Band Contest

Austin had a band contest this morning. Every year they have a day when kids in 5th-8th grade perform and see what rating they get. 3 is the worst. 1+ is the best. Austin is very talented at his trumpet and he takes pride in that.

Last year, he was stuck with a group of "dinks" who not only didn't practice, but couldn't care less how they did. They squeaked and squawked their way through the performance and Austin was near tears by the time they were done. He was so embarassed to be a part of that group. Thankfully the judge was great. She wanted to know who was the problem and who wasn't, so she had each one play a part of their song individually. Austin sailed through his and of course the others struggled. Their group ended up with a 2-, but the judge did tell Austin she wished she could give individual awards because he deserved much higher.

This year Austin was put with a MUCH better group. They were a group of 2 seventh graders and 2 eighth graders. The other eighth grader is a very good friend of Austin's and one of the 7th graders shows pigs with us at the fairs and we are good friends with their family, so he was so much happier this year.

I have no idea of the name of the song, but I do have to admit I was really nervous. The group consisted of 3 trombones and 1 trumpet, and yes, Austin was that one lonely trumpet. I kept thinking "Holy cow, talk about pressure! If the trumpet screws up, the judge is going to know it was you buddy." I should have known I didn't need to worry. Austin did great. The whole group did great! I stood there in the corner watching my little boy and I realized he's not my little boy anymore. He's growing into such a great young man, and I'm so proud of him.

When they finished, even the judge applauded, which is rare. Normally the judge won't tell you what you've earned, you wait until it's posted, but the judge gave a thumbs up and said 1+++. Of course, you can't go higher than a 1+, but it was sweet of her to recognize them in that way to let them know she knew they had worked hard.

It was kind of sad when it was over. That is our very last middle school band contest we will ever have a child competing in. We've been coming to these things for 8 yrs and now that chapter is over.

The only "disappointment" I had was that Austin forgot to tuck in his shirt. I tried and tried to get him to do it at home, but he kept saying "Mom, I'll do it when we get there." Uh yea, looks like that didn't happen. It's not required, but judges do prefer it.

Here's a couple of pictures: