Theme: Together, We Rise!

 

Dates: June 19 - 22, 2024

​

DRAFT - Schedule

​

Wednesday, June 19 (DRAFT)

• 1:30 - 2:30 - Committee Chairs and Executive Board Meeting 

• 2:40 - 3:40 - Executive Board and Past Presidents Meeting 

• 4:00 - Conducting & Rehearsing Workshop (Rand, Baumanis, Shaker)

• 6:30 - 9:00 Welcome Dinner at GRCC & Keynote Speaker - Krystal Williams

  • Dinner at GRCC Secchia Piazza - price included in registration

 

Thursday, June 20 (DRAFT)

• 9 AM - Session 1

• 10 AM - Session A & B

• 11 AM Middle School Band Camp Open “real” Rehearsal

• 12 PM - Lunch on your own

• 2 PM - Session A & B

• 3:00 PM - General Membership Meeting (Pam Presides)

• 5:30 - Dinner

• 7:30 PM - Beer City Winds Concert

 

Friday, June 21(DRAFT)

• 9 AM - Session 1

• 10 AM - Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park and Lunch

• 2 PM - Conducting and Rehearsal workshop

• 4 PM - Sessions A & B

• 5 PM - Committee Meetings

• 6 PM - Dinner

• Evening Activity TBA

 

Saturday, June 22 (DRAFT)

• Check out of hotel (if needed)

• 9 AM - session 1

• 10 AM - Conducting and Rehearsing Workshop

• 12 PM - Lunch

• 2 PM - Session A & B

• 3 PM Event Wrap-up session

​

Join us in beautiful Grand Rapids, Michigan for our 2024 Women Band Directors International Summer Conference (June 19 - 22, 2024)  as we celebrate the power of women band directors and come together to enrich and elevate our field. Under the theme "Together, We Rise," we join together and unite in the strength and creativity that women bring to our profession. Here’s what you can expect at our 2024 WBDI Summer Conference:

 

• Elevate your skills and knowledge with world-class workshops and sessions led by renowned experts in the field of music education. Whether you're a seasoned director or just starting your journey, there's something here for everyone to enhance your craft.

• Ignite your creativity and explore new horizons in music. Dive into innovative teaching techniques, discover fresh repertoire, and find inspiration to bring back to your students and programs.

• Network and bond with like-minded women who share your passion for band directing. Forge new connections, exchange ideas, and build a strong community of support that will uplift you throughout your career.

• Immerse yourself in the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, MI, where art, culture, and music blend seamlessly. Enjoy stunning performances, cultural excursions, and the chance to unwind and recharge.

​​

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired alongside other women who are breaking boundaries in the world of band directing. "Together, We Rise" isn't just a conference; it's a movement, a celebration, and a chance to make a lasting impact in the world of music education. Mark your calendars (June 19 - 22, 2024) and join us for an unforgettable summer conference that promises to empower, inspire, and elevate! Together, We Rise!

 

More About Grand Rapids, Michigan: Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second largest city during the most beautiful summer season.  This city, situated along the scenic Grand River, is renowned for its flourishing arts scene, featuring numerous museums, galleries, and performance spaces. Take advantage of all the city has to offer, including an exceptional food and drink scene in the heart of downtown. Grand Rapids has an international airport, and is in the heart of the Midwest making traveling in and out of the city a breeze. The city includes numerous parks and trails for those wanting to explore nature, and is less than an hour away from the pristine sandy beaches on the Lake Michigan shoreline. For more information on Grand Rapids (Beer City, USA), visit https://www.experiencegr.com. 
 

Locations:

• Grand Rapids Community College - Albert P. Smith Music Center

  • 142 Ransom Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

• Saint Cecilia Music Center

  • In Grand Rapids, nine musically talented women, led by Ella Matthews Peirce, gathered on a September afternoon in 1883 to form a society to “promote the study and appreciation of music in all its branches, and to encourage the development of music in the community.” The nine women including Peirce were Mrs. F.M. Davis, Mrs. Robert Merrill, Mrs. Lyman Patten, Mrs. D.B. Shedd, Mrs. Annie McLaren, Miss Mary Atwater, Miss Louise Nelson, and Miss Gertrude Baars. Over the coming months, they chose to name their new organization after St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music.

  • 24 Ransom Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

 

Travel Details:

Hotels

• Hyatt Place Grand Rapids Downtown

  • $169 per night

  • $35 self parking

  • Hot breakfast included

  • (The hotel is a 7 minute walk from the GRCC music center, where clinics and meetings will take place.)

  • Below you will find the link for your group block. When the contracted stay dates are entered, discounted rates will appear. Occasionally, guests do prefer to book via phone, so I will include Central Reservation's number below. Please make sure to keep this date in mind, as the hotel will release any unused guest rooms from the group block back into inventory. ​

    • Central Reservations: 1.800.233.1234 

    • Group Booking Link: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/GRRZD/G-WBDI

    • Your Group's Cut-Off Date: May 28, 2024 

    • Billing Information: We will collect individual payment along with ID for each guest checking in.  

    • Check In time: 3:00 PM / Check Out time: 12:00 PM 

    • Please note that early arrival and late departure requests are not guaranteed and will be accommodated based on availability. You may request an early arrival at any time, however, please note that we will not be able to confirm our ability to accommodate your request prior to your arrival date.  

    • Parking: Our current self-parking rate is $38/night and this will allow guests in-out privileges to the Warner Parking Ramp, attached to the hotel. The GPS address for the parking entrance is 155 Ionia Ave NW. Due to limited space in the parking ramp, parking is not guaranteed, however, we will for our very best to accommodate your group. Valet parking is not available at our property. 

​​

Airport

• GRR

 

Getting Around Town

• Lyft

• Uber

• Bus

• Bikes/Scooters

 

Parking

• Parking at GRCC Ramp A is included in the cost of registration with 1 exit per day. Passes for additional exits can be purchased on site for $3 cash. Cars may be left in the ramp overnight. (The hotel is a 7 minute walk from the GRCC music center, where clinics and meetings will take place.)

​​

​