Please join our UUMN colleagues at First Unitarian Church in Portland, Oregon (that’s pronounced OR-ih-gun) July 28-August 2 for the 2009 UUMN Conference. We love living in Portland and are delighted to share our city and our entire Northwest region with all of you.
First Unitarian is a downtown church, three blocks from the art museum, the symphony hall and the Hilton, our conference hotel. Near us is a plethora of fine restaurants. Lunch will be a free time for you to find out why Portland has become one of the top new food cities in the country. The church is a vigorous stroll (uphill, that is) from beautiful Washington Park, home of the world-famous rose and Japanese gardens.
Our conference theme is “The Care and Feeding of Unitarian Universalist Musicians.” How do we best shepherd volunteer musicians in our care? How do we care for ourselves when we are tempted to and sometimes called upon to overwork? What systems might we create to help choristers feel welcomed, regarded and safe? What tools might we develop that will lead to better community, safe vocal production, personal and spiritual growth? How do we keep a focus on self care?
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Dr. Eichenberger |
I am pleased that my conducting mentor Dr. Rodney Eichenberger will be with us for the final three days of the conference. Rod’s focus will be on how our conducting technique and warm-ups link directly to the care of our choristers. Rod is a world-renowned conducting teacher, having tenures at USC, U of Washington and most recently retired from Florida State U. His students are some of the finest conductors and teachers in the US.
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Joan Szymko
(photo © Linda Meier) |
Composer and Portlander, Joan Szymko will present a workshop featuring her published and unpublished choral works. You will find that so many of her compositions go well in UU worship.
James R. Day will lead a continuing composition workshop. Jim is a well-known US choral composer and also a Portlander.
There will also be workshops on children’s music and Orff, handbells, the voice as well as on the growth and care of the Music Program. We’ll present repertoire sessions for both smaller and larger choirs, as well as an opportunity to hear the works of our colleagues.
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