After the 99 ITG Conference, a survey was distributed online via the TPIN. The survey was not scientific and was somewhat informal. The results do provide us with valuable information which will aid us in making key decisions regarding future conference coverage. If you have not taken the survey, please take a few minutes to answer the questions listed below and email your answers to Michael Anderson, ITG Web Site Director. Thanks!

Yes - 11
No - 20

I am a retread, (comeback player) and have been playing again for only a year.

Yes - 27
No

I think it's a very well done web site

4. If so, did you visit it:

Yes - 13
No - 12

No. I usually got home about 1:00 AM and was back at the conference by 8:00 the next morning. After the conference I used the site to check out what I missed. I was part of the staff which increased the likelihood of me not be able to be everywhere at once.

I was at the conference, so I looked at the Webb site later.

Not this year, but I did last year. (Too busy at work and home.)

6. Is it important to you to have this information "as it happens?"

Yes - 8
No - 21

Not that important - very important to have it there for when I can get to it

probabley not, I was there. If I'm not there; I don't mind waiting.

No, and it wouldn't be if I wasn't there either.

I liked the idea because it was a way to attend without attending.

It is not _essential_ that I have the information as it happens, but it was nice to be able to see the progression of the conference.

I appreciated getting the information as quickly as I did.

Not really, but is is very nice for those of us who cannot attend for one reason or another.

No, but I was there. If wasn't able to attend, however, I wouldn't be concerned about "up to the minute" reporting.

Not really. I enjoy going back and reading and listening to stuff whenever I get the time.

I don't see any benefit in having the information "as it happens" other than to ensure that it actually gets posted. In other words, the "as it happens" mode is perhaps as much for self discipline as anything else. Besides, quick posting ensures a certain freshness and spontaneity to the posts.

Not really--just great to get the coverage.

7. Has the web site coverage of the conference increased your interest in attending the next conference?

Yes - 21
No - 7

And it sold my email friend in England on the Manchester conference.

I wish I could attend conferences but distance and costs are major factors.

Somewhat. I am already interested based on the great time I had at Lexington.

Absolutely. Seeing the outline of the schedule is one thing, but being able to see what people learned from it is what is the most valuable aspect.

No, I will go in any case

Yes. (Well, not the next one, but one that is located somewhat near me. Any chance of it coming somewhere in the middle part of the US?

I'm no longer a professional trumpet player, so it doesn't hold as high a priority for me as it might for others.

Why is it always on the East coast? Have the conference in California every other year. last time I checked, California has more members than any other state. Yeah! Let's get on the bus and go to upstate New York next year! Oh boy! I'm real excited
about that ride. You will not respond to this.

Yes, and I'm planning on attending next year (mostly because of geography, I must >admit).

8. Did you visit the site in advance of the conference to see what the offerings are?

Yes - 27
No - 2

Yes, I did visit prior to the Conf. I became more excited!

I didn't know there was a site until the conference got kicked off and people on this list posted messages about it.

This was particularly helpful. I downloaded some of the informationto help plan for the conference.

Would be more important if I planned on attending that conference.

Yes. I found out the event was in Virginia.

Yes - 22
No - 4

it made for fascinating reading for me. Helped when I got home and people asked me about so-and-so. Helped me pick which event to go to. Which Masterclasses would be the best for me.

I enjoyed reading the information.

It helped me a great deal to know what was featured on the programs.

I thought the coverage was extraordinarily good. I haven't had time to take advantage of all the information on the site but will over time.

It probably would have meant more if I were actually going to attend the conference, but I'm sure others appreciated it.

It's a nice touch.

It was nice.

It helped me pick and choose what to attend at the conference.

It would be interesting to read, but not necessarily in advance of the conference, since I wouldn't be attending.

Since I'm an outsider(west coast) the information is useless.

Yes - 12
No - 16

They don't work through the firewalls at work and a Windoze 95 crash took away all my multimedia at home.

