Oklahoma Bandmasters Convention

I'm spending the day recovering from a busy week at the Oklahoma Bandmaster's Convention in Tulsa.  It was a ton of fun, but I am exhausted.  Ed Huckeby, James Swearingen, and Robert W. Smith spoke, and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing what they had to say.  All three of them are well known as educators and composers, so they had some interesting insight on teaching music.  (Ed Huckeby highlighted his new sight reading method.  It is definitely worth checking out.  James Swearingen spoke about rehearsing music from the standpoint of a composer.  Robert W. Smith detailed a unique perspective on using music to teach creativity.  He also explained the overall importance of creativity within our modern culture.)  The OBA/OKJE All Star Jazz Bands had an outstanding concert yesterday as well, and the DCI Drums of Summer was phenomenal.  It was an absolute blast!  I look forward to next year's convention.  If you are a band director in the Oklahoma area, you should definitely go.  It is well worth the money.  I never leave disappointed. :)