Willmar Convention a Success
by Pat Steege
Minnesota FMC held its 55th biennial convention in Willmar, MN August 9-10, 2011, at St. Mary's Catholic Church.Forty-five Federation members from throughout the state attended the two-day event.The convention opened with a comedic “Lena” singing and telling jokes Norwegian style.At the All-State Meeting we heard reports from event chairmen and club presidents.We enjoyed a student Honors Recital and an evening concert by Richard Yague who sang opera pieces and show-tunes.Verna Patrick — using her original poetry — presented the inspirational invocations at meals.NFMC President Carolyn Nelson spoke at our evening banquet and formally installed newly elected officers.
This all-state gathering included an informative session about Festival presented by State Festival Chair Dawn Carlson and Gold Cup Chair Sarah Twedt.We were treated to several musical interludes during our stay in Willmar, including one by the group Promise, by composition student Elizabeth Ophoven,and by the Kingery Family.During A Time of Remembrance, we memorialized three recently deceased Federation members.The convention theme “Come Together, ‘Write’ Now” was brought to life by two workshops.“Come Together” was a collaboration workshop given by Dr. Tracy Lipke-Perry of the University of Minnesota-Duluth and Richard Yague of Willmar.The “Write Now” featured Randall Davidson, composer and Director of the Junior Composers program, who worked with student composers.We left Willmar under beautiful blue skies, typical of summer in western Minnesota, thankful for the time of encouragement, education and entertainment.
Thank you tomembers of the West Central Music Teachers Club and Willmar Musicalefor a job well done.Committee Members: Co-Chairs Cheryl Schmidt and Peggy Karsten; Raeanna Gislason, Cindy Ammerman, Renee Capistrant, Megan Gilles, Ron Hagemeyer, Georgia Hanson, LeRene Soderberg, Barb Swanson, Pat Steege
Officers for 2011-2013 are Pat Steege, President; Stacy Voit, 1st Vice President; Mary Wescott, 2nd Vice President; Mary Kay Rabaey, Secretary; Cheryl Schmidt, Historian; Sarah Twedt, National Board Representative; Nadine Berg will continue as Treasurer until August 2012. |
