February 13, 2008

Dear Midwest Clinic Board of Directors and Administration,

It has been over a month since out trip to Chicago and The Midwest Clinic. Memories and reflections continue to be relived on a daily basis. The time we spent in Chicago was truly a wonderful opportunity for us all. The benefits of the experience for myself, as well as my students, continue to be more apparent with each passing day.

The Clinic was so well organized and exceptionally implemented. It made traveling with students easy! The chance to perform in front of a packed house of music educators was an experience that our students will never forget. The applause they heard as they entered the stage will ring in their minds for years to come. It was truly a magical moment for them as well as myself and I want to thank you for the performance opportunity.

But more importantly, I want to thank you for the opportunity to take my students on such a worthy educational journey. Not only were the concert, clinic, other concerts, and exhibits genuine moments to be remembered, but also the process and the journey to prepare for the performance was a huge educational value to our students. The presence and acknowledgements from the audience afforded the students a sense of accomplishment and reward for their months of diligent rehearsing, fundraising, and mental and emotional preparation.

As an educator, I will certainly always cherish the performance at The Midwest Clinic; however, a strong second for me will be the ensemble’s desire to return in January with an even stronger intensity to create expressive music and a thirst to be challenged to yet another level of excellence and performance.

Simply stated, The Midwest Clinic was every experience we could have hoped it to be for our students and we all consider ourselves to be blessed through the journey and experience of the 2007 Midwest Clinic.

Sincerely,

David Vandewalker
Director
Harrison High School Wind Ensemble


Posted with permission from David Vandewalker