Conference Information
Twenty-First Annual Conference
Miami University, Oxford, OH, 14-15 May 2010, 2010
General Information
We extend our warmest invitation to attend Music Theory Midwest's twenty-first annual conference to be held May 14-15, 2010 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Claire Boge (Miami University), our chair of local arrangements for this conference, is delighted to welcome everyone to Oxford. Please feel free to contact her regarding any questions or requests you might have: bogecl@muohio.edu.
Keynote Abstract
Of special note is this year's Plenary Session highlighting MTMW members from the early years: Joseph Kraus, Anne Marie de Zeeuw, Marianne Kielian-Gilbert, and Justin London. Immediately following the plenary session, we will take our conversations to the Miami Inn Tavern for a reception hosted by Miami's School of Fine Arts.
Location
Our sessions will be held in newly remodeled Presser Hall, with parking nearby. The university is in intersession that week, so all will be blissfully quiet--the perfect counterpart to the stimulating program that has been planned.
http://www.miami.muohio.edu/about-miami/_documents/Campus_Map_09.pdf
Conference Events
Of special note is this year's plenary session on Friday, 14 May, at 5:00 pm, highlighting MTMW members from the early years: Joseph Kraus, Anne Marie de Zeeuw, Marianne Kielian-Gilbert, and Justin London. Joe will begin with his colorful remembrances of the society's beginnings (from the pre-MTMW Central Midwest Theory Society and the first conference in Evanston); Anne Marie will talk about the sense of community and support in the society; Marianne will speak about areas of research that started out less conventional but have become an integral part of the profession; and Justin is planning to address how MTMW has served as a model in bringing emerging scholars into the field and how this might continue and broaden in the future. The panel will then serve as a springboard for discussion about everything MTMW--from what it was like when theory was an emergent profession, through the importance of establishing an independent societal (and tax-exempt) identity, to what we can further do in theory outreach and support for our members in the future. Bring questions, ideas, and your most curious and creative insights! Immediately following the plenary session, we will take our conversations to the Miami Inn Tavern for a reception hosted by Miami's School of Fine Arts.
On Saturday, the traditional MTMW buffet banquet will close our festivities. The cost of the banquet will be $25 for members, and once again we are providing a discount for students (cost $20). Please make sure to reserve your place by May 11.
Travel
Located midway between Dayton and Cincinnati, and close to the Indiana border, Oxford is a 2 1/2-hour drive from Indianapolis and Columbus, and about a five-hour drive from Chicago and Cleveland. Oxford is equidistant from the Dayton and Cincinnati airports, so if you plan to fly, check fares to both locations. Unfortunately, there is no limo service from the airports, so air travelers will need to plan to rent a car. Driving time is about 60 minutes from Cincinnati, 75 from Dayton.
Accommodations
A block of rooms has been reserved May 13-15 at the Miami Innon campus, at the special conference rate of $99 per night for a double room (we have virtually the entire place to ourselves). Call the Inn directly at 513-529-2104.
A secondary block of rooms has been held at the Baymont Inn (513-523-2722), about a 10-minute drive to campus, also at $99 per night for a double, and the management has agreed to allow up to four graduate students to share a room with rollaway beds. Both locations include breakfast with the cost of lodging. Mention Music Theory Midwest (or if that doesn't work, the Miami University Music Department) to get the special rates. The Inn is about a 10-minute walk from Presser (5-6 blocks); there will be a van to transport daily from the Inn to Presser in the morning and back in the evening. Parking at the Inn is free, and arrangements are being made to provide complimentary parking at Presser as well for daytrippers. Hotel rooms are reserved until April 12, at which point they will be released.
Anyone looking for possible roommates can post a notice on our bulletin board or Facebook page (using the link on the left).
Dining
Oxford provides a variety of locally owned and operated restaurants at moderate prices, as well as the expected franchises, immediately adjacent to campus. A restaurant list will be posted online and an array of menus will be available at both hotels. Some places of particular interest include Rohan India, which serves an all-you-can-eat Indian buffet for $10 during weekday lunch hours; Smokin' Ox barbeque, which features pulled pork you season to your delight; Maid-Rite Sandwiches, an old-fashioned loose meat offering for a whopping $2; Fiesta Charra, authentic Mexican where you can practice your Spanish; Steinkellers, a basement Bierhaus featuring a fabulous selection of domestic and imported beers with traditional German food; and Stella's, an upscale restaurant that is vegan-friendly. Many places deliver, so if you're not up for exploration, your dinner can come to you. Campusmenus.com and UrbanSpoon.com are good for pre-conference research.
Local Information
Local Arrangements Chair: Claire Boge (Miami University)
Oxford in May often displays spring beautifully. The Miami Inn is located across from a formal garden, and there are several walking tours of the Georgian-inspired campus (including a tree tour assembled by the botany department and featuring a 200-year-old sweetgum tree). Bicycles are available at the Marcum Center for those who are staying at the University. A historic house tour passes by many of the local eateries, and we'll provide some guides for the walkers (weather permitting). Please do note that Miami University is a smoke-free campus.
The Miami University Art Museum will be open during the conference, and everyone is encouraged to take the short walk down the road to view exhibits after sessions end on Saturday. The Museum is open until 5:00, and a docent tour of current exhibits can be arranged (please indicate on registration form if you're interested). Exhibits include 1) Art Glass: Sculpture and Possession; 2) Adornment and Excess: Jewelry in the 21st Century; and 3) Consuming Clay: Porcelain Wares from the 18th and 19th Centuries.
Program Committee
Karen M. Bottge (University of Kentucky), Chair
Timothy Best (Indiana University)
Jason Britton (Luther College)
Kevin Holm-Hudson (University of Kentucky)
Julian Hook (Indiana University), ex officio (as MTMW President)
Jan Miyake (Oberlin College Conservatory)
Online Program
The online program can be found here once it is available.