Ben's All-District and All-State Audtions

Ben doesn't shy away from a challenge.  He is a great trombone player and is always looking forward to the next performance or audition.  He works really hard and practices a lot!  

Unfortunately, All-District auditions and All-State auditions came the very first weekend after marching band ended.  Whoever came up with that idea was, clearly, not thinking about all that these kids have had going on all fall!  Still, Ben practiced as much as he could.

With weekly lessons and practice at home, Ben felt somewhat confident and hoped for the best.

Let me just say, I don't enjoy audition days.  It is purely selfish.  I hate waiting all day for the kids to find out how they did or if they made it into a band or on to the next round of auditions.  Completely nerve-racking!  A lot of praying goes on all day long!!  Ben claims it doesn't bother him.  I don't know how he does it!

After several hours of waiting Ben found out that he made it to the next round of auditions!  YAY!  (There are two rounds on this particular day.)

I am thrilled to say that, after several more hours of waiting, Ben made first chair in the NBDA Concert Band!  He also found out that he was invited to participate in the next round of All-State auditions four weeks later.

I cannot even express how proud I am of this boy!  I can't wait to see how the next round goes!

Ben ~ University of Arkansas Band Camp

Ben knew last summer that he had to go to band camp this year.  A few of his friends went last summer and he felt like he had missed out.  He was determined to get to go.  As much as he loves  music, I was determined for him to go too.

You know the story by now.

After hearing all of Abby's stories about her week at camp, Ben was even that much more excited about his week!

I was excited for Ben that his friend, Sam (from Hutchinson), was able to go to band camp as well.

It made me happy to see these two long time friends playing together for the first time ever!  It brought tears to my eyes.  I couldn't be happier that Ben and Sam have maintained their friendship over the last five years since we moved.  The fact that they have both gone the band route is simply the icing on the cake!

We finally made it to Fayetteville and all Ben wanted was to get his audition over with.  He had only had his music for about three weeks, and it was super hard.  He just wanted to get it done.

After the audition, I asked Ben how he did.  As usual, he said that he could have done better.  He is so hard on himself.  He expects perfection.  Is that a good or a bad thing???

Now the waiting began.  He wouldn't find out for several hours which band he made it into.

We decided to wait for the rest of the Bartlesville kiddos to finish their auditions so that I could drive them to lunch. 

Of course, on the way to lunch we had to stop for a photo op!

I loved that I was able to go to lunch with these amazing kids!  (As well as Jaden's mom and brothers.)  They are a few amazing musicians!

Ben and his roommate, Nathan.

And, of course, Ben and Sam.  (Who also got to be roommates)

It was finally time for me to leave, but it was good to know that these kids were in good hands and knowing that they were going to have an amazing week that they would remember for the rest of their lives!

Shortly after I got home, I received word of which band Ben made.  FIRST chair in the SECOND (out of five)  band!!  YAY!!!  I knew that audition couldn't have been as bad as he thought!

Fast forward five days, and it was time to go back to pick Ben up from camp.  I couldn't wait to see my boy and hear all about his week.

 This is what happened during lunch with Ben and Sam.  Ben stole my iPod and took a few pictures...

I love those boys!

Finally time to listen to the fruits of their labor.  (:  Sam was up first.  (He made it into the fourth band.)

 It is truly amazing that these kids came together only five days ago!  They sounded amazing!

 FIST CHAIR!!

 During the concert there was a presentation where captains were chosen for next summer.  Captains are chosen for their leadership qualities and receive a partial scholarship to come back next year.

Ben was chosen as a captain!!

To say that I am proud might be a slight understatement.

Such a great group of kids!!

 

This picture makes me so happy!  I know I say this all the time, but I am so proud of the fact that five years later, these boys are still such great friends.  I love that they are both in band and that they love it so much.  I love that they have the band bond.

After Ben's band was finished performing and was packing up to leave, the director caught Ben.  He told Ben that he was a great musician, that he had a bright future ahead of him.  He, then, offered for Ben to come back in the fall, sit in the stands and play along with the University of Arkansas marching band at a football game.  Seriously?!?!?!  WOW!!  That is something that we are definitely going to have to make happen!!  What an honor!!

Ben's week at band camp was fantastic.  He learned a lot and made memories that will last forever.  He is already looking forward to going back next year!

BLESSED!!

I can't explain how blessed I have felt lately.  There have been some pretty amazing things happening around here.  I just have to share.

