It was a week of concerts last week, and we all survived. Nate had his school-wide concert first, with his cadet band playing -- these are the kids who took band as an elective as part of their school day, and although it was mostly 6th graders, they sounded great. Julie played at Burton Valley Elementary next as part of the strings group that plays twice a week at Burton Valley Elementary. They sounded wonderful as well -- a huge improvement from the year before. Perhaps the highlight (at least for the 4th graders who came in to listen) was the "Star Wars" theme. Finally, we baked cupcakes and brought Snapples to the Stanley Middle School "Jazz Cafe", which is the year-end fund-raiser, and open to the general public, at Stanley Middle School. The Cafe featured the middle school jazz bands, two high school jazz bands, and a few guest musicians (including a guy nominated for a Grammy). The students, which have been split up into two jazz groups, have met in the morning year-round as a voluntary activity before school. Nate has ridden his bike to school twice a week, sometimes in rain and dark, to be a part of it, and the final concert was a huge demonstration of their incredible talent, and to the dedication of the band director, Bob Athayde. No wonder this group has been ranked third-best middle school jazz program in the entire country. Good job Nate and Julie, we couldn't be prouder!
