Kenzie and Connor are playing at church, on the organ during Mass, this afternoon. They got to practice a little bit on Friday. Here's how they sounded:
Showing posts with label piano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label piano. Show all posts
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
One Busy Saturday
Alex turned sixteen on Saturday. That should have been a big enough event to fill the whole day; but not in this family...
Because of a busy morning, Alex spent the night at Mommom's house so she could take him to his school first thing, for a Flea Market sponsored by his Mission Club. They are raising money for their trip to a Native American reservation where they will do mission stuff (I don't know the details yet). He raised the most money of anyone in his club, just selling old books and videos for dirt cheap. He sold a ton of stuff, which really helped clear out some space around here. I guess he got home around 1 o'clock.
I spent the morning shopping for food for the afternoon party for Alex. We weren't supposed to need food because we planned the family gathering right between lunch and dinner. Unfortunately, the 11 o'clock recital (see below) got pushed to 1 o'clock, pushing the the party to later in the afternoon. Vicki spent the morning 'motivating' the kids to clean up the house. She 'motivates' by turning very red, and shaking the walls with her vocal chords (if you get my meaning). I like to 'motivate' with a big stick. Her method leaves fewer marks.
I then took Connor and Kenzie to their Chamber Music Festival. We were told it was being held at the same place as always, over in College Park. We got there, and it wasn't. We had to backtrack to a new location, arrived a bit late, but still got play. I was not happy, but it all worked out, as things usually do. Below are Kenz and Connor's pieces. Although this is Connor's third time doing this, it was Kenzie's very first time playing with an accompanying orchestra. I am so proud of her. I wish I could upload HD videos because my new camera has me spoiled for quality, but those files are just too huge. So, here's the fuzzy versions:
On the way home from that, I dropped Kenzie off with her soccer coach so she could go play futsal, and headed home. I think Alex had a good birthday. The whole family, grandparents, in-laws, and us pulled together and bought him his own laptop. We had to do something special for his sixteenth, and it wasn't going to be a car.
We wound up around an hours-long game of Risk, which Connor had bought for three dollars on Friday, at the first half of the Mission Club flea market.
Sunday started the same way, with a 9 am futsal game for Connor, home to church, and afternoon of Risk (where I had my way with global domination). I don't think anyone missed football this weekend.
Because of a busy morning, Alex spent the night at Mommom's house so she could take him to his school first thing, for a Flea Market sponsored by his Mission Club. They are raising money for their trip to a Native American reservation where they will do mission stuff (I don't know the details yet). He raised the most money of anyone in his club, just selling old books and videos for dirt cheap. He sold a ton of stuff, which really helped clear out some space around here. I guess he got home around 1 o'clock.
I spent the morning shopping for food for the afternoon party for Alex. We weren't supposed to need food because we planned the family gathering right between lunch and dinner. Unfortunately, the 11 o'clock recital (see below) got pushed to 1 o'clock, pushing the the party to later in the afternoon. Vicki spent the morning 'motivating' the kids to clean up the house. She 'motivates' by turning very red, and shaking the walls with her vocal chords (if you get my meaning). I like to 'motivate' with a big stick. Her method leaves fewer marks.
I then took Connor and Kenzie to their Chamber Music Festival. We were told it was being held at the same place as always, over in College Park. We got there, and it wasn't. We had to backtrack to a new location, arrived a bit late, but still got play. I was not happy, but it all worked out, as things usually do. Below are Kenz and Connor's pieces. Although this is Connor's third time doing this, it was Kenzie's very first time playing with an accompanying orchestra. I am so proud of her. I wish I could upload HD videos because my new camera has me spoiled for quality, but those files are just too huge. So, here's the fuzzy versions:
On the way home from that, I dropped Kenzie off with her soccer coach so she could go play futsal, and headed home. I think Alex had a good birthday. The whole family, grandparents, in-laws, and us pulled together and bought him his own laptop. We had to do something special for his sixteenth, and it wasn't going to be a car.
We wound up around an hours-long game of Risk, which Connor had bought for three dollars on Friday, at the first half of the Mission Club flea market.
