matching tracksuits

The Boy auditioned for (and made) a regional youth orchestra. Try-outs were in May, but his band director from school (the gentleman in the lower left corner of the below picture) is also involved in this orchestra.

"They need low brass," he said. And pulled a few strings. And they opened a rehearsal for him last week. And they were impressed enough to re-open the audition for him.

In one week, he learned the audition pieces and got to where he could play them well. "They're so much harder than what we play at school," he half-complained, half-bragged.

We lose every Sunday as a result, but it's worth it. Plus, we get to go to the Furman campus ever week now for a walk.

At the encouragement of his band director, the Boy went to sit in today with the Greenville Youth Orchestra. "They need low brass," Mr. K. said. "And you've improved so much!"

So the Boy went and sat in today.

And Mr. K., when he arrived, went straight to E to talk to (and presumably encourage) him.

I forgot to post this...

And given how I feel tonight, I just thought posting something positive was the way to go.

E had the chance tonight to have his newly-acquired trombone skills evaluated. We drove to Dorman High School, saw hundreds of other kids who were being evaluated as well,

and made our way to room 9 (actually B117--not sure why they re-numbered the rooms).

The Boy walked in, performed his solo piece perfectly, and walked out with the scoresheet to prove it.

His band director took a picture and told us that students who earn a "Superior" rating must, simply must, go out for ice cream.

"We were ready for the rating," I told Mr. K. "We bought some earlier today!"