2010 TMEA Conference

I just got back from the step sing on Friday night and I am flat out tired. Before I go to bed, I need to upload pictures onto the computer so I thought I would use this chance to write about my experience so far...and upload a few pics if they are ready to go.

In comparison to The Midwest Clinic, the TMEA Conference appears to be bigger...at least the exhibition hall is. I really haven't explored everything or have an idea of attendnace for either event. The one thing I do know about for both events is the exhibition hall and TMEA is the clear winner.

There are a good chunk of vendors who are at both events and I got to meet up with my fellow Sinfonians who work with them to say hello. The majority of my time is spent at the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia booth that is paid for mostly through contributions by the four main fratenrity provinces in Texas, as well as donations by individuals who want to see a future presence at the event.

David Irving is the driving force behind the event and he puts together a solid core of volunteers to make sure the booth is constantly manned for the hundreds of brothers who will stop by to check in with the Fraternity.

Friday night was the Step Sing. As I have been told, it is called the "Step Sing" because seven brothers got together at a flight of stairs 25 years ago to sing. Flash forward to today and five hundred brothers can't fit on any set of stairs...nor could the stairs probably hold our combined weight...but the name has stayed the same as a part of the tradition.

A couple of highlights from the evening festivities:
- There was no official head count, but there was easily 500 brothers in the room, as well as an audience of SAI members, family in friends.
- Five brothers, including Brian Stratton, David Irving and Darhyl Ramsey conducted various Sinfonia songs.
- I went through two 1GB memory cards with our digital camera and had to find bad pictures to delete so I could take more.
- Isaac Chavez, alumni association president, was presented the charter of the San Antonio Area Alumni Association.
- The Sinfonia Educational Foundation raised at least $1,100 with donation pouring in after the first count.
- David Irving was presented the Fraternity's Orpheus Award.

I've got to get to sleep as I have an early day tomorrow. Saturday is the last day so we will pack up, get out and I wil be prepping for the Alumni Road Trip.