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!