Dear SCBDA Members,
One week from now, the 2018 SCMEA Professional Development Conference will begin! This year’s conference will again take place at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and USC Alumni Center in Columbia. The SCBDA is excited to offer a wide range of clinics and performances, both through the Band Division and At-Large sessions, that will inspire and motivate directors at all levels. A list of the Band Division events can be found by clicking here. You can also find the full schedule of events by downloading the SCMEA Mobile App.
A reminder, our Master Recital Competition will be held in the USC Alumni Center Ballroom at the conclusion of our Business Meeting on Saturday. The start time is set for 5:30 PM and we hope the time and location change will enable more of you to come out and hear some of our most talented young musicians in this ideal setting. A special addition to this year’s conference will be a performance by the inaugural SCBDA All-State Jazz Combo near the conclusion of the Master Recital Competition. These students were selected through the all-state jazz audition process and will be coached by Prof. Bert Ligon of USC.
Without the support of our exhibitors, the SCMEA convention would not be possible, and the exhibitors are vital to our success. I want to encourage each of you to take time to visit our exhibitors throughout the Conference and to thank them for their support of SCBDA and of our band programs. Also, there will be several small ensemble performances scheduled in the Exhibit Hall throughout the conference for your enjoyment as you shop and look at the latest products and services for our profession.
The General Session on Friday, February 16 will feature a performance of the Mozart Requiem. We hope you will make plans to attend! Friday evening will feature the 4rd Annual Jazz Social, which will include the USC Left Band Big Band and the SCMEA Directors Jazz Band with special guest artist Wycliffe Gordon. This event will take place in the USC Alumni Center, with beverages and hors d’oeuvres provided by Yamaha Corporation and Pecknel Music Company. The performances will begin at 8 PM.
Click here for a complete list of the Band Division events. There are also several maps that you may find helpful. Parking will be across the street in the parking garage and there will be a daily fee. Please note that parking on Saturday will be very difficult. In addition to our scheduled events, there will be a USC basketball game, so please plan accordingly.
I look forward to seeing you at the SCMEA Professional Development Conference in Columbia!
Sincerely,
David O’Shields, President-Elect
South Carolina Band Directors Association