I was unable to get them to work

I've been unable to get them to load/down load properly.

I might eventually, but downloading audio, and particularly video clips are not that easy. (I don't update my support programs that often.)

Not yet, but plan to

I watched the James Thompson video clip, but the sound did not work.

Most if not all.

11. Are the clips essential to your interest in the online conference coverage?

Yes - 2
No - 22
Undecided - 2

Not _essential_, but I think it is a good idea.

A definite plus over last year's coverage. They add a significant dimension as far as I am concerned

No, but they are nice.

I was disappointed that it didn't work for me.

Not essential but in some instances I think they are the best part of the site. I would like to see/listen to even more.

Not essential, but nice.

No. I'd like to see the conference come to Califorinia. Why are the midwest buttwipes so afraid of the west coast cats?

Music has to do with sound and communication (The DiMartino Video Clip was great in this respect)

Not essential, but fun and helpful

12. All the media clips are in Real Audio/Video format. Is your computer configured to play Real clips?

Yes - 21
No - 7

Yes. This is the format to use.

Yes and even if it weren't it's easy to get and the price is right (free)

13. If you are not able to attend a future conference would you be interested in participating in an online, live chat session with some of the artists?

Yes - 14
No - 14

Wont work through a firewall at work but if I could get the software to work at home and fit it into my schedule I would be interested.

I don't think it would work too well. It's a far cry from actually being there.

I'm not much of a chatter on the net but I would be interested in reading some of the discussions depending on the topic/s.

No, but perhaps a chat with some of the masterclass presenters. Possibly real time while the class was on going if Q&A's were part of the class (the technology has to get there first).

I think these are generally useless. Maybe for the kids.

probably not -- I shut the computer off when I leave work...

14. Would you be interested in a live web audio/video broadcast of a few of the concerts at the conference?

Yes - 25
No - 4

I have no free local phone number for my Internet connection. But I would log on and listen, until my sister picks up the phone to call her boyfriend and knocks me off.

More the masterclasses than the performances.

I'm not sure I'm set-up for that, but I'd be interested if it could work.

NO - I'm on the other side of "the pond". Asyncronos is better for me.

Yes, but timing's always an issue. Could some be recorderd using e.g. MP3 for later playback?

15. If you attend a future conference, would you be willing to volunteer some of your time to work on the web site conference coverage team?

Yes - 20
No - 4
Maybe - 2

I tried last year, but my material wasn't accepted. Of course, at that time you just asked "off the cuff" and some of us just brought it to the office.

No, I had much too much fun going to EVERY concert as well as lots of other things.

I doubt I'll ever get to a conference. 8-( If I do, I may be interested in volunteering.

I would have nothing to say of general interest to TPIN.

If it was in California. Of course we all know that none the xxxxxxxx in charge would ever want any event to take plce in California, the state that has more trumpet players than every country except the USA.

16. Would you be interested in purchasing a CD-ROM with the coverage of several ITG Conferences?

Yes - 17
No - 7
Maybe - 2

Ooo, depends on the cost. Sounds like a good idea

Depending on the content, yes! Would love to see videos of some master classes.

If you mean with clips of interviews with artists, yes.

Depends on what's on the CD. If you are going to play excerpts from some of the performances, especially Niklas Eklund's and Tim Morrison's. WOW!

Most likely. It'd be a nice weay to get the video and audio clips, especially since my link is pretty slow. (The price of the country life.)

17. Would you be interested in purchasing video tapes of conference masterclasses and lectures?

Yes - 20
No - 4
Maybe - 2

Yes, if they are complete and not just excerpts

Especially ones I am in

Yes, if the price is right. Converting from Can. to US $ plus shipping nearly doubles the cost of these things.

Yes, but only if the tapes were in the $30-and-below range.

