Day two of the conference and I’m beginning to get the lay of the land.  Being the guest/newbie, someone always assumes I don’t know where I’m going and so I don’t have to worry much about what or where my next opportunity will be and I’m grateful.  Did a brief hello from NAfME at the opening assembly after processing in to the cutest little march Orffestration and proceeded to observe all the wonderful things this organization is doing to recognize those people who have served music education and gone above and beyond the call of duty.

I discovered that there is a Dunkin’ Donuts across the street from the convention center and so away I went after the opening assembly to fulfill the craving, then back to the exhibits to find a Nebraska friend at one of the booths.  This young woman is amazing, seeking adventures in her education and her career in very diverse areas who has now settled in Fort Wayne collaborating with other arts organizations and working to find alternative ways for students to become involved in music other than the big three – band, choir and orchestra.  Not sure why general music is never included.  Maybe we are the people who couldn’t cut it in front of an ensemble….?? Just kidding – except in my case maybe.

Anyway, I love seeing young adults striving for innovative things and ideas that I never would have imagined, and they speak of what they’re doing with such passion.  Very inspiring.  Anyway, had a delightful lunch with her, then back to my room to tweak some stuff for my session and take a power nap.  Then back across the street to do the presentation.  As I’m walking across the street, I realize I don’t know how long my session is supposed to go.  I know when I start, but my end time is not listed and I don’t have a presider to ask.  So I guesstimate.  I think I did ok – only a couple walked out right before the end.

Staying busy during these things is important to me as I’m not so good with just hanging out and doing the small talk thing, you know, being an introvert and all, and I have stopped a couple of times a day to go back to my room to recharge which has helped.  But there are some times when I just have to deal with being by myself and try not to look awkward.  Like dinner.  I don’t mind dinner alone, but I was seated at a little table for two by myself in the middle of the room.  I would have preferred to be in a corner somewhere, but there I was.  Thank goodness for cell phones.  Sometimes I don’t realize how much I rely on that thing to save me from my own introvertedness.   That’s not a word, but I’m sticking with it.

I did go back up to my room until I received an invitation to come down to a reception.  Sure, a little munchie and a drink with the colleagues I knew would be fine.  Except it’s in this BIIIIIGGGGG beautiful open space and not a lot of people.  At first I walked in and said hi, but these are busy people running the conference, so they would excuse themselves and I would find myself alone again with my glass of wine, trying not to look like I was pacing, but hopefully looking like I was taking a leisurely stroll.

Finally deciding that I didn’t know anyone to have a conversation with, I picked an empty table next to the window near a speaker softly playing some classy jazz music when I casually gazed out the large window to see a long row of porta potties across the street where they were doing construction.  Trying not to look deranged, it was all I could do not to laugh out loud – all dressed up, trying to be professional,  having my wine looking at porta potties.  It was that bizarre middle school moment where I realized here I was, having to put on this particular persona because of where I was and who I represent and the truth was I would have rather been barefoot in my comfy pants and a t-shirt reading a book and drinking a Diet Coke in my room.

I decided to finish up and head on out, saying goodbye to my friend who was in a conversation with a young man whom she introduced to me.  It just so happens this young man is the new director of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, one of the finest I’ve ever heard.  So articulate and so animated in his conversation, I abandoned my plans to be alone and hung out just to hear his stories.  Here was another young person (well, young to me anyway) who was so passionate about making music with kids, I found myself becoming inspired. Imagine if I had made up some excuse to avoid the reception instead of facing my fears?  How many times have I missed similar opportunities?

But tonight was not one of those nights.  I was able to step out of my comfort zone, meet some new people AND sip wine by myself looking at some lovely porta potties.  It doesn’t get any better than that.