Armstrong Spring Choir Concert 2018

It's been quite some time since I've been able to keep up with blogging, but I'm dropping a few videos and photos out here in the hopes I will get back to it soon.

This is one of my favorites performed by the Armstrong Chamber Singers at this past Spring concert.

Wanting Memories (Ysaye Barnwell) Performed by Armstrong High School Chamber Singers Spring Concert 2018



Henry was also home during this time so he got to see Oliver perform,  as well as join in the alumni song at the end of the concert.

The full concert is on the district website.

Sing United 2016

Spring Band Concert 2016

One of my favorite nights in the spring - the band concert!  Brings back so many memories and I just beam with pride from the audience that both of my boys have stuck with playing since 5th grade.  My music teachers made such an indelible mark on my high school years.  I honestly don't know if I would be the person I am today if it were not for their tutelage and sharing their love of music with me.

I recorded one selection from each band of last evening's concert.  Henry plays in the Symphonic Band and is in the first video below.  This is an auditioned band of juniors and seniors. They have such an awesome sound.



Equally impressive is this group of freshmen who have come far in their instrumental lives in five short years.  I pray that they also continue through their high school careers to enjoy music and share their passion with us. Oliver has signed up once again for his sophomore year and will also return to marching band in the fall.


Sharing their life-long love of playing, the Plymouth Concert Band performed a few songs for the audience and then joined both high school bands on stage for the finale, The Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa.

It always gives me goosebumps, a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat to hear this one played.


Maybe it's being a Vietnam Vet's daughter and having served myself, or also having played this song quite a few times in both high school and military band... but by 2:25 in this video, I always think everyone should be standing and have the same tears in their eyes and lump in their throat as I do... I always find myself looking around and wondering if it's only me.

Until next year...  when they will be a sophomore and senior {gulp} in high school bands!

I hope that you enjoyed just a small part of our daily lives.  I am thrilled to be able to video and share with friends and family, near and far, who could not make the concert - thank you for supporting our boys, and music in our schools, in big and little ways!

Winter Choir Concerts 2015

For friends and family who cannot make it to see the boys sing...  here's a few selections from the Chamber Singers' Wassail! concert on Tuesday evening.  Henry is in this group.





More videos to come after this evening's concert.  The Freshmen sing at 6 pm, as do the Madrigals, of which Oliver is a part of...  it will be a great evening!

Winter Band Concert 2015

These two!
All dressed up, looking so darn handsome, if I do say so myself.

Makes me so proud that they continue to love playing in band.

A couple of pieces from last night's winter concert for those near and far
who couldn't make it to the auditorium.  Take a listen to the talent on this stage!

photobomb!

Annual District Fall Music Festival 2015

It was an amazing night of music! Gives me goosebumps. Makes my heart swell with joy to see the passion these kids have for music in their lives. I mean, really - take a listen and tell me that these high school student don't sound so much more polished than just a few months and joint rehearsal hours together?!  So very thankful for arts in our school district and all that it gives to the students, teachers and community.

Henry played in combined Symphonic Band

Sang in combined Concert Choirs

Parade of Bands Concert 2014

First concert of the new school year and the kids rocked it!  Henry participated in both Concert Band and in Marching Band.  It always gives me goosebumps to sit and listen to the talent that this school has sitting on stage.

For those who didn't get a chance to see it in person, I was able to record a few video clips and will share them below.  Enjoy!

This is one my favorite concerts every year.  Way to keep up the musical passion & performing, Henry!!

not letting life pass me by

It's been a very busy month, this November 2012.  I'm not sure where the time has gone, but December starts tomorrow! I've got lots of post catching up to do and pictures to upload!  If you follow me on Facebook, you've seen some of the fun we've had as a family.  I'll be back when time slows down (ha), I promise!

This weekend will be filled with music - rehearsals, singing at service and two concerts on Sunday!  If you live nearby and need a nudge to get into the holiday spirit, come by Calvary and see us after the football game!  This is a wonderful show, filled with talented local musicians, and sure to warm your heart!

I have joined the chorus this year and look forward to my first year on stage again in many, many years!  I only wish I knew who would be sitting in the audience, taking my place, video-taping so I can share it with those who do not live nearby.  If I find a link to a video or two, I will be sure to link back for you!

The boys also have concerts coming up in December!  Oliver tells me he has a choir solo too.  I will update the side-bar this weekend with dates for family & friends interested in attending.

