Sophie's Band Concert

So we've had our first band concert! I never played an instrument in or out of school. Brian played the Saxophone. I always said I would never had a kid in band....until they re-implemented the 5th grade band program in our local schools this year.  I guess years ago it existed, but had been cut many years ago due to budget cuts.  In our area, at least for the past 8 years I've had kids in school, there has been no elementary school band program.  It came back this year for those who wish to participate. Basically, if you want to play an instrument, you can. You pick what you want to play, it's provided totally free of charge as long as they have it in stock.  Any supplies, or books are also provided free of charge. You are pulled out of class twice a week to go learn your instrument and play.

It took a while to really get up and running. They didnt' get the instruments in for a long time, and then it took weeks to get any music to learn.  They've only really been learning songs for maybe 2 months.  Sophie plays the Trombone, it's the one with the long slidey thing that you sort of blow raspberries into and it only has 3 buttons. Although she brings it home daily, I've only heard her play it at home in her room once.  She wont play for us unless she has the song totally down.....so she just hasn't wanted to play in front of us. I was concerned as to how this would work when it came to the main event - our Area Band Fest.  It was 3 of our local elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and one high school. It took place at what will be the kids high school, in the gym.

 She's on the far side, in the back row, facing us.

 So elementary school kids were on the far end, middle schools in the middle, and high school on the other end....where these empty chairs were.

 This is just how we roll.

 ....because work never ends.

 Jazz band played before the actual event started, sort of warming up the crowd. I've decided that when it comes to "band" in general....Rally Band is my favorite, then Jazz Band. I don't have favorites after that.

 Those drums were so loud and we were right above them.

Although the schools had never played together before last night.....they sounded pretty darn good!
This is the elementary schools playing -

She did really great, and was relieved when it was over.  I think she's partly relieved to about be done with her time in Band.  She came, she played, she did great....and she's done. : )  I'm glad she's had this opportunity and experience, though.