Testimonials

Teachers
(To read students' testimonials, click here.)
These remarks were taken from papers written for graduate credit offered by the University of Miami. The Midwest Clinic gratefully acknowledges the authors of all the papers submitted through the program.

2009

Midwest revitalized me so much that I passed on the chance to retire this year, deciding that I wasn’t done being a teacher.
--Bruce M.
North Dakota

I got a tremendous amount of information during the two days I was at The Midwest Clinic. I was able to touch on every aspect of my job: jazz, orchestra, band, and administration through the clinics and concerts. I walked away with new literature ideas in all three music genres I teach and lots of ideas to use in my teaching.
--Margaret B.
Michigan

Despite its title, Midwest is truly an international event. As far as I know, it’s the best one-stop source for face-to-face interaction with musicians, educators, manufacturers of instruments and accessories, publishers, and other supporting organizations.
--Bob B.
Indiana

Attending The 2009 Midwest Clinic was the highlight of my year, professionally. Even as I write this, a week after returning home, I am still in awe of the remarkable performances and fascinating clinics presented.
--Sean D.
Pennsylvania

The Midwest Clinic once more provided rejuvenation and inspiration. Since discovering the Clinic eight or nine years ago, I try to attend every year. Having missed last year, this year was important to me. I came home motivated and ready for second semester!
--David E.
Ohio

I found myself constantly thinking, “I wish my students could hear this,” or “…how am I going to show that to my students?” or “… I wish I could do that as well as he does so that I could teach my students.” …. I shared the details of the performances with my fifty middle school jazz band students, and talk of attending The Midwest Clinic next year as a group began. I was very pleased to be able to bring the excitement of Midwest to my classroom.
--Dorothy J.
Iowa

I firmly believe that all great musicians, whether they are conductors or performers, must have a firm concept and idea of what they want to sound like. This can be achieved by listening to as many recordings as possible, but there is nothing like hearing a live performance to remind you of the sound you are striving to achieve. The Midwest Clinic is always the perfect opportunity to reestablish this sound in my ears and head.
--Joseph L.
Indiana

The Midwest Clinic gives practitioners the opportunity to learn about and experience many methodologies in one place.
--Christopher M.
California

The first session I attended was a rehearsal lab. It was exactly what I needed and I know I came out grinning. One session into the conference and I already had good, concrete ideas to take back home and use with my band!
--Jaclyn D.
North Dakota

When I attend a conference, I look for three things – reminders of what I should be doing, affirmation of the many things I do right, and some revelations – and this Clinic provided all three in abundance.
--Andrew P.
Georgia

I have been attending The Midwest Clinic since the late 1980s. In this time, I have never tired of the Clinic. Every year offers new and unique experiences that help directors get re-calibrated and motivated. Although I look for different events and details than I did years ago, I feel Midwest offers the “seasoned” teacher as much as it offers the “rookie” teacher. There is truly something for everyone at Midwest.
--William T.
Ohio

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the melodies and rhythms of different countries and cultures.
--Diane T.
Iowa

 

 

2007

The Midwest Clinic is a refreshing conference that allowed me to learn and reflect on what I can do to better not only myself as a director, but my program. Being a music teacher involves many challenges and the student population is always changing. This clinic gave me many ideas for my never-ending search for excellence in my profession.
--David R.
Indiana

There are a great many benefits to attending a conference such as this one. Educators are learning from educators, and all of us are “in it” for the same goals – it is great to see the support structure of band directors include composers, editors, and retailers. Any one of us could call on another for assistance. Having in hand the resources to continue my program in a positive direction is well worth the time away from school to attend the Midwest Clinic.
--Harry B.
Iowa

I find inspiration in the knowledge that I am not alone in my desire to grow and stretch beyond the realm of comfort.
--Sarah H.
Florida

In general, my experience at the 61st Midwest Clinic was amazing, educational, exciting, and thought-provoking. I have been able to step out of my little town and see a new and different side to the school band program. Would I go again? You bet!
--Andrea L.
Michigan

I attended a concert by what may have been the finest high school ensemble I have ever had the opportunity to listen to. The level of musicianship was outstanding, showing maturity far beyond the average age of the students performing in the group. The demand placed on the students was high through the programming of quality literature, handled with the utmost precision.
--Eric H.
Ohio

