It Helps to Take a Village: Performing at Midwest

The Midwest Clinic is known the world over as a premier place for music. It is therefore an absolute honor to be accepted to perform here. This afternoon I sat in on a chat room with several directors who took bands to the Clinic this year. The first step in their Midwest journey was the audition itself. Midwest has very strict parameters for auditioning groups, and they must be adhered to exactly. Bands need to submit recordings on both audio and video of them performing two songs, one of which must be a march (which can only be chosen from a list of approved composers). Then the director must solicit letters of recommendation from 3 colleagues. All of this must then be uploaded to Midwest's website by the middle of March. Then they sit back and wait for Midwest to make their decision. The real work begins once a band is accepted though. First, accepted directors have to come to Chicago for a one day meeting in June. Then there are the requirements for the performance itself. Half the music on the program must be no older than 2 years, and nothing that has been played at Midwest for the last 3 years can be played. Difficult pieces have to be balanced with easier ones, the program has to be submitted 3 months in advance and cannot be changed, and did I mention that the performing group is responsible for all costs of traveling, lodging, and incidentals? That is where engaging the community is key. Each director shared stories of successfully doing just that. They each said that finding ways to 'take the community along' was a surefire way to give the program a shot in the arm. Even things as simple as getting some programs printed up and using them to solicit donations more than makes up for the costs of printing them up. Performing at Midwest is a worthwhile effort that will stick with students for a lifetime. Involving the community just makes it that much sweeter.