Sunday started the same way, with a 9 am futsal game for Connor, home to church, and afternoon of Risk (where I had my way with global domination). I don't think anyone missed football this weekend.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Fall Recital
Our three piano players performed at the Annapolis Mall yesterday. Please forgive the background noise; it was in a mall, and I was using inexperienced audio/video personnel (their mother). Here's how they did.
First, Taylor:
And Kenzie:
And Connor:
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Piano Competition
Connor has reached an age and a skill level where can start to seriously compete with other skilled pianists. On Saturday, he entered a competition for middle-high school aged piano players. His teacher was so impressed with how well Connor did, he called this evening just as we arrived home from our weekend getaway. Ray had apparently called earlier and left us a message, but he just couldn't wait for us to call him back.
Connor is (age-wise) in sixth grade, the youngest age that could enter this contest, so he played against older and possibly more experienced kids. To end the suspense, I'll tell you now that he placed third. Not high enough to get any money; only the top two earned money; but high enough for an Honorable Mention and an extreme amount of praise from everyone who knows how rapidly Connor has moved up in his piano-playing.
When I first told Connor how he had done, he was upset. He is a true competitor in everything he does, and won't happily accept anything but first place. All he could remember from his performance was the one note he missed. I had to remind him of how far he's come. In only three and a half years he has gone from Mary had a little lamb to Mozart and Debussy; from being rigid with fear at recitals, to performing with professional string quartets and under the pressure judged competitions. He is an amazing kid.
Connor is (age-wise) in sixth grade, the youngest age that could enter this contest, so he played against older and possibly more experienced kids. To end the suspense, I'll tell you now that he placed third. Not high enough to get any money; only the top two earned money; but high enough for an Honorable Mention and an extreme amount of praise from everyone who knows how rapidly Connor has moved up in his piano-playing.
When I first told Connor how he had done, he was upset. He is a true competitor in everything he does, and won't happily accept anything but first place. All he could remember from his performance was the one note he missed. I had to remind him of how far he's come. In only three and a half years he has gone from Mary had a little lamb to Mozart and Debussy; from being rigid with fear at recitals, to performing with professional string quartets and under the pressure judged competitions. He is an amazing kid.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Equal Time for Kenzie
Kenzie has complained that I unfairly gush over Connor's piano-playing. She forgets how much gushing her softball skills receive. Whatever. She can play piano, too. Here's proof...
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Cake Walk and a Sonatina
Here's Connor playing a song called "Cake Walk".
And last month, he played a Sonatina, by Clementi, with a string quartet. The editing is a little shaky, and keep in mind that these people and Connor have never played this song togehter before this performance.
And last month, he played a Sonatina, by Clementi, with a string quartet. The editing is a little shaky, and keep in mind that these people and Connor have never played this song togehter before this performance.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Another Recital, And Other Ramblings
That's right, another piano recital. Tomorrow afternoon. Kenzie and Connor both get to play at this one. It's really close to home, for a change; only about a half hour away, so I'm hoping Vicki gets to go see them play. She needs to get to do something besides work or take care of Kearsyn, and she hasn't seen the kids play at a recital for a while. Next weekend, Connor has another recital, in Cambridge, and that's a good hike for us: a little farther away than Kenzie's softball practice, so I'll probably be taking Connor to that one. I might try to talk him out of that one, but I never seem to win those battles. I guess it's good that he likes to perform, even though it scares him to death.
I have to remember that Alex has a public speaking event on Thursday. He's going to recite that poem I wrote in high school in front of his 4H club. I wish there was a way I could be in two places at the same time, because that's also softball night. I'll have to find Alex and Connor a ride to 4H unless Vicki can get them there.
Alex told me the other day that he'd like to look into becoming a junior volunteer at our local volunteer fire dept. I think that would be cool. I mentioned it to him last week as something he'd be good at (unbeknownst to him, I emailed the fire chief to enquire about the minimum age: it's 14), but didn't push it. He actually must have been listening. I told him we'd stop by and pick up an application the next time we drive by the firehouse. Yet another thing to squeeze into our lives. Well, he'll be driving in a couple years; that might help somewhat. When you think that he'll be able to get his learner's permit in summer, 2008, it sounds awfully close, doesn't it?
