Fall 2009 issue
CONFERENCE PLANNING REPORT
Nina Galerstein, MMEd, MT-BC
Vice President of Conference Planning
Jessica Mull, MT-BC, CVW (local co-host)
Bob Miller, MT-BC (local co-host)
Welcome to the ‘Burg, the City of Champions, the Steel City, and host of the 2010 MAR-AMTA Regional Conference…Pittsburgh, PA! Our theme for this year is, “Pittsburgh - Inclined Toward Music Therapy.” We are drawing upon the iconic image of the Pittsburgh inclines, which have continually helped to connect people and places since the late 1800s. Through Music Therapy, we strive to connect Music Therapists and the community to promote health and well being. The conference will include:
- A Pre-conference Institute entitled “Motion and Feeling Through Music: Applications of Musical Groove in Music Therapy” will be presented by Kenneth Aigen, Dan Gormley, David Ramsey, Nir Sadovnik, and Michael Viega. This institute will focus on helping Music Therapists enhance their abilities to recreate specific types of music in a stylistically appropriate way including: rock, blues, jazz, funk, hip-hop, electronic, and Latin styles. Theory of groove and discussions regarding how it relates to common goals addressed by music therapists in a wide variety of clinical settings will also be addressed.
- Opening Session with special guest speaker Sr. Donna Marie Beck PhD, FAMI, MT-BC, and local singer/songwriter Joy Ike (www.joyike.com). Joy has been voted Pittsburgh’s "best solo artist" in the Pittsburgh City Paper Reader’s Poll for two years in a row!
- Exhibit Hall Spectacular with Swing Dance featuring the Slippery Rock Jazz Ensemble (FREE beginner swing lessons included!)
- Morning Yoga, Drumming Opportunities, and Jam Rooms.
- Dessert Bar with Live Band Karaoke.
- Closing Session spotlighting local Music Therapists/Performing Artists.
- Accommodations at the GreenTree Radisson Hotel featuring: an Indoor Heated Swimming Pool, FREE Shuttle Service from the airport as well as within a two mile radius from the hotel, and FREE on-site parking!
In addition, the conference will feature the usual three days of sessions and workshops, both scholarly and experiential. Topics will cover a wide array of issues and populations, and include tracks for research and students. So come join us for a fun-filled and educational experience in the City of Bridges! For more information, contact local co-hosts Bob Miller and Jessica Mull at marconf2010@yahoo.com. We look forward to seeing you in Pittsburgh!
***CONFERENCE NEWS FLASH: Registration Fees Reduced!!***
We are delighted to announce that conference registration prices will be lower than last year for members and non-members. The preliminary program and registration materials will be on the MAR website in January 2010. For more information, please contact Nina Galerstein, Vice President For Conference Planning, at nina.galerstein@state.de.us.
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