Conquer the Solo!

Michael doing one last run through of his music before going into the room before the judge.

This boy...oh how I love him.  While I cherish each of my boys, I love that each of our relationships is so unique and special.  Michael and I share this beautiful bond over music.  I feel so blessed that he has this natural raw talent.

Today I drove to a town about 30 minutes away to watch him perform at a Solo contest.  He was so nervous.  Last year he went and completely froze.  He was so distraught.  It's interesting because Michael has performed in front of lots of people and handled it well but when he got to this contest last year, it overwhelmed him.  He has made it his goal to go back this year and perform.  While he wanted a good rating overall, he really just wanted to complete his piece.

He practiced a lot, it is a rather difficult piece and I knew even when he practiced he was nervous.  I asked him if my coming to watch him would make him more nervous or help calm him.  He said he didn't know.  I decided I would go and if he changed his mind about me being in the room with him, I would leave.  He had already decided that he wanted one of his best friends to sit in his line of sight as she was a calming factor for him.

When I got to the high school he was performing at I found him in a corner practicing.  I loved watching his band peers approach him and tell him he was going to do great.  I love watching our youth being supportive of one another, it contradicts what so many people say about our teens today in regards to being so self absorbed.

As the time got closer, we started to make our way to the classroom where he would be playing in front of a judge.  We walked out of the gym and suddenly there was this cluster of kids running towards him.  They wanted to make sure they hadn't missed his turn.  My heart was so happy for him and the amount of support he was receiving.  I hung back and watched the interaction.

The minutes ticked by and I'm not sure who was more nervous...Michael or me.  The student that was scheduled before Michael went into the classroom and so did most of Michael's friends.  He hung back to get himself focused.  As we stood there I told him to just take a deep breath, visual his piece and imagine himself finishing it.  He closed his eyes for a few seconds and then took a deep breath and said he felt a little better.  I asked him if he wanted me to pray with him and he said yes.  We stepped away from the small cluster of people who were waiting to go in to another room and said a quick prayer.  After we said Amen, Michael leaned forward to me and gave me a hug.  It was truly a tender moment.  I feel so blessed that my boys are not ashamed to show me affection in a public setting and even more blessed that they are not ashamed to pray in public either.

A few minutes later, the door to the classroom opened and the previous student filed out along with those who watched her and while they walked out, a few more students walked right in.  I was amazed that when I walked into the room, there was only one seat left in the back corner.  It filled my heart yet again with joy to see the amazing support his band peers were giving him.  I took the seat in the back even though some of the students offered me a seat closer to the front.  I didn't want to make Michael more nervous than he already was.  Besides, if I wanted a closer seat to the front I wouldn't have a problem telling one of those kids to move!

Both the band directors and the piano accompanist were in the room with Michael.  I saw them as they all gave Michael some quick words of encouragement.  Michael made his introduction, sat down and that's when I stopped breathing.  I realized that I sucked my bottom lip and held my breath for most of his piece.  He did a wonderful job.  He had a few minor mistakes but overall I am so proud of him for conquering one of his fears and having the courage to do this in the first place.

The bassoon isn't the easiest of instruments to play and he only played one movement of the piece he chose for his solo and that was over 6 minutes alone!  When he finished, everyone in the room clapped loudly and I loved all of the wonderful feedback they gave him.  Little comments like, "I could never play a double reed!" to "You are the first bassoon player I've ever heard."   I am so proud of him.

I gave Michael the option to come home with me and he chose to stay and support his friends.  I love that about him, giving back the support he received.  At this point, I don't know what the judges scored him but I already know he scored high in my book just for going!

UPDATE:  Michael was rated with a 2 out of 5 (5 being the lowest, 1 being the best).  So proud of Michael!

If you would like to hear his solo CLICK HERE.

Wordless Wednesday - 8 Lessons, Hours of Practice

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Michael's Music

I love this picture that my 11 year old snapped of Michael playing a Steinway Grand Piano while we were on vacation in Utah. 

One of the things I love most about our home is when Michael plays the piano.  He literally plays hours a day.  It is a sound I rarely get tired of (the only times it's bothersome is when it's after everyone has gone to bed and he decides it would be a good time to play!).  It brings such a beautiful spirit into our home.  He has a nice variety of music that he has collected since he got the piano from a friend over a year ago.  Most of what he plays however, are hymns.  I love it.  I know I've said it before but I am truly amazed at the talent that Michael has.  He has only had eight piano lessons.  I am so grateful for Hannah, who came and worked with him for those eight weeks.  I also admire that Michael practices on his own.  I've been wanting to share a video of him playing for a while but he wanted to have something he felt really confident in playing (translation, he wanted to practice, practice, practice before we video taped him).  I don't think he gives himself enough credit.

Here is Michael playing "Little Bits of Cloth" from the book "Heal Our Land" by Janice Kapp Perry & Senator Orrin Hatch.   

Please ignore my two other rude children who couldn't be quiet for five minutes and had to make noise instead of just being still!  

The Music of My Heart

This beautiful child was asked recently why he didn't wrestle like his brothers. We joked about all the possible answers he could have replied with but what I told him in the end was that I was grateful that he is traveling his own path and working on the talents that the Lord has blessed him with. Sure, I believe that with hard work and perseverance, he too could be a wonderful athlete (he has a great running stance and could be an amazing cross-country runner if he chose to be). Michael's interests are different, he loves music. He picked up the bassoon in 6th grade and has never looked back. He has since taught himself how to play the flute, piccolo, clarinet and piano.
There are some in the world who might say that playing those instruments isn't "manly". I believe when the time comes to find the girl that he will spend eternity with, those will be some of the things she will love most about him. I love listening to him play the piano or practice the other instruments. We have never felt tortured as I'm sure my parents did when I started playing the flute decades ago. I am amazed at this natural ability he has and his desire to nurture the talent that Heavenly Father has blessed him with.