People have told me that I need to pick fewer things for my kids to do because we seem to be always running around like crazy. The problem is, there's so many of them, even if they only do one thing each, it amounts to a lot of stuff. And, unfortunately (or not), they are all good at so many things, I don't have the heart to say no until every second of every day is all used up.
Don't forget, today is the feast day of St. Blaise. Head to your local Catholic church and get your throats blessed! My kids know St. Blaise to be the patron saint of sore throats because of the brief ritual of blessing the throats that our priest does this weekend of every year. He's also considered to be the patron saint of wild animals. That kind of applies to my pack of kids at times, too (especially in church :o). Other than that, I have no idea why wild animals need a patron saint. Alex thinks he's special because, as an altar server at this evening's Mass, he was the first to have his throat blessed.
As the title of this entry suggested, this has been a collection of ramblings. I hope I didn't disappoint.
I have to remember that Alex has a public speaking event on Thursday. He's going to recite that poem I wrote in high school in front of his 4H club. I wish there was a way I could be in two places at the same time, because that's also softball night. I'll have to find Alex and Connor a ride to 4H unless Vicki can get them there.
Alex told me the other day that he'd like to look into becoming a junior volunteer at our local volunteer fire dept. I think that would be cool. I mentioned it to him last week as something he'd be good at (unbeknownst to him, I emailed the fire chief to enquire about the minimum age: it's 14), but didn't push it. He actually must have been listening. I told him we'd stop by and pick up an application the next time we drive by the firehouse. Yet another thing to squeeze into our lives. Well, he'll be driving in a couple years; that might help somewhat. When you think that he'll be able to get his learner's permit in summer, 2008, it sounds awfully close, doesn't it?
People have told me that I need to pick fewer things for my kids to do because we seem to be always running around like crazy. The problem is, there's so many of them, even if they only do one thing each, it amounts to a lot of stuff. And, unfortunately (or not), they are all good at so many things, I don't have the heart to say no until every second of every day is all used up.
Don't forget, today is the feast day of St. Blaise. Head to your local Catholic church and get your throats blessed! My kids know St. Blaise to be the patron saint of sore throats because of the brief ritual of blessing the throats that our priest does this weekend of every year. He's also considered to be the patron saint of wild animals. That kind of applies to my pack of kids at times, too (especially in church :o). Other than that, I have no idea why wild animals need a patron saint. Alex thinks he's special because, as an altar server at this evening's Mass, he was the first to have his throat blessed.
As the title of this entry suggested, this has been a collection of ramblings. I hope I didn't disappoint.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Alex's Roller Coaster
Remember the struggle I was having with Alex? No energy; no initiative; lots of resistance to anything and everything; no input or effort regarding the near term future of his education; etc. Well, my old Alex has emerged.
Sunday evening, at our church's Youth Group meeting, the local (for us, local means about 40 minutes away by school bus) Catholic school principal paid a visit to promote a private, Catholic high school education. This is kinda EXACTLY what I've been talking at Alex about for the past two months, which he's been resisting with every fiber of his being. That one little talk did everything all my efforts failed in doing. He has become energized and excited about something. All the things about private school that were not good (uniforms, long commute, too much money, etc) that he was feeding me (and which I countered as not being real obstacles) are now minor inconveniences, or even positives ("Dad, I won't have to worry about what to wear if everyone is wearing a uniform!"--where have I heard that before).
Now, of course, deadlines are approaching for enrollment, but this has not deterred Alex. Where, before I couldn't get to him to even think about getting involved in the admissions process, he is now calling people in the community, asking for letters of reference. He is chomping at the bit to go to a shadow day (which we arranged for Monday) and to go to the admissions interview with the principal (also Monday). He has not even balked at taking the placement tests (which he despises more than broccoli).
I am so thrilled to see this change in him! I hope it lasts. He has even shown a renewed energy in homeschool stuff, with the prospect of attending SSPP (the Catholic School) next Fall.