*****

Abby found out that school softball tryouts were happening at the end of April.  Jon and I were hesitant to let her do it.  We both had concerns about how she would handle it if she didn't make the team.  I didn't really say anything to her, but she continued to be excited about it.  She reminded me the night before that tryouts were the next day.  I gave Jon "the look" and he asked her, "Abby, it's great that you want to tryout and we want you to tryout, but what if you don't make the team?"  Abby was very quick with her response.  She shrugged her shoulders and with a slight teenager attitude said, "There's always next year!"  Well, alrighty then!  How can you deny that!

Abby tried out and the waiting game began.  I asked her everyday when she got home from school if she found out about the team.  Everyday she said no.  Finally, the answer came.  Yes, she found out and YES, SHE MADE THE TEAM!!!  WOW!!  She was so excited!  I was so excited!  Yes, I cried. 

*****

Ben and Abby both want to go to band camp at University of Arkansas this summer.  (Ben felt like he missed out last year.)  The problem?  It costs $400 per student!  Ouch!  Jon and I talked about it and decided that, at least, Ben would be able to go.  He was a little bit older and would be able to pay for part of it.  We figured that Abby needed another year of band under her belt and and to be another year older before she should go.  Abby was disappointed.  Even though I was good with the decision that we made, I was disappointed for her. 

We found out that scholarships were being offered for band camp.  Sweet!  After talking to Ben and Abby's band teacher, we decided that both kids would apply for a scholarship.  We would see how much they got and re-think things.

It was very exciting the day Ben and Abby got mail from the Musical Research Society.  Both kids received $100 scholarships!  Praise the Lord!  Great news! 

Ben and Abby (along with all of the other recipients) were recognized by the Music Research Society for their band camp scholarship.

However...there was another $300 per child that we still had to figure out.  Ugh!  Again, we decided that Abby would wait until next year.

I mentioned to another band teacher that only Ben was going to be able to go to band camp.  He asked me how much money would be needed to get both kids there.  I ashamedly told him.  It was a lot.  He didn't cringe (that I could tell via text), he just said that he would see what he could do.

The day before the camp registrations were to be postmarked, I asked if he had any new information and he did not.

The day the registrations were to be postmarked, I finished filling out all of the paperwork.  I held both of them in my hands and prayed over them.  I just asked for the Lord to give me an answer.  Even if the answer was no, it was an answer.  I was ok with that.  I just wanted to know.  A few hours later, I (hesitantly) asked again if the band teacher knew anything new about band camp money.  He  said that he found $100-$200, but that was all so far.  He told me to go ahead and send in the registrations for both kids without the money and by the time they questioned us about it, we should have it taken care of.  That seemed a little awkward, but we decided to do it.  Not even one hour later, he texted me back and said that the entire amount (the amount that I told him was needed for both Ben and Abby to go to camp.) was taken care of!  What?!?!  There was my answer!  Both kids get to go to camp!  

I am so thankful that we have such amazing band staff here, in Bartlesville!  Not only do they do their job, they go above and beyond!  They want to see their students succeed and better themselves as musicians!  I am also thankful that there are gracious people out there that are willing to help kids better themselves!

I truly believe that we experienced a miracle straight from God that day!  It could only be from Him!!

*****

Luke turned 5!  I know, I already blogged about it.  But in the course of all of the amazing things that were happening, this was one of them.

*****

Ben had art displayed in at art show downtown.  (Again, I know, I already blogged about that too.)

*****

Abby had her spring band concert and received an award.  (Here)

*****

I had an amazing birthday and Mother's Day.  (Here)

*****

Abby was invited to the 7th grade awards assembly.  (Here)

*****

Ben had his spring band concert and, also, received an award.  (Here)

*****

Luke graduated from preschool.  (Here)

All of these things happened within about a two week period.  It was just one exciting thing after another.  How could I feel anything but blessed?

Abby's Spring Band Concert

One of my favorite things is listening to my kids play their instruments.  I always look forward to their band concerts throughout the year.  The spring concert is always great!

I can't tell you how many times Abby has gotten a new piece of music, brought it home to practice and proceeded to tell me that her band teacher must be crazy if he thinks she will ever be able to play it!  But, it never fails, she gets it.  Not only does she get it, but she does an excellent job!  

Earlier this year, Abby moved up to first chair, beating out a girl that Abby says is "so good".  It was a huge day for Abby!  One of these days she will realize that she really is good and that all of her hard work and practice are paying off!

