When the sixth grade band first picked up their instruments in September, everyone had their eyes on the prize: Their first ever concert in December!
That time has come. All the practicing. All the hours of band class. All the work, all the worry. And at last, it was time for the annual Christmas Concert. This is an evening where the middle school band as well as the high school band performs several holiday songs for the audience. Raffle tickets are sold as fund-raising efforts for the band. Cookies are sold as part of the fund-rasier too. But most of all, it's an evening of fun and excitement, particulary for the sixth graders as this is their first time showing off all their hard work.
On the day of the concert the kids were all SO excited. Benny was ready to leave the house way, way early. We finally went ahead and left quite a bit early and dropped him off at the band room, then found a seat in the front row of the gym.
It's good we did, because soon the gym was filled to capacity.
The middle school band went first. They played "Jingle Bells," "Jolly Old St. Nick," and "Up On the Rooftop." They were so good!
And so proud! They had round after round of thunderous applause after each song.
When they finished, you could see the relief on their faces. And you could still see so much pride. They had every reason to be proud, too. It was a job very well done!
After they finished, the high school band played several songs. They were outstanding!
At the very end, there was a surprise appearance by SANTA!!
Santa made the rounds, and the middle school kids jumped up and down with excitement when he came their way. It was so fun. Santa also walked around the gym and poked and waved at all the tiny children staring in amazement.
It may be a coincidence, but Santa looks a lot like the man who coached Sam's soccer team two years ago. Hmm. Oddly, he also looks like the man who had been running the snack bar earlier.
But I'm sure that's just one of those strange things you can't explain.
Meanwhile, I cannot WAIT til the next concert. And next December, this will definitely be one of the highlights. I see a new holiday tradition to look forward to---the annual Gilmer Band Christmas Concert!
Yey!!
Yey!!
