I've recently returned from the Chicago Midwest Clinic which is the biggest gathering of its kind in the world. Other Irish attendees that I am aware of were Dr. Willie Halpin (DIT), Danny Carroll (Clonmel band) and Dr Joe Ryan (AIT). The conference was housed for the first time at the new McCormick conference centre, a huge facility 2 miles south from the old venue, the Chicago Hilton. I've never seen anything like it - massive to say the least. The concert hall held about 2000 people - and there were three more like it alongside! And that was just for starters. If you would like to see or hear a taste of what happens at the conference, go to http://www.midwestclinic.org/ and check out the video section (top right of the homepage).

Visit when you have lots of time as you will spend an age watching the videos (Yiddish Dances (2 movements) played by an American service band for example). While you're there, don't miss the Eastman Wind Ensemble in two clips that personify the essence of ensemble playing. And check out the Murcia Youth Symphony Orchestra - The Royal Irish Academy Intermediate Orchestra conducted by James Cavanagh visited Murcia last Easter and many members participated in the Festival Orchestra conducted by the young female conductor featured in the videos.

While the Midwest website can give you a flavour of the 4 day conference, it really has to be experienced to be believed! I came home exhausted having walked miles further in a week than I normally do in a month. Most of that walking was done in the trade exhibitions where I met composers (among others) Nigel Clarke (Samurai), Jacob de Hann (sends his regards to all in Ireland) and Johan de Meij. Other composers included Frank Tichelli, Martin Ellerby, Julie Giroux, Joseph Spaniola etc, etc. The list could go on and on. I walked around the instrument section (manufacturers) just once and that took a couple of hours without stopping. For the first time, the instruments were in the same (huge) hall as the publishers which, for me, didn't work at all. I listened to hours of publisher demo CDs and there was always somebody trying out the top register of a trumpet in the distance. I would welcome a return to the hustle and bustle of the old venue in the Hilton Hotel where the instruments were housed in a different hall. I didn't get to any of the hundreds of clinics, research sessions or talks as my business in Chicago was as a member of the Board of Directors of WASBE www.wasbe.org and most of my time was spend developing relationships with other board members and with other significant people in the world of wind bands. I came home elated, enthralled and enlightened!

I wish I could share my first-hand experience with all of you. Actually, it's not expensive to go at that time of year if you book in advance. Airline tickets booked early enough were €450 (2009) and a shared hotel room was about €45 per night(without breakfast). Registration to the conference is $100 and any person interested in banding would thoroughly enjoy the experience - plus the chance to do all of your Christmas shopping at dollar prices. Brilliant!! Fergus O'Carroll