Midwest Convention

Midwest Band and Orchestra Convention 2009 was in McCormick place for the first time.
I, for one, like the new venue. Lots of room; high ceiling/we can talk while people are playing.
Thanks to everyone who came by to look at new product. The French horns were a big hit. It's taken a while for the word to spread about the advantages of the 3/4 double but consensus is that it is great for beginners and a very good horn beyond the beginner stage. College players are always impressed with the D-88O big Kruspe-style nickel horn with all its extra features.
The J-700 4/4 BBb tuba was a big draw, thanks in part to Don Harry spreading the word. I will have it on display at NAMM, the Army Conference in DC and at TMEA. Some dealers have it in stock already, Buckeye Brass, Rieman Music and Griggs Music among them.
The CC tuba and the new Weingrill rotor tuba did not arrive in time but I will have both for the Army Conference Jan 27-30 at Ft Meyer. I will have the new Weingrill compensating Euphonium there as well. It is a totally new design.
I posted some pictures from Midwest on the link at the right.