Concert Marathon!

The end of the school year brought 4 final concerts, or a concert marathon!

With two in one night, I attended the 5th/6th grade spring band concert

while

Sheldon attended the spring concert for Natalie's 8th grade orchestra combined with the high school

concert and chamber orchestras!

Annaliese (purple sweater) and two of her 6th grade class friends with their band teacher

They played 'Colors of the Wind' and 'Mission Impossible' among other pieces =)

We're looking forward to many more band concerts in middle school!

Natalie getting ready for their performance at the high school

The 8th graders played 3 pieces including Russian Sailor's Dance.

The (only) five graduating seniors were recognized =)

Another evening we attended the elementary school's

recorder and orchestra spring concert,

and listened while Evan played his recorder

with the 4th graders =)

They had only been working on the recorder since January. =)

This was a good introduction to music as they enter 5th grade in the fall

and are able to choose an instrument in band or orchestra! =)

It's so exciting to hear the progress from elementary through

middle and high school!

Evan received

'Recorder Karate

Black Belt

Award of Excellence'

from his music director!

It was in recognition of Outstanding Accomplishments

(He passed off all 9 songs =)

And then another evening Sheldon and I attended Natalie's middle school's

final Spring Band and Orchestra Concert =)

Among 3 other pieces, the 8th grade orchestra played Bio Rhythms

(a fun piece played without their bows! =)

We also loved hearing the band and watching their amazing director,

as Annaliese will be a part of the middle school band in the fall!

All of the 8th grade musicians received graduation medals

(worn around their necks), and the directors gave additional awards

to select 7th and 8th grade band and orchestra students, most recipients chosen by their peers.

Natalie was awarded the 'Orchestra Work Ethic/Inspiration' trophy!

What an honor!

Her director said, "this is awarded to 'just a lovely human being' " =)

We think so too! Natalie with her director (who Sheldon also had in middle school =)

Natalie (on right) with her friend from church, who's in band

Part of the district's music mission statement is:

We teach music to ensure all students are provided the opportunity to:

Discover joy and personal satisfaction through music.

What a blessing the music program is for our children! =)