I can't say. I didn't actually attend any master classes, and only a few lectures. I might be interested if, but only if, the master classes and lectures are done well. I find that too many people (performers) who hold these things are not prepared to put something structured together. I could go on about the failings of master classes for me, but I guess I'm in the minority, or why would we continue with them?

Yes, depending on who taught on what topic.

YES, if they are good productions.

I would decide based on the reviews and comments from people who attended as to their worthiness.

18. Should the ITG continue to expend considerable resources to put the conferences online?

Yes - 17
No - 2
Not Sure - 7

I suppose ITG will have to weigh that as a business decision, but I hope that the good coverage continues.

Depends, as Mr. Clinton would say, on your definition of "considerable." I think last year's (1998) coverage was adequate.

It's helpful to a point.....CD post coverage might be cheaper...I don't
know enough of what's involved

These resources are timeless! They can be referenced for years to come. I would hate to see this wonderful resource disappear.

It is a greater service than I think you realize.There are quite a few quiet ones on the list and around the world that just don't stop to say thanks, but know that it is very much appreciated.

"considerable resources?" - probably not

If you mean several thousands of dollars, probably not. Certainly not for me. After all, if the coverage were perfect, some people might not go and that would deprive ITG of a registration fee and possibly a membership and ITG would make a cash outlay to boot!

Define "considerable." If the ITG needs to provide 20+ computers, all networked in each room/hall to provide real time a/v coverage, I'd say no. At least not until the technology gets better/cheaper/easier. But if it's a smaller number of computers, no real time coverage, audio with some video, and with the effort of mostly volunteer reporters, then I say it's worth the effort.

Good question, but I think so. Maybe this poll will help you determine how to tailor it.
I think your efforts should be recognized and rewarded. I guess that the biggest reward would be use site. However, you can start with trying to understand the degree of computer experience among TPIN users. As I read TPIN, there's not a lot of sophistication among the members as a whole, but I could be wrong about this.

That's a judgement call you'll have to make, based partly on the results of this survey.  Maybe you could expend fewer resources and still provide some information and/or coverage.

Only if it helps legit players in Chicago, they are the only ones that count.

Absolutely!

Are resources a major problem? If not, then I'd do it. How else do you showcase the conference for the thousands who can't make it? And, hopefully, attract them to it?  Isn't this ITG's showcase event of the year? I think low discussion on TPIN may reflect a lack of controversy, not a lack of interest.

Depends on what "considerable" means

19. In what ways can the ITG improve its online coverage of conferences?

I left the conference Sat noon, but was there an evaluation form availabkle for live attendees? I think the main beneifit of the online coverage is to spark interest for the subsequent conference. Part of the "marketing" of the conference should refer to "online coverage" of previous conferences. i.e. If you didn't attend this years conference; does the online coverage make you more inclined to attend in person in the future.

I wish there were more. Can anybody interview the subjects at Masterclasses, the performers?

Personally, I think you all are doing a great job. I don't think it's neccessary for "instant" coverage, and audio/video files of the clinics would be terrific.

Every time I've tried to access the information, the server has be very slow. I get frustrated and quit. Faster server response would help. (Later emailed to say it was much faster)

I think it has been very well done as it is. I especially enjoy reading coverage of the clinics, and seeing the photos of those involved. I think the web site is very well done. The graphics are excellent, and it's easy to read and navigate.

If we could get the server to load the info faster, that would be nice. That's the only reason I've visited the 1999 Conference site only once ... it takes forever for the info to come up (I guess my attention span is showing).

I think they are doing just fine now. Perhaps given some time, new ideas may surface.

I thought the coverage was outstanding - Bravo. As soon as I configure my system to play the Real Audio files, i will check those out.

More Real Video clips of master classes to supplement the reports. Now that you've reminded me, I'm off to the conference site for another visit!! Keep up the good work!

It is quite good already. Perhaps some coverage of popular exhibits would also be nice.  Something such as an interview with Scott Laskeyabout his Laskey/Pinc conversion trumpet.

