Music Makes the Season

Andrew has continued playing the saxophone in band this year. As a 5th grader, he's now in Intermediate Band. 

They way they work the concerts in his school district, they have all the 5th graders from all four of the elementary schools to make up their band.  Same for the 4th and 6th grade bands, as well.  It works well because it's the same band directors are working with all the kids at their individual schools and then they have a few rehearsals all together.

The only downside....the place was PACKED because the holiday concert was for all 4th, 5th, and 6th grade bands.  I wasn't able to get many pictures because Andrew was sitting in the middle and it was hard to see him.  It was more important to me that we videotaped the concert too!

The saxophones had a sectional performance where they played "Frosty the Snowman". It was really good!

A few weeks ago I had gotten a call from Andrew's band director to inform me about the practice schedule leading up to the concert and I was really proud when his band teacher shared his feelings about Andrew. He said that he was really impressed with Andrew's playing ability. Since we switched school districts for this year, this program and teacher are new. Mr. Band Director said, "I'm kind of particular and you never know what you're going to get when you have when a new student come in that didn't start in our program, but I am so impressed with Andrew. He's really good and such a good kid."  YES! It is awesome to hear that your kid carries on all the hard work in parenting you've been doing and exhibits the behaviors and actions in the outside world! Thank God!

It was a fun, festive concert. The audience (parents and relatives) were clapping and cheering so loudly, I'm sure it was really awesome for these kids.  The band director thanked the parents for supporting the children, the program and for listening to practicing musicians. haha! If you were in band, have a kid in band, or had a sibling in band growing up ---beginning musicians, of course, then you'll know the honking and squeaking and noise to which he refers. :) 

I wasn't sure how Lily was going to fare since the concert started at 7:00pm with the 4th graders starting the show. That's usually her winding down to get ready for bed time of day...

She smiled and her eyes lit up listening to the beginning band and true to the scheduled baby that she is...this is how she enjoyed her brother's performance:

Andrew's band ended their portion with "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"...

It is.