2003 WASBE Conference

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herein are those of the
authors and not
necessarily the opinions
of WASBE.

Conference Article Archive

Sunday, July 6 — Why Attend a WASBE Conference?

[Editor's Note: In the middle of the Conference, we re-ran Jim Croft's answer to the question "Why WASBE?" To finish the week, we take a look at one writer's perspective on why we should attend a WASBE Conference — "Why Go To WASBE?", if you will. We planned to publish this on July 6, but technical problems and travel prevented us from posting it before July 12.]

WASBE has much to offer me as an educator and conductor. It has much to offer my students as well. The country of Jordan is very young in the wind band arena. It is of great value for us to relate to the international community of wind groups. As we grow and mature we too will have something to offer WASBE.

This was our second WASBE conference and we found it just as beneficial as our first, which was in Lucerne. You might ask, why would a music teacher and several of her students want to come to WASBE from a country so different in tradition and culture than the usual concept of the wind band genre. Well the reasons are numerous. Because we are the only wind group in the country we want to expand our horizons. The WASBE Conference helps us: 1) broaden our musical world and outlook, 2) heighten our goals and what we can strive for, 3) interact with serious and high level musicians from all over the world, 4) experience some fine band performances with exposure to good and extremely challenging literature.

The conference at Jönköping was especially nice because of the centrality of facilities – hotels, meals, sessions. The closer proximity afforded much more interaction and discussion opportunity among participants. The addition of choices in clinic sessions was a positive change. Perhaps some clinic sessions could even be offered twice so you could attend each of the things that occurred simultaneously. Another welcome addition was the series of Repertoire sessions and the opportunity to hear some of the performing groups beyond a single stage performance. The open rehearsal times were also very helpful and insightful. The chance to renew old acquaintances and develop new friendships rounded out our very positive experience at WASBE 2003. We eagerly anticipate the next step in our journey. We will see you in Singapore, God willing.

Barbara Johnson, Lara Marto, and Rayyan Qaqish from Amman, Jordan