President’s Message: Keeping the Music Going by Rosemary Ames

ROSEMARY AMES, INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT, OMEGA, BOSTON ALUMNI PRESIDENT@MUPHIEPSILON.ORG

KEEPING THE MUSIC GOING

nd it goes on and on…. We thought by now, we would have some relief from our isolation and struggle to find some sense in dealing with this deadly virus. Alas, we find ourselves continuing to stay at home, wearing face masks when we do venture out, and constantly washing our hands. We miss hugging family and friends but are thankful for FaceTime and Zoom and other amazing applications that keep us in touch.

With much delight, the music goes on as well. Our music teachers have adapted to teaching rhythm, melody, instruments, and singing remotely. Bands and orchestras continue to perform, while choruses’ space themselves far from their fellow singers and continue to offer wonderful performances. I hear daily of Mu Phi members who are teaching and performing in new and exciting ways. The ingenuity and creativity demonstrated is amazing.

I often hear the phrase, “when things return to normal,” but I suspect that we will never return to “the way we did it before.” We have opened ourselves to exploring new and exciting ways to keep the music going. Hopefully, we will return to those hugs we have been stockpiling, but perhaps the teaching and performing of music will encompass many of the innovations we have discovered, allowing musicians to reach ever expanding audiences to share the joy of music, offering harmony and peace to many.

We are still faced with many questions about the future, both personally and through Mu Phi. One big one that comes to mind is of course, will we again be compelled to rethink our 2021 convention. You may not have heard any updates, but never doubt that so many questions about the convention are always front and center in my mind. Will we be far enough along in the vaccine availability by July so members can safely travel to Dallas? Should we open the convention to a virtual audience? How would that work? Can we possibly offer members a convention remotely? Can we do any less when considering the safety of our members? So many questions that we think about every day. What we can tell you now is probably not satisfactory, but it is the best we have right now; we will let you know as soon as we know! Trust that we think about this daily (and sometimes in the middle of the night), searching for solutions to honor our members by providing a convention with stellar music, educational workshops, and see to the business of Mu Phi Epsilon.

It has been 117 years of growth for Mu Phi Epsilon. I am sure our founders never imagined we would be working our way through this pandemic with such grace and vision. Last year as we prepared for an in-person convention, I asked you to think of your vision for the future of Mu Phi Epsilon. I again ask you to do that, but I suspect our thinking might be much different now than last year. As we embrace all the electronic capabilities, will we gather more often than every three years? Already, District Directors have hosted virtual district meetings and gatherings with great success. Our rituals are being conducted with thought and meaning virtually and new members abound. Attendance at local meetings is up as members are not faced with driving after dark, distances between members, etc. SERV projects are continuing as our music expands to unusual, creative venues (outdoors, sidewalks, parks, homes). And the opportunity to share these experiences with other chapters and members is ours for the taking.

On July 21, 2021, we will gather for the 57th National and 21st International Convention, whether it be in person in Grapevine, Texas, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton DFW North or virtually in front of your screen, whether it be computer, TV, or iPad. We will continue the tradition of presenting top quality performers and presenters. Our dedicated convention web pages will be active again in January 2021 where we will keep you updated on the location and format for the convention. Be sure to check the Mu Phi Epsilon webpage in January: muphiepsilon. site-ym.com/page/Convention

As always, each chapter is to be represented by an official business delegate, but our convention is for all members and that means you. I urge you to put July 21 to July 24, 2021 on your calendars now. We will be together in person or remotely and celebrate all things musical and Mu Phi Epsilon!

Until then, continue to stay safe and keep the music going!