Originally posted by: fsung
I would strongly encourage you (and everyone else who has ever thought about attending the conference) to make it a point to get to the conference. You will NOT regret it! I can't recall ever having had as much fun or learning as much at a conference of any kind, or being more motivated to get back and start putting into practice what I learned.
As a strictly amateur, middle-of-the pack, intermediate level player, I debated up until the last minute whether it would be worth my while to make the trip.
There's a very fine line between inspiration and demoralization, and having only resumed playing this past October, after 28 years of not blowing a note, I was concerned that I would be in so far over my head among all the world-class players, professionals, and aspiring professionals who would be at the conference that I would feel out of place, and wondered whether being surrounded by and listening to all that skill and talent would be discouraging rather than inspiring.
I can honestly say that at no point was I made to feel like was out of my depth (even though I clearly was), or like I didn't belong; and that, without exception, the people I met and talked with, from the instantly recognizable to the anonymous, were welcoming and generous with their time, encouragement, and, when asked, suggestions for improving my playing.
In addition to having the chance to try almost every comp euph I've wanted to try (the only one I didn't get to try was the Yamaha 642, which wasn't available), personal highlights include:
The Original (1983) Military Band Tuba-Euph Ensemble recital: although I graduated from college the year of the inaugural USABTEC, growing up about an hour from DC, these were the folks I looked to throughout HS and into college as examples of how a euphonium should sound. Having the opportunity to see and hear those heroes of my youth performing together and to meet many of them was a real treat.
The Inter-Service Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble's performance of the main title theme from
Star Wars. Talk about a sensory experience: You haven't lived until you've experienced 85 euphs and tubas belting out a fanfare!
Having the opportunity to handle and play a few notes on Dr. Werden's Sterling Virtuoso at the Custom Music stand! (Thanks, Dr. Werden.)