Day 27 in 2024

Day three, taking in Calvin's very early All State Band performance before heading home for a delicious lunch beer and sandwich at Erratic Ale, our last "birthday" meal out.

Day 17 in 2024

Solo & Ensemble practice

Day 347 in 2023

Laaaast Christmas...concert. Really proud of this kid (standing, far right, to accept recognition).

Day 197 in 2023

We picked Calvin up from Blue Lake today for (probably) the last time, and yes! That's a photo of my camper standing to receive recognition for his solo in the Firebird! A rarity for a bassoonist and he knocked it out of the park. My heart is so full at these events. I know I'm biased, but he is a movingly talented musician, and I love getting to see him thrive in that environment. Today we heard him first as the solo bassoon in a chamber woodwind performance, then as principal bassoon in the Masterworks Orchestra, and I couldn't be prouder. Five years (six but for the Covid year) of Blue Lake and we loved every one.

Then we stopped for ice cream on the way home to celebrate National Ice Cream Day, of course.

Day 144 in 2023

Full orchestra concert night! I truly love the band, but full orchestra, where just a few of the best winds in the band join the top orchestra for some of their songs in their last concert of the year, holds a special place in my heart because usually we can actually hear our bassoonist. Most people don't realize this, but the bassoon has a really beautiful sound when played well.