Greetings Directors,
It’s hard to believe we are just over a month away from the 80th Midwest Clinic! As you finalize preparations, please remember that much of the information you need can be found in the Performer Handbook. Of course, if you have questions, feel free to reach out to me or your Board Liaison.
Please note that the Midwest Clinic office will be closed November 25–29 for Thanksgiving.
This memo covers November deadlines, final schedules, homeroom assignments, and load-in details.
Final Schedules
You will receive your final rehearsal, sound check, performance, and photo schedules in a separate communication.
Please review your schedule carefully and adhere strictly to the assigned times. Many events have tight transitions, so it is important to arrive on time and vacate spaces promptly.
For additional information, visit:
Homeroom Assignments
Homerooms are available on a limited basis for storing instrument cases and personal belongings at McCormick Place West.
Key details:
- Your homeroom key is active only during your assigned time.
- You must vacate the room and return the key by your listed departure time.
- Return keys to the registration desk or the Midwest Clinic Office (W476) if registration is closed.
- Homeroom keys can be picked up only at the Performing Groups/VIP registration desk.
Your homeroom assignment and check-in/check-out times will be sent in a separate communication.
For more details, visit: HOMEROOMS
Equipment Truck Load-In
If you are bringing a large equipment truck, it must unload at a McCormick Place loading dock and must be approved in advance by Midwest Clinic.
Please update your Equipment Truck Arrival/Departure information on the Performer Intranet by November 30.
After this date, we will assume no truck is arriving, and your group will not be included on the loading dock schedule submitted to McCormick Place.
Unscheduled trucks may be turned away or charged additional labor fees.
Your specific loading dock location will be provided after the November 30 deadline.
For more information, visit: TRANSPORTATION
Music Parent Sessions
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser will again host MUSIC PARENT SESSIONS for parents of music students.
These sessions allow parent leaders to connect with other programs and hear from one of the field’s most respected motivational speakers.
Daily: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: W182
Parents are welcome to attend one or all sessions.
Exhibit Hall Performances
Small ensembles (15 performers or fewer) may apply to perform 20–30 minute sets on stages outside the exhibit hall entrances.
To request a performance slot, complete the EXHIBIT HALL PERFORMANCE REQUEST FORM by November 30.
Performance times are assigned first-come, first-served, and the full schedule will be sent the first week of December.
For details, visit the EXHIBIT HALL PERFORMANCE section of the Performer Handbook.
College Night
The annual College Night will be held:
Thursday, December 17
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Room W375D
Students can meet representatives from colleges, universities, and military organizations. More than 60 schools are already registered.
Visit the 2026 COLLEGE NIGHT page on our website for the full list of participating institutions.
Memo #9 Reminders
November 30 – Deadline to:
- Update equipment truck information
- Submit vendor equipment delivery information
- Sign up for F1 & F2 exhibit hall performances
Please let me know if you have any questions as you finalize your preparations.
Take care,
Kelly Bell
Executive Director
The Midwest Clinic