Why Convention? A first-time attendee’s virtual experience inspired a change of heart

Why Convention?

A first-time attendee’s virtual experience inspired a change of heart

By Rachel Evangeline Barham (Delta Nu, Washington DC Alumni)

I kicked off my first ever Mu Phi Epsilon International Convention in my front room, surrounded by several piles of clean laundry. The finals of the International Competition played over my speaker while I folded, sorted and hung up clothes, conquering Laundry Mountain a little at a time. In fact, it took me the whole three hours because I kept going to my laptop and checking: “Who IS this composer?” “Wow, this playing is amazing!” It wasn’t long before I was engaging in the chat with other members, congratulating the performers and getting excited about the innovative programming. And getting excited about the convention, finally.

I first signed up to be business delegate for the 2020 convention because I felt it was my turn to take one for the team. I was almost relieved when we went virtual but then I became worried about too much time sitting in front of a screen. Hence the laundryconquering activity.

As it turned out, the convention was filled with — guess what — music and celebration and joy. Months of pandemic closures had starved me of music, and I devoured it. We sure are one impressive group of folks, finding the most creative ways to overcome a global pandemic and feed music to a similarly starved world. I felt more connected to our larger Fraternity than I have in years, as I’ve let the busyness of a performing career keep me from fully engaging. I won’t do that again.

One thing was very obvious: at the core of our Fraternity there seems to be an unspoken openness, a willingness to recognize and celebrate differences that other organizations might see as a liability. As we engaged across time zones through videos or chat, Collegiates and alumni learned so much from each other. We shared ideas about technology, payment systems, marketing and community connection that will benefit all of us as we move forward. Some of us chatted on the side about specific repertoire or technique, and the online platform made it easy to share links where we could find out more.

Finally, I understood what motivated others to volunteer their precious time to serve on a committee or to hold an office. The business being done was the business of promoting our mission of music and service. Yes, there are details to be figured out, but the glowing smiles of the new officers as they accepted their roles said it all. This isn’t about boring administrative stuff. It’s about music, friendship and harmony. Of course.

The day after the convention ended, I woke up with a sense of loss. This community that had come together in such an unlikely way would never come together in the same way again. Names I’d read had become not only faces, but personalities. I felt a deep connection with all of you — all of us — who make and teach and live music. But I also couldn’t wait to put into practice what I’d learned about repertoire and performance and service through music.

Next time convention rolls around, I’ll be paying attention. If you’ve never been, I encourage you to sign up and see what it’s all about. You will not regret it.

Soprano Rachel Evangeline Barham (Delta Nu, Washington DC Alumni) is best known for importing her keen sense of theatricality to the concert repertoire. In addition to her specialty in Baroque music and oratorio, Barham is sought after by contemporary composers due to her vocal versatility and sensitivity to text. Her recent solo album “Up Toward the Sky” (Guild 7819), with pianist Jeremy Filsell, features previously unrecorded and under-recorded American art songs highlighting the poetic and musical voices of women and LGBTQ+ Americans.

Austin Alumni Gathering

The Austin Alumni chapter gathered for a dinner and watch party at the home of chapter president Martha MacDonald (Phi Xi) to celebrate the opening night of the International Convention. Pictured (from left) are chapter members Lee Meyer (Phi Xi), past international president, MacDonald and Mary Robbins (Mu Theta).

Happy 100th Birthday!

In celebration of her upcoming 100th birthday in December, Mu Phi Epsilon recognized past international president Katherine Doepke (Phi Beta, Minneapolis Alumni) during the opening ceremonies of the virtual International Convention. Doepke (second from left) was initiated into the Phi Beta chapter at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis in 1943 and has been a loyal Mu Phi for 78 years. Many members of the Minneapolis Alumni chapter were on hand to congratulate Doepke in person.