Organization:
Organization of American Kodály Educators
Date:
3/13/2024 - 3/17/2024
Location:
The Palmer House Hilton Hotel
17 E. Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60603
Join us March 14 – 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois for OAKE’s 50th National Conference!
Keynote Speaker JOAN LITMAN Thursday night Conference Kickoff Join Joan Litman for her keynote: “Our Journey in Authenticity”
Mini-Conference with SUSANNA SAW “Experience Choral Works and Game Songs from Southeast Asia” Thursday afternoon, separately ticketed event $80 – Member Price, $125 – Non-Member Price
Participant Choir with SUSANNA SAW We need YOU! You are needed to be a member of the Participant Choir! Signing up is easy on your Conference Registration. The first rehearsal traditionally occurs on Thursday evening of the Conference and the rehearsal schedule will not conflict with sessions.
Sunday Spotlight with JO KIRK “Partners: Past, Present, and Into the Future” Join Jo Kirk for the extended Sunday Spotlight Session on Sunday morning of the conference.
Conference Breakout Sessions Over 50 breakout sessions for teacher development! There are special tracks and a variety of events for every music educator’s development, regardless of Kodály background. New to the classroom or to the Kodály approach? Teaching in a secondary or instrumental context? You’ll find plenty of inspiration and learning, plus colleagues to continue sharing ideas and collaboration! Find a full list on the Events and Presenters page
National Conference Choirs Our National Conference culminates in a performance of singers selected to participate in the OAKE National Honor Choirs. Accepted singers learn and memorize music at home with their teachers. The National Conference Choir Concerts are a beautiful expression of bringing singers from across the country to make music together.
Hotel and TravelThe historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel, our official conference hotel, is 2.5 miles to McCormick Place. An estimated 7 minutes by cab and along the pick-up/drop off bus route to McCormick Place. The hotel is walking distance to the Blue Line and the Orange Line “eL” stations for quick transport to O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport, respectively.
The Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel is steps to all the action along State Street including Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, H&M, Block 37 Mall and the Chicago Theatre. The hotel is also walking distance to The Art Institute, Joffrey Ballet, Cadillac Theatre, Jeweler’s Row, Millennium Park, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and Adler Planetarium.
Rates and RegistrationEarly Bird Deadline: JANUARY 20, 2024 Online Registration Closes: MARCH 4, 2024 Find out more: Rates and Registration policies
Chicago has been named the country’s Best Big City for an astonishing nine years in a row. Come experience what a city that’s never done and never outdone feels like.
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Winter is one of the most magical times of the year in Chicago. Embrace the season and set off on a wintry adventure, from ice skating beneath “The Bean” in a snowy Millennium Park to getting cozy by the fire on a rooftop bar.
During the holidays, experience classic Chicago traditions like the bustling Christkindlmarket, the breathtaking ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, and annual winter parades and events. Throughout the winter season, you’ll find plenty of artisan markets, museum exhibits, concerts, comedy shows, culinary events, and so much across the city.
Make the most of your time in Chicago our curated selection of restaurants, things to do, and special event venues.
Dive deeper into Chicago and explore more of the city with these custom-curated itineraries.
Start exploring
Located in the center of the country, Chicago is an easily accessible destination for visitors from all over the world. Our two international airports offers thousands of daily inbound and outbound flights to more than 240 global destinations.
Chicago O’Hare International AirportThe award-winning, environmentally conscious O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the largest and most well-connected airports in the world. It lies just 16 miles from downtown Chicago and is a hub for many major airlines across its four terminals, ensuring a seamless passenger experience.
Chicago Midway International Airport Midway International Airport (MDW) is one of the nation’s premier airports, located just 10 miles from downtown Chicago. Accessible and easy to navigate, Midway boasts a variety of local dining options and a range of recent modernization efforts and upgrades.
Chicago’s walkable streets, miles of bike lanes, and accessible public transit make it easy to navigate and explore the city, no matter how you prefer to travel.
Public transportation The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates Chicago’s eight ‘L’ train lines and more than 100 bus routes.
The elevated train system is a fast and affordable way to travel throughout the city. Trains serve over 140 stations located throughout the city and nearby suburbs. CTA buses travel throughout the city, with stops every few blocks.
Purchase bus and train tickets at each ‘L’ station or on your mobile phone. View CTA bus and train schedules and routes.
