TMTA Convention

This past weekend I went to the Texas Music Teacher's Association convention at DFW Airport. I drove up with Sharon and Meredith. And Leah and Holly followed behind. We made the trip with no problems. The convention was at the Hyatt Regency and we had a room there on the second floor. The hotel was in the middle of renovations but unfortunately our room hadn't been renovated yet. But it was still really fun. I enjoyed staying with Sharon, Holly, and Holly's sister, Hailey (I'm not sure if that's how she spells it). Holly and Hailey are really funny sisters. There was never a dull moment. My favorite part was watching them play a game on their bed. They each lie down on the edge of their own side, hands tucked to their sides. Then Holly shouted "GO!" and they both roll over at each other trying to get to the other side before the other sister. It was hilarious and it may be something you just have to see. Friday night we went shopping at Grapevine Mills Mall, ate at Panda Express, and ran into Dr. Marks on our way down to the bar, where we had a drink (well, Sharon had two) and an appetizer and desert. Saturday was a busy convention day. I heard Dr. Marks' presentations which was very interesting and felt like a bonus piano lit. class. I also went to a session about teaching duets. The reason I had to come to the convention was for the opportunity to judge an festival. It was really neat to offer critiques to young students of piano. I enoyed fulfilling my duty! Also our chapter of MTNA at Baylor will get money for the three of us that volunteered to adjudicate. Yay for BUMTNA!

The least exciting thing for me was going to the ensemble concert. It was very long and very boring. I enjoyed seeing our group go up though and I felt their piece was one of the better ones. Not only was it lovely, it wasn't long at all.

I also had a little chat with my pedagogy professor. It was nice to get to know her a little better and to talk with her about my options after graduation. She was very encouraging and gave me a few good ideas.

Finally I went to Cracker Barrel with Holly and Hayley. I had yummy macaroni and cheese. Then I drove back home by myself.

I talked to Jenny for a bit and collapsed into bed to get up early for church the next morning. I played from one of the books of church music I purchased at the convention. I got lots of great music while I was there.

It was fun, though I spent a lot more money than I had planned on. I ended up having to pay for the hotel room quite unexpectedly. I'll get paid back soon though. No worries.

Today I went to work, read some books, and went swimming with Holly. Now I think I'll go practice. Hooray!