I just LOVE all that December brings

and cannot wait to be an active part of it.

magical MUSIC in the air

I love love love the holiday music this time of year...  and it gets even sweeter when it's my kids and hubby singing such sweet melodies.  Wow, seven concerts in a month!  Where've we been this month, you ask?  Just take a look and you'll see...  we've been busy! 

4th:  JP's concert at Calvary

11th:  Oliver's holiday concert at Calvary

12th: Henry's 7th grand band concert

15th: Henry's 7th grade choir concert

18th:  Oliver's ADC Winter PRISM concert

19th:  Henry's Sola Voce performance at AHS

24th:  Oliver's singing at the 3:30 pm Christmas concert



Check out more of the recent music magic in videos on my YouTube channel.

• When looking at the ADC videos, you will find Oliver on the left-hand side, second row from top (near the microphone pole in the middle of my videos - grrr).  He is also the fiddler in the solo performance.
• Henry is mid-section in choirs wearing a pink tshirt.  In band, he's in the back (most likely you will not find him) playing trumpet.
• Some of the videos have yet to be named because I need to match them up with the appropriate program.  Hopefully they won't be deleted due to copyright infringement.

...sing, sing a song...

make it simple to last the whole day long

sing of good things, not bad

sing of happy, not sad

just sing...  sing a song!

A Baby Changes Everything

JP sings at Calvary this weekend with the Expressions Choir.  The Christmas concert is on Sunday at 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm.  If you're looking for something to do this weekend, spend a few bucks and come out to hear a fabulous choir & orchestra...  nothin' better to get you in the spirit!   Come and sing along with over 100 local voices.

Here's a snipit from last year's performance.  Of course my recording doesn't do it justice at all.




Hope to see you there!

If you want to come and cannot afford it, send me an email and I'll make it happen!

Success in Music

Henry had a fabulous event last night with the Dallas Brass. The Plymouth Middle School and Armstrong High School bands joined together with the Dallas Brass for an evening of fun.  The Dallas Brass played a selection of music from their American Musical Journey and WOWed the crowd with a stroll down memory lane.  Tossed in for good measure a little auditory history, some humor and tap-dancing too!

I believe this was an experience that Henry won't soon forget!  Oliver even asked if he would get the same experience when he's in 7th grade.
Gosh, I hope so!

 

A sharp dresser. 

Handsome young lad, if I do say so myself.

Stylin' wingtips for the evening!
(borrowed from Grandpa)

After spending the day in workshop with the kids, the Dallas Brass provided wonderful entertainment for everyone.  I am unable to share any more video due to copyright, but suffice it to say, the group was well worth the time and monetary donation!  There is one more concert this week with the other middle & high schools in the district.  If you're local and looking for some great music - take your kids to get a passport stamp!





The video of the drum solo is played by Lyn Enoksen, the PMS Band Director.  What a great sport!

Henry and the Dallas Brass

Second Concert of the Season
This one will be Henry, playing with the Dallas Brass on Tuesday, November 15th at 7:00 pm.  They are also playing with RMS and CHS on Thursday evening.

The Dallas Brass are coming to town!  Have you heard of them?  Founded by Michael Levine (originally from Minnesota) and they are an inspiration to young musicians everywhere.  If you search for them on YouTube you will find hundreds of comments by young kids who have had the opportunity to listen, learn and play alongside these phenomenal men and women.




"The Dallas Brass has become one of America’s foremost musical assemblies.  The Dallas Brass concert, American Musical Journey, incorporates a full complement of brass and percussion for an engaging musical travelogue through American history.  Music will be selected from the masters – Copland, Bernstein, Gershwin, Berlin, John Williams, Sousa; various American styles will be represented as well:  Dixieland, swing, folk, patriotic, and pop."

I can't wait to start the season!  I love this type of music and am sure I won't be able to sit still.  Might actually embarrass my family with my toe-tapping.

Check here more information on the ISD #281 website.
See you there!

Oliver plays Orchestra Hall

First Concert of the Season
Oliver will be singing with All District Choir at Orchestra Hall on November 7th at 7:00 pm.

Performing together with hundreds of others, Oliver will sing with ISD #281's All District Choir at the Fall Festival.

"Making music on a grand scale, our combined high school choirs and orchestras, along with the fifth-grade All-District Choir, perform at Orchestra Hall each fall. Direction for the Fall Music Festival is provided by a guest conductor of national acclaim."

I chaperoned this event two years ago when Henry was in ADC and look forward to another fabulous afternoon & evening, this time with my youngest son!  Such a wonderful experience for impressionable, young kids.  


Can't wait! 
Be sure to check my YT channel later for snippits of the day's events.