Update 3/3: Christmas Concerts

Christmas Concerts:

Conducting the 7th-9th grade band.

I survived my first Christmas concerts as band director! 

My kids did a decent job…I must admit I was nervous about how it would sound. Thursday evening, after just two combined practices, the 7^th, 8^th and 9^th grade bands played together for the concert, which put a twist on things. The 7^th grade struggled to get one song ready, the 8^th graders could play if they focused long enough to do so, and the 9^th graders are a small group whose positive attitudes far outweigh their musical skills as a whole group. The whole band started out the concert with “Do You Hear What I Hear?”.  Later, the 9^th graders (4 flutes, 2 clarinets and 4 trumpets) played “What Child Is This?” which I arranged for that specific combination of instruments. The 8^th and 9^th also played “Carol of the Bells,” a song they really like. Along with the band, the guitars, bells, strings, and choir performed.

My roommates and I are wondering, "Where did baby Jesus go??"

Friday evening was the elementary concert, and I conducted the 6^th grade band. We played “Joy to the World” three times to give each of the drummers a chance to play. 

Susanna, the strings and choir teacher, and I with the city lights of Tegucigalpa behind us.

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.'" ~Luke 2:13-14