Sigma Alpha Iota

14 Summer 2024 • sai-national.org Education By Lydia Oseguera T hroughout my time at the University of Illinois, my professors would advise us: "Go to every teaching conference you can drive to!" I always take that piece of advice — even now, several years out of college. Each conference offers a glimpse into the real experiences of teaching music for preservice teachers, and offers a place for growth for current educators. When I leave each conference I attend, I oen feel inspired to implement tips my colleagues across the region share with me. Attending the Illinois Music Education Conference in January 2024, my first state conference since becoming a full- time music educator, le me feeling that same way. e Illinois Music Education Conference (IMEC) is a multiple-day professional event in central Illinois where music teachers across the state come together to delve into professional development clinics, network with industry colleagues, listen and learn from ensembles through musical performances, and view vendors in the exhibition hall. e 2024 IMEC made an impact on me in multiple ways. Sharing Knowledge IMEC offers countless interactive lectures and activities. While I attended many clinics this year, two notable clinics I listened to included "Hands-On Mariachi: An Immersive Experience," which introduced music educators to the basics of starting a mariachi ensemble in schools, and "Conducting the Lesson Plan," which discussed the importance of using conducting gestures that best relay the music being performed to the ensemble and the audience. Aside from attending some great sessions, conferences like IMEC provide an opportunity to share what we've learned during our time as music educators. I am incredibly grateful I had the opportunity to present a professional clinic of my own for the first time, with the support of my colleagues. "Classroom Management (and Other Survival Tactics!) for Young Performing Ensembles" was a way to share my experiences as a beginning band director and what I personally do to help keep my rehearsals with young students positive and on track. I was honored to have the chance to help answer questions from other educators across the state and help my peers grow. Performances and Partnerships Performances showcased at conferences truly offer a wide listening experience of musical genres and ensemble settings — including collegiate student ensembles, elementary chorus performances, professional musicians, and other guest artists. ese dedicated musicians from across the state share their skills with music educators and industry members as a form of inspiration. eir performances aid in encouraging programs to share the great work they are doing in their school district. I am always appreciative of seeing levels of musicality in the classroom I can strive for with my own students. Edwardsville High School, a school in the district I teach in, was selected to perform at the IMEC this year, and it was truly a joy to hear some of my summer high school students show off their hard work through this opportunity. Visiting the Exhibition Hall With knowledge and networking in hand, educators have the opportunity to find the material items that can help them in the classroom or on stage. IMEC's exhibition hall showcases businesses that offer sheet music, various music education curricula, instruments, and other services. In addition, many music colleges set up booths in the hall as opportunities to recruit their next cohort of students or serve as a reunion point for their alumni. Music educators have the opportunity to talk to representatives from various institutions and vendors, and foster relationships and prospective partnerships that could greatly benefit all. I found these kinds of opportunities to be priceless in helping me pick out materials to bring back for my own teaching. My 2024 IMEC Experience Lydia Oseguera prior to her presentation of "Classroom Management Lydia Oseguera prior to her presentation of "Classroom Management (and Other Survival Tactics!) for Young Performing Ensembles" (and Other Survival Tactics!) for Young Performing Ensembles" at the 2024 Illinois Music Education Conference. at the 2024 Illinois Music Education Conference.

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