The transcripts of interviews is always a good idea.

I think the current coverage is VERY adequate for the overall interest shown (at least, that shown by this discussion list)

I think it's already pretty good. The one thing that I thought would be better, and maybe easier/quicker to produce is simpler/plainer pages covering the concert. It would certainly speed up browsing time and possibly be easier to read.

Audio files for the masterclasses would be of benefit. I admit I haven't checked to see if there is audio available from any of this years classes; I just read
the reports. The masterclasses are the primary reason I went to check out the ITG site. I feel I did not get much from reading the recaps of the classes. 8-( I do not know if I would have obtained more info if I were able to listen to the audio portion (or see the video), or even be there live. The availability of masterclass audio would be nice, IMO.

For what it's worth, I found the reviews of the concerts I attended to be pretty shallow. Now, I don't know what the objectives of these reviews should be. Many were simply statements of the programs, i.e., what was played. Some were simply congratulations for the players.
On the other hand, I don't know what I really expect of the reviews. Should they be critiques?  I don't really know, but they may need some shaping. Of course, you have the problem of using volunteers. You can't really demand consistent standards among volunteers. I'll tell you a story if you'll promise not to set me up for exposing my biases somehow. I walked out on a performance for the first time in my life. I can't even remember the performer's name, but it was the gentleman from England who played with the electronic setup in the chapel. I'm afraid I didn't understand anything about what he was doing, and I certainly didn't like it. So I left before the end of his program. Now, the reviewer told me I was wrong in my opinion of the performer. I accept that. He also did me a favor that was unintended. He told me that
the second performer for that evening was introduced in such a way that the entire audience left before he could play in the chapel, starting his performance in a bathroom offstage, or some such thing as that. What the reviewer did for me was confirm that I didn't leave too early and actually miss something.

I hope you get a good number of responses, no matter what they tell you. But - I think there are a lot of subscribers who monitor TPIN and many links posted there, who may not answer your survey, even though they enjoyed the coverage at least in part. In other words, the enjoyment and utiliy of the ITG coverage may not be reflected well in survey responses, or in discussions generated on TPIN. I haven't had the time to look at the coverage site as much as I plan to. _I_ appreciate the coverage, and TPIN in general, which wouldn't be here without you. It has had some amazing influences on my enjoyment of my horns in the past 6 or 7 months since I began following TPIN. Thanks!

No improvements needed.


Having had to cancel my attendance at the ITG at the last minute, I am most grateful to Mike and all the reporters who kept us non-attenders up to the minute on the goings-on in Richmond. It was the next best thing to being there. I read every review, ran every sound and video clip, and followed every day's events. The coverage was excellent, the pictures added so much and the audio and video were a great bonus. You were not wasting your time
out there, folks, and you did a great service for many of us who would otherwise have had to wait for the September journal, without the color and sound. Many, many thanks for your hard work. I know it meant many of you having to miss activities you would have enjoyed so you could get these articles out. Keep up the good work, and maybe next time some of us can help
out.

More jazz! Give us more jazz!!

I thought the coverage was outstanding - Bravo. As soon as I configure my system to play the Real Audio files, i will check those out.

By DOING IT.... and learning from past experiences.. (and maybe a survey like this can help - but I'm a bit sceptic about surveys.. :-) Once more, Michael and all the other helpers:  Thanks for a great job!

I printed >several of the masterclass reports and gave them to non-online
friends --they all >appreciated it too.

Great job, Micheal -- and this from a non-ITG member/amateur hack/enthusiast
of trumpet but a publishing and research professional: the site was fast,
easy, and informative. My work takes me to dozens per day researching
words, and the ITG coverage was top-notch.

Keep it going. I hope to write or edit for you next year.

Seems pretty good now!Y'all get my vote of confidence to continue the coverage. It's the best way I have of getting the feeling of the event without waiting months to read about it.  Keep up the great work!

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