Benford's Musings

Well, I’m back from my convention. It was a lot of fun but I’m exhausted. I wanted to take more pictures but the week seemed to zoom by and I only got a few taken. This is the largest music educators convention in the nation. There are multi-state & national conventions that happen at different places and times but this one is still the largest. Music educators from all levels (elementary, middle school, high school and college) and fields (general music, band, choir & orchestra) come from all over Texas (and actually all over the US) to hear great clinics, concerts and see everything new in the music industry. 2 1/2 days is not enough time to get it all done!

One of the people that gave several clinics this year was Ed Shaughnessy. He was the drummer for the Tonight Show for 25 or so years. I had the chance to spend time with him about 8 years ago when he was the featured musician and clinician at the Hill Country Jazz Festival at SWT. He has lived a fascinating life and I am very lucky that I got the chance to hear his stories and hear him play. I never got a picture with him so when I found out he was going to be at this year’s convention, I made a point to make sure to ask to take a picture with him. He was very gracious to stop to take a picture with me!!

The thing I like the most about going to TMEA is that is a chance to refresh. To reboot my computer, so to speak. I listened to wonderful concerts and speakers that allow me to remember why it is that I do what I do. I tap back into my passions and am ready for a new day. I feel very reinvigorated! I have to remember to go to work and not overwhelm everyone with this new breath I’ve taken, though. It can really turn people off. I made some good connections that I can call and refer to so I can continue to keep in touch with the art of what I do.

Oh yeah, Connie & Sami — Key Poulan told me to remind you to email him. He gave me his card with that message for you. Remind me to bring it next time I’m going to the same place you’re going to be.

I was looking at February so far and noticed that I’ve updated almost daily! So, to let you all catch up to my number of posts this month (except Anne, she’s right up with me), I’ll be taking the rest of the week off from posting. Please use that time wisely to take stock in your own lives and share with the rest of us. You will be graded on grammar, as well as content. (Oh, wait, that goes with the assignment I’m leaving with my kids while I’m gone! Sorry.)

Actually, I’ll be off to San Antonio for the annual Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) convention. It’s one of the largest music educators conventions in the nation and I’m sure I’ll be more than overwhelmed with concert and clinics to go to and plenty of people to schmooze and be schmoozed by on the exhibit floor. I’ll take my laptop but I don’t know what type of internet connection I’ll have access to (if any at all).

As hard as it is to do while away from home, I’m going to try to eat healthy and continue getting some level of exercise. Walking the expansive (I’ll take pictures to show how huge it is) exhibit hall as well as to and from the Hyatt daily will give me some exercise and I’m going to keep to my no beer and sodas regimine. It’s the nightly fair that will take the toll on me this week. Catching up with friends happens so much at night that hitting the Riverwalk scene can’t be avoided. But I must be on my best behavior. I’m sure my hotel mates (or my subconscious) will guilt trip me enough. If not, I have a lot of work to do when I get back.

So, I hope to have good things to read when I get back. Have a good rest of the week all!