OrchestraColumnAnneCochenour OrchestraChair

ihope that this message finds all of you in good spirits and happy times. I want to let you know of the plans for this year’s OMEA Conference.

Dr. Michael Allen, from Florida State University, will direct this year’s High-School Orchestra. Dr. Allen has chosen the following challenging and incredible program: Overture to Nabucco by Verdi Danse Macabre by Saint-Saëns “Berceuse” and “Finale” from Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite

This is a very difficult program, but from the quality of this year’s auditions, I am very excited to hear it come together!

We also have several clinics arranged for string teachers to attend this year. They include the following:

• Dr. Allen presenting methods of integrating beginning string techniques in the classroom

• Lorely Zgonc presenting her new string method book entitled Stars and Strings Forever from the “I Can Perform” series

• Middle-school and high-school music reading sessions

• Joanne Erwin, Director of Music Education at Oberlin College, presenting a clinic as well as directing the middleschool honor orchestra

There will also be a few sessions labeled as “conductor” clinics. I know that from talking with many other string teachers over the past few years, conducting is something we tend to forget at times and is an area that needs some revisiting. I urge you to take advantage of the conducting clinics offered at this year’s conference.

Both Sprague and South Salem High Schools’ string orchestras will be performing. Be sure to catch those great performances!

For the two reading sessions and Ms. Zgonc’s session, please bring your instrument. Also, I’d like each of you to bring a few of your favorite pieces “that work,” which you can share at the reading sessions.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you in Eugene.