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The other topic regarding conference costs and such brought up an older
conversation topic that I've had with several folks over the years, but never really raised in this type of forum (not that there's really another one like this one--thanks, Sean!)

I've heard many-a-time the concern raised of "well, if they would do somthing that was applicable for amateurs, I'd go" or something to that effect.

So, what do amateurs want that is applicable to them? Seriously. What would motivate you to attend a conference like ITEC? What would make you feel like you got yer money's worth? What kind's of things at conferences do you think are a waste of your (the amateur's) time?

Of course there are some of you who could care less and that's fine, too.

If you don't want to post on forum, contact me privately at dwaskew@gmail.com

thanks and all best,
D. AsKew

Hmm. That's a thought. Most master classes and sessions deal with the more orchestral literature or some aspect of technique or pedagogy, when it would probably be better to have a session on standard band literature exerpts, (Holst, Sousa, Callet, Reed, Erickson, Swearingen and others, for example) and another session on recent or upcoming composers and let the publishing houses manage one or more of them,so they can effectively foot the bill for the guest clinician, etc., as a way to get bands to purchase their charts.

Hi Dennis,

I got a lot out of the one ITEC I have attended (NU 1995).

The evening concerts were superb. Steve Mead was inspiring and Roger Bobo was amazing. I remember there was a guy from one of the armed service groups who did this memorable bit with the sousaphone and then there was the tuba group that replaced the traditional organ that played along with one of the classic silent film movies and that was great.

I personally gained a lot from the improvising masterclass that Sam Pilifian (sorry Sam I never can spell your name right). That was outstanding and I'm never less than impressed with his ability to make the tuba play anything. This doesn't quite apply to me yet but I think a lot of older players would be interested on how to counter the effects of aging to continue performing at your best. I uses to attend Arnold Jacobs masterclasses during the summer at NU and he used to occasionally talk about the effects of aging and playing.

About the only thing that doesn't do much for me as an amateur are the auditoning stuff, the contests, the how to organize your college tuba ensemble etc. I realize you need that stuff for the other folks who attend, it just doesn't do much for me.

I actually think there is a lot already that appeals to amateurs or at least serious amateurs. The only thing would be reasonable a la carte pricing and maybe more of the sessions that appeal to amateurs being later in the day for local folks to put in a half day of work and then attend. For instance I live in Chicago, but if there was an ITEC at say UW - Madison (150 miles) or University of Illinois (180 miles) for example
I would travel there at least a couple of times during the week and/or go there and stay for maybe a Thursday - Sunday type of timeframe. Something that was say an hour a way (50 miles) I would definitely try to attend all of the evening sessions.

While I understand that ITEA is international I really wonder what percentage of the membership lives outside of the USA/CANADA. It seems that a higher percentage of the ITECs are held outside the USA than is warranted by the membership. Of course I'm interested in the tuba and not as an excuse to go sightseeing.

Thanks for asking.

Here are a number of instrument collectors out there, how about sessions with instruments? Some old never played stuff, old manufacturers, emergency repair tips - you can go on. This has appeal to all, pros, warriors and students. Can even show slides of horns. In Denver there is a series of chatting with the masters with prominent tubists of the past - there could be great stories here.

A conference should have the past, present and future. Recitals such as Janich and Childs bring out the future - alway nice to hear that.

This whole thread started by a guy who ran a GREAT ITEC in NC Greensboro a few years back.

Now I am not sure if it is me, but looking back to Greensboro right through next months in Denver I see nothing but outstanding lineups that offer everything from how to prepare for an audition to funky concerts that would blow most people away for their artistry and imagination. Just my thoughts... If you have never attended an ITEC I strongly reccomend that you do and experience it for yourself.

tofu wrote:
I got a lot out of the one ITEC I have attended (NU 1995).

... I remember there was a guy from one of the armed service groups who did this memorable bit with the sousaphone ....

I might be wrong, but I believe that was Tom Holtz.