As far as the rest of our lives, it's still incredibly busy around here. Earlier on Sunday, we had both sides of the family over to the house, to celebrate the January birthdays. That was fun. No arguments or even serious debates, which are difficult to avoid when we all get together. I tend to be a wee bit more conservative than my school-administrator FIL. And my mother and I also seem to have at least one major disagreement whenever we talk to each other.
Yesterday, we all went to the dentist. They lined up two hygienists to work on our family, in tandem. Of course, we also had other things to do at the same time. The dentist appt. was at 9; I had to get Tay and Bekah to their play-date ate Secret Garden at 10. We squeezed Tay and me in first, then I took Tay and Bekah (and Kearsyn came for the ride) to their playtime, while Vicki stayed to finish teeth-cleaning with the rest of the crew. They all got home just in time for lunch, then off to piano lessons for Tay, Kenz, and Connor. Tyler was in his typical mood, and wouldn't do his piano homework, so I made him stay home. I talked to his teacher, and said something's gotta be done differently, or Tyler's going to be pulled out of piano. Ray said he'd try some new things, starting next lesson, but I'm not going through this battle much longer. Tyler's young enough where he can start piano again in the future, if he decides he wants to.
Ok, I've spent long on this blog this morning. Gotta go and get folks moving. We missed a school day yesterday and I don't want to miss another one. It may snow enough for the sledding hill (yes the hill: there is only one for miles and miles) to be useful on Friday, so we may be taking Friday off, too. With this warm Winter, we have to make use of any snow we get before it melts, even it means taking off school.
Sunday evening, at our church's Youth Group meeting, the local (for us, local means about 40 minutes away by school bus) Catholic school principal paid a visit to promote a private, Catholic high school education. This is kinda EXACTLY what I've been talking at Alex about for the past two months, which he's been resisting with every fiber of his being. That one little talk did everything all my efforts failed in doing. He has become energized and excited about something. All the things about private school that were not good (uniforms, long commute, too much money, etc) that he was feeding me (and which I countered as not being real obstacles) are now minor inconveniences, or even positives ("Dad, I won't have to worry about what to wear if everyone is wearing a uniform!"--where have I heard that before).
Now, of course, deadlines are approaching for enrollment, but this has not deterred Alex. Where, before I couldn't get to him to even think about getting involved in the admissions process, he is now calling people in the community, asking for letters of reference. He is chomping at the bit to go to a shadow day (which we arranged for Monday) and to go to the admissions interview with the principal (also Monday). He has not even balked at taking the placement tests (which he despises more than broccoli).
I am so thrilled to see this change in him! I hope it lasts. He has even shown a renewed energy in homeschool stuff, with the prospect of attending SSPP (the Catholic School) next Fall.
As far as the rest of our lives, it's still incredibly busy around here. Earlier on Sunday, we had both sides of the family over to the house, to celebrate the January birthdays. That was fun. No arguments or even serious debates, which are difficult to avoid when we all get together. I tend to be a wee bit more conservative than my school-administrator FIL. And my mother and I also seem to have at least one major disagreement whenever we talk to each other.
Yesterday, we all went to the dentist. They lined up two hygienists to work on our family, in tandem. Of course, we also had other things to do at the same time. The dentist appt. was at 9; I had to get Tay and Bekah to their play-date ate Secret Garden at 10. We squeezed Tay and me in first, then I took Tay and Bekah (and Kearsyn came for the ride) to their playtime, while Vicki stayed to finish teeth-cleaning with the rest of the crew. They all got home just in time for lunch, then off to piano lessons for Tay, Kenz, and Connor. Tyler was in his typical mood, and wouldn't do his piano homework, so I made him stay home. I talked to his teacher, and said something's gotta be done differently, or Tyler's going to be pulled out of piano. Ray said he'd try some new things, starting next lesson, but I'm not going through this battle much longer. Tyler's young enough where he can start piano again in the future, if he decides he wants to.