I’m excited to go back to my school and try some of the new things I discovered this year at the Midwest Clinic. I plan to share some of what I’ve learned with my students, because I like them to know that I am constantly learning new things, just like them.
--Jackie T.
Wisconsin

I was so pleased when I saw a session offered at Midwest about current technology for music labs. I learned not only about cutting-edge technology for the music classroom, but also about how to better configure my existing equipment to build an adequate lab until such time as funds are available to expand it.
--Brenda R.
Kansas

To label the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass performance as stunning would be woefully inadequate. Throughout the concert, several of the musicians commented on music education and the life lessons learned from their school band directors. Two and a half hours (and four encores) later, the audience left astounded and appeased.
--Craig G.
Wisconsin

It was great being able to try different batons at the exhibits and to not have to order them out of a catalogue. One could spend hours going through all of the music, instruments, uniforms and other exhibits. As a professional clarinetist, I especially liked trying out all of the new “gadgets” for reeds, mouthpieces, etc.
--Patricia C.
New Hampshire

My 2007 Midwest Clinic experience was about filling in the gaps: filling in my gaps in repertoire, teaching techniques, instrument techniques, organizational elements, and conducting. All good educators must continue to learn to bring the best practices back to their classes and to keep their enthusiasm at a high level that their students will find contagious. What is inspiring about the Midwest Clinic is that it is a “one-stop shop” for teachers searching for that certain technique not yet tried, that perfect piece of music for the 2nd hour eighth-grade class, or the new book or ligature that will help a student improve – not to mention inspiration to keep reaching for their best teaching.
--Mary W.
Kansas

This year I was fortunate to be in a position where not only was I looking for great and innovative ideas, I will be able to use them in my new teaching position. I feel this will make it more rewarding for both myself and all of my students. The Midwest Clinic always re-energizes with creative ideas, provides new techniques for improving music education, and continually develops the professional educator.
--Tim K.
Indiana

2006

The Midwest Clinic capitalizes on the input of directors from across the nation and returns a comprehensive package of ideas, applications and products back to the music educator. Although many choose a career that faces constant constraints in funding and even continued program existence, the multitudes of eager, energetic musicians that gather at Midwest help satisfy that feeling of having made correct career decisions in music education.
--Stanley P.
Georgia

As a director of a small school with as-yet developed band programs, I was grateful to see lists and performances of musically-relevant, entertaining, easier material that I could apply to my groups this semester rather than “shoot-for” in five years… One of my most concrete gains from this show was an excellent easy Latin chart, a copy of which I purchased at the publisher’s booth immediately following the show; I was so impressed by the fiery performance and knew immediately that it would be a fantastic stylistic teaching tool for my students. We have been working on it this semester, and it is a group favorite already.
--Alexandria C.
Oregon

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass Concert was the finest ensemble concert that I have ever attended. Their program contained music for brass and percussion and also included an organist. Throughout the concert I thought about the possibilities of performing a concert with our brass choir at a local church using an organ. This performance served as an opportunity for me to experience music making at a level that I rarely get to experience and also as a catalyst for some performance ideas with my group.
--Roy Y.
Ohio

I picked up some great pedagogical ideas for teaching woodwinds (I am a trumpet player), and I felt validated that several ‘curriculum’-based sessions I attended presented concepts that I am already using in the classroom.
--Scott C.
Wisconsin

Before the session even started, I had gotten my money’s worth by conversing with the gentleman sitting next to me. I didn’t get a handout, so I asked if I could borrow his to get my notes ready. We talked for 10 minutes about cymbal technique. He continued to clarify points as the session progressed, one of the unwritten beauties of Midwest, the willingness to share what you know.
--Ann S.
Wisconsin

Traversing the exhibit hall gave me a chance to look at new percussion equipment for my band room. I spoke with several reps and found the perfect triangle clips for my percussion section. I was also looking for chorale books to use for warm-ups… I had the opportunity to speak with the composer and realized that this book was perfect for my program. It was great to have him there to explain how the book was best used in a band setting. I really got a lot out of my time in the exhibit hall.
--Melanie H.
Illinois

I found the college booths particularly helpful as I am seeking to continue my education but was not really aware of the variety of different programs available. The music publishers and stores offered an enormous selection of music. I was taken aback by the iPods and CD players available to listen to the catalogue of music while looking through the scores. These booths were set up in such a way to allow teachers to browse without feeling pressured to purchase immediately any music in which they may have been interested.
--Sharon S.

