Fabulous Army Life

Trey started playing the violin in the 5th grade and continues to enjoy it (minus any practice time, of course).  This IFTA (Institute For The Arts) class was a lot of fun for him ... they learned "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" and some other more modern songs which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Trey woke up bright and early on Saturday morning to dress for his school's State Orchestra Assessment.  This is his third year playing the violin and he continues to enjoy it.  We heard his orchestra play three songs and they received a score of "1" across the board.  Great job, Thoreau!

Are you familiar with the song "Go Tell Aunt Rhody?" It is permanently ingrained in my head after my 5th grader chose it for his first solo violin competition. I lost count of how many times I've heard it played during his rehearsals, but I am so proud of how hard he has worked on it. We took him up to Harker Heights High School this morning at his designated time. Dozens of string-players were in various stages of tuning and rehearsing and the culminating sound was somewhat overwhelming. Trey got his violin tuned then sat to play through his song a few last times before seeing the judge. When he was called in, he walked in with confidence and got ready to play. He had been told he could sit or stand during the competition and had chosen to rehearse while sitting down. The judge wouldn't allow that, explaining that concerts are always conducted standing up and he should learn to play standing. Gulp.  Yes, I am THAT mom, taking photos through the door window! ...

My oldest boy is thrilled to have his very own, shiny-brand-new, rent-to-own violin! My oldest son is in the 5th grade this year.  He has been anxious to join the school's orchestra for the past three years.  In that funny way of how things happen, he decided he wanted to try the violin in the 2nd grade ... the orchestra was for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders that year.  He enters 3rd grade and the school changes the age for orchestra to 4th and 5th graders only.  He is disappointed, but patient.  Fast forward another school year and he can't wait to sign up.  Only now (you guessed it!), the orchestra is now exclusive to 5th graders.  He's sad but sure he'll be able to sign up next year.  So now, after two long years of waiting, he's in the orchestra!  He's only had a few rehearsals so far but is very excited.  It's fun to see him so motivated and I look forward to the year of violin ... home practices included!