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Suzuki Association of the Americas Conference 2012: So many people!

May 25, 2012 at 12:14 AM

When I climbed into my airport Super Shuttle and William Starr and his family and then California teacher Idell Low climbed in right after me, I realized: This is going to be one very surreal weekend at the biennial Suzuki Association of the Americas Conference!

It's the first time I've attended this biennial event, and I'm here in Minneapolis, Minn., with nearly 900 of my Suzuki teacher colleagues for a weekend of workshops, concerts, schmoozing and reuniting. There are more than 150 sessions in all, and at the moment I'm hiding in my hotel, trying to make a plan from the 80-page conference schedule! A few of the featured people besides Bill Starr: Teri Einfeldt, Brian Lewis, Time for Three, Barbara Barber, Carey Beth Hockett, Edmund Sprunger, Bob Philips, Russ Fallstad, Allen Lieb, Susan Kempter -- I'm not even getting the tip of the iceberg, here. So many wonderful people!

It's hitting me, how much it will mean to me to see both the Suzuki star teachers and performers who are here to share their wisdom and talents, and to simply see so many of the friends I've made from my 20-year journey so far as a teacher. I'll see classmates from my very first pedagogy class I took at the University of Denver, colleagues from the two Suzuki groups where I've served as a teacher, friends I've made at Suzuki Institutes and other violin events, and even a good number of V.commie friends!

I also plan to write about it, and share some of the fun with you, so look for my posts this weekend and next week.

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I'm so glad you're there, so those of us elsewhere can experience it vicariously. I attended one several years ago and really enjoyed it!
If you can, try the Minneapolis light rail. Depending on how much luggage you have, it's much nicer than any of the shuttle services or taxis, and very easy to navigate, even for someone unfamiliar with the city. Super cheap, too.

Have fun! I wish I could have made the drive to see you! :)

My teacher (a V.commie!) is there too. Hope you get to meet each other. Enjoy your time at the conference!
Welcome to Mpls, I had no idea that there are so many pedagogues descending here! I think I feel the Suzuki love radiating. :) My wife's office is in the tall building in Laurie's photo!