "I'll go next year."
You get the picture, I didn't go in 2010 or 2011 either. I stopped going because 'life happened' and it was so difficult to get away and take a weekend to sharpen my skills. This year I made the decision to go and attend every session that I could. I struggled with being away from family and my classroom, but it was time to re-dedicate to investigating what is happening in Choral Music Education. I was so glad that I did.
"If you're not getting better you're getting worse"
- Choral Concerts
- Choral Reading Sessions
- Perspective
As music teachers, we are often the only person in our building that teaches our subject. Spending time deliberating and collaborating with other people in your field is essential to continued growth and renewal.
I was most moved by watching the performances of college choirs that former students of mine were singing in. I sat in the audience like a proud parent seeing alumni shine in their current choirs, all of which were top notch programs. The Wittenberg Choir was stunning, The Ohio State Men's Glee Club was stellar and the Wright State University Collegiate Chorale was pure class.
Re-connecting with colleagues that I had not seen in some time was also valuable. From professor Brad Rees, I learned about a new Professional Music music degree at Tiffin University that is the only kind in our state.
I connected with a university colleague that asked me to help write a column in our professional trade publication that involved interviewing high school choral directors.
I was given an invitation for our choirs to participate in an "Ensemble-In-Residence" program at Wright State University. Students spend the day performing with professors, hearing other choirs, and participing in clinics.
I was approached and encouraged to begin judging other choirs for our Ohio Adjudicated Events and learned about other conference opportunities.
For me, it was more about engagement than opportunity.
- Reflection
I hope to attend EdCamp Columbus in May and will be attending the Ohio Choral Directors Association(OCDA) Summer Conference at Otterbein University in June. (OCDA is affiliated with the American Choral Directors Association, ACDA).
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