Midwest comes at a perfect time in the school year, a time when we’re tired from Marching Band season, basketball season has just begun, we’ve just had winter concerts, and in two weeks we start all over again – but we’re revitalized when we leave Chicago!!
--Rebecaa H.
Kansas

Having the Midwest Clinic in Chicago is just another bonus to the entire experience. Aside from hearing the fine music educators, groups and researchers in the instrumental field, the cultural events in Chicago are just one more reason to attend the convention. This year, we spent time in the Chicago Art Institute on Tuesday, and we spent a lot of time with colleagues we rarely see (from Japan, Hawaii, Arkansas, Florida) just talking about education over great food at local rib joints and pizza places.
--Scott S.
Colorado

2004

     "Rejuvenation, encouragement, advice, and mentoring are all words that come to mind when I think of the Midwest Clinic. This was the second Midwest that I have attended. Everything from the booths to clinicians and performances created the energy I need to continue striving for greatness with my band. The Midwest Clinic, I have come to realize, is where I recharge my batteries.
     The Midwest Clinic is a wonderful place to meet the best teachers in the world. This association is both enlightening and motivating. Talking with these people is the most important part, and what excites me and encourages me to come home and be a better music teacher."
--Jermie A.
American Fork, Utah

     "Once again, attendance at the Midwest Clinic has proven to revitalize many teachers’ work in the classroom. Relevant issues in curriculum, equipment, planning, motivation and more were addressed. Musicianship and reinforcement of basic skills and the symbiosis of both were constant themes of the week.
     The performances at the Clinic are inspiring. It is a thrill to see young people achieve such a high level of skill and maturity. The works performed often inspire an expansion of repertoire.
     The convention hall experience at the Clinic is a value to those who attend. New music and method books are there to be previewed. There are not many times or places a teacher can compare and contrast endless method books, instruments, fundraising programs and equipment options."
--Jennifer B.
Waukesha, Wisconsin

     "This year’s conference was the best for me as a professional teacher. I learned a lot of information that I know I will use in my classroom. The sessions were very well organized; the lectures were informative and engaging. There were a lot of hands-on and visual contributions, which is what I really like and appreciate. The exhibits were great and also well organized. The music I heard from all groups was spectacular on many different levels--no matter if it was a middle school, college, or professional group, all of the music was great. The conference was a great experience and such an inspiration for me as a teacher."
--Titus P.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

     "Annual attendance at the Midwest Clinic stimulates and invigorates one’s approach to teaching instrumental music in the public school setting in new and varied ways. The Midwest Clinic is an opportunity not only to discover the latest concepts, but to validate what we do each and every day. Every year that I attend the Midwest Clinic, I feel rejuvenated, energized, and informed. So much learning happens in such a short period of time that I am grateful that I keep a notebook of the sessions."
--Lisa S.
Baltimore, Maryland

    "It’s that time of year again, the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. I had the opportunity to attend many fantastic clinics and performance, and to visit with friends and colleagues that I have not seen for a while. It is a great time to learn new techniques, to review forgotten techniques, to hear great literature, and to see new/old products.
     I love interactive workshops! It is one thing to have concepts presented to you; however, it is another to see it being applied.
     Not only did I attend clinics but I attended some wonderful concerts. I have always found it beneficial for performing ensembles at the Midwest to play a variety of graded music—you always need to remember the elementary and middle level ensembles.
     I spent quite a few hours in the exhibits. I LOVE having access to music (concert, solo/ensemble, jazz, methods) and to published books and resources. It is nice to be able to speak with music dealers, companies, and universities. The time spent at exhibits will aid me throughout the year and provide me with information and materials that I can use in my daily teaching and planning.
     It was another FANTASTIC year at the Midwest Clinic and I am already looking forward to next year."
--Melissa G.
Ames, Iowa

