Pit Orchestra practice started in March, just two nights a week for two hours.
April's practices got a little more intense, beginning at 4:00 and ending sometime after 8:30. The 4pm start gave them time to get homework done, the late end time meant that they ate dinner at school. I started packing CJ second lunch so that he had something to eat before practice because he eats lunch before 10:30am!
Even though he arrives home exhausted each night he is enjoying every the experience.
On Wednesday they performed a couple of scenes for the students at four different times throughout the day. This meant that CJ spent more time with his clarinet and bass clarinet than he did with his teachers. Then he went to practice!
Thursday night was the first performance and it was nice to see CJ come home after school. He had about an hour of downtime then it was dinner and back to school. Once again he came home excited to be a part of the performance.
Friday night's arrival home was a little more subdued, he was really tired and was looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday.
After a good night's rest CJ was ready for another performance.
Note the look of confidence!
Steve and I were in the audience for Saturday's performance and what a performance it was. The pit played more than 2 hours of music and it all sounded amazing. The actors were just as amazing, they sang, danced, made us laugh and cry. It was hard to believe that these were teenagers. My favorite was the ever smiling LaFou, Grayson you made me smile all night!
Sunday's matinee concluded the run. CJ is glad to be home and is looking forward to a quiet week. He is also looking forward to doing it all again next year!
I am so very proud of all CJ has accomplished in the past month and a half. At first the music seemed daunting. He practiced and practiced, even asking his cello teacher for help. And in the end the hard work paid off. Way to go CJ, you are a great kid.
I echo your "Way to go CJ. You are a great kid."
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