Quad State Conference 2021 Reflections

I’ve always loved a good conference.  There’s something about the idea of getting together with colleagues, some of whom I see only at conferences or some, more regularly, but often with business at hand and limited time.  It’s comforting to sit next to a long-time colleague and get caught up on what’s new with them.  It’s stimulating to drink in new knowledge, hear repertoire that’s unfamiliar, get a new twist on an old idea.  

Well, the Quad State Conference, held at First Parish Congregational Church in Saco, Maine, on October 1 and 2 was all that, but so much more.  It was the first live conference and in-person encounter with colleagues that most of us had experienced since February or early March 2020.  Astounding.  Many of us were in tears.  Even the stellar presenter, the internationally-known pianist, pedagogue, and scholar Peter Mack, was overcome with emotion at some points during the weekend. (I have never heard that much information covered in such a short time, or with such specificity.  Dr. Mack was so incredibly generous with his time, energy, and brilliance.  We were embraced by his expertise and care.)

Maine MTA was the best host ever.  I have to say that I was concerned about how everything would go with COVID precautions still in place and people feeling fearful about getting out.  The weather was so splendid.  The church was huge, beautifully appointed, and extremely clean.  In fact, I made friends with the church sexton, Guy, who was constantly sweeping, mopping, arranging chairs, and generally making us feel completely at ease.  Huge congratulations and thanks must go to Maine MTA President Gulimina Mahamuti and Program Chair Jacqui Savage, who happens to have been my piano student in Hanover, MA for several pre-college years.  They were tireless, gracious, hospitable, and creative.  Maine members greeted us outside for registration, they offered masks, hand sanitizer, bottled water, an amazing catered lunch, and individually-wrapped snacks.  They had thought of absolutely everything – the royal treatment!

Friday evening, I enjoyed dinner on an outside terrace of a local restaurant, with my Massachusetts colleagues Valerie Stark, Dorothy Travis, Ellyses Kuan, and my dear friend from Maine, Liz Manduca.  I appreciated beyond belief that we could be together again.

Here were the sessions offered by Peter Mack:

“Marvelous Moderns and their Needlessly Neglected Mid-Level Masterpieces”

“Not Only Für Elise: Gorgeous Unknown Compositions by Well-Known Composers”

 “Lower the Rear End of the Elephant Slowly onto the Keys”

And here were the composers represented on the most amazing and moving Lecture-Recital played by Dr. Mack on Saturday afternoon:

Lili and Nadia Boulanger, Frederico Mompou, Carlos Guastavino, Heitor Villa Lobos, Oswald Russell, Margaret Bonds and Charles Trenet.

The Commissioned Composer Concert on Saturday featured the exciting and sophisticated work called “Heart of the Galaxy” by David Ibbett.  David addressed us and also sat and ate lunch with several of us.  What a thrill and pleasure!

I will never forget these two days in Maine.  It reminded me of why I teach with the passion, dedication, and commitment that I do.  It reminded me of why I revere my profession.  It certainly reminded me why I serve MMTA/MTNA with a fervency that some might question.  Most of all, it reminded me that growth never ends, whether it comes from renowned pianists/pedagogues like Dr. Peter Mack or from beloved colleagues younger and older.

Submitted by Alison S. Barr

December 2, 2021

Valerie and Alison

Special reunion with Jacqui Savage, Alison’s former student and current Music Director at First Parish Saco

Liz, Valerie, Ellyses, Dorothy and Alison at dinner

Ellyses and Alison in fashionable masks provided by Maine MTA

Ellyses, Peter Mack, Dorothy and Alison