Band Concerts

At almost the end of marching band season* Alice's band played all of their marching songs, one more time, in the auditorium.  It kind of doubled as a senior recognition and awards night.  Their songs had the twins dancing in their seats, but it was loud!!!

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Alice and I had a couple of exchanges when trying to decide what she should bring to the Christmas concert reception.  She wanted to bring some edible 'coal' but as we needed half the ingredients and a new kitchen tool to make it, she settled on St. Lucia cakes.  The day of, she didn't feel like making them though. = (

We had all of the ingredients on hand, but I did not use enough spray on my first batch, and it took me so long to clean out the tiny little cake molds by hand!  On subsequent batches I used plenty of spray, and they slid right out, allowing for a much faster turn around time.  I had to fend of my family, but made around 120 to share.

There were sooooooo many treats at the reception, we ended up bringing home at least half of them, but our family made quick work of them, and they were gone by the following evening.

The morning snow made things quite slippery, so school was out for all five of them, but the concert was still on.  It was a slow drive there, in the dark, but the roads were manageable.

William spent his day completing missing math assignments, but finished his last page before we came home!  

The twins brought some fun things to do while waiting.

Alice made a cute little Santa hat for her clarinet.  

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Emily and William's concert was delayed a week, and occurred on a terrible night for driving.  There was a light rain coming down, and then the temperature dropped below freezing, and the roads were slick and icy.  We saw a van that had slid off of the interstate, so I was going slooooooooooooow.

Once we got there, I called Billy and told him not to come, because it wasn't worth the risk.

The 7th/8th grade band is about half the size of the beginning band this year!  

I sat where we did last year, which was a mistake, because William is in the beginning band, and was way across the gym. = (

Taking some picture of Emily with her friends. = )

But when it was time for my pictures they were both so tired. lame.

Super proud of all three of my band members!!!

And since Alice didn't come this year, there were no after concert snacks. = (

later days

*excepting Silver Bells, which happened the Friday before Thanksgiving.

Band

At the end of July, Alice had band camp. The week before, they had pre-band camp, which was only 2 half days.  But up here band camp starts on Sunday evening, and goes through the following Friday.  Monday through Friday the days are 12 hours long, but they do have a bit of fun. 

We read the list, but each day I felt like Alice brought along something else.

For the senior day, they did 'Christmas in July.'  They wrapped anything that could be wrapped, put up Christmas trees and Christmas lights everywhere, made a giant Christmas tree out of band chairs and stands, and had Christmas music playing on several speakers.

By the last day, Alice was in the groove and was totally ready for the parent/family exhibition!

We didn't arrive nearly as early as I would have hoped, I'm not sure what we were doing ahead of time, it's been too long now.  Emily was there, but I don't have a picture of her (?), and Billy had to meet us there during her lunch break.

Alice was at quite the disadvantage, since they were given music at freshmen camp*.  So, she didn't get her music until full band camp started.  She's been practicing since then, but obviously didn't yet have it memorized.

She still looked good marching with her band, and considering she is being 'forced' to participate, has had the best of attitudes about it! 

Can't wait until next year when two of my babies are out there!

later days

*Sadly, that date wasn't on my calendar, because the director puts it on the previous years' calendar.  So, next year, I already know what to expect for Emily!

edit 9-9-24: backdated for continuity.

Pre-Band Camp

This past week, my incoming freshman started marching band!  Despite the fact that she is forced into it, she's had a fantastic attitude, and looked good out there with the clarinet section!

After her first day, we ran home, collected William and EGJ (after Kristy dropped them off from swim camp) to meet up with Billy at a pancake dinner fundraiser!  They tossed the pancakes at you.  lol.

Billy's first pancake was a trick shot, but he managed to grab it!  He's got some good hand-eye coordination!

Day 2!  She knew what to expect, and still had a good attitude!  I cannot believe that my little Alice is going to high school - next month!!!!!!

Next week (starting Sunday night) is full fledged band camp, and it is some intense commitment!  They go 12 hours a day!  It's not overnight, but they are spending lots of time together.  The schedule is lots of work, but a little bit of play too. = )

I hope she loves it and finds her people.

later days