Ok, I've spent long on this blog this morning. Gotta go and get folks moving. We missed a school day yesterday and I don't want to miss another one. It may snow enough for the sledding hill (yes the hill: there is only one for miles and miles) to be useful on Friday, so we may be taking Friday off, too. With this warm Winter, we have to make use of any snow we get before it melts, even it means taking off school.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
We Survived This Saturday
Today went surprisingly well. Bekah was well enough to avoid a trip to the doctor's, which would really have put a crimp in our schedule. With her potential doctor's visit, we were planning on a very convoluted arrangement for getting all the kids to their various functions. Fortunately, the convolutions were not necessary. Vicki took Kenzie, as well as five other kids, to Kenzie's softball practice. I imagine that was a wee bit stressful, but she avoided some of the boredom issues by taking the little ones (and Alex, who I figure was probably pretty helpful) shopping at a nearby Walmart while Kenzie played softball. I took Connor to his piano thingy. For you locals who read this blog, the piano 
thingy was at Jordan Kitt's, a music store in College Park. They have a little hall they use for small concerts. Before Connor's portion of the event started, I found a really expensive grand piano ($42,000) and told Connor to play a song on it (pictured on the right). I figured he wouldn't get many chances to play on such a nice piano, so why not take advantage of it?
thingy was at Jordan Kitt's, a music store in College Park. They have a little hall they use for small concerts. Before Connor's portion of the event started, I found a really expensive grand piano ($42,000) and told Connor to play a song on it (pictured on the right). I figured he wouldn't get many chances to play on such a nice piano, so why not take advantage of it? T
hen it was into the hall with us, to start our portion of the show. Connor's group was the third of the day to play with the orchestra, each member having pretty impressive resumes. I am just overwhelmed that Connor, at age 10, is considered eligible to play with such talented people. And to have our shy little Connor get up there and actually perform like that, well, I just can't put it into words. Here's Connor playing a few measures to give the orchestra his tempo for the piece he played, Sonata Concertino, Op. 36, No. 3 II: Un poco adagio, by M. Clementi and J. McSpadden, whatever all that means: I'm just the driver.
hen it was into the hall with us, to start our portion of the show. Connor's group was the third of the day to play with the orchestra, each member having pretty impressive resumes. I am just overwhelmed that Connor, at age 10, is considered eligible to play with such talented people. And to have our shy little Connor get up there and actually perform like that, well, I just can't put it into words. Here's Connor playing a few measures to give the orchestra his tempo for the piece he played, Sonata Concertino, Op. 36, No. 3 II: Un poco adagio, by M. Clementi and J. McSpadden, whatever all that means: I'm just the driver.And here's the video:
Friday, January 19, 2007
Another Busy Weekend
I'm kinda glad the Ravens lost last weekend. Well, not really, but it does free up this weekend for all the stuff that's supposed to happen. Tomorrow will be a very crazy day. Kenzie has to be in Trappe for softball practice. That's about 45 minutes to our East. Connor has to be in Laurel for a piano concert, where he'll be playing with a full orchestra behind him. (He's a little nervous). That's about 45 minutes to our West. These two things are happening at the same time. Neat, huh? Add to that: Bekah has a fever (it's down a little t
his morning) and may have to go to the doctor. In fact, Kenzie is spending the morning comforting Bekah. Kenzie doesn't mind since it get her out of school for a while, maybe the whole day; she can afford to miss a day of school. Tomorrow night is a bull roast that Vicki and I are supposed to go to, and for which I already spent the $50. I don't know what's going on, on Sunday, but we may just be too exhausted to care.
his morning) and may have to go to the doctor. In fact, Kenzie is spending the morning comforting Bekah. Kenzie doesn't mind since it get her out of school for a while, maybe the whole day; she can afford to miss a day of school. Tomorrow night is a bull roast that Vicki and I are supposed to go to, and for which I already spent the $50. I don't know what's going on, on Sunday, but we may just be too exhausted to care.Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Whew!
It's been a while since I posted! That time just flew by, didn't it? Vicki has been doing a little blog-updating during the holidays, so at least there isn't a complete void of goings-on around here.
