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!