The Dinner Concert can be a longer event of sorts, but if you have more than one child in band/chorus, it somewhat works out nice to have them all play, though at different times, but on the same evening at the same place. Throughout the year, each of the schools (elementary, middle, and high) will host their specific concerts in the High School Auditorium. While those seats are certainly more comfortable and accommodating than the traditional gymnasium bleachers, the view isn’t as good. So in March, the Music League puts together a “Dinner Concert”, each of the schools performing within a four hour time block, all while dinner and ice cream are available. Tonight was the first time we bought dinner tickets, and I’m glad we did – we’ll be doing that every year hereafter.
We have three in band and 2 in chorus this year, and each in a different school. Morgan played clarinet from 4th grade to 10th, and so has passed on his instrument to Gabriel.
First up was Gabriel with 4th Grade Band & Chorus. This is his first year playing the clarinet (Gabriel sincerely seems honored that it used to be Morgan’s). He seemed to pick it up rather quickly, and I am sure it’s because he’s in his third year of playing piano.
If you can’t tell by his smile, he was really looking forward to this first clarinet performance though he did admit to being a little nervous. They played “Bugler’s Dream” (aka the Olympics song), Simple Gifts, and Homework Blues.
Here’s a sample of “Bugler’s Dream”…
After the band performance, he participated in chorus. One of the songs they sang included some signing and that was really cute. He says he’s not interested in continuing with chorus next year, but I was glad to see him try it out for the year.
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Tyler has played Trumpet since the 4th grade and is now a Junior in High School. He enjoys it and has learned and played well over the years. All of his teachers have been super, as they’ve also been Morgan’s, Gabriels’, and Christians’ teachers as well. I’m really thankful for all of their instruction and patience and leading.
I am really thankful for Tyler playing trumpet because it has allowed me to appreciate how cool it sounds, and to now be able to hear it in so many different types of music but especially in R&B/Dance. Where I feel like I missed it many times, the sounds of the trumpets playing often sounds new, even in music that I’ve listened to time and time again. It really really gives me joy – thanks Tyler!
In concert band, they played a “Temptations Medley” (Get Ready, Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone, and My Girl), and “Blues Brothers Medley”, a “Blues Brothers Medley, and here’s a snippet of the their version of the “Olympics” song…
Since 7th grade, Tyler has also been in Jazz Band. They really do some fun stuff, and it’s been great to see him grow in both. They played “Everything”, “Let the Sky Fall”, “Jazz Police”, and here’s a short sample of the song, “The Bare Necessities”…
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Christian has played saxophone for 3 years now – in concert band, and the last two years also in Jazz band. He’s also been in Chorus the last few years, but he says this will be his last. I’m ok with that, especially since I can’t tell you that it doesn’t matter where I sit in the audience, I feel like I am always having to shoot around a microphone when he sings!
Concert band played a “Lion King Medley” (“Circle of Life” and “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King”), “The Hall of the Mountain King”, and here’s a bit of the “Magnificent Seven” (which if you don’t know it, you’ll probably recognize it when you hear it)…
Last year he was invited to try out and then to play for Jazz Band in 6th grade, even though it’s primarily 7th and 8th graders. I’m thankful that playing piano since Kindergarten likely helped make that possible for him. I think both of those instruments fit his personality well.
They played a “Disco Lives” medley (, “I will Survive” and “YMCA”), and “Come Sail Away” (yes, feeling old now!).
And, after many years that Steve and I have been waiting for somebody to get a solo, Christian came through with a small solo part in “Birdland” (right in the beginning, from 0:03 – 0:08)…
The boys all did a great job, and many thanks to their teachers for that. I wish I could say that I’ve done my part, but other than being supportive and helpful getting them to practices and things like that, it’s their teachers’ patience and instruction that has helped them play so well. And the school has a great program – thankful for them too, in giving the opportunity. Thankful finally to God for their musical abilities!
I missed seeing Morgan there too, but his clarinet lived on through Gabe. 😉
