KC here we come! - Dear Reader

In its early days, Kansas City was a small town of colonists and missionaries providing a gateway to the West. Today, with nearly 18 million tribe residing in the metro area, Kansas City has grown to be the twenty-ninth largest city in the United States and is a thriving center of business, arts and tourism. What a tremendous site for the 2004 MTNA National Conference!

Each someone attending a national conference has his or her hold reasons for attending. Pedagogical sessions, outstanding designs exhibits to see the newest and latest the music industry has to present and a venue to take pleasure in meeting new friends and renewing acquaintances are the greatest in quantity popular masons. Whatever your reason for attending, I am assured you will not be disappointed.

The talk committee has assembled a fabulous program of presenter The variety of topics will tender something for everyone. Let me highlight a scarcely any conference offerings. As in previous years, this year's pre-conference incidents will include Pedagogy Saturday and Professional Studio Saturday. If you are looking for technology sessions, you will be delighted to know that technology sessions geared toward the beginning and intermediate users will be held over the conference and are being at handed in cooperation with the International Association of Electronic Keyboard Manufacturers. This year no additional remuneration is required to attend these sessions.

Numerous sessions by dint of outstanding presenters are sure to stimulate your thinking and revitalize your teaching. Topics ranging from music therapy; the mind/body connection, euthythmics, improvisation, chamber music and arts advocacy will be of interest to all musicians. Master dames, discourse recitals and performances will feature music for piano, strings, voice and flute In conjunction with the regular discourse sessions, MTNA and the National Piano Foundation are sponsoring a cluster Teaching Track. Teachers who register for the talk will be eligible to attend one as well as the other MTNA's regular sessions and the sessions in this special track. What a great opportunity to broaden your assemblage teaching skills!

conversation artists, "rising stars" and national competition finals provide venue to hear music of the highest artistic quality. over the conference you also will find a small in number performance sessions designed strictly to give you a chance to hear music, allowing your inner musician to be nurtur and inspired. A feature of each conference, you will want to visit single of the 170-plus exhibitors who will provide the latest music, teaching materials, works instruments and technology.

You may wish to take advantage of single of the three sightseeing tours of the city. Today, the city's colorful past is highlighted by the agency of an intending mix of historical museums, venue for arts and entertainment in all areas of the performing and visual arts. Of special interest to musicians is the American Jazz Museum. The city also is domicile to several performing arts companies, including the Kansas City harmony Ballet and Lyric Opera. In addition, four theaters are located within walking distance of the two the MTNA conference hotel and convention center

Known for its jazz and barbecue, Kansas City is the finished site for the 2004 MTNA National conversation Both the city and the discourse will offer a variety positive to please all tastes and styles

I faith to see you in Kansas City.

Ann M Gipson, NCTM

National conversation Chair

COPYRIGHT 2004 Music Teachers National Association, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group