Day 29 in 2020

Healthy enough—just barely, and maybe not officially, but the exposure was low—for the Solo & Ensemble preview evening at school.

Day 345 in 2019

Another holiday concert! 

Day 298 in 2019

Calvin's first marching band experience—the eighth graders joined the high school marching band on the field for half time tonight—an annual tradition for our public school band program on the last home game of the year. This is a big part of my own past. Marching band, or band in general, was a most beloved part of my high school experience, and I continued it on into college, where I found a solid group of accepting people to mesh with before classes even started.

I cannot say enough about the importance of my band experience to me, and that's why I find myself biting my tongue often these days, trying hard not to influence Calvin's decisions. But this was a special moment. Sitting in the stand eating crappy popcorn and stamping my feet to stay warm I couldn't help but give into the nostalgia washing over me. And he loved it—with or without a preconceived notion, I can't say, but regardless, he loved it. And I am so very glad.

Day 230 in 2019

Almost two weeks away (okay, one and a half), and he seems so much older and wiser. This kid placed as top bassoonist in the entire camp. He played first chair in the Concert and Symphony orchestras and even had a solo, which means we could HEAR him for once. He had a wonderful time, but it’s so good to have him home. 

Day 143 in 2019

Celebrating after the last orchestra concert of the year (because playing bassoon in band and piano in jazz band wasn't enough, he also played bassoon in the 7th grade full orchestra).