Hal Leonard: Episode III

For the third year that I've been coming to Midwest, Hal Leonard is pushing it's collection of Star Wars music. Back in 2015 it was a score for The Force Awakens being kept under lock and key until the movie came out. Last year it was a collection of parts for Rogue One. This year, it's a spread at the front corner with various Star Wars scores, flanked by cardboard cutouts of figures from the new movie. But Hal Leonard isn't the only exhibitor getting into the spirit. The North Shore Concert Band is devoting its 2017-2018 season to performing some of the music from the saga on each of their concerts. Star Wars mania is indeed alive and well at the 71st Annual Midwest Clinic.

And He Huffed! And He Puffed! And He...

One of the biggest requirements of being a wind player is heing able to draw upon your breath to support your playing. Over the years, many tools have been put out to help in that endeavor. One that is at Midwest this year is Lung Trainers. These guys have a booth where you can test out their units, letting you pit your lung capacity against the trainer. In the back, they have one unit that is loaded with 5 weights. (The hardest training unit only has 3) Anyone blowing those weights to the top wins a crisp $2 bill. To my knowledge, nobody has gotten that bill yet (or passed out trying, haha).

Music From Down Under

One of the many exhibitors at The Midwest Clinic is Brolga Music, an Australian music publishing company. They have sample CDs, pamplets, Australian chocolate, and small stuffed wallabies. All you could ever want! Make sure to check them out this week at McCormick Place.

Invision Yourself Anywhere!

One of the primary concerns for any touring music group is knowing what to expect when you arrive at your destination. Director's Choice has made that task far easier with their Invision Virtual Reality App. Now you can just download the app to any smartphone, insert your phone into the viewer, and you'll be transported to Chicago, New York City, or San Antonio. This promises to be an invaluable tool for both band directors and tour organizers to use. You can check out the app at invisionyourself.com