| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Dec 14 2011 : 07:10:40 AM
My oldest grandaughter joined the band last year in 6th grade. She wanted to play flute but had braces so had to go with the clarinet. She's really good. She is very musical and apparently inherited my father's musical gene. She can play piano and is writing her own music. She took lessons for about a year but can play anything by ear. Same with guitar. And she said Monday on the bus home, she learned to play a friend's flute. So very musical.
Anyway, last night the middle and high school bands had their Christmas concert. We all went. I was SO impressed by them. And had a wonderful time. They did 6th grade first. Very slow but very good. Then 7th and 8th combined. Chloe is 7th grade. They played 3 songs, one of which was 20 carlos in 2 minutes. Wow, was that good!
Then the high school percussion went up. There were about 10 guys, most of which looked like the old Justin Beiber before the hair cut. This is Dade Co. so they might not have gotten the memo! Thses guys are SO good and talented.
Then the rest of the band came up and I was blown away with how good they are. Really good. Right before the last song, which was Sleigh Bells, (that they just had 3 weeks to get ready for), the guys in the percussion section did this crazy sneezing song thing that was hillarious! So funny. I really needed that. Then they did Sleigh Bells and I was blown away again with how good those kids are.
Anyone have kids in the band at school and want to brag about them? I would love to hear. I am just so glad there is still music in the schools. And that there are kids who still want to play in the band. It was always a geeky kind of thing in years past to be in the band or chorus. But now these gays are really looked up to. And I am so proud of Chloe. And hope her sisters will play too when they get to Middle school. Both my daughters played their whole 3 years then quit in high school.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| 8 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| crafter |
Posted - Dec 15 2011 : 06:05:11 AM
Natalie has played the violin for 5 years now, she is a freshman in high school. She enjoys it so much as I enjoy watching and listening...a couple she babysits for wants to know when she will start playing like Charlie Daniels...hehehe and she is almost 15 guess what she does... rolls her eyes! too cute! |
| pnickols |
Posted - Dec 15 2011 : 04:13:59 AM
three of my four did band. we have flute, trumpet, clarinet and oboe covered. An awesome experience for them and for us. concerts, parades, football games at the high school and college level. met so many talented wonderful kids and know that mine had great times and have great memories. |
| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - Dec 14 2011 : 11:41:34 AM
I had one dd that played saxophone, but when we moved she quit. Then I had a dd that played clarinet and played it well too. She quit this school year - too many demands on her time with caring for goats and milking. They had band camp over summer, several weekend parades and many after school practices. I tried to warn her that it's very demanding in our school system, but she didn't really realize it until this year. I do have one dd that is in choir and is taking voice and piano lessons (even though we don't have a piano). We have a choir concert next week too. She had a solo in the concert last year.
Farmgirl #800
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| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Dec 14 2011 : 08:08:33 AM
Mary Beth, I do believe music is such a good way to learn other things as well. It sounds like it really helped your son. Good for him. I have always wanted my kids and grandkids to be musical. It missed me but my brother was talented. My mother played piano but was taught with shaped notes.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Dec 14 2011 : 08:03:41 AM
I forgot to say the directors are a married couple and they do both middle and high school bands. I don't know how they do it. They are very good.
I have a piano here at my house and when Chloe comes she goes right to it and starts playing. I am looking for a piano for her at her house. I got all 3 grands guitars last year. She's the only one that plays hers. I'm sure she will master the flut too. My dad played every instrument there was at was in many competitions when he was in college and won several with the trombone. And he had a wonderful voice, like Andy Williams. I still cry when I here Andy singing.
Wendy, I love all the different noises and the things they come up with to make them in the Sleigh song. I never realized all they had to do with that song. But to see it done is amazing. Thank you for keeping music going in your area.
Lori, what grade is your daughter in? I love violin and am also looking for one. And a banjo and mandolin. I just love all those things.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| Okie Farm Girl |
Posted - Dec 14 2011 : 07:59:10 AM
The concert sounds wonderful. My son was in band and started in 6th grade too. We homeschooled, but our public school let him participate. He played percussion and became very good. I am convinced that it was learning how to read and play the beats at the same time that finally made the lightbulb go off for him to read. Previously, it had been a battle. He then went on to be a member of our state's prestigious Oklahoma Youth Orchestra and those concerts were unbelievable. So yes, you encourage your granddaughter all you can. Music and the discipline of playing an instrument will mold her for life! :-) Good for her!!!
Mary Beth
www.OklahomaPastryCloth.com
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The Sovereign Lord is my strength - Habakkuk 3:19 |
| musicmommy |
Posted - Dec 14 2011 : 07:20:45 AM
I love, love, love good band concerts. Well, I'm a bit biased there since I was a former band director. (now I stay home and teach private flute and piano). 20 Carols in 2 Minutes is a wonderful piece! And Sleigh Ride is quite possibly my favorite all around Christmas band piece, to listen to, to perform and to conduct. The hardest part about being in music in the schools was knowledge that my program would be one of the first to be cut back.
Around here, they still have music in the schools, but not as much. There is no band for the elementary level. At the middle school, we have some great conductors, but the bands are small and there are fewer contact hours for rehearsal. I love our high school conductor, but he really has to fight for his schedule. Not to mention that the high school requirements and whacky schedule makes it difficult for some students to have time for band.
It sounds like your oldest granddaughter is quite the musician. Keep nurturing that. We're seeing fewer people going into music. (It is kind of hard to make a real living in that area anymore)
Oh, and I've had several students start the flute with braces with no problem...just keep letting her go on all the different instruments. :)
One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.
Bob Marley
www.becomingwendy.wordpress.com |
| crafter |
Posted - Dec 14 2011 : 07:14:03 AM
my daughter is in orchestra, she plays the violin and the concert is this Sunday..I can't wait. She can read music but can also play be ear. She has been playing for 5 years now...right after she started learning to play she memorized the Waltons theme song to play for me..she plays so well.
I'm looking forward to the concert on Sunday.
Lori |
