Board Of Directors - Nancy Golden
Nancy Golden
Has Attended the Midwest Clinic: My first trip was my senior year in college and I only missed one year because I had a brand new baby. I have attended over 30 Midwest Clinics.
Joined the Board of Directors in: 2007
A Life in Music: I was passionate about playing the flute from the beginning and decided pretty early on in high school that I wanted to be a band director. I was educated at Illinois State University and Northwestern University. Having taught for over 30 years, grades 4 through college, the most meaningful years for me have been spent with elementary and middle school band students. The sense of wonder, rapid improvement and even the quirks of this age level challenge me daily. It has also been important to me to keep my playing up and the 30 years I’ve spent in the Northshore Concert Band have been inspirational.
Favorite Midwest Moments: Most recently it has been my supreme honor to serve on the Board of Directors and get an inside view of the Clinic. To be a part of the planning and witness the reactions of attendees as it all comes together is phenomenal. As a liaison for groups performing, board members work with conductors all year in preparation for the conference and being part of their planning and final performance is extremely rewarding. I have been lucky to be a part of Northshore Band performances at Midwest where we have rubbed elbows with greats like: Frederick Fennell, Arnold Gabriel, William Revelli, Julius Baker, Allen Vizzutti, Brian Bowman, Wynton Marsalis and William Warfield. I also was able to solo with Northshore Band accompanying me in the Grand Ballroom with Ray Cramer conducting, a day I will never forget. Another wonderful opportunity I had was to play in a duo performance accompanied by the Missouri State Flute Choir. Giving my own clinic on “Recruitment and Retention” in 2005 was another highlight. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to be reflective about my day to day teaching. It felt good to give back to the profession in any small way. I cannot begin to recall all of clinicians who have influenced me over the years. My most favorite moments are spent with colleagues in our close knit, small world of instrumental music educators. The fellowship, sharing of our struggles and triumphs, and just spending time with others who “get it” is always therapeutic and rejuvenating.
Hopes for Midwest Clinic Attendees: (1) Professional and musical growth, (2) Listening to outstanding groups at every level, regardless of the age group you teach, (3) Friendship and brain picking, (4) Big ideas and small tidbits, (5) Practical tips that they can go home and implement immediately, (6) Repertoire ideas and (7) As a Chicago native, an appreciation for the city and all it has to offer. Not only culturally, but I hope they take some time to enjoy the cuisine and and Chicago's "fun-factor."
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