     "I attended twenty-three sessions in all. I came away from the conference refreshed, invigorated, inspired and proud to be a part of the profession, and also determined to feed and nourish my musical soul on a regular basis, to strive for balance, and to remind myself often of the wonders of performance and learning through attending conferences such as this."
--Mary W.
Culver, Indiana

2003

     "One of my main objectives in coming to the Midwest Clinic was to immerse myself in music technology sessions. Thankfully, I was able to spend many hours in the Computer Resource Center. This training area was exactly what I was looking for. Following the explanation side of the session, you could try out the actual software next door in the lab, which I found useful. The exhibits always offer many great ideas and choices for teachers. I looked through some publishers’ material for new works for string orchestra in particular. I am inspired to attend the Midwest Clinic again, perhaps for the band portion of the week next year, as I do teach Concert Band as well as String Orchestra."
--Robin B.
Cincinnati, Ohio

     "Compared to most other workshops attended for credit, the Midwest Clinic is the best! It is so wonderful to be able to attend a clinic that has everything a director could want, including fantastic music resources, practical clinic sessions, inspiring performances, and the opportunity to meet the composers whose music we enjoy!"
--James N.
Appleton, Wisconsin

     "The 2003 Midwest Clinic offered a plethora of opportunities to learn and grow as a music teacher. I always encourage anyone who can attend the Midwest Clinic because of the vast amount of learning and growing which takes place. I found this year’s clinic to be one of the most fruitful of any I’ve attended because I am already implementing so many new ideas I picked up. I feel that my bands will be better because of the concepts and refreshers presented."
--John M. P.
Cabot, Arkansas

     "I came away from the Midwest Clinic feeling renewed and refreshed, having picked up not only a number of pieces to check out for my band, but dozens of tips and tricks of the trade that will help me do my hob here at home. It really is the best clinic of its type anywhere!"
--Dan R.
Frederick, Maryland

     "The Midwest Clinic was an amazing experience and extremely rewarding for me as a first year band teacher and first time attendee. I had heard from friends that this convention is gigantic and one of the biggest in the country. I truly had no idea how large it really was until I arrived there and checked in. The Midwest Clinic was one of the most rewarding and educational conventions I have ever been to. I am glad I went and I benefited from the convention in many ways. I look forward to attending in the future and hope to continue to attend throughout my music education career."
--Jay S.
La Mesa, California

2000

     "The 2000 Midwest Clinic had special interest to this middle school band director. It enlightened my spirit and uplifted my soul, gave me new ideas and concepts to try on my thirsty seventh and eighth grade learners and ways to make music more alive for the sixth grade instrumentalists."
--Denise E.
Temperance, Michigan

     "The highlights of Midwest each year are the outstanding concerts. It is with out a doubt the best collection of bands in the world and this year was no exception….Midwest is a showcase of new music and attending these concerts is a great way to hear it."
--Robert T.
Faified, Ohio

     "The Midwest Clinic is essential to my well being as a band director. When the frustrations of all the non-musical aspects of teaching threaten to overwhelm me I can count on the experience of the Midwest and the city of Chicago at the holidays to brighten my outlook and spirit. Over the years I have used the opportunity to talk to the composers of pieces we were working on, research the proper instrument or equipment to purchase, select literature from the latest publications, meet with colleagues, and of course to listen to quality music performed to near perfection!"
--Eugene B.
Sylvania, Ohio

     "It was most inspiring to listen to Dr. Fennell discuss how he was prepared during his high school years for his career in music. Fennell’s achievements as founder of the Eastman Ensemble and his contributions to the wind ensemble movement in the United States will have a phenomenal impact on music education for centuries to come."
--Marshall T.
Las Vegas, Nevada

     "It was my pleasure to attend The Midwest Clinic December 20-23, 2000. Currently in my eleventh year of teaching junior high band, it was my first opportunity to attend this outstanding band and orchestra conference. Through the sessions I attended at the clinic, I came away rejuvenated with many new ideas and model sounds to bring back to my school and students."
--Alan N.
West Chester, Ohio

     "I have attended the Midwest band clinic for twenty-three years. It is the focal point of my entire school year. A perfect time to regroup after the Holiday band concert. I can’t imagine trying to get through a school year without charging my battery at this annual December event. This is a perfect time to network with other directors, composers, publishers, and manufacturers. Anything that is new in music or equipment can be seen here before it is in wide use….I plan to attend the Midwest every year. I can’t imagine staying current with new trends without this experience. I have already started making plans for next year. The majority of the directors at the convention are teaching at the high school level. It is a real advantage to a middle school director to attend the Midwest convention."
--Ray A.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Students

2002

The following comments were taken from papers written by members of the New Trier High School Jazz Ensemble I, following their performance at the 2002 Midwest Clinic.

