Two recitals rolled into one...

Occasionally I feel the need to remind those of you that may be reading (that would probably be 2 of you), that I think I have incredibly talented children.  And if you don't agree with that, that's okay, just don't tell me that. ;)  And since this is my blog, I'm going to boast and brag from time to time so you'll just have to accept that. :)

This morning, Acadia had a piano recital.  She has been taking piano lessons from the same teacher, my friend, for almost 5 years now.  I think she plays really well.  Last fall, Cadi also began private violin lessons from her piano teacher's daughter.  It has helped her violin playing a lot and she is currently Second Chair in her class orchestra.  Considering the majority of the orchestra are violinists, that's pretty impressive.

Having the piano teacher and violin teacher in the same family is mighty convenient. For instance, I take her to their house once a week and she takes the lessons back to back.  One less taxi item on my weekly to do list. ;)  And when it comes time for recitals, we can combine this, too.  So, for the first time, included in the piano recital today, was a violin performance, as well.

And you know me, I got it all on video...



Now, lest you begin to expect this double performance again in the future... While I won't rule it out, I will note that at this moment, we are switching gears and her private violin lessons are going to be swapped for private cello lessons (from the same teacher - she is also a very talented young woman!).

(Here is a picture of Cadi with her violin teacher.  I wanted to get a picture of her with her piano teacher, too, but that didn't happen this time. :S)


Acadia is very excited to learn cello!  It has been her goal for a couple of years now, and after getting advice from her piano and violin teachers, as well as her school orchestra teacher,  we think she'll be able to jump right in this fall as a cellist in her 8th grade orchestra.  Her orchestra teacher is supportive but also sad - he says she has truly become one of the strongest violinists in her class, but he is eager for her to become a strong cellist, too.

I am proud of her for increasing and developing her talents.

The Orch-a-dorks

Self named, Cadi and her class refer to themselves as orch-a-dorks.  Last night was their final performance of the school year and I got video.  The instructor asked me specifically this time to get close ups, so even though Cadi hates it when I do, I did.  But at least this time I got everyone, not just her. ;)

There was a bluegrass group there performing along with the kids for some of the songs.  They are a 3 generation family group.



After they performed the final piece, Cadi's teacher told us that the last song was so difficult that in the past when he's tried to give it to 7th graders, it was too challenging, but this year's 7th graders are strong enough that they could do it.  Good job 7th graders!

I also wanted to share this performance.  It is a trio from the 8th grade class and I thought they were amazing; I was especially impressed with the trills that the violinist played!  Two of the members of this group also play in our city's junior orchestra.

Spring Showcase

Last night was Cadi's school's Spring Showcase, which is pretty much a big open house.  Cadi's orchestra performed during a portion of it.  I find these showcases a bit frustrating because the kids are performing, but it's not a "concert", so there is a definitely lack of concert etiquette.  People are up, walking around, talking - LOUDLY.  It's frustrating for those of us who really are there to hear the kids, there are some parts we couldn't hear at all because of the noise.  :S

So... try not to mind all the background noise and chatter too much... but if you can't, I don't blame you.  I couldn't either.

They still sounded pretty good though! :)  Especially considering they were performing some pretty difficult pieces for the first time.  The last one, in particular, I find pretty impressive, even though they do still have a bit of work to do on it.  :)

Acadia is a little hard to spot.  She is currently 2nd chair, so she can be found sitting in the front row of the violins (just to the left of the conductor), just one seat in.



P.S. Also don't mind the lesser video quality this time. I realized too late that my camcorder batteries were all dead so we had to use my camera - which is still really good, but not HD quality.

Spring Orchestra Festival

On Monday, several schools in our district gathered to have a combined performance for the Spring Orchestra Festival.  All of the 5th graders performed together, then all the 6th graders, and so on.  For the last number, the big finale, all grades played together.  That's a lot of strings playing at once!

It is fun to watch these performances that include the beginning 5th graders and really see how far the older kids have come.  And it's neat for the beginners (and their parents) to see just how far they'll be able to go if they stick with it.  I heard several parents gasp when they heard the 6th graders, right after the 5th graders had performed, and then say, "Wow, what a difference one year makes!"  It is true!

Here are the songs that the 7th graders performed, then the finale.  I apologize for my very poor viewing spot, we were running late getting there and had to sit in the upper section, which came with a rail that was right in my way. :S

Strings Ensemble Performance

Every year, orchestras, bands, and choirs in middle schools and high schools can participate in solo and ensemble contests.  The high school ages have a chance to continue on to State, if they are good enough.  It isn't required for any of the kids to participate, it is completely voluntary.  And it gives them a chance to perform before a judge who then gives them comments that are designed to help them improve their performance skills.  I am really glad that Acadia chose to participate this year.

