Jam sessions

Some of our laid back days of autumn.

While Jill was visiting we had many a musical jam session.  

She also taught us to make pepper jelly.  mmmm...we're all hooked.  We sent Miles to get crackers but he couldn't find any in the store... as in he couldn't find them.. not that they didn't have any.  We did eventually procure some crackers however these days we discovered that they're really yummy on cucumber slices!  We also mixed a softened cream cheese and a jar of jelly together and it was a great veggie dip. 

He blew it!

SNL (Saturday Night Live at the Retirement Center) just isn't the same since Miles left. 

Liam has been playing the guitar more than the fiddle.  

We needed to make our continued attendance have a purpose.  Beyond them needing me to provide a goody and hand out the food and drinks at the end.  So we opted to have the boys learn some music to offer.

Duncan has been playing the harmonica and has learned some chords on the ukelele.  Whittaker with his buddy Colt have been playing the Autoharp.  

Emerson took longer to find his niche.  He brought rhythm sticks... Maraca shakers... a homemade drum... a tambourine... he even brought some jingle bells to the Christmas singalong.  But the instrument that has made him a spot in the band was his train whistle.  Once 'Treva' (band leader?) heard that, she had him come right on up to the front.  

Signore Russo

Once a name settles upon an instrument it is customary to let the name sink in... swirl around in the minds for a time.  Let it become one and infiltrate the lives around it. 

This happened with Signore Russo.

His essence became intrinsically embedded into our hearts and souls.

Then we became friends.

As friends... we decided to have a makeover party.

We began with some subtle, but still debonair ensembles.

Then we moved onto to some character, flair pieces.  Every wardrobe should consist of that gem that shows off a little personality.

Obviously, we had to be prepared for outdoor endeavors.  Both summer and winter gear protection is vital.

But then...

He was unstoppable!

He went rogue!

Who knew he had such a wild side!  Gangsta Russo!

I could tell he had a great time.

Signore Russo, you were delightful.  Come again!

Herr Otto was with us in spirit, since Miles' dear friend, Johnny Daniels was already here for Esther to utilize.  

Perhaps next visit we will have the opportunity to become more intimately acquainted with Herr Otto as well.  

Come again!.. have I said that already?  

Well it bears repeating.

Last man standing

The end of the year band concert was a culmination of 8 different bands from local elementary schools.  What an incredible experience for the boys.  They loved playing in a really big band.  They played a selection of 10 songs that they had worked on throughout the year.  They also had a have you increased your lung capacity contest.  All the children were told to stand.  They were to start at the same time and play one long continuous note until they couldn't hold it any longer and then sit down.  The last man standing would be the biggest breather winner!  (The drummers were excluded from the contest!)  Miles on the clarinet,  and his friend Ellis on the Saxophone, and a lone trumpet were the final three, but eventually the trumpet and then the saxophone sat down and Miles was left .... the last man standing, with a face as bright as a beet, exhausted but very pleased with himself!

We took a few photos of the event and caught a few of our favourites songs on video.  But just to be clear, Duncan was there the entire time... the shortest trumpet player in the back row didn't bode well for photos.

Easter is for blowing on Horns of Triumph!

 

 Easter morning we blew the horns of triumph... poorly I might add.  (Definite practice is needed!)

Knowing of the new found love of music and Miles desire to try out almost every instrument ever created, Grandma arranged for a beginner Trombone to be available.  It was an instant favourite amongst everyone.  Caleb and Miles are often vying for some mouthpiece time.  It is by far the 'loudest' of the instruments in our collection.  Daddy impressed everyone with his ability to be able to play Reveille and Taps on both the trumpet and the trombone.  Who knew he had such a hidden talent?!?  

The day wasn't complete without attending a live orchestra playing beautiful strains of Halleluiah at the First Presbyterian's Easter Concert.  On the drive home, Miles said, 'It was amazing!' about a hundred times.  The concert even kept him up past his 8pm bedtime and he said he didn't mind because.... 'It was amazing!'.  As we arrived home, we walked in the house and before Miles could say a word, we all said to Patrick, 'Don't ask Miles how the concert was!!'  (Daddy had stayed home with Emerson)  Patrick caught on quickly and asked, 'So... was it 'amazing?'  Miles definitely appreciates musical talent.  He spent much of the first song pointing out all the instruments in the orchestra and telling me as much trivia about them that he knew. 

Whittaker was most struck with the beautiful windows.  I wish I had taken a photo earlier during the intermission while the suns rays were pouring through.  They were glorious.  It was unfortunate to see that most of the pews in this lovely cathedral sat empty for such a lovely concert.   We sat in the loft seats at the children's request and enjoyed a perfect view.

 I think it may become a regular part of our Easter celebration.  We had spent a portion of each day during the week leading up to Easter studying the final week of Christ's life.  Easter Sunday was all the more meaningful because of it.