In a nutshell: Christmas was great. I got to go the midnight Mass, which is my favorite thing to do for Christmas, especially with my older boys as altar servers. Tyler and Kenzie even went with me this time around. Kenzie still doesn't believe in Santa, even though he gave her coal in her stocking for not believing. All the kids got just about everything they asked for, and were still grumpy from all sensory overload that comes this time of year. Around here, the gift-giving process took several days. We had Christmas morning at our house. Christmas afternoon my sister's (where my mother challenged me to fit all the stuff into the van; that van hasn't failed me yet, but it was tight this year). The day after with my in-laws. A day or two later, the in-laws again with stuff they forgot to bring to us the previous trip. A few days later, my mom again. She was bored and came to visit. This time she brought stuff I had forgotten, and left at my sister's house on Christmas day. We'll be seeing her again soon because she had to exchange a few things that were duplicates or broke.
New Year's Eve was fantastic. We spent it at a local church (I think Vicki wrote about it), not our own. Our church doesn't do the fun things other churches do. Well, that's not fair, I guess. They do fun things that are oriented toward an older crowd, not one whose average age is 14.25 years old, as it is in our house. Anyway, we got to see some great amateur entertainment and enjoy some wonderful Christian fellowship. Kenzie and Connor even played the piano as part of the talent show. They played four different times over the holidays for family, friends, and on stage. Tyler did, too, except for the talent show. He got shy, with the piano being up there on a stage.
Back to the grind today. Vicki went to work, I tried to do a little school (not the full load on the first day). Other than dealing with Tyler's mood this morning, it was a pretty good day. As you know, we were expecting this first day to be a real bear with Kearsyn. She has been refusing to drink from a bottle and her schedule, well, she doesn't have one. To my surprise, she slept 'til 10:30 am (from about midnight). She drank two ounces in ten minutes, then waited until the rest of us ate lunch before wanting more. Then, while I was helping Alex and Connor with math, Kenzie gave Kearsyn three more ounces with no trouble at all. She drank another ounce for me, and another for Alex, while I was taking the piano players to their lessons. I also took Bekah and Tay with me so Alex could focus on Kearsyn only, while I was out. By the time I got home, Alex had Kearsyn asleep again. I am assuming tomorrow I am going to pay for such a smooth day today. And it was a Tuesday, too!
I have more to say, but there are more important things to do right now. Hopefully I'll be able to get back to this soon.
In a nutshell: Christmas was great. I got to go the midnight Mass, which is my favorite thing to do for Christmas, especially with my older boys as altar servers. Tyler and Kenzie even went with me this time around. Kenzie still doesn't believe in Santa, even though he gave her coal in her stocking for not believing. All the kids got just about everything they asked for, and were still grumpy from all sensory overload that comes this time of year. Around here, the gift-giving process took several days. We had Christmas morning at our house. Christmas afternoon my sister's (where my mother challenged me to fit all the stuff into the van; that van hasn't failed me yet, but it was tight this year). The day after with my in-laws. A day or two later, the in-laws again with stuff they forgot to bring to us the previous trip. A few days later, my mom again. She was bored and came to visit. This time she brought stuff I had forgotten, and left at my sister's house on Christmas day. We'll be seeing her again soon because she had to exchange a few things that were duplicates or broke.
New Year's Eve was fantastic. We spent it at a local church (I think Vicki wrote about it), not our own. Our church doesn't do the fun things other churches do. Well, that's not fair, I guess. They do fun things that are oriented toward an older crowd, not one whose average age is 14.25 years old, as it is in our house. Anyway, we got to see some great amateur entertainment and enjoy some wonderful Christian fellowship. Kenzie and Connor even played the piano as part of the talent show. They played four different times over the holidays for family, friends, and on stage. Tyler did, too, except for the talent show. He got shy, with the piano being up there on a stage.
