Today was Solo Fest! The way Solo Fest works is that Kayla’s band director let her choose a piece of music many months ago to prepare. She had a choice of “The Entertainer” or “Pachelbel’s Canon”. She thought the canon looked trickier with the 16th notes (she is thinking of trying that next year), so she chose “The Entertainer”. She had two rehearsals with a piano accompanist, and then she faces the judge in a room. She performs both the piece and two scales of the judge’s choosing appropriate to her level in band. He had her play a concert E flat scale and a chromatic scale. The judges have a rubric sheet with various categories including tempo, dynamics, appropriate dress, etc.. When she was done playing, he called her over to his desk, where he gave her some positive feedback and then asked her to try a few things for him, like tonguing her notes better. Here is Kayla before her performance:
And here is her performance:
And then we had to wait. Kayla’s judge seemed to be a “sheet hoarder”. He did not send down results very often for posting like other judges. But finally, the results were in! And…..
It’s a little blurry, but here is the proof!
We went for a celebratory lunch at Jimmy John’s. Kayla ate almost an entire slim 6 by herself, plus Thinny chips and 1/4 pickle! She was so excited and hungry after the event. Ashley did about the same to her slim 6, although she only ate about half.
After we got home, we sent the girls outside to play in the snow. They had a really good time spending about 2 hours out there building things, like the fort up against the neighbor’s fence. I have a soaking pile of snow pants and coats here! But I also have two worn out kids with bellies full of minty hot cocoa who are playing a little Wii.
Poor daddy…..he just wanted to see what they were doing…..
And last but not least, this picture speaks for itself.
Go Kayla!! I know we talked on the phone, but we got interrupted by a cranky little man! 🙂 Your performance was awesome and definitely deserved the gold!
Ashley, you are a little hammy ham ham.
Congratulations, Kayla!! I had no doubt you would get a gold! You work so hard and you performed so well, I am so proud of you! I wanted so much to be there, but Grampa Dusty was too sick today for me to leave him home alone. I am so glad that Mommy posted a video of you playing.
What a cool fort you girls made! The serpent is also cool. Great shot getting Daddy, Ashley! It looks like you had a lot of fun today.
Gizmo listened to the videos, and couldn’t figure out why he couldn’t find you both!! 🙂
Love and hugs,
Gramma
YAY Kayla!!!! (That is what Brendan would say!)
I am out of breath just watching the video of your performance. It sounds like that was a tough song, and you played it very well! I am glad you called me today so I didn’t have to wait for the results all day!
Your snow fort is awesome and I wish I could lounge in there with you (except for I would freeze). I loved the ambush of the Dad, your cute tiger hats that I am sure your mom made, and the serpent too!
Ashley, you are a goofball and it is awesome. I think the blog needs an updated hamster dance video of you. I still love to watch the one from a few years ago!!
Good morning from the East Cost!! Kayla!! Kudos to you!!! 🙂 I played clarinet and know just how difficult that performance was!! Way to go!! Ashley, I have tried to play piano, it seems that my brain can only play one note at a time…kudos to you too on your accomplishments!! 🙂 All our snow has melted….I miss making snow angels and snowmen 🙁 . So, who won the snowball fight? Looks like Dad was outnumbered!! Just love reading your blogs!! Hugs, kisses and lots of love!! 🙂