Biking and bike share Chicago is home to a robust network of over 500 miles of bike lanes and trails. Divvy, Chicago’s bike share program, offers short-term rentals of pedal bikes, e-bikes, and electric scooters.
More ways to get around Hail or e-hail taxis throughout the city, or call a ride with popular ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft.
The city also offers two seasonal water taxi services: Chicago Water Taxi by Wendella Boats and Shoreline Water Taxi by Shoreline Sightseeing.
Chicago prides itself on being an inclusive place to live, work, and visit. Accessibility is a fundamental part of the city experience, from our international airports to our iconic attractions.
Getting to and around ChicagoO’Hare and Midway International Airports both offer a variety of accommodations to help travelers with disabilities get to and from Chicago safely and comfortably, including accessible parking, restrooms, service animal areas, and special accommodations during security.
All of Chicago’s CTA bus routes utilize accessible buses with features like ramps, lifts, voice announcements, and designated seating.
All CTA train cars are accessible to people with disabilities, with accommodations such as ramps, braille signage, automated voice announcements, and more. A majority of Chicago’s rail stations are accessible, with features and updates being added regularly.
Accessible attractions Chicago’s cultural institutions offer a variety of accessible accommodations, including dedicated sensory-friendly days. Many museums offer assistive listening devices, complimentary wheelchairs, closed captioning, and more.
Many Chicago theatres offer touch tours, audio-described performances, and special technology to help all guests experience the show fully. Many venues host sensory-relaxed performances tailored to guests with autism or other sensitivities.
The only way to truly know Chicago is to experience it all for yourself. Discover what makes our city a place unlike any other.
Chicago is home to a rich tapestry of more than 77 unique community areas, each with its own distinct vibe, restaurants, boutiques, and friendly locals.
Discover something new around every corner: diverse global cuisines in West Ridge, colorful murals in Pilsen, landmark Black history in Bronzeville, landscape art under glass in Garfield Park, Puerto Rican heritage in Humboldt Park.
There’s nowhere else on earth like Chicago’s dynamic theatre scene, with our cutting-edge storefront theatres, the latest Broadway hits with Broadway in Chicago, iconic improv, and everything in between.
Grab your tickets to see a world premiere at a historic venue, comedy stars at legendary clubs, and innovative productions from acclaimed ensembles.
As the birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago has built a lasting architectural legacy. Our stunning skyline is one of the most iconic in the world, filled with modern marvels and historic landmarks.
Be wowed by a treasure trove of Frank Lloyd Wright wonders (including a UNESCO World Heritage Site), scenic architecture cruises, the Pullman National Historical Park, and beyond.
Chicago’s award-winning dining scene is as diverse as the city itself. We’re home to the prestigious James Beard Awards ceremony (and plenty of James Beard Award winners), along with dozens of Michelin-awarded restaurants.
Get a bite of everything from classic Chicago eats (like deep dish pizza or an authentic jibarito) to global cuisine in our international neighborhoods to bucket-list dining experiences.
Chicago-style jazz. Amplified blues. Gospel. House music. These are just a few of the genres with deep Chicago roots.
Our city has always been the proud home of genre-defining artists, bucket-list music festivals, famed stages, and our own undefinable big-city sound. Come hear it all for yourself.
With more than 60 museums, there are endless worlds to discover in Chicago.
Travel through space at the Adler Planetarium, uncover ancient Egyptian mysteries at the Field Museum, admire masterpieces at the Art Institute of Chicago, or step inside a tornado at the Museum of Science and Industry.
In our neighborhoods, you’ll also find cultural heritage museums, contemporary galleries, and so much more.
Chicago’s sports legacy is known around the world. Nothing compares to our beloved teams, famous athletes, and devoted fan base.
Catch a game in one of our legendary stadiums — including the country’s second-oldest ballpark and the United Center where Michael Jordan dominated. Grab your tickets to see the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Sky, Chicago Stars, Chicago Fire, and other iconic teams.
Chicago is home to an astonishing number of adventures for all ages that guarantee unforgettable memories.
Take a spin on a soaring Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, touch stingrays at the Shedd Aquarium, meet penguins at Lincoln Park Zoo, climb and play at a whimsical lakefront park, and beyond. Discover some of the best attractions and activities for the whole family.
Made with in Chicago