Abby was one of about six students to receive one of the band awards given out.  She received it last year, as well.  I am so proud of her for going above and beyond in her band!

 "Quiet Rain"

"Sugar Creek Overture"

The next two pieces are the combined 7th and 8th grade bands.

 

"March Concord"

"The Fortune Tellers Daughter"

This is one of the pieces that Abby didn't think she would ever be able to play!  It had notes all over the place!  It is now one of her favorite pieces!

We owe so much of Abby's success to this awesome lady!  Ms. Benford is not only one of Abby's band teachers, but she is also Abby's private teacher and just an all-around awesome lady!  We love her and appreciate her so much!

This has been a big year for Abby.  She earned first chair in her band.  She auditioned for All-District Honor Band and made first alternate.  She participated in Solo & Ensemble and earned two 2's ("Excellent" ratings)  She has continued to work hard, practice often and not give up!  I couldn't be more proud of her and her accomplishments this year!

Yeah, I Know...It's Been A While!

But I have a really good excuse!  In the past month I have been preparing for the trip of a lifetime!  If you didn't know, Ben's marching band had the awesome opportunity to march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.  Jon and I jumped at the chance to get to go along with him! So...things were a bit busy around here as we prepared for the big trip.

 

Here is a brief update on the happenings of the last month:

Trip meetings. More trip meetings.  And more trip meetings.

Doctor appointments:  And LOTS of prayers that my foot would cooperate on the trip!  New orthotics are on their way!

Band sectionals:  Abby's band had their district contest right before spring break.  They did great, receiving straight 1's!  Ben's band has their district contest next month

Marching band rehearsals:  Make that 7:00AM marching band rehearsals!  And, when you have a child that isn't able to drive yet, that makes for an early morning for Mom!  That's ok!  It's totally worth it!  I have never had to hound Ben about getting out of the house on time for marching band!  He is always up and raring to go!

Family time:  Everyone here (well, except Luke) became completely engrossed in Downton Abbey.  We had several marathon sessions.  Jon and I would try to sneak in an episode here or there when we had a chance.  Ben and Abby weren't thrilled about that!  We discovered that season 3 would only be on pbs.org for a few days, so it became a bit of a rush to watch it all before it was removed!  We finally finished all three seasons and life could then continue.

Snow day:  Yep.  Another one.  And completely uncalled for since we might have gotten an inch of snow!  But Ben and Abby didn't mind at all!  I was happy to have all of my kiddos (and a few of Ben's friends) home for the day!  I even got some of my own friend time in! (:

School:  Jon is pretty much always working on school work...

Solo & Ensemble:  Both Ben and Abby participated in Solo & Ensemble this year.  I always get so nervous on these days!  Both kids had worked SO hard on their music and I knew they would do great.  I was really nervous for Abby.  She had been really nervous for All-District auditions and got lost in her music.  I was afraid that was going to happen to her again.  It didn't!  She did great!  Abby did one solo and one ensemble and got 2's on both of them!  She was thrilled!!  Ben did one solo and three ensembles and got 1's on all four!  I am so, so proud of my musicians!!  They have worked so hard this year!

Band concert:  I already mentioned Abby's district contest, but what I didn't mention is that before the contest, they did a concert for the parents so that they would know what to expect on the day of the contest.  I always love listening to my kiddos bands!  This concert was especially exciting because this was the first concert that Abby was first chair!  Have I mentioned that I am proud of my musicians?  (:

Date night with friends:  Jon and I spent a fun night out with our friends, Heather and Andrew.  We were interested to Thai food.  YUM!

 Look at my beautiful girl!

 Luke finally got his turn at being the star student at school.  Apparently when you are 4 and you have to wait it feels like it will never be your turn.  The time finally came!  Luke was so excited!  He was like a crazy, wild man before school on his big day.  I had to wish his teacher good luck as she had to deal with the insanity!  (of course, I'm sure he was fine once he got to school!)

Miss Anne asked Luke several questions about himself and these were his answers:

Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate chip cookie dough

Favorite book:  Star Wars Star Pilot

I am happiest when:  I write my name all by myself.

My proudest accomplishments:  Good at flying an airplane.

