Overview & Pricing
Post-Conference Info for Attendees
Thank you to everyone who attended the conference this year. We hope it was a valuable and enjoyable event for all. Handouts for sessions—particularly those that ran out—are being collected online, and access info will be emailed to all attendees in the next week.
Schedule
The tentative conference schedule is available online. The final schedule will be in your program booklets at check-in.
Registration
Pre-registration for the conference is now closed. If you still need to register, come to the SAA desk at 9 AM on Friday, May 23 on the 3rd floor of the Minneapolis Hilton.
Overview of Events & Activities
Registration on Friday, May 23 opens at 9:00 am. Session begin at 12 noon Friday, and conclude at 11:30 am, Monday, May 26. Some pre-conference events begin on Wednesday, May 21, and Thursday, May 22.
The Albers Trio Benefit Concert
Friday evening, May 23, 8 pm
Laura Albers, violin, Julie Albers, Cello, and Rebecca Albers, viola. You won’t want to miss this exciting performance by this dynamic young trio! Tickets may be purchased at the door. St. Olaf Catholic Church, 215 S 8th St, Minneapolis.
Gala Clinicians Concert & Reception
Saturday evening, May 24
This year’s concert features a short performance by each of our clinicians:
- Violin: Joseph Silverstein
- Viola: Helen Callus
- Cello: Anthony Elliott
- Bass: Diana Gannett
- Piano: James Anagnoson and Leslie Kinton
- Harp: María Luisa Rayan-Forero
- Flute: Paula Robison
- Recorder: Clea Galhano
- Guitar: Ben Verdery
Keynotes
Dr. Robert A. Duke, University of Texas Professor of Music and Human Learning and author of Intelligent Music Teaching, speaking on the topic of “Recognizing Good Teaching.”
Dr. Carol Dweck, Stanford University Professor of Psychology and author of Mindset, speaking on “Mindsets and Music: Developing Children’s Talent.”
Special presentations by Michael McLean, Dr. Jeff Cox, Teri Einfeldt, Allen Lieb, E.L. Lancaster (Alfred Publishing), Jane Peck, Pat D’Ercole, and others TBA.
Suzuki Youth Orchestras of the Americas
Sunday, May 25, 4:30 pm
Featuring guest conductors Daniel Long and Marcus Tsutakawa.
International Ensembles Concert
Sunday evening, May 25
Featuring two North American groups and an Ensemble from SAA Latin American programs.
Other Student Ensembles
4-Piano Concerto Concert, Flute and Harp Choir and Ensemble, Bass Choir, Recorder Consort, and Duo Piano events.
Suzuki Heritage Presentation
Featuring our programs of 40+ years, including a celebration of Dr. Suzuki’s 110th birthday, plus food and fun.
Sessions
Dozens of sessions in all instrument and interest areas—violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, flute, harp, guitar, Suzuki in the Schools, and Early Childhood Education. Plus sessions on such diverse topics as Brazilian music, Peruvian music, duo piano repertoire, Baroque dance, composition, business of teaching, body mapping, special needs, improvisation, exhibits, and much more! More information to come soon.
Parents as Partners
Friday, May 23, 10 am to 2 pm
Special lecture track for Suzuki parents.
Every Child Can!
Wednesday, May 21, 7-10 pm and Thursday, May 22, 8-11 am
Introductory philosophy course for teachers and parents.
Early Childhood Education
Thursday, May 22, 2pm through Monday, May 26, 12 noon
Prenatal and Baby Stage 1 teacher training with Dorothy Jones. You will have time to attend some conference sessions in addition to the ECE course.
9th International Research Symposium on Talent Education
Thursday, May 22, 3-9 pm and Friday, May 23, 8:30-11:30 pm
Co-sponsored with the American Suzuki Institute. Dr. Laurel Trainor, keynote speaker, Friday, May 23,10-11:30 am.
Teacher Trainer Meeting
Thursday, May 22, 11-3 pm
Plus Exhibits and sponsor showcase sessions, the SAA Annual Meeting, and Creating Learning Community Awards. Save by registering early. Save even more by registering and paying online!
Thoughts from Sally Gross, Coordinator
As the conference is “expanding the vision” on a daily basis, I am personally expanding my knowledge and appreciation for everything that the SAA is and aspires to be. It is exciting and also humbling to be part of this vibrant community that is full of brilliant minds and endless energy, and all this happens when we are not in our studios sharing our knowledge and energy with young minds. I am honored to be a small part of the process and encourage all SAA members to take advantage of opportunities to become more involved with the SAA on a local, state/provincial or national level.
It is thrilling to see so many people step forward and take part in the conference. We have had a record number of student participant applications and session proposals. I am ever so grateful to all of you, and I wish there were room in the schedule to hear what each and every one of you has to say—it all sounds so fascinating. The conference planning and time devoted to the project by area coordinators and assistant coordinators have been remarkable; I cannot thank them enough.
An area of particular excitement these days is the Latin American Suzuki Ensemble. Through an audition and scholarship application process Marilyn O’Boyle, Caroline Fraser and the SAA staff have selected a tour group of at least 20 students from all instrument areas and numerous countries. The hard work continues as performance selections, travel plans, visa applications, homestays and endless other details are put into place. The students will be performing at the conference on Sunday evening. The countries in Latin America have come a long way in building their Suzuki communities over the past decade. This conference is truly focused on “expanding the vision” south of the border, as we welcome our largest contingent yet of Suzuki teachers, parents and students from Latin America.
It goes without saying, however, that this is not a financially easy undertaking due to the high cost of airfares. For this reason we are encouraging Suzuki teachers and parents to consider donating air miles for this cause. Many of us have more air miles than we can use, so please discuss this possibility with the parents in your studio and contact the SAA office with the information as soon as possible. It is an easy thing to arrange and your parents may ask for a donation letter for their tax records. We are very grateful to the MacPhail and Augsburg studio families who plan to supply all the homestays for the Latin American students and parents.
It is easy for a North American studio to sponsor or co-sponsor a Latin American student or parent. My own cello studio in the Chicago suburbs has raised over $500 to date with two more events planned. Even though it is already February, I encourage you to step up to the plate and “expand” your studio’s awareness of Suzuki south of the border. Become connected with the larger Suzuki community by encouraging your students to use their talents to assist Latin American students, parents and teachers. I feel that by becoming more involved in this way we are truly making music an international language.
Suggestions for fundraising include a pass-the-hat donation opportunity at a recital, a practice-a-thon, a free-will-donation salsa party or a dinner for your families at a local restaurant where the owners give back a portion of the proceeds. I am personally going to auction off a series of summer lessons. The list is endless and do remember that every bit helps; do not feel that you must do all or nothing. Check our progress and get current information on the SAA website, and contact the SAA office regarding your intentions to help out.
I am excited about how the conference is shaping up. It will be a lively combination of performances, informative sessions and social opportunities that you will not want to miss. Sign up online today and save money!
I will look forward to seeing you in May in Minneapolis.
Last updated July 28 2008
