[rs1sensen]

I've been thinking about going to the Midwest Clinic conference in Chicago this year. I've never been there in the past, but it looks like there are a huge amount of clinics, performances, etc. I was wondering if anyone here has gone in the past, is planning on going, or knows if it's a worthwhile event.

http://www.midwestclinic.com/

Thanks!

 

[UMBari]

Been twice, and am going again this year. As a middle/high school band director, there is simply no better conference for our field in the U.S. I have been to IAJE multiple times as well (and am also on the executive board of my state's IAJE Unit), and enjoy that as well. To me IAJE is more of a "hang" and a place to catch some amazing professional performances. However, it is way expensive (almost $300) and generally light on clinics that I have found helpful. The state level conventions in my state are pretty lame as well, so Midwest has been a Godsend.

Midwest has so many amazing clinics going on that you will have to pick and choose and will always miss out on something. The performances are stellar as well...I have always left there a better teacher and musician, and I have decided to make it a yearly pilgrimage from New Jersey. It totally energizes me to take my teaching and playing to a new level.

Hope this helps.

 

[gary]

What UMBari says. I've been several times. It really can't be beat. It's amazing. Don't pass on the deep dish pizza, Berghoff german restaurant and a trip to the Lyric Opera. The only drawback is that the weather can be brutal with the icy wind coming straight off the lake.

 

[Little Sax]

What UMBari says. I've been several times. It really can't be beat. It's amazing. Don't pass on the deep dish pizza, Berghoff german restaurant and a trip to the Lyric Opera. The only drawback is that the weather can be brutal with the icy wind coming straight off the lake.

Good suggestions, but unfortunately, after 107 years, the Berghoff Restaurant has closed.

 

[hakukani]

What UMBari says. I've been several times. It really can't be beat. It's amazing. Don't pass on the deep dish pizza, Berghoff german restaurant and a trip to the Lyric Opera. The only drawback is that the weather can be brutal with the icy wind coming straight off the lake.

Also, the Art Institute is a must-visit.

 

[Hurling Frootmig]

One of the Berghoff daughters has a new place. I haven't checked it out but read about it when we were downtown a couple of weekends ago.

I can highly recommend the Fairmont Hotel and their restaurant - Aria.

If anyone comes into Chicago they should check out some of the jazz clubs including Andy's and The Green Mill. Andy's is in downtown. The Green Mill would require a cab.