My top 10 favorites:
Sport:  Basketball

Hobby:  Play

Toy:  My Larry Mobile

Movie:  The Incredibles

Food:  Hamburgers and tacos

Pet:  Cats

School subject:  Writing my name

Pizza topping:  Sausage

 

Luke LOVES Cubbies and finished his first Cubbies book this month!  I am so proud of him and his sponge-like memory!  He has been a bible verse memorizing machine!  I have loved working with him.  He loves Jesus, learning about Him and talking about Him all the time!  I am excited to start a new Cubbies book with him and continuing to teach him about Jesus!

I'm sure there are things that I have missed, but these are the highlights.  I will try really hard to get on top of a post about Ireland...

All-District Honor Band

I had two very eager kiddos audition for All-District this year.  Ben and Abby got their music way back in May and worked on it like mad.  Between practicing at home and lessons with their instructors, they worked hard.  They both sounded amazing!  Being Abby's first year, she was a bit nervous about auditions.  That whole "fear of the unknown" thing can be so daunting.  It was cute, in the days leading up to auditions, listening to Ben and Abby talk about what it would be like and what Abby could expect on that day.  I loved listening to Ben be the big brother to his little sister.  It was so sweet.

Ben had a little bit more of a fire in him this year than he did last year.  He made it last year, but really wasn't pleased with his placement.  He was determined to do much better this year. 

The big day finally arrived.  Ben and Abby had to be dropped off at the school just around the crack of dawn.  They loaded up their backpacks with bananas (apparently bananas are supposed to help calm nerves) and we said prayers for calm nerves and great playing.  I assured the kids not to be nervous because the Lord already knew the outcome of the day.  I think I was speaking more to myself that to either one of them...

Ben called very early in the afternoon with the exciting news that he had made first chair in the first band!  He had to repeat the news multiple times before I could finally understand what he was saying.  He was so excited that he was screaming on the phone and jumping up and down!  WOW!!  I couldn't have been more proud of my boy!

Abby called a few hours later with slightly less exciting news.  She was chosen as first alternate in the 7th grade band.  Not terrible news, but not great either.  I tried to encourage her and let her know that that was still good.  There was still a chance that she would get to go.  I don't think it did much good.  She was pretty disappointed.  I think her nerves got the best of her.  She knew her music like nobody's business, but once she got into the room with the judges, she got flustered and kept getting lost in her music.  My poor baby girl.  Is it bad that I was hoping that a kid would get sick or not be able to make it so that Abby would be able to participate? 

A week later we headed down to Claremore for the All-District concert.

Poor Abby was so sad to not be sitting up on the stage performing.  It broke my heart!

She should have been up there!  ):

I told Abby that I am going to start making her play her clarinet in front of everyone I know!  She is going to have to get used to playing in front of others!

Luke was more interested in playing games than in listening to the music...

First chair trombone!  (Farthest right)

There's my boy! 

These kids only had eight hours of rehearsal time together!  Seriously!  So amazing!

Jubilant Flourishes
(Travis J. Weller)

Childhood Hymn
(David R. Holsinger)
See if you can pick out a popular tune in this piece.

Hypnotic Fireflies
(Brian Balmages)

Fearless
(Ryan Main)

This last piece was so cool!  The conductor actually composed the piece for this particular group and then got to conduct them.  How cool is that?!

I am beyond proud of, both, Ben and Abby!  They both love music and are doing so well.  I love to listen to both of them practice and perform!  I look forward to what the future has to offer both of them!  God has truly blessed them with musical talent!

Tuba Christmas

 No, Ben hasn't switched instruments.  He is still a devoted trombone player.  However, there is one time of year when he ventures into the world of the euphonium/baritone.  He really wants to be able to participate in Tuba Christmas, so he borrows an instrument from the school and practices his heart out for this one day.  It is very impressive to me that he is able to figure it out!  He participated last year too, but he felt much more prepared this year.

Tuba Christmas, in Bartlesville, is performed outside on the lawn of the Frank Philips home with as many tuba, euphonium and baritone players as are willing to participate.  I believe there were nearly 40 of them this year. 

 

 I am so proud of this talented boy!!

 Abby enjoyed some hot cider after the performance.

Luke was happy to see Santa and Mrs. Claus.

I know Ben is already looking forward to next year's Tuba Christmas!

Drums of Summer

Back in May we found out that there was going to be a DCI (Drum Corps International) show in Broken Arrow (Tulsa area) this summer.  We hear that one of the corps would be hosted by Bartlesville High School and would, therefore, be practicing here.  Anyone was invited to attend practice at no charge. I was thrilled!  I learned about DCI when I was in high school and always thought it would be neat to go to a show sometime.  Much time has gone by and each year Jon and I see commercials on t.v. for such shows, but we are never willing to spend the money to go.  I was happy to find out that I could take the kids and we could watch a practice session.

