Building Community (unity) after we leave the Circle

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Permalink Reply by Broda on August 25, 2009 at 12:06pm

Thanks for this, Toni. I will mention that I attended the 2008 Indiegrrl Conference as well as this year's conference. 2008 was the very first year of the conference, and it was MY very first experience with Indiegrrl. Very shortly after, I became an Indiegrrl Board Member because I believe in the vision and intention of the organization as it works to grow and improve on the opportunities to promote women in music. The 2008 Conference was beneficial to me as I was only 2 years into my solo career (and teaching myself to play guitar)! For me, that first conference was a great first step as I had only released my debut CD a week before! Because the 2008 conference site was some distance from the hotel, I found myself disappointed (along with the Indiegrrl board members) by the lack of turnout at the workshops, but it gave me an opportunity, in some cases to talk one on one with seasoned performers. For example, I had a great one-on-one discussion and brainstorming session with Sonya Heller in regards to my performance goals . . . a discussion that has stayed fresh in my mind throughout this past year as I have built up my performance schedule. Also, as a novice guitarist, I found myself incredibly inspired and challenged by Vicki Genfan who offered workshops on alternate guitar tunings. Not only did it teach me that I had even MORE room to experiment with this instrument I was teaching myself, but Vicki's style and accomplishments (first female Guitar Player Magazine Guitar Superstar finalist AND WINNER) inspired me to keep plugging away as she was proof that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. There were many great things about the 2008 Conference, and there were many flaws . . . as to be expected with any first year event.

Needless to say, having attended the first year, I can tell you all that this year's event was leaps and bounds better, still flawed perhaps, but as a veteran performer and volunteer for annually established conferences from a young age (Virginia Music Educator's Association, Music Educator's National Conference, American Choral Director's Association) I can tell you they will ALWAYS be flawed in some way.

I loved that there were so many organizations represented at this year's conference, as many of us may have learned for the first time that they even existed. For me, it was an opportunity to finally meet many of the people I had already begun networking with so we could BOTH put real, live faces to names rather than just another "profile picture" in the crowd. Along with learning new things (what to do, what not to do, etc), for me, it also gave me some affirmation that I have been doing a lot of things right! As a soloist from a 'podunk' town in the middle of Virginia trying to be the songwriter, the booking agent, the marketing director, and PR director, etc. (on top of teaching privately, music directing, AND working a full-time day job) it is EXTRA important to know I'm on the right track with where I'm dedicating my time. In addition, I met so many NEW people (such as yourself) as well, and I look forward to a great future of relationships formed from that!

While I appreciated the volume of showcase stages/rooms allowing so many to perform, it was still disappointing to see that, because of the schedule conflicts, some were left to perform to 1 or 2 people, while others were performing elsewhere to a full room. There were SO MANY fabulously talented women there, it was very difficult to force yourself to step out of one room to go check out another in an attempt to catch everyone . . . needless to say, I tried to anyway!

The physical shift to Nashville was superb compared to last year's site, and the fact that the conference was in the same location where most everyone was staying made ALL the difference in the world. I have to say, I went downstairs to work Friday morning expecting a couple/few people to show for the 9 AM session. When I saw the room start to fill up, I was thrilled! I was so glad to see this change from last year in that there were females there not only to show up, showcase, and leave (like most did last year), but who came to LEARN and really get the best experience from the conference they could get! That's what these conferences are for!!! I know I learned A LOT! I learned so much I am STILL processing all of the information days later (and trying to make up for lost time in my life to get caught up with it all)!

Were there bumps along the way? Certainly, but I am one who always tries to come away with the best from every experience and not get too caught up in the small stuff that may present challenges along with it. I came away with a very valuable, learning and networking experience because that was what I opened myself up for and the reason I attended in the first place.

I think the Indiegrrl Conference can only get better and better each year, and that prospect excites me given the level of improvement from last year.

