Homeschool Band

Our homeschooling children have the wonderful opportunity of participating in a band here in the Northwest. The Scribbler has always been musical, playing piano and violin for several years. I wanted her to try the band so she could have a group experience which is so different from playing solo. She only had interest in percussion so that is what she plays. Farmer Girl started out on trumpet, but due to her wide mouth :), our band director thought she would do better on trombone. He was right. She is doing well and enjoying it too. We started nearly two years ago and have had some wonderful experiences. We have the benefit of beginner, intermediate, and advanced band as well as beginning jazz and advanced jazz (the jazz band won an award at a prestigious festival a few years ago--the first time a homeschooling band had ever won!) The Scribbler has been playing in intermediate and advanced this year and recently was recruited to play as lone percussionist in beginning jazz, much to her chagrin. Farmer Girl has also been recruited to play there too. One day after band while packing up she was told not to put away her trombone, but to come to jazz band. She came home all in a dither, telling me she had been put in jazz band. She thought I would call the director and correct his "mistake". Instead I congratulated her on her advancement. NOT the reply she was expecting! She all ready likes it and the fun music they get to play. Another perk is the opportunity to play at "gigs" and to attend Jazz Fests to compete.
Many members of our band recently helped out the local High School Symphony by participating in their performances. (They were lacking in woodwinds and brass.) We were glad to help out and the symphony was grateful for our assistance. Those who joined were also able to travel to New York City to perform in Carnegie Hall! Before departing, our homeschooling band and the symphony had a concert for all of us who could not get to NYC for the performance. It was simply amazing. It was a wonderful venue (we usually perform for smaller audiences and in smaller locations) that gave us some increased exposure. We had never played for over 600 people! I think many of the attendees not familiar with homeschoolers and homeschooling were actually surprised we could play so well.
In April, all of our bands attended a Homeschool Music Festival that was adjudicated (that means it was judged and then they told us what we did wrong and what we did right). It is really fun to hear the judges as well as the other bands that come from around the state. The judges are always very impressed with our performance. Afterwards, the various jazz bands performed at a local grange for a swing dance. It was so much fun. There was a lady who taught East Coast Swing to all the kids (and their parents). The best part of it, was seeing this wonderful group of kids come together in a safe environment for dancing. There were no dimmed lights, drinking or close dancing and inappropriate behaviour. Everyone danced-all ages-and had a great time.

We feel so blessed to have this band here and a very dedicated band director who GIVES wholeheartedly of his time and energy.