The Music of May

May is always a crazy month. It’s beautiful outside, but there is considerable amounts of time spent inside, attending end-of-the-school-year events where we get to celebrate with our kids all the things they have been working so hard to accomplish during the year.

Some of those accomplishments have been music related, which is my favorite. Recently we have enjoyed recitals, choir concerts and a dance festival. And yes, I looked exactly like all the other smitten parents in the room, grinning from ear to ear with parental pride, snapping photos, holding my breath until the very last note, then clapping and cheering with gusto.

The boys just finished up their third and final year of “Let’s Play Music.” This has been an incredible music program that I would highly recommend to parents. Aside from some complaining about practicing now and again, I was amazed by how much my boys consistently enjoyed attending music class every week for three solid years. The “Let’s Play Music” program did a wonderful job of making learning music fun. The boys have learned all kinds of skills without even realizing it.

For this last recital the boys performed a composition they wrote themselves. I was blown away that they could even do such a thing.

Jeffrey was killing it in this opening group number. The kid has zero reservations and totally rocked it out up on stage. Cracked me up!

Jeffrey’s composition was titled “Jumping Bugs.” He played it perfectly! (well, nearly) At the end of his composition all the jumping bugs get smashed to smithereens in one hard slam on the piano keys. There is was always a delighted giggle from Jeffrey each time he practiced this ending. It was no different at the recital. Totally charming, this kid.

I got all teary eyed during Jonathan’s performance. I couldn’t help it. He was TERRIFIED waiting for his turn (the poor kid was last on the program!) I couldn’t blame him for being scared, not only was his composition quite difficult to play, but he had decided to add lyrics to be sung while he played. His song is titled “All Hail The King,” about a lonely king out searching for a wife. It was darling, but he was so scared to sing in front of everyone and told me that he probably wouldn’t add the lyrics at the recital. But he totally did it and you can’t even tell he was nervous! I’ve seriously never been so proud of this kid. He conquered his fears and blew it out of the water! I know it was a great feeling for him too. He reported that having his teacher standing next to him with the microphone helped him to feel calm and brave enough to do it.

We love Miss Sarah and will miss her, just like we miss Miss Melissa who was the boy’s “Let’s Play Music” teacher for the first two years of the program. Two of the sweetest teachers ever! Thanks Melissa and Sarah!

After the boy’s recital was over (sigh of relief) we had even more music to enjoy at MK’s end-of-year choir concert. This was a rambunctious event! Choir is a wildly popular class at the Junior High, mostly because of the choir teacher, Mr. Trevor Manning. He is an incredible and gifted teacher. He was born to do what he does and it shows. I’ve never seen teenagers having so much fun singing on a stage. It was like a party up there.

Mr. Manning doing what he does best. He charms these kids into obedience with his great sense of humor.

It’s obvious that Mary Kate enjoys singing. She really glows up there on stage. The one class she talks about most at home is choir.

The combined girl’s choirs did a final number that was my all-time favorite. They performed a medley from Sister Act. It was fantastic and you could tell the girls were having a blast with it. I was singing and rocking out in the audience because I’ve got some great memories surrounding the music from Sister Act. Great songs!

 
“Throw your hand up and SHOUT! Come on now!”

Here is MK lined up to perform the concert finale. Seated next to her are all her besties…Sarah, Emily, (MK), Ally, and Megan. The boy behind their row (the one with the red bow tie and black suspenders) may or may not be someone of interest to MK. (But you didn’t learn that from me).

My kids were great at supporting each other at their different events…

…and once again Grandma and Grandpa came down to lend their support. It’s been so good to have them home for this kind of thing. The kids love that they come can come now, as do I.

The music concerts are over, but May marches on. Just one more day of school for the boys and one week left for MK. Summer is right around the corner and I’m not even close to ready! My peaceful, quiet days will be a thing of the past.

Help!

*For interested parties, click on the song titles in the post to see the boy’s piano pieces and a snippet from MK’s choir concert.

Lyrics for “All Hail the King.”
 
King: “I’m a King, I need a Queen.
Where to look to find a Queen?”

King: “I need a wife.”
Villagers: “He needs a wife.”

King: “Help me find a wife today.”
Villagers: “Help him find a wife today.”

King: “There’s a pretty girl right there.”
Villagers: “Let’s have a wedding!”