     "Playing at the Midwest Clinic for people who appreciate the music you are making gave our performance a completely different feeling. Our group didn’t feel nervous when the audience had that attitude, mainly because we were no longer trying to impress anyone. The impression had already been made and the musical experience was more pure because of it. That is to say, the performance is more about the music than the musicians. My experience performing at the Midwest Clinic has had enough impact on me that I now see my future differently. I now will play my instrument after college, just to never stop having such intensely musical experiences."
--Connor D.

     "The whole performance and the days prior and after were kind of a blur, so I still need to let it hit rock bottom before I can truly appreciate what a special experience it was."
--Matt M.

     "The day after the concert, many of the members of Jazz Ensemble commented on the great amount of fun they had performing at the Midwest. I think we should all strive to treat every concert like a Midwest concert. If we were to always perform with the same musical intensity that we displayed at that concert, it would create a higher overall level of performance...and it would be more fun—which is the reason everyone starts playing an instrument in the first place...to have fun!"
--Aaron W.

     "Knowing that the majority of the audience were directors from around the world allowed me to really enjoy the performance more than any other in which I have participated. I knew that I would have to seriously play to impress them and compliments would not be handed out socially. I took this into account and felt very good after the performance when directors I didn’t know went out of their way to tell me I did a good job. I never felt more special in my life."
--Michael T.

     "In so many words, the Midwest convention showed me what it was like to be a professional musician."
--Peter C.

     "The Midwest was really different for me because we were playing for such a
huge audience, many of whom were musicians, so that factor also made the experience truly exhilarating."
--Cody R.

     "The Midwest was probably one of the most memorable experiences in my life. The time we spent preparing for the Midwest was an experience itself. Riding on the bus back from the Midwest Clinic, I felt I accomplished something I didn’t even expect to accomplish. Of course it was a hard and long road to get to where we ended up, but it was well worth it."
--Bryan K.

These remarks were taken from journals written by members of the Edgewood Junior High School 8th Grade Concert Band following their appearance at the 2002 Midwest Clinic. The group’s director, James D., writes: "The assignment was made due to Indiana Public Law 221, which requires all areas of the curriculum to incorporate reading and writing. The students in my 8th grade concert band were all given a journal and told to chronicle their experiences, feelings, and observations from the time of the making of the CD for application to the clinic, to the rehearsals, pre-concerts, and the trip itself."

     "It’s the day after the Midwest trip. I’m so sleepy and need to get rest. I look back and think it was the best school trip ever! I hope all our future band outings are this great. Even through all the hard work, and extreme stress, it was the best accomplishment I’ve ever done. I have finally seen how great we really are."
--Kayla S.

     "We just found out that we were invited to the Midwest Clinic. This is a huge honor.
     We just came back from summer break and when we got back, we saw the Midwest magazine and we were on the front cover! This thing is a real big deal. I’ll be real busy until December.
     Tonight was our Winter Concert. I think we did very well. Dr. Cramer, Dr. May, and Mr. Murphy were here. They have been a huge support for our band and Mr. DeCaro.
     I love Chicago! This place is so cool it just blows your mind. They have just about everything. We just got done with the concert. We performed the best we ever did. The concert was great even though the practice made me want to die because I was so nervous."
--Adam W.

     "Tonight was our last rehearsal before Chicago. It was hard to believe that it was finally time. As we were running through the songs I was really listening to how good we really were. I think some of the parents were surprised at how far along we came. It was kind of sad, but tomorrow is the big day.
     I wasn’t too nervous because our last two rehearsals went really well. After we performed the concert, it was really sad. After all the work that we put into it, it was over. I really thought we did good though."
--Julie F.

