The dispensables and indespensables of proper pedagogical preparation or what to pack for an MTNA conference - Music Teachers National Association

American Music Teacher, Feb-March, 2003 by Ingrid Jacobson Clarfield

Note: The following article was written in 1993, but alas many of the same suggestions still are applicable. Fortunately for all of you, the superlative staff at MTNA headquarters is constantly thinking of members' needs. They have asked me to update this article to convey any additional pertinent suggestions. After all, we are now in the twenty-first century. How could those old-fashioned ideas of the twentieth century still be applicable today?

For those of you wanting to know how things have changed since 1993, all "updates" will be in bold, italics underneath the original.

As I flew back home from last convention, the pedagogue in me was assimilating what I had learned. Sitting with my dear friend and department head, Phyllis Lehrer, we tried to figure out which aspects we should include in our pedagogy curriculum at Westminster Choir College. Reviewing our notes, we suddenly realized how remiss we had been in our teaching by not including the subject "Proper Preparation for an MTNA Convention" in our courses. As I wrote this article, Phyllis was busy writing an addendum to our pedagogy syllabus. Recommended subjects included:

Tips for Wardrobe Planning

Coordinate to the badge or ribbon

If you have a special function or belong to a particular group at the convention, make sure you plan your wardrobe and accessories to match your ribbon color.

Don't be caught short like Scott McBride Smith, with one too few ties that don't fully integrate the purple of the Young Keyboard Artists Association/Guiding, Identifying and Fostering Talent ribbon. In Scott's defense, he didn't realize the MTNA Fashion Police were out in full force at the banquet. (It was insensitive of me to point out that Scott's banquet tie was the same one he wore the first day!) Again, in Scott's defense, perhaps that was because I had critiqued his lack of color coordination the day before ...

Now we have a NEW problem: Ribbon envy! There are people walking around wearing multiple ribbons. What's that all about? How does that make us poor folks feel with only one, or horror of horrors, NO ribbons?

For those of you wanting to know who's who, I've included a ribbon guide for easy identification. (Please feel free to cut this out and put it in your pocket for easy reference.)

Board Members           Maroon
Monitor                 Red
Executive Director      Red

(I vote for him to get his own color. What
do you think?)

Exhibitor               Green
Presenters              Purple
FOUNDATION Trustee      Navy
Staff                   Black
                        (very chic!)
Competition Official    Berry Pink

Leave your silks at home

Until they invent a badge that won't make holes in your clothes, select polyester, wool or special blends that don't show the holes for the life of the garment.

For the 2000 Convention in Minneapolis, the staff obviously heard my 1993 pleas and switched from the "open" pin to the safety pin.

Thank goodness we now also can purchase (for only $1) a tasteful, black MTNA badge strap to wear our badges around our necks. (I'm waiting for one in jewel tones to be offered.)

Leave last year's, white clothes at home

Perhaps you can pretend they still have that fresh, crisp white color--but next to the badge, your whites will look dingy--and everyone will know it's from last year's wardrobe.

Allow Participants to Select Their Own Badge and Dot Colors

On this important issue regarding the badge, I'd like to make a personal plea to the 1995 Convention Steering Committee. Please consult with those of us who have had "our colors done." Give us an opportunity to select our appropriate badge color. I understand not everyone is a "summer" like me.

I'd like to also make one other recommendation that seriously affects me and others. I'm very committed to new technologies in pedagogy, but it's unrealistic to expect anyone to coordinate their ensembles to the reddish-orange "tech dot." Change the dot color, and I'm ready to advance into the twenty-first century.

Hallelujah! They did listen again and finally got rid of those orange technology dots, replacing them with a tasteful apple sticker. I now have absolutely no excuse for not learning about technology, and neither do you.

Now we also have a way of identifying the conference rookies. Keep your eyes open for the instrument stickers on their badges. Remember to make our newcomers feel welcome!

Wearing the Appropriate Shoes

To be totally equipped, women clearly need three categories of shoes:

* High-heeled shoes to really complement our tailored suits and to create that stylish yet professional look we're all striving for on opening day.

* Sensible flats as we progress into our more practical wardrobe of chic sweaters and slacks. Flats are also useful when beginning your preliminary cruise of the exhibition area.

* Sneakers, running or cross-training shoes are an absolute necessity, especially on Wednesday at 5:30 P.M. At this time, perhaps you are one of those who races around the exhibition area frantically searching for a new duet that will stimulate those two students you're teaching tomorrow who haven't practiced in three months. Those cross-trainers can be particularly appropriate if you're rushing to the Alfred Publishing booth hoping you can still get your picture taken with Dennis Alexander.