As a board member who will attempt to help organize next year's conference, I look forward to the thoughts others have on this subject, but in the meantime, that's my two cents *ching, ching*.

Broda

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Permalink Reply by Robin Lee Field on August 25, 2009 at 6:13pm

Hi Toni,

I was at the Indiegrrl Conference in Nashville and I saw you get off the elevator as I was going in! I recognized you immediately and should have introduced myself. Indiegrrl 2009 was the very first conference I have ever attended but will not be the last. I arrived Friday afternoon and had to leave early Sunday so it was a very very quick trip. Because I have never been to Nashville before I wanted to do some sight seeing and this unfortunately took time away from attending workshops and meeting everyone. Definately my loss... but the women I did see perform, and the people I did meet were just wonderful. I was totally impressed with WomensRadio and Brian. How can you not just adore Brian? Kat was great too and I felt very comfortable when it was my time to perform in the Guerilla room! The entire setup of the Indiegrrl Conference was well done and I want to thank all who worked so hard to bring us together in Nashville, especially Vicki that I didn't get to meet personally unfortunately... Here's to more conferences in my future. I look forward to having the opportunity to cross paths again! PS... On one of my shopping adventures I bought a Stetson and a gorgeous Turquoise jacket that I performed in!. Robin

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Permalink Reply by Toni Koch & Pitch-A-Song on August 26, 2009 at 8:53am

thanks Broda. your insights about Indiegrrl are appreciated as a lot of us aren't aware of the inner workings as you are. I liked that there were Indiegrrls, Go Girls, Rockin' Moms, Nette Radio, Women's Radio, Songsalive!, Songwriter Girl, COSMO, etc. and a whole other slew sponsors and vendors all working together to make this a happening. If the second year was leaps and bounds...wait till #3 as 3 is the number of fertility - the Goddess. You can't rush the harvest as a good farmer knows but you can nurture and till the soil until the shoots are ready to bloom. ;-)

Broda said:

Thanks for this, Toni. I will mention that I attended the 2008 Indiegrrl Conference as well as this year's conference. 2008 was the very first year of the conference, and it was MY very first experience with Indiegrrl. Very shortly after, I became an Indiegrrl Board Member because I believe in the vision and intention of the organization as it works to grow and improve on the opportunities to promote women in music. The 2008 Conference was beneficial to me as I was only 2 years into my solo career (and teaching myself to play guitar)! For me, that first conference was a great first step as I had only released my debut CD a week before! Because the 2008 conference site was some distance from the hotel, I found myself disappointed (along with the Indiegrrl board members) by the lack of turnout at the workshops, but it gave me an opportunity, in some cases to talk one on one with seasoned performers. For example, I had a great one-on-one discussion and brainstorming session with Sonya Heller in regards to my performance goals . . . a discussion that has stayed fresh in my mind throughout this past year as I have built up my performance schedule. Also, as a novice guitarist, I found myself incredibly inspired and challenged by Vicki Genfan who offered workshops on alternate guitar tunings. Not only did it teach me that I had even MORE room to experiment with this instrument I was teaching myself, but Vicki's style and accomplishments (first female Guitar Player Magazine Guitar Superstar finalist AND WINNER) inspired me to keep plugging away as she was proof that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. There were many great things about the 2008 Conference, and there were many flaws . . . as to be expected with any first year event.

Needless to say, having attended the first year, I can tell you all that this year's event was leaps and bounds better, still flawed perhaps, but as a veteran performer and volunteer for annually established conferences from a young age (Virginia Music Educator's Association, Music Educator's National Conference, American Choral Director's Association) I can tell you they will ALWAYS be flawed in some way.

