SCMEA 2008 IN-SERVICE CONFERENCE

February 7-9, 2008

All downloads are in PDF format.

For General Members

• The 2008 Pre-Registration form for this February's Conference.
• A list of conference hotels. NOTE: We regret that all of the Embassy Suites rooms have already been reserved. Please contact one of the other conference hotels for accommodations. Also, use the group code SCMSCMC for Residence Inn reservations (at which only king-size beds are available).
• FINAL 2008 conference schedule
• Directions and maps to the greater Charleston area and the convention center.

For Exhibitors

• President's Invitation to Exhibitors
• Exhibitor Guidelines
• Exhibitor Registration Form

Conference Invitation from Ann Cheek, President, SCMEA

Dear SCMEA Colleagues,

The holiday season is quickly approaching and it is time to start making plans to attend the 2008 SCMEA Conference, to be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center, February 7-9 in Charleston.  Plan to come Thursday night from 6:00-8:00 PM for a reception for the opening of exhibits.  We will provide complimentary heavy hors d'oeuvres from the Embassy Suites Hotel, a cash bar and beautiful dinner music on the grand piano in the lobby outside the Exhibit Hall. There will be technology sessions showcasing Smartmusic and Sibelius music software and a music reading session from Alfred music led by Jay Althouse and Andy Beck.

Bob McGrath (see biography), celebrating his 33rd year as the music teacher on Sesame Street, will be giving our keynote address and presenting an Elementary Division workshop on Friday.  Bob is a staunch advocate of the importance of music education for children and the recipient of many awards for his work on behalf of music education.  SCMEA wishes to thank NAMM, Pecknel Music and Alfred Music Publishing Co., Inc. for their sponsorship of Bob McGrath's appearance at our conference.

Saturday morning's General Session will feature the return of Henry Leck (see biography) as director for the tenth anniversary performance of our Elementary Honors Choir.  Henry is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir and an associate professor and Director of Choral Activities at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Henry will also present a joint workshop on Saturday morning for the Choral and Elementary Divisions working with the Wando Honors Choir directed by Vernon Huff and associate director William Bennett.

Please complete and mail your registration form as soon as possible. If you’ve attended the conference before, you know that the Embassy Suites tends to fill up rather quickly.  Therefore, a block of rooms has also been set aside for our group at the nearby Hilton Garden Inn, The Residence Inn Charleston Airport and the Holiday Inn Airport.  Check the back of this letter for contact information for these hotels.  All are within easy walking distance to the conference.  Please see our web site scmea.net to check on conference updates.  Remember that your administrator may attend the conference at no cost.  Just let Patti Foy know so that registration assistants will be expecting him/her at registration.  Don't forget to purchase your luncheon tickets for Friday.