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.

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