I loved that there were so many organizations represented at this year's conference, as many of us may have learned for the first time that they even existed. For me, it was an opportunity to finally meet many of the people I had already begun networking with so we could BOTH put real, live faces to names rather than just another "profile picture" in the crowd. Along with learning new things (what to do, what not to do, etc), for me, it also gave me some affirmation that I have been doing a lot of things right! As a soloist from a 'podunk' town in the middle of Virginia trying to be the songwriter, the booking agent, the marketing director, and PR director, etc. (on top of teaching privately, music directing, AND working a full-time day job) it is EXTRA important to know I'm on the right track with where I'm dedicating my time. In addition, I met so many NEW people (such as yourself) as well, and I look forward to a great future of relationships formed from that!

While I appreciated the volume of showcase stages/rooms allowing so many to perform, it was still disappointing to see that, because of the schedule conflicts, some were left to perform to 1 or 2 people, while others were performing elsewhere to a full room. There were SO MANY fabulously talented women there, it was very difficult to force yourself to step out of one room to go check out another in an attempt to catch everyone . . . needless to say, I tried to anyway!

The physical shift to Nashville was superb compared to last year's site, and the fact that the conference was in the same location where most everyone was staying made ALL the difference in the world. I have to say, I went downstairs to work Friday morning expecting a couple/few people to show for the 9 AM session. When I saw the room start to fill up, I was thrilled! I was so glad to see this change from last year in that there were females there not only to show up, showcase, and leave (like most did last year), but who came to LEARN and really get the best experience from the conference they could get! That's what these conferences are for!!! I know I learned A LOT! I learned so much I am STILL processing all of the information days later (and trying to make up for lost time in my life to get caught up with it all)!

Were there bumps along the way? Certainly, but I am one who always tries to come away with the best from every experience and not get too caught up in the small stuff that may present challenges along with it. I came away with a very valuable, learning and networking experience because that was what I opened myself up for and the reason I attended in the first place.

I think the Indiegrrl Conference can only get better and better each year, and that prospect excites me given the level of improvement from last year.

As a board member who will attempt to help organize next year's conference, I look forward to the thoughts others have on this subject, but in the meantime, that's my two cents *ching, ching*.

Broda

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Permalink Reply by Toni Koch & Pitch-A-Song on August 26, 2009 at 9:00am

Hi Robin, I appreciate your honest feedback and support you in checkin' out Nashville especially to get a real Stetson and Turquoise jacket - we have to see that power stage presence outfit! Next time do say hello if you recognize me because I am so oblivious sometimes to my surroundings (terra firma)...it's not intended if I didn't recognize you! I hope Vicki is encouraged by these replies.

Robin Lee Field said:

Hi Toni,

I was at the Indiegrrl Conference in Nashville and I saw you get off the elevator as I was going in! I recognized you immediately and should have introduced myself. Indiegrrl 2009 was the very first conference I have ever attended but will not be the last. I arrived Friday afternoon and had to leave early Sunday so it was a very very quick trip. Because I have never been to Nashville before I wanted to do some sight seeing and this unfortunately took time away from attending workshops and meeting everyone. Definately my loss... but the women I did see perform, and the people I did meet were just wonderful. I was totally impressed with WomensRadio and Brian. How can you not just adore Brian? Kat was great too and I felt very comfortable when it was my time to perform in the Guerilla room! The entire setup of the Indiegrrl Conference was well done and I want to thank all who worked so hard to bring us together in Nashville, especially Vicki that I didn't get to meet personally unfortunately... Here's to more conferences in my future. I look forward to having the opportunity to cross paths again! PS... On one of my shopping adventures I bought a Stetson and a gorgeous Turquoise jacket that I performed in!. Robin

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Permalink Reply by Inky Glass on October 2, 2009 at 7:27pm

Hey Hey, just a thought line. Besides getting a super pretty new guitar, and I am going to meet an artist that also records to see if we can possibly work together (She is an IndiGrrl, and I heard some of her recording work @ the conference). So It was great for me! I just hope I was able to give to others as well. I don't have much to offer in the way of contacts and music business know how, but I do have a couch in New York that folks can crash on when they are touring through, and I am supportive of musicians-a great audience member. Oh and I am usually where I say I am going to be, even if I am late :)

Inky

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