The day before the big show in Broken Arrow I got a very excited phone call from my dear friend, Amitia.  She could hardly contain herself as she told me that she had four tickets with amazing seats for my family to go the program!  WHAT?!?!  Seriously?!  Amitia's husband is the high school band director here and told her that he had these extra tickets and to see if our family would be able to go.  Are you kidding me?!  The only catch was that it was the very next day and there were only four tickets.  No problem!  I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see this amazing show! 

I quickly got busy looking for someone to watch Luke!  Thankfully, that wasn't too hard!  Thank you, Lindsay for watching Luke on such short notice!

It was hot that night, but we were in the shade by the time things got started and thankfully there was a breeze!  My family and I were ready for some music and marching!

Pioneer

Milwaukee, WI

Cascades

Seattle, WA

Colts

Dubuque, IA

Crossmen

San Antonio, TX

The Academy

Tempe, AZ

The Glassmen

Toledo, OH

Troopers

Casper, WY

Phantom Regiment

Rockford, IL

The Cadets

Allentown, PA

The Cavaliers

Rosemont, IL

The night was amazing!! The corps were phenomenal!!  I loved every minute of it!  I can't believe I finally got to go and that someone just gave us the tickets!  As if I wasn't already excited, this just makes me (and Jon and Ben) that much more excited about Ben's first marching band season!

THANK YOU, ALEX AND AMITIA FOR GIVING US THIS AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!  WE OWE YOU BIG TIME!!

All-District Honor Band

Last year Ben auditioned for All-District Band and he made it! Sadly, we got bombarded with snow (twice!!) and the clinic/concert never happened. Grammy, Aunt Becca and Nolan even braved the treacherous roads to be here! It was very disappointing!

This year Ben didn't hesitate to try out again and he made it again! He didn't make it into the symphonic band like he had hoped, but was happy to at least make it into the concert band. Thankfully, this year, everything was able to happen! Grammy, Aunt Becca and Nolan trekked back out here and we all got to go to Claremore to hear Ben's band play.

It was amazing to hear these kids play! They only had eight hours of practice time together! Eight hours! These are some truly talented kids!

I'm only posting one of the pieces that the band played, although all four of them were super! This one was one of my favorites! (Ben's too!)


The Muppet Show Theme Song

I am SO proud of you, Ben! Keep up the hard work!

Blue & Gold Sausage

It has begun. Ben is on his way to raising the necessary funds for his first marching band trip. Ireland! Yep, Ben will be a freshman in the fall and the first big band trip he will get to go on will be to Dublin, Ireland to march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade! (Among other amazing things!) Sooo...along with a big trip comes a big price tag, which means lots and lots of fundraisers! Blue and Gold is always a huge hit here! The prices are very reasonable and the food is great!

Both of these pictures were taken after several deliveries had been made. Ben and I just couldn't get over how much meat we had in our freezers!
Ben did a great job, but he has a long way to go! There will be a lot of fundraising going on over the next several months! Don't be surprised if you get a call or an e-mail from Ben asking if you want to buy something or donate to his "Ireland fund"!

Tuba Christmas ~ Tulsa

Have you ever heard of Tuba Christmas? Apparently these events are held all over the United States. I hadn't heard of it until last year and recently attended one of their events here in Bartlesville. The event here was held on the lawn of the Frank Phillips home. There were approximately 45 tubas and euphoniums (or baritones) playing Christmas carols. The sound was a.maz.ing! Ben (who plays the trombone) wished that he played the tuba or baritone so that he could participate. Well...his band teacher said that if he would like to attempt the baritone she would allow him to bring one home to practice on. WOW! Ben was thrilled and couldn't wait to be a part of this fun, festive event.

Abby and her friend, Anna, enjoyed playing on the toys in the mall while we waited for the music to begin.

Those who don't normally play the tuba, baritone or euphonium were recognized. I was shocked to see how many there were!

Ben and his decked out baritone.

This is the group that went down to Tulsa from Bartlesville.

Apparently, no matter the age, silly pictures are still necessary!

Ben loved being able to participate in Tuba Christmas! He struggled a bit as he was playing on a completely different instrument than he is used to, but he can't wait to do it again next year!