Benjamin at FitzGerald's Nightclub

Never thought that my son, Benjamin, would attend a nightclub, let alone at such a young age. The interesting thing is that it was required for him to attend. He is a part of the Jefferson Junior High School Jazz Band and today they had a required performance at FitzGerald's Nightclub in Berwyn, IL.

From what I understand, this is a well-known place and a wonderful opportunity for their group to be playing there. Normally we wouldn't be doing something like this, but since it is for school, he attended.

The last two sessions of General Conference were today and he and Clinton were able to get most of it. They left the last hour of the second session to head out and be there early enough before they were to perform. Following their performance, the Chicago Grandstand Big Band performed for everyone. I'm sure it was enjoyed by all. I'm glad he has opportunities like this to listen to great performers. His old band instructor from Meadowview Elementary School, Mr. Payne, performed twice in the Chicago Grandstand Big Band and his current band instructor from Jefferson Junior High School, Mr. Carlson, performed once. His performance was actually a solo. Such great talent. I wish I could have been there to see it and to hear it, but I stayed with the other kids at home. I had a good night at home, too.

Everyone is "In the Mood"

Attended another great band concert last night, this one was for Benjamin. This picture is of the Jazz group performing first. They were followed by the 7th grade band and then the 8th grade band.

The songs that the Jazz band played were "Caravan", "Blue Trane", and "In the Mood". I hadn't heard Benjamin play this song before, but once they played it, it was very familiar. It's a very popular song.

Benjamin and the 7th grade band played,"Matrix March", "Sakura", and "Calypso Bay." The 8th grade band played, "Prelude and Dance", "Superheroes R Us", and "Black Wolf Run". The "Superheroes R Us" song was pretty funny. Without the band knowing, Mr. Carlson had arranged kids from the 7th grade band to dress up as the superheroes they were playing about - it was comical. They had Superman, James Bond, Batman and Robin, and Austin Powers. The person who played Austin Powers was Ethan Kinnear. We sat near Ethan's mom and she had no idea her son was going to be dressed up like someone else during the concert. It was funny to see how shocked she was at seeing her son. He's a great kid!

It sure is fun to watch my Benjamin play and listen to his music. I'm so proud of what he can do.

"Old MacDonald Had a Band"

Yes, "Old MacDonald Had a Band" and Anna was a part of it. Tonight was Anna's second band concert. This is her first year participating in band and she plays the flute. The concert started off with "When the Saints Go Marching In", followed by "Old MacDonald Had a Band", then "Ode to Joy", and finally, "Jasmine Flower". I knew the first two songs and I love it when some songs are familiar so in my head I can sing along while they play.

I'm impressed that my kids are participating in band and playing instruments. I know I learned the recorder when I was young and both Benjamin and Anna learned how to play it in 4th grade. I believe I learned to play the clarinet for a short period, but I don't rightly recall. I'm hoping Benjamin and Anna stick with it to make a difference in their life. As the other kids get older, I hope they choose to play an instrument, too.

I envy them and their ability to play. If I had the time (or made the time), I would love to learn to play the piano and the guitar. Maybe someday I will make it happen, but for now, I take joy in watching and listening to the talents of my children. Way to go, Anna, you did great!

Benjamin is "In the Mood"

Benjamin performed at the Downers Grove South (DGS) Jazz Café tonight. Downers Grove South High School sponsored the event. There were three different Jazz groups from their school which performed as well as four junior high/middle schools (Lakeview JHS, O'Neill Middle School, Eisenhower JHS, and Jefferson JHS - which is Benjamin's school). I wasn't able to attend due to a Jefferson JHS meeting, but from past performances and concerts that I have attended, I know they did well.

Benjamin started band in 5th grade and plays the trumpet. It is actually Clinton's trumpet that he used in band growing up and played it for 7 years. Now that Benjamin is in junior high, he attends Band daily as a class instead of as an early morning extracurricular event. He does, however, attend Jazz Band Tuesday and Thursday mornings as an extracurricular event. He loves it! Although the Jazz band performs when the normal band performs at concerts, Mr. Carlson provides additional fun opportunities for Jazz band. They have their own special performances like tonight and performing at 8th grade graduation (so I am told), go out for breakfast across the street to McDonald's during their early morning practice occasional, and order pizza and watch a movie after school on a Friday. Although the students have to pay for their own food, I like that they receive more socialization outside of their practices.

Benjamin performed "Caravan" by Duke Ellington, "Blue Trane" by John Coltrane, and "In the Mood" by Joe Garland. Each song was arranged by Michael Sweeney. The song, "In the Mood" is Benjamin's favorite.