When Kids Make Music...

Last night our elementary school had its winter concert, hosted at the middle school which has a much larger auditorium (and real seats, much nicer than sitting at tables in the cafeteria!).  The third and fourth graders sang and played recorders.  The fifth grade chorus, orchestra, band, and recorder ensemble performed.

Some of the groups added special features to their acts, which made the experience even more charming.  (When children have their concerts, particularly the little ones, I tend to melt into a puddle on the floor to begin with.)  The third grade chorus got to wave to all of their families before they began to sing, presumably so they could settle down and concentrate on what they were supposed to be doing up there.  They also had some hand clapping going on, and they sang a song welcoming the snow (as if today's forecast needed any help).   The recorder ensemble got to show off the three different varieties of recorders that they were playing.  The senior chorus did a song called Christmas Rush which was about shopping and hustle and bustle, using several props including gift bags, perfume bottles, neckties, toys, and Santa hats.  Undoubtedly the most entertaining part was when the band director announced that he was tired of waving his arms and asked the audience for a volunteer guest conductor.  Son #1 and a classmate of his were both yelling out to "Mr. D" that they were his best students and he should pick them; he actually chose the classmate's youngest sister.  She did an outstanding job, getting her little arms high enough for everyone in the band to see.  The musical quality was very good for a fifth grade group, but that piece was overshadowed by the audience's chuckling throughout the entire thing.

Son #2, who was part of the fifth grade chorus and band, had his entire immediate family in attendance for the first time, and was pleased as punch.  Hubby's sister, her husband and their two kids, plus my household and my mom.  When the chorus lined up on the risers, it was obvious that the lights were too bright, but my little hambone was squinting and shading his eyes to see whether he could find us in the crowd.   Of course we were waving at him, and when he recognized us he flashed us his typical broad grin.  

At the beginning of the concert, our principal said that the winter concert is perhaps the most enjoyable evening event of the school year.  I'd be hard pressed to disagree.