We have spent quite a bit of time sitting in bleachers cheering on wrestlers and football players. I felt so blessed to be able to sit in an auditorium last night and listen to my child and his fellow band members play three pieces beautifully. My sense of pride is no different. I wanted to stand up and cheer at the top of my lungs but I held back and simply beamed with a smile and a thankful heart.

Michael is the music of my heart and I feel richly blessed.

For your listening pleasure, the three pieces performed by the Waynesville High School Wind Ensemble. They received all 1's last night by the judges and those were well deserved!

March from 1941


Shenandoah (listening to them play took me back to my show choir times in high school. I auditioned for show choir my senior year, singing this very song)


From Four and Beyond

Talent!

Yesterday was an awesome day. I got to spend most of the day with the youth of our church going to the temple in St. Louis and and then going for lunch at CiCi's Pizza (I don't even want to know how much pizza our 33 kids chowed down on!). It was so fun spending some time with our older two boys (even if they spent most of the time with their cool friends, haha!)

Last night we had our ward party where we chowed down on some great food (we always seem to have way more desserts than "real" food, lol). We had so many amazing musical numbers, the night was filled with beautiful music!

Two of my favorite musical numbers from last night were my son's bassoon solo (yes, I'm biased)

and the number done by our awesome youth...they are so fun, I just love these kids. Enjoy!

Was He A Boy Like Me?

Today at church there was a constant theme about our Savior and the real meaning of CHRISTmas. I really loved the sentiment. As I was going through my Christmas playlist a few weeks ago, I came across this song I absolutely fell in love with. My boys haven't watched Veggie Tales in a long time but at some point I must have bought the soundtrack to the Christmas movie.

This song just makes me smile. I think it's because I can imagine any one of my boys asking the same questions. I even downloaded the music and I'm trying to convince my 10 year old to sing it for me on Christmas Eve...we'll see.

I know it's kind of cheesy, but if you listen to the words, you'll get the message.

Christmas is in the Air...or on the Radio!

I love Christmas music...I have been guilty of playing it in the middle of 100 degree summer days just because. I was looking at my iTunes this morning and I had to giggle at myself for having so many different versions of the same song. I just love so many different styles of music and so many different songs that I apparently think I need all the different versions of a song. I thought I'd make a fun list of some of my favorites...I'll leave you with only 10!


1. Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) - Amy Grant
2. I'll Be Home for Christmas (Military Version) - Josh Groban
3. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - Casting Crowns
4. O Holy Night - Martina McBride
5. Mary, Did You Know? - Erin O'Donnell
6. Santa Clause is Coming to Town - Bruce Springsteen
7. Santa Baby - Michael Buble
8. Baby, It's Cold Outside - Jessica Simpson & Nick Lachey
9. The Christmas Song - Bing Crosby
10. Chipmunks Song - Alvin & The Chipmunks

So what are some of your favorite Christmas songs and who are they sung by? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Piano Man

Last Sunday a friend of ours delivered a piano to our home. They are moving and looking to get rid of weight (gotta love Military moves!). We feel so blessed to have this piano. Michael LOVES music. He has played the bassoon since 6th grade (he is now going into 10th), he taught himself to play the piano and piccolo. Since the bassoon is not a realistic marching band instrument he plays in the Percussion section (known as the PIT) and has learned to play lots of different instruments in there. He has always asked us for piano lessons and we never had the piano to really make it worthwhile.

Well, since last Sunday you can often find him plucking away at these lovely keys.

Here is a video I took today...remember, we have only had this piano for one week...he has had zero lessons...

Zoe has found a comfortable spot...I think she likes his playing too!

iPod About Me

My friend Paula over at Queen of My Castle posted this survey and I thought it looked like fun.

1. Turn on the iPod and select shuffle
2. Use the title of the song for the answer to the 1st question
3. Hit “next” and repeat process until you have answered them all
4. Don't cheat!
5. Tag some of your friends so they'll do the same (not going to tag anyone but I hope that some of you will join in and leave a comment so I can go check it out!)

I selected all my music and you can see I have a rather diverse taste in music.

1. How am I feeling today?
Fake It - Seether
2. How far will I get in life?
Whatever It Takes - Michael Buble
3. What is my best friend’s theme song?
Times Like These - Kid Rock
4. What was high school like?
So What? - Pink
5. How will today be?
Sheena is a Punk Rocker - Ramones from Whip It Soundtrack
6. What is in store for me this weekend?
Peanut Butter Jelly Time - Chip Man (totally needed that chuckle)
7. What is the best thing about me?
For Good - Wicked Soundtrack
8. What song describes my parents?
Lady Marmalade - Moulin Rouge Soundtrack
9. How is my life going?
One Sweet Day - Mariah Carey/Boys II Men
10. What song will they play at my funeral?
Baby, You've Got What It Takes - Michael Buble
11. How does the world see me?
Just a Friend 2002- Mario
12. What do my friends think of me?
Look at Me - Keri Noble
13. Do people secretly think I’m good looking?
Break Even - The Script
14. How can I make myself happy?
Great Escape - Sister Hazel
15. What should I do with my life?
I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
16. What is some good advice?
I'll Sing - Hilary Weeks
17. Will I get married?
Single Ladies - Beyonce (this totally made me laugh)
18. Where will I go in life?
Just a Dream - Carrie Underwood (this gave me chills...really...ugh)
19. Will I Have Kids?
Did My Time - Korn
20. What is my current theme song?
What Are Words - Chris Medina (so true really considering the challenges that Military Families face...actually making a video to this song)