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!