Chicago Story: Part 2

There was so much more to my Chicago experience than just the Chicago Marathon.  I was away from home a whopping ten days when it was all said and done, with the trip having essentially three phases: marathon, vacation, conference. 

The Chicago Marathon was the center of a perfect storm of events as the American Music Therapy Association annual conference was held in the Chicago area the week following the race (traditionally held in mid-November).  AMTA Conference is always a highlight of my fall as it is a wonderfully busy time of renewal, service, networking, learning, energizing, etc, etc, etc. 

 To add to the fun, Andrew (the original music therapy frunner) from the Frozen Tundra (aka North Dakota) was also running the marathon and challenged me and my region (Southwestern Region) to a fundraising duel with his region (MidwesternRegion) with all funds going to support the mission of AMTA. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of my colleagues, frunners, family, and friends as I was able to raise $1,728!  I still can’t believe THAT happened and I am sincerely thanking all of you for your support in this endeavor.  It really made the marathon experience that much more special knowing that you all supported not only me, but a cause that is near and dear to my heart.  Okay, enough of the uncharacteristic mushy stuff….you are probably wondering who won the challenge. Well, Andrew and the Midwestern folks put up a good fight, but I am proud to announce that the Southwestern Region was crowned the champions!  The contest was close with Andrew’s side raising $1,610 for a grand total of $3,338—making AMTA the REAL winner in this contest.  Check out the humorous video that Andrew created for the conference….you don’t want to miss this!  It tells the story way better that I do, and only takes a few minutes.

Original Music Therapy Frunners

Conference seems to get bigger and better each year and there were over 1,600 music therapists in attendance.  I had a terrific time catching up with old friends, making new friends, shopping in the exhibit hall, and dancing the night away in the cheesy hotel restaurant.  While dancing might have made for great marathon recovery (Gangnam anyone?), I was happy to be able to catch an early morning run with the rapidly growing AMTA Running Club.  This is such an exciting thing because I used to have to brave the streets of various cities alone just to catch some miles.


AMTA Running Club

I attended many great sessions with a wide range of topics, I am lucky to belong to such a dynamic field full of engaging professionals. I also went to lots of meetings as I serve on a couple of boards and committees—it is a great way to give back.  My lucky streak continued as I entered a drawing held by the Illinois Assoication for Music Therapy and won a beautiful djembe. How cool is THAT?  I always walk away from conference with new ideas, a new focus, and perhaps a nudge to move out of my comfort zone (comfort zone…see quote in top right column).

SHSU Alums are so colorful!!  Eat 'em up Kats!

While exhausting and a little overwhelming, I am always sad to see the end of conference.  I have said many times that I am fortunate to belong to a profession that feels like a family with conferences that feel like family reunions.  I am already looking forward to AMTA 2013 in Jacksonville, Florida!

Leaving AMTA in style!

Stay tuned….there is one final phase of the Chicago story left to tell!