My high school orchestra concert was a week ago Monday - on the 15th. It was a rather ambitious undertaking for several reasons. The logistics of fitting both the Chamber and Concert groups (about 50 kids) on stage with 17 winds, brass, and percussion created quite a bit of people and chair shuffling. Plus, we had to fit a grand piano on the stage for the two solo numbers. Then, Chamber orchestra played the VERY difficult Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber. And, they played two original compositions by two students, which was very exciting. I was very happy with how the evening went. Tuesday afternoon, on the 23rd, eight of my RBHS kids took time from their holiday break and played Christmas carols for the Candlelight Lodge Christmas party. One of the parents took photos and I will post them as soon as he sends them to me. I have the greatest students! What a fantastic job I have.
After the concert, the rest of the last week's teaching duties were pretty low key. At home, I baked loaves of bread, wrapped gifts, and wrote cards. The RTO performed at nursing home complex Saturday afternoon - we played our Christmas carols twice - first at the Alzheimer's facility and again at the assisted living building. By the end of the second performance, Steve's embouchure was shot, poor guy. Good thing we didn't have a third gig! Afterward, most of us drove to the home of one of our violinists for a potluck. It was really nice to get to visit with everyone since we never linger after rehearsals to chat.
On Sunday, Suzanne and Tamara Kitchen and I played O Holy Night for Columbia Ward in the morning and Bear Creek Ward in the afternoon. I also sang with the Bear Creek Ward Choir. Lots of music in both meetings and good talks, too. It was a nice way to spend the Sunday before Christmas.
On Friday, the 19th, Sarah drove to Kansas City to pick up Kirsti and Ryan from the airport. They are here through Saturday and we have been having a good time with them. Steve took Monday and Tuesday off and we went up to Amish country Monday afternoon.
Kirsti and Ryan helped decorate a gluten-free cookie house Monday morning.
Tuesday morning, the four of us had breakfast at Bob Evans and we were served by the BEST SERVER IN THE WORLD (thanks, Sarah).
Steve and I have been doing assorted errands but we are trying to keep up with our morning routine - most importantly, walking the dogs.
We got a skiff of snow last Thursday and here are some photos from that morning walk
That is our home in the distance.
Have a Merry Christmas, tomorrow!
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