Look at these cuties. I mean, this is Carrie and her buddy Mason. Though he goes to a different elementary school these days, they've been friends since kindergarten. She just lights up when she sees him and she was thrilled to find out that Mason also started playing the viola this year.
Thursday night was the strings concert. Every fifth grader, all 179 of them, from the 4 elementary schools, joined together on the high school's stage to play what they've learned so far this fall. There were freshly minted bass, cello, viola, and violin players from stage left to stage right and from the curtain to practically the edge of the stage. And boy, can they ever YELL!
Since there had been no dress rehearsal, it was one of those "grab your music and instrument and we'll seat you" kind of deals. We had no idea where Carrie was onstage. Dada took as many pictures of as many of her friends whom he could spot in hopes that we'd find her when we scanned through the pictures. No such luck! She assures us that she was indeed onstage, but we got her in exactly zero photos!
Anyway, though they only did plucking for this concert, we were nevertheless impressed. I have it on good authority that they improve dramatically from here.
In fact, once the 5th grade finished, they found their reserved seats in the upper deck of the auditorium so that they could watch how persistence pays off: the high school students came out to perform. This was only one of FIVE (FIVE!!!!) orchestras sponsored by the high school and they were amazing.
Their last song was one made famous by the Trans Siberian Orchestra, so they also included a light display. Naturally, even the squirreliest concert-goer was then glued to their seat in awe. Well played.
To top off the night, the strings kids then got an ice cream social as the auditorium emptied out. It was a super fun night! Everyone's hard work was evident and we are proud of Care Bear for practicing and participating.
Like everybody else, we've been crazy busy now that the holidays are approaching.
Sessions at the Y are winding down until the New Year, so Damon will have his last swimming lesson in an hour. He really likes his class and his teacher and being in the water. In fact, he'd rather be in the water more than anything else. It will be interesting to see if his instructor will promote him or keep him at the same level until he follows directions (like staying on the wall) a little closer...
Carrie had her Christmas concert last Thursday and tonight is her very first strings concert, featuring her on the viola for the first time. I'm at once proud and mentally trying to remember where we keep our stash of ear plugs. Not that'd we'd need them for HER, of course, but who knows if those other kids pick up their instument at home. *wink wink* I thought about posting her former concert stuff, but I think I'll wait until after the pictures tonight and do them all at once.
Today Liam presents his report on Gandhi. The entire second grade has been researching biographies on people of their choice, and he picked Gandhi. He's going in with two pillowcases folded and pinned into a sash and my hair towel for his turban. I can't wait to hear how it went.
I've been trying to Christmas shop while the big kids are in school. Shopping with a three-year-old takes more talent than I possess, however, as proven by me leaving $55 of gift cards at the store where I bought them yesterday. I called customer service once I got home and realized I didn't have them and called myself an idiot. I was informed there was no such thing, that they get that call all the time, and that they'd be waiting for me at the service desk. Whew! Tis the season.
We haven't had as much snow as some of you, but I'm betting we have permafrost. It hasn't been above freezing in a long time now. Every time I go out to shovel, it snows more. Therefore, I quit. Triskal enjoys the snow for about 2 minutes, rubbing her face in it and galloping about, and then sits on the step giving us pitiful eyes as soon as she realizes snow = cold. Apparently some things take awhile to be learned, even after 8 years of it. Silly old girl.
Have a wonderful Positive Energy Thursday!
Someone has joined Fifth Grade Strings! Here is Miss Carrie, with her new-to-her viola. She has lessons during recess about twice a week at school and is loving it so far.
Here's hoping for some stick-to-it-ed-ness and that she continues to love this instrument...
