What is the Annual Conference?
The Midwest Clinic annual conference offers engaging learning opportunities for high school students, college music majors, new teachers, veteran teachers, and music administrators. Attendees may choose from 100+ clinics presented by leaders in the profession, aimed at teaching specific instruments or sections, conducting and rehearsal techniques, administering a music program, developing strategies for recruitment and retention, strengthening strategies for music advocacy, teaching improvisation and composition, and implementing technology. Two cornerstones of the conference are the Reading Sessions, that highlight new music publications, and the Rehearsal Labs, that demonstrate best teaching practices.
Throughout the conference, Performances are presented by a variety of musical groups from around the world, including: string orchestras, concert bands, wind ensembles, jazz ensembles or combos, and a variety of chamber groups. Musicians in these ensembles range from elementary, middle, and high school students, college and university students, adult community organizations, professional musicians, and the premiere performers of The United States Military.
Who Can Attend?
Anyone and everyone with a passion for music and music education is welcome. The Midwest Clinic welcomes groups and individuals from all parts of the field of music education and music industry. Public schools, private schools, colleges, universities, educators, administrators, professional music organizations and anyone looking to learn about upcoming music trends and research based educational techniques is invited to attend. The Midwest Clinic offers its guests the latest in music education and industry trends, along with unprecedented access to music and teaching icons while keeping its rates competitive enough that schools, musicians and educators from any type of financial background have the same opportunity to attend this phenomenal music clinic. The Midwest Clinic is ideal for:
- Instrumental Music Teachers
- Fine Arts Administrators
- Professional and Amateur Musicians
- Military Musicians
- College and University Teachers, Students and Administrators
- Music Industry Representatives
- Composers and Arrangers
- Grade School and High School Music Students
- Conductors
The Midwest Clinic seeks to help musicians of all skill levels and stages advance into the next level of their careers.
Where and When?
The Midwest Clinic is held at McCormick Place West in Chicago every year in December. Several local hotels offer special rates for music clinic attendees, as well as shuttle services between lodging and the convention center. Hotels offering discounted rates or specials in the past include the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Chicago, The Palmer House, and the Embassy Suites Chicago – Downtown/Lakefront.
With more than 18,000 attendees, 400 exhibitors, 300 booths, 50 performances, and 100+ clinics, The Midwest Clinic seeks to provide educators and musicians of all skill levels with the opportunity to learn and grow in their field while also networking with other artists. The music and orchestra clinic is held in Chicago each year, but is not just for Midwest residents. Over the last six decades, guests have arrived from all 50 states as well as more than 30 foreign countries, making each conference unique and diverse in the talent and knowledge it contains. With such a wide variety of skill level and experience, The Midwest Clinic brings together all levels of talent and expertise to guide and grow each participant.
Exhibits:
Teachers and administrators can learn more about uniform companies and fundraising organizations at the band clinic, as well as music festival, travel and competition booths. High school and Graduate students can plan for their futures by visiting the different college and university booths in the Exhibit hall and at College Night. And everyone can try out the newest instrument brands and models, discover new music publications, meet/network with music industry professionals, and learn more about the latest music software and technology when visiting the band and orchestra clinics. These are just some of the vendor types and networking options that will be present at The Midwest Clinic:
- Music Publishers
- Uniform Companies
- Instrument Manufacturers
- Colleges and Universities
- Fundraising Companies
- Festivals, Travel and Competitions
- Music Accessory Companies
- Recording Companies
- Photographers
- Stage Equipment Manufacturers
- Music Education Journals
- Software and New Technology
Manufacturers and Distributors
- Military Services
- Performing Organizations
- Music Camps
- Instrumental Music Associations
- Instrument Merchandise and Supplies