Let the Music Play

Melissa had her first trombone lesson today! She was so excited to go. And she did a great job finding her notes by adjusting her buzzing lips. Last year, she learned how to play the recorder at school, and has been playing it ever since. Even at the beach in Duluth over the summer months. She plays the piano with any extra moment during the day that she may have. I need to get more disciplined with giving her lessons, because she has such a strong interest....this is another one of our kiddos who is going to soar!

Jonny and Melissa have both started rehearsals for the musical at church called "Glad". It is a Christian spin-off of Glee, which is currently a popular tv show (we have yet to see it). They both get up early every Sunday morning to be at church by 8, sing and dance for 90 minutes, home for 30, then back to church for youth church and Sunday school. Busy, busy kids they are.

Crispy is taking a year off from JAM and will return next year when Laura will be in his group. Laura, being the ever so shy one, can not be convinced in any way to participate in Jelly's this year, despite the fun she had last year. Hopefully, she will be brave enough to do it with Crispy next year.

Jonny is still playing away on his saxophone, and is looking forward to the challenges of Jazz band again. He was able to participate in a Junior Marching Band Camp over the summer, and though so very small in size, it got the kids all pumped up for the real thing in just a few short years.

Alex and Michael are both going to be the the two Jazz Bands again this year, as well as keeping up their regular roles in the Wind Ensemble and pep band. Michael has been enjoying his instrument more and more, and was finally rewarded with a beautiful Yamaha Xeno(professional) trombone at the beginning of the year. It has made his music experience even more enjoyable, and something we hope he continues for years to come. And this just in....Michael has made section leader for Jazz II! Congrats!!!

Alex was named section leader for each of the Jazz Bands. He is playing trumpet in one, and trombone in the other. With Melissa playing, we now have three trombones in the house! He is also finally getting to fulfill his dream by learning and playing the French Horn in Wind Ensemble. He has wanted to do this since he began in 4th grade, but we could not afford even an instrument rental at that time, so he had no choice than the trumpet for brass as that was available in Grandma's basement. Now that he is playing the French Horn, all mysticism and romance is lost, and I think he would prefer to be back on the baritone of last year. Alex is also busy playing in the bands behind the two high school show choirs. I am not even sure of which instrument he is using....I think it is trombone. Good thing this kid is taking college courses online this year because he is BUSY.

Music, music, everywhere around here!