In fact, she participated in two different ensemble groups.  One was larger than the other.  The first was hand selected by her teacher (still voluntary, but this group was invited and encouraged) and the other was just a group of the kids that wanted to do even more.  Good for them!  :)  The two groups performed in front of the same judge, but at separate times and were graded separately.

The contest was a few weeks ago, and I'm slow getting this up, but late is better than never. ;)  I've included the judge's remarks after each piece, so if you don't want to watch her remarks, just skip ahead a little to get to the next song.  The judge had great things to say to both groups and we recently learned that she scored both groups the highest score possible!

Winter Orchestra Concert

Last week, Acadia's school orchestra had their winter performance and I think it is my favorite of all their performances so far!  They did a REALLY good job!  I think they outplayed the 8th graders, even.  But I don't have that performance to show you, I just have her with her fellow 7th graders. 



Acadia has really been enjoying orchestra.  She is getting very good at the violin, and she is hoping to start learning the cello soon, too.  On top of that, she is still playing piano and getting A's in all her classes (except for one A-), which, by the way, are all Excel (advanced) classes.  We are so pleased with her for the choices she is making. :)

Spring Orchestra Concert

Tuesday night was Acadia's final 6th grade Orchestra concert.  Here are the songs that the 6th grade performed

Joust:



Antagonist:



Pachelbel Canon:



Crazy Train/Pirates of the Carribean Medley:



Acadia really enjoys playing the violin and has really liked being in the orchestra.  She's looking forward to next year!

Orchestra Performance

It has been a busy week!  Last night was extra busy, as Cadi was double-booked.  She began at her school for an orchestra performance, then we raced over to the church for her to attend Camp Psyche Night... and now she's psyhed!  lol  Actually, she already was. ;)

I will now share with you her orchestra performance.  It was great!  They did a fantastic job!  But first, let me clarify that this was not a concert.  This was a performance that took place during a showcase evening and people were invited to "hang around" to watch/listen.  At the same time, however, other things were going on in the room, such as desserts being sold.  So, the backround noise (and people getting up and walking right near the orchestra while they were performing) is not totally rude and uncalled for, it is just the way the evening was designed.

Also, I am happy to announce that this will be my final video made using our nice little Sony Handycam.  We have just upgraded to an HD camcorder and I'm excited to have better quality videos in the future!  If you're curious, here is a link to the camcorder we purchased.

And now, Acadia's Orchestra Performance:

Spring Strings Festival

Last night, Acadia participated in an orchestra concert.  Here she is, along with fellow 6th graders from 3 different schools in the area, playing "Medieval Kings" and "Ode to Joy":



We had to get there early, so I kept Rori entertained by taking some pictures of her...



The concert was really nice!  The kids did great!  Good job, Cadi! :)

Dragon Slayer

Last night was Acadia's orchestra concert.  They did a good job!  There were also performances by the Beginning 6th Grade Orchestra (Acadia is in the Advanced 6th Grade Orchestra), the 7th Grade Orchestra, and the 6th Grade Choir.  This was Cadi's group's last piece, called Dragon Slayer:

Do you like my new violin?

Acadia recently moved up from a 3/4 size violin to a full size.  Which means it was time to make a purchase instead of renting monthly from the local music store.  Fortunately, I have a friend who had purchased a violin for her daughters years ago, but now they don't play anymore and she was looking for a buyer.  How convenient!  We went to her house last week so Cadi could try it out and she loved it, so we made the purchase and now it's hers! 

Violinist

Today was Acadia's first violin lesson and she LOVED it!  She came home and practiced until her fingers were numb... then beyond that, until they were purple! lol  (They won't be using the bow for a couple of weeks at least, first they just "pluck" the strings to learn the notes.)  What I loved was that she then taught me!  I'm loving this sweet deal. :)

Strings

I am so excited for Acadia!!!

5th graders have the option of participating in band/orchestra. The school teaches them how to play their instrument, but the parents do have to pay for said instruments. Acadia has always known she wanted to play another instrument, the debate was which one? Prior to this year, only band instruments were taught and she was leaning towards clarinet because she has friends who play it. I've always been a little bummed that the school didn't teach violin.

BUT NOW THEY DO!!!

Today, Acadia participated in a screening where the music instructor lets them try a couple of instruments of their choice to see which would be the best match. Acadia tried violin and clarinet today; she and her instructor both agreed that violin would be the best match!

I AM SO EXCITED!!! Besides the piano, I've always thought the violin was the most beautiful and elegant instrument (though I know that learning it first requires scratchy, not-so-elegant noises, lol) and I've always hoped Acadia could learn how to play it. Imagine the duets she and I could play!

It won't be cheap to buy one, but I think we can find a nice used one on Craigslist for a very reasonable price, and since I won't have to pay for lessons... this will be a great opportunity for her without costing us very much at all. :)