KC here we come! - Dear Reader

American Music Teacher, Feb-March, 2004 by Ann M. Gipson

In its early days, Kansas City was a small town of settlers and missionaries providing a gateway to the West. Today, with nearly 1.8 million people residing in the metro area, Kansas City has grown to be the twenty-ninth largest city in the United States and is a thriving center of business, arts and tourism. What a tremendous site for the 2004 MTNA National Conference!

Each person attending a national conference has his or her own reasons for attending. Pedagogical sessions, outstanding concerts, exhibits to see the newest and latest the music industry has to offer and a venue to enjoy meeting new friends and renewing acquaintances are the most popular masons. Whatever your reason for attending, I am sure you will not be disappointed.

The conference committee has assembled a fabulous program of presenters. The variety of topics will offer something for everyone. Let me highlight a few conference offerings. As in previous years, this year's pre-conference events will include Pedagogy Saturday and Professional Studio Saturday. If you are looking for technology sessions, you will be delighted to know that technology sessions geared toward the beginning and intermediate users will be held throughout the conference and are being presented in cooperation with the International Association of Electronic Keyboard Manufacturers. This year no additional fee is required to attend these sessions.

Numerous sessions by outstanding presenters are sure to stimulate your thinking and revitalize your teaching. Topics ranging from music therapy; the mind/body connection, euthythmics, improvisation, chamber music and arts advocacy will be of interest to all musicians. Master dames, lecture recitals and performances will feature music for piano, strings, voice and flute. In conjunction with the regular conference sessions, MTNA and the National Piano Foundation are sponsoring a Group Teaching Track. Teachers who register for the conference will be eligible to attend both MTNA's regular sessions and the sessions in this special track. What a great opportunity to broaden your group teaching skills!

Conference artists, "rising stars" and national competition finals provide venues to hear music of the highest artistic quality. Throughout the conference you also will find a few performance sessions designed strictly to give you a chance to hear music, allowing your inner musician to be nurtured and inspired. A feature of every conference, you will want to visit one of the 170-plus exhibitors who will provide the latest music, teaching materials, books, instruments and technology.

You may wish to take advantage of one of the three sightseeing tours of the city. Today, the city's colorful past is highlighted by an intending mix of historical museums, venues for arts and entertainment in all areas of the performing and visual arts. Of special interest to musicians is the American Jazz Museum. The city also is home to several performing arts companies, including the Kansas City Symphony, Ballet and Lyric Opera. In addition, four theaters are located within walking distance of both the MTNA conference hotel and convention center.

Known for its jazz and barbecue, Kansas City is the perfect site for the 2004 MTNA National Conference. Both the city and the conference will offer a variety sure to please all tastes and styles.

I hope to see you in Kansas City.

Ann M. Gipson, NCTM

National Conference Chair