Community is powerful. It gives us a place and a people to belong to connecting us with individuals and ideas.  We long to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, to belong and share with others. Building community is essential to the human condition.

I've been part of the Director's Choice community for over a decade, in many different roles. It’s a place and people that once tethered to, you never really detach from. Over the years, this community has grown, our members have gotten a little older and wiser, even a little balder (#sorrynotsorry, Jon). However, we have not diminished. On the contrary, this organic fellowship of music educators has diversified. We hunger for new, innovative ideas, fresh energy and each other's stories and experiences.

#itsjustwhatwedo

That’s one of the reasons conventions are so special for all of us. We just returned home from Southwest Summer Music Exhibition in San Antonio this past July. If you were there, you experienced it: community. Every part of our booth display fostered and celebrated community.  Whether directors were traveling or not, whether they looked for a festival performance or an adjudicator gig, they flocked to the booth. They came, and they stayed. We reminisced, we shared stories, we connected with others face to face.

After some 20 years in business, Director’s Choice, through no direct intention or design, has become a connection point: a community of people passionate about making music, developing their students and supporting their peers. I think this is pretty special, which endears me to my co-workers and clients. 

New Look

You’ve probably noticed by now that our website is new. This blog is new. Our Beyond the Clef podcast is new. Even our social media presence is new. These are all to provide a connection point for you--our friends, family, and community of music educators. 

So, even if we only see your face to face a few times a year, we hope you’ll stop by our digital doorstep. Peek in and say hello. We are committed to leveraging our vibrant community of music educators for ideas, introductions, and community.  #itsjustwhatwedo