Tonight was Hillary's school music program. Her elementary school held its spring program at the high school where Susan teaches so they could take advantage of the space in the auditorium. And they needed it! That place was quite full. Grades kindergarten through six participated in the program, so imagine the number of parents, siblings, grandparents, neighbors, and random others who came to represent. Even though each grade has low numbers in its classes, the stage was packed when all grades assembled for the "big numbers," and all those kids had people in the auditorium watching them and taking their photographs.
Tonight was also a dance class night for all three of our girls, making complicated the task of feeding the girls supper at different times, getting them to and from dance class at different times, getting Hillary to the program early, and getting the others changed and to the program on time. I picked up Suzanna and Abigail from dance and drove them home to change clothes and fix their hair. I walked with them the four-house distance from our home to the high school, and we made it just a minute or two before the program began.
And what a beginning it was. The fifth and sixth grade bands started things off. Oof. Shall we call them "emerging musicians"? If they keep at it long enough, I'm sure they will develop not only ability with their instruments but also (one hopes) some basic level of musicality in general. Thereafter different grades took turns on stage singing a song or two at a time. When it was their time to be on stage, the kindergarteners sang "A Child's Prayer" (for which they needed to wear a bathrobe and carry a teddy bear) and "I'm a Little Teapot" (a cute version that ends with their impersonating sugar bowls--you'll have to ask me about it). They returned at the end to join all other grades in singing "We Appreciate You." The whole thing--about 20 songs--took about an hour.
Afterward we all remained in our seats while the principal, Sister Dorothy, introduced a local police officer, who explained the new parking policy on the streets surrounding the school (to facilitate pick-up and drop-off of children--and prevent double-parking--by prohibiting parking on the streets before and after school). Then we all filed into the cafeteria for a snack: our choice of a strawberry or chocolate ice cream cup, which we brought to a table upon which lay a plate of pretzels. Teachers brought around pitchers of lemonade or coffee to the tables, too.
In stark contrast to the instrumentalists, the vocalists were quite good on every song, and it was an enjoyable program with which Hillary was happy and of which she was proud. Perhaps you were not in attendance? Then please enjoy the sample of photos that follow.
P.S. I laughed when reading one of Abigail's assignments this week. She brought home a sheet on which one of the instructions said, "Write a sentence using the word 'weirdest.'" Abigail's response: "Hillary is the weirdest little sister I will ever have."
Tonight was also a dance class night for all three of our girls, making complicated the task of feeding the girls supper at different times, getting them to and from dance class at different times, getting Hillary to the program early, and getting the others changed and to the program on time. I picked up Suzanna and Abigail from dance and drove them home to change clothes and fix their hair. I walked with them the four-house distance from our home to the high school, and we made it just a minute or two before the program began.
And what a beginning it was. The fifth and sixth grade bands started things off. Oof. Shall we call them "emerging musicians"? If they keep at it long enough, I'm sure they will develop not only ability with their instruments but also (one hopes) some basic level of musicality in general. Thereafter different grades took turns on stage singing a song or two at a time. When it was their time to be on stage, the kindergarteners sang "A Child's Prayer" (for which they needed to wear a bathrobe and carry a teddy bear) and "I'm a Little Teapot" (a cute version that ends with their impersonating sugar bowls--you'll have to ask me about it). They returned at the end to join all other grades in singing "We Appreciate You." The whole thing--about 20 songs--took about an hour.
Afterward we all remained in our seats while the principal, Sister Dorothy, introduced a local police officer, who explained the new parking policy on the streets surrounding the school (to facilitate pick-up and drop-off of children--and prevent double-parking--by prohibiting parking on the streets before and after school). Then we all filed into the cafeteria for a snack: our choice of a strawberry or chocolate ice cream cup, which we brought to a table upon which lay a plate of pretzels. Teachers brought around pitchers of lemonade or coffee to the tables, too.
In stark contrast to the instrumentalists, the vocalists were quite good on every song, and it was an enjoyable program with which Hillary was happy and of which she was proud. Perhaps you were not in attendance? Then please enjoy the sample of photos that follow.
P.S. I laughed when reading one of Abigail's assignments this week. She brought home a sheet on which one of the instructions said, "Write a sentence using the word 'weirdest.'" Abigail's response: "Hillary is the weirdest little sister I will ever have."
Lest we should forget what we were attending.
All the kids assembled for the opening group choral number (the first vocal number following the instrumental disast--I mean, instrumental portion of the night).
Can you spot Hillary in the crowd?
Here's a hint: She's on one of the ends.
Does this help you to find her?
Okay, okay . . . here she is!
Vogue! Strike a pose! (Any Madonna fans out there? Anyone? No?)
Attitude!
Back in street clothes for the closing number.
Hillary enjoys her snack while seated next to dear ol' Dad.
Wow...this brings back some music program memories from 4th-6th grades. And Mrs. Davis....bless her for all the work she did!
ReplyDeleteKevin, nice comments on the performance....naughty brother!
Hillary is cute as always......;)
Hillary, you look BEAUTIFUL. I am very proud of you for the excellent performance. I'm also glad that you've listened to your mom and remembered to pull your dress down over your knees when you were sitting on the edge of the stage. Just goes to show what a smart young lady you are growing into! I MISS YOU!
ReplyDeleteCafey Picer
Sandy: Moi? Naughty?!
ReplyDeleteCathy: Yes, Susan and I did a simultaneous sigh of relief when Hillary--who at first sat down with her panties visible to the world--caught herself and pulled her hem down over her knees to limit ocular access to her nether garments. She has learned something, at least.