2012 Annual Conference • The Children's Music Network

CMN 2012 International Conference

Join Us October 12-14 in Zion, Il as The Children Music Network celebrates
25 years at its 2012 International Conference

There's a lot happening in Zion! You won't want to miss the celebration

Magic Penny

What do you get when you cross three independent folk singers, nursery songs, nonsense lyrics, folk tunes, colorful personalities and an elephant? The incredible Canadian trio of Sharon, Lois & Bram! Sharon, Lois & Bram formed their group in 1978. Thirty+ years, 2 popular television series, over 20 albums, DVDs and multiple awards later…they are the recipients of CMN’s annual Magic Penny Award for their ongoing commitment to children and children’s music. Read More…

Workshops

We are honored again to host an amazing array of presenters and topics! Just SOME of our not-to-be-missed sessions include:

Integrative Reflex with Eve Kodiak
Boomwhackers with Barbara Rice
Songwriting with Children with Monty Harper, David & Jenny Heitler-Klevans
Singing with Upper Elementary aged children with Joanie Calem

Our four tracks (Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Professional Development, Song Swap) ensure that there will be something for everyone! Stay tuned for more details, topics and presenter information.

Round Robins

Both nights! Sing and Share songs with your friends from around the country

The Schedule

FRIDAY, October 12, 2012
4pmCheck-in begins
4–7pmSales tables check-in
5–6pm Newcomers Meeting
6–7pmBuffet Dinner
7:45–8:15pmOpening / Welcome Gathering
8:30–10:00pmRound Robin Part 1
10–10:30pmInformal Networking & Campfire Sing-Along (weather permitting)

SATURDAY, October 13, 2012
8–9amBreakfast / Sales tables sign-in
9–10:15amWorkshops, Session 1
10:30–11:45amWorkshops, Session 2
Noon–1:45pmLunch / Annual Meeting with dessert
2–3 pmWorkshops, Session 3
3:15–4:45pmMagic Penny Award Ceremony
4:45–5:30pmFree Time / Networking
5:45–6:15pmWork-Up-An-Appetite Dance!
6:30–7:30pmDinner
8–11pmRound Robin Part 2
Late-Night Jammies!

SUNDAY, October 14
8:00amBreakfast
9–10:15amWorkshops, Session 4
10:30–11:45amSilver Celebration
Noon–1pmLunch
1:30–2:30pmClosing Gathering

Silver Celebration

What does it take to create a world in which music transforms the lives of children and their caring adults? Committed, caring musicians like you and our CMN community. This year we join together to recall our beginnings, reflect on our journey and set our sights on the future as we celebrate 25 years of children, music and passion!

Wondering how to make a difference in CMN this fall? Take this opportunity to be a Silver Saver! Locate a container (used Ziploc? Candle holder? Old tackle box? Junk drawer? Something unique?). Each week between now and the fall conference just drop in your SILVER—in honor of our SILVER anniversary. Quarters are fantastic, but don’t forget the nickels and dimes from under your comfy chair cushion. Bring it/mail it/deliver it/send it by carrier pigeon to the Conference Center and we’ll add everyone’s saved silver together….and…… Ta-DA! We’ll have even more silver to celebrate with our donations to CMN! Every little bit helps (yep—even the copper)! If you start now and add only one quarter weekly until the conference…it really adds up! And if EACH PERSON READING THIS DOES THE SAME….. well… there’s no telling what we can do then!

We know you are giddy with anticipation, but check out ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW to find some answers to your earliest questions before you register…

You’ll want to learn more about our venue, too:

Illinois Beach Resort & Conference Center, One Lake Front Drive, Zion, IL 60099. Conveniently located about 40 miles from Chicago AND Milwaukee. This 92-room resort combines the comforts of home (free Internet, TV) with the beauty of its beach-side view of Lake Michigan (6½ miles of State Park and beach adjoins the Resort)

We know you won’t want to miss a minute of the conference, so for those of you able to arrive early or stay late there are ample local and city activities to keep you on your feet! See the Conference Center website for more details on the area, activities and attractions: http://www.ilresorts.com/visitors-attractions.cfm or call 1-866-IL-BEACH

The Illinois Beach and Resort and Conference Center is located in the Illinois Beach State Park. There is camping available in the park for those who might be interested.

Ground Transportation

You can drive to Zion, IL from either Chicago’s Midway or O'Hare airports. It’s a shorter distance from O'Hare. Ride shares and pick ups will be arranged as best we can as drivers and riders become available. We cannot guarantee free transportation to/from the venue, but will make every effort to accommodate those people’s schedules we know in advance.
An excellent source of information regarding public transit to the venue can be found at the Conference Center website: http://www.ilresorts.com/visitors-transportation.cfm.