Warning: this blog will have absolutely nothing to do with running. However, it has everything to do with my other passion: music therapy. I have just returned home from the American Music Therapy Association conference in Cleveland, Ohio. Most of you know that I am a music therapist and AMTA is my professional organization. You might not realize that this conference celebrated 60 years of music therapy as an official, organized profession. We have this conference every year in November and it is a wonderfully busy time of renewal, service, networking, learning, energizing, etc, etc, etc. I am so exhausted as I write this, but I wanted to capture my thoughts before I became wrapped up in Thanksgiving preparations.
I felt like this conference brought me full circle, my first conference as a MT-BC (Board Certified Music Therapist) was in 1998 in Cleveland, we were even in the same hotel. I know that everyone says it and it sounds cliche, but I cannot believe that 12 years of my professional career have already passed. It really just seems like I was at the same conference trying to figure out how to make it in the world as a young MT-BC. I cannot think of a more rewarding and vibrant field in which to belong. Seriously, my colleagues blow me away every time we get together in a big group like this. Did I mention that 1400 music therapists came together in Cleveland for this conference? There is no other energy like it!
Conference Roomies and Dear Friends
Carolyn and Stephanie
I started my conference with my committee meeting. I serve on the Student Affairs Advisory Board (SAAB). Sounds pretty fancy, right? I will spare you the long explanation...the SAAB is made up of a student and professional from each region of our association. I have served on this committee for about five years now and I LOVE it. I always tell the students to find their "niche" and serve it the best that they can. This is totally my "niche". If you want energy, go to a music therapy student meeting. These kids are so smart and so tech savvy and I am thrilled to know that they are the future of our profession. Just check out the AMTAS website. It has also been an honor and a privilege to serve with this committee's chair, Dr. Petra Kern. Petra is stepping down after four years of dedicated leadership. I will miss working closely with her, but am thankful for the opportunity.
And conference just kept getting better. We had an amazing presentation on Friday morning as we were treated to a concert of sorts by Ken Medema. To say that Mr. Medema is a performer and music therapist is a tragic understatement. He is amazing in that he is the improvisation king, he can listen to a story and then sing a beautiful song with complex piano accompaniment. Since it is our 60th anniversary, a different music therapist told a story from each decade. Mr. Medema listened to the story and then performed a song based on their story. I find myself unable to do it justice in this description. These songs were so good that we were crying, laughing, dancing, clapping, and the list goes on and on. My friend Janice was chosen to tell a very inspiring story that happened to her in the 2000-10 decade. We were all in tears as her story was performed in song by Mr. Medema. Moments like this make me feel so blessed and lucky to find myself amongst this group.
Conference moved along at a blinding pace. I attended sessions on Universal Design, using your public library, social skills development, and Imagine (the early childhood online magazine) to name a few. I also attended and participated in meetings of our regional and national organization. And I must not forget another favorite element-the internship fair. It is just fascinating to meet students from around the country who are looking for that perfect internship.
Mary and Intern Paula at the Internship Fair
I must not forget to mention the Exhibit Hall--a place for music therapists to gather and try out all of the latest instruments and gadgets. I spent an afternoon there and walked away with a ukulele. They are so affordable, fun, and easy to play, I'm looking forward to adding it into my current music therapy practice. The Exhibit Hall is also a wonderful place to network and I had some fascinating conversations with music therapists that I hope to collaborate with in the future. I ran across an interesting fellow named Tim, through the course of our conversation I learned of his unique journey and passion in life. Be sure to check out his website and blog. I believe that everyone has a story and I heard some good ones within the Exhibit Hall.
Introducing....Uke Ellington
Lastly, the best part of conference might be simply spending time with my friends. We have our usual conference group of Stephanie, Carolyn, and Mary along with Jennifer (Little Bit), and various others. We have so much fun together just being silly--I can honestly say that I laughed until my face hurt and my sides were sore. I treasure this time with my friends because we are currently spread from coast to coast. It is like having Girl's Night Out four nights in a row.
Me with Mary and Stephanie
Conference always flies by way too quickly, but I come home energized (despite the exhaustion) and ready to approach my practice with fresh eyes. I am astounded by the amount of talent that surrounds me in my field. I am blessed beyond belief to have found such a vibrant group of people to stand amongst. Yes, we "rocked" Cleveland in a grand manner. Watch out ATL....we are coming your way in 2011!
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