     "The concert was at 4:15 in the International Ballroom. Of course, we were all nervous (except Brooks, he never gets nervous) and I was sure that if I missed even one note, I’d be embarrassed for life. "Air For Band" brought the audience to applause. The finale had them on their feet and we had even a few people personally tell us what they thought. I don’t think I’ve ever done anything musically in my life that has made me nearly as proud as I was when the whole band stood up and the clapping commenced. Now I see what all those people meant when they told us we belonged there, we did. And suddenly, band means everything in the world to me."
--Ashley T.

     "When I heard that we were going to get to go to Chicago, I was very excited. We will be playing with bands from all over the world. I can’t wait to go. I’ll get to miss some school.
" This Wednesday, we leave for Chicago. I can’t wait to see all the cool things; Sears Tower, ESPN Zone, Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, the hotels, Giordano’s and Blast. I can’t wait much longer."
--Brooks D.

     "Five days away, only five days away. The band became closer because we will see each other more often because we’re in band and jazz band. Some of us have even become friends with people we wouldn’t even talk to if it wasn’t for band."
--Marty L.

     "Last spring when I was in 7th grade, our concert band tried out for the Midwest Clinic in Chicago for the winter when we would be 8th graders. Later on, Mr. DeCaro told us we made it. He kept telling us what an honor it was to perform there. It would be way better than any other contest, competition, or clinic. The Midwest Clinic is the best there is.
     We did it! We did excellent! Everyone comes up and congratulates us when we walk down the halls of the Hilton. It’s so fancy."
--Haley B.

     "Two days before we leave to go to Chicago. I can’t wait. Mr. DeCaro is going easier on us it seems. I think it’s because there is not much more he can do. It is up to us. I hope I don’t screw up in Chicago.
     Last night I didn’t sleep much. I got to the school at about 6:15 a.m. I’m surprised at how calm Mr. DeCaro is. Usually before a concert or contest he is really stressed out.
     Well, we are riding high from last night’s performance. We stayed up until about 2:00 a.m."
--Cam C.

2001

The Moorhead Sixth Grade Orchestra performed in the Grand Ballroom on Tuesday afternoon, December 18 at 1:30. As part of their assignment for school, each orchestra member kept a journal of the trip to Chicago. What follows is the journal entry where students were prompted to write a letter to a friend describing the orchestra's experience at the Midwest Clinic.

Dear Jodi:
     "I am writing to you to tell you how our concert day in Chicago went. I got up early Tuesday morning and our orchestra went to the Whitney Young High School and gave a very good rehearsal concert. After that we went back to our hotel and had about an hour to just relax before we would have to leave for the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton Hotel. When we got to the Hilton, I had butterflies in my stomach from being nervous, but I was still very excited. The Grand Ballroom was just beautiful, and when I walked in I felt like a million bucks. When we started our rehearsal in the Grand Ballroom it was just as Mr. Cole had said: you could hear a beautiful ring on every cutoff. After the rehearsal we waited outside the ballroom and I was ready to share my emotions with the crowd of people that was coming in.
     When we started playing, I was so proud! My emotions during our first piece "March Heroic" were awesome. I felt so happy to have the first song under our belt, and in my opinion, if I had been coming to this concert and heard that song for the first time, I would have felt really happy. I think the piece that went the best was the "Torch Burns Bright." When I started playing that song I got tears in my eyes. It was the last song of the concert. I got this rush through my body. I was kind of like, "Oh no, this is the last song!" You just felt that you didn’t want the concert to ever end, yet it went by so, so, fast! When we played the last note of our last song I got a huge rush of happiness and proudness. We were done and it felt great! We had been working so hard for
almost nine months.
     It was worth it—I know one thing for sure though. We were living a dream that I’m sure every other orchestra member in the past has dreamed of— playing at Midwest. It was awesome. I wanted to pinch myself to make sure that I was really there. Usually when we practice together, we have good songs and there are always songs that need work. It was a really neat feeling to know that everything was going our way! We didn't mess up in the concert and no one even broke a string—it was magical, a dream come true. I don't think I will ever be able to explain the feelings I had when we played at Midwest."
Sincerely,
Lauren D.
Moorhead, Minnesota