great music up ahead

If I were cooler, and more tech-savvy, I would know and care how to put multiple YouTube links into one post.  As it is, the following 3 posts have the 3 songs that the 8th grade band (Marcus) played at their pops concert on Saturday.  I was thankful that I got to go since I was working that night and you know we brought the whole fam out to make them sit through their siblings' performances.  Marcus played in 3 bands-Jazz band, 8th grade band and Honor band.  Cale played in the 6th grade band.  Don't worry, I recorded everything.  I just have to have the time to download it all to share.  This was Marcus's last middle school performance and I probably would have been sad about that except that I wasn't thinking about it.  Marcus has loved band and being a part of these groups.  I know that will continue in high school.  So, enjoy these pieces.  They are not much to view, but great to listen to.

8th grade band, song #1

This was a piece that Marcus played at All-Region band back in the fall.  The band directors really liked the arrangement and got it for the 8th grade band.  The music is so familiar, it made the little ones sit up in their seats and pay attention to the music.

8th grade band, song #2

8th grade band, song #3

The band director said he wasn't sure if the kids would like this piece.  Turns out, they loved it.  I know this came out when this group of kids were like in preschool.  I wonder if the kids were thinking, "This is the music of my childhood." 😊

instrumental solo/ensemble contest

More than a couple weeks ago, a week after Cale's vocal contest, our middle schoolers were back at the same place, this time for instrumental solo/ensemble contest.  Cale's first year and Marcus's third year-because they have a pushy momma who thinks it's a great idea to perform in front of other people. Cale did a solo and did an ensemble with the other 2 6th grade French horn players.  Marcus did a solo-he never did get around to finding some friends for an ensemble.  Once again, I had the privilege to accompany both of the boys' solos.   

Cale performed Surprise Symphony.  A nice, short, 2 page piece. I may have forced him to practice every night to make sure he could hit all the notes.

Cale's hard work paid off-gold rating for his first time out!  I know he was very relieved.

My dear Marcus picked a rondo by Mozart.  This piece was originally for French horn (maybe Cale will play the piece one day).  It was a fast piece that had eight! pages of accompaniment for me to sweat through.  And, I did. 

An attempt at an artful picture. 😄

Ah-brothers.

Marcus's hard work paid off, too-another gold rating!  I wish I could say his accompanist played as well as Marcus did-that would not be true.  Thankfully, the accompanist does not get scored although I did tell Marcus that if he picks a piece like that again, I will not play for him.   

And the 6th grade French horn ensemble.  They sounded great in warm-up, but had some challenges during performance that earned them a silver rating.  Can't say they were happy, but I think they were all glad to be done.

As was I-glad to be done with solo contest for the year.

And, Marcus....

Oh yeah, this boy made All-Region Junior High Honor Band.  He's proud, I'm proud, we're all proud here.  

another solo/ensemble contest in the books

January was a busy month and February promises the same.  We started out the first weekend with basketball games and Marcus's solo/ensemble contest.  Throw in some work for the adults and you have our typical schedule. 

I had the privilege of accompanying  Marcus for his solo piece.  I just thought it would be a fun thing to do and a way to encourage both of us to practice our instruments: trombone and piano.

Marcus did great!  Gold for him!  From behind the piano, I thought he sounded fine and played the piece well.  The judge's comments were kind and encouraging.  With our schedule, I left Marcus and the school with some money and instructions to go listen to other trombone players.  I had basketball games to get back to.

After games and a quick bite to eat, it was time to go hear the ensemble play.  Unfortunately, we made it to the room right after they shut the door.  Then, Kinley, who had been hanging by a thread for a while, decided that was the best time for a meltdown.  So, I couldn't even listen outside the door since I had to remove Little Miss from the hallway.  Oh well.

But, I guess they played well.  They got a gold, too!  So, all's well that ends well.  

Marcus's contest pictures or And in this post, I may have successfully upload photos from my phone

Here we go. Pictures of Marcus from his solo contest.  He played at 8:55 in the morning which was early (for me) to get organized and go there, but a great time because we had basketball games all day (of course) that we had to get back for.  Grammy Linda got to come hear Marcus play, as well.  These photos are backwards and the post before this has the video link to most of the song that Marcus played.  He was pretty excited to get a gold medal.  And, excited to be done with contest.

showing off the gold

after performing, with the gold medal notice

getting ready to play

a hot night for a bit of band

(So, I might be a little behind on posts....)

Well, way back in August, the middle school band students got to play with the high school band at half-time of the high school football game.  Each grade level got to walk onto the field and play their song.  Cool idea.  Marcus was pumped.  The 6th grade was playing "Go. Fight. Win".  I had the pleasure of bringing along the rest of the children, all of which had to go to Ewan's soccer practice first.  And, the weather was super-hot and super-humid.  Yippee.

Hydrating it up before going into the game.

That sure is sweat on Liam's forehead.  It was soooooo hot! 

No one wanted to sit still in the bleachers.  The rocks were much neater to play in.

At least they got to see the husky dog.

Finally!  Half-time!  We waited through a lot of stuff for this moment.  The kids were losing it.  Kinley was a mess.  I was counting down the seconds until the half was over and the band stuff would start.  Of course, the 6th graders came out last.  Here's Marcus, second from the left.  

(Marcus, to the right of the purple shirt lady.)

The band sounded not bad. Marcus looked like he knew what he was doing-which is as good a complement as I can give since he was playing with about a 100 other people.  As soon as they were done playing, I fast walked the kids to the van, turned on the air, put in a movie and went to get Marcus.  I don't think I had ever sweat so much just standing around before.  Not gonna lie-I was glad to be done with that activity.