Back to the grind today. Vicki went to work, I tried to do a little school (not the full load on the first day). Other than dealing with Tyler's mood this morning, it was a pretty good day. As you know, we were expecting this first day to be a real bear with Kearsyn. She has been refusing to drink from a bottle and her schedule, well, she doesn't have one. To my surprise, she slept 'til 10:30 am (from about midnight). She drank two ounces in ten minutes, then waited until the rest of us ate lunch before wanting more. Then, while I was helping Alex and Connor with math, Kenzie gave Kearsyn three more ounces with no trouble at all. She drank another ounce for me, and another for Alex, while I was taking the piano players to their lessons. I also took Bekah and Tay with me so Alex could focus on Kearsyn only, while I was out. By the time I got home, Alex had Kearsyn asleep again. I am assuming tomorrow I am going to pay for such a smooth day today. And it was a Tuesday, too!
I have more to say, but there are more important things to do right now. Hopefully I'll be able to get back to this soon.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Piano Recital
Saturday evening, Tyler, Kenzie, and Connor had there first piano recital of the 2006-07 school year. It was at the Festival of the Trees, which Vicki talked about briefly in her Blog the other day. I like this event because it isn't as formal as the kids' other recitals, where they usually are are in front of a larger crowd, getting judged, or being evaluated. They just sit at ground level at the side of a room full of decorated Christmas trees. The kids are just providing the background music for the folks wandering around the room, admiring all the trees. One of the reasons I really like this piano teacher (Mr. Ray) is because h
e provides so many more opportunities for the kids to perform than most piano teachers; he averages about one event per month, as opposed to just a Christmas 
performance and end-of-year recital. I think the performances have really motivated the kids to practice and learn new, more challenging songs. We've already missed a few events, but we have plenty more coming next year. Ray wants Connor to learn a pretty difficult classical piece to perform with a full orchestra in the Spring, and Connor has been playing piano only for about two and a half years.We
ll, back to the recital. Tyler, as usual, was chomping at the bit to do something because he gets bored really easy. So, Ray let Ty go first. Tyler would've gone first anyway because Ray always has the kids play in order of the difficulty of their music. Tyler was very happy to go first. He played his song, and he played it almost perfectly. He started piano in January of the year, and he's already playing chords and playing both bass and treble clef simultaneously. When finished, as soon as he sat down, he turned to me and asked if we could go home now. That's my Tyler :o) We still had five more performers to go.
ll, back to the recital. Tyler, as usual, was chomping at the bit to do something because he gets bored really easy. So, Ray let Ty go first. Tyler would've gone first anyway because Ray always has the kids play in order of the difficulty of their music. Tyler was very happy to go first. He played his song, and he played it almost perfectly. He started piano in January of the year, and he's already playing chords and playing both bass and treble clef simultaneously. When finished, as soon as he sat down, he turned to me and asked if we could go home now. That's my Tyler :o) We still had five more performers to go.Kenzie went next. She had three songs to play. The first two were p
erfect. She stumbled a bit in the third one, but she hung in there, didn't panic, and finished the performance. She's got more guts than most adults and she's only 8. Like Tyler, she has no fear. Well, I think she does, but she hides it so well, you'd never know.
erfect. She stumbled a bit in the third one, but she hung in there, didn't panic, and finished the performance. She's got more guts than most adults and she's only 8. Like Tyler, she has no fear. Well, I think she does, but she hides it so well, you'd never know.Connor went next to last. Just going this close to then end of the program shows how far he's 
advanced in a very short time. He played two pieces. The first one (don't ask me titles, I can never remember them) was pretty hard; he worked very hard to learn it, and he did very well. He keeps saying he made mistakes, but the only thing I heard was that he played a little too fast through the easier sections and a little too slow in the hard section. And he was much more comfortable performing this year than last, when he couldn't play his second song because he was too upset and nervous.
advanced in a very short time. He played two pieces. The first one (don't ask me titles, I can never remember them) was pretty hard; he worked very hard to learn it, and he did very well. He keeps saying he made mistakes, but the only thing I heard was that he played a little too fast through the easier sections and a little too slow in the hard section. And he was much more comfortable performing this year than last, when he couldn't play his second song because he was too upset and nervous.And here's the giant poinsettia tree that Vicki mentioned:
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