A Girl and her Trumpet - Winter 2014

I wanted to share what happened this weekend.  It was all about Callie!!  Earlier this year, Callie was selected by her band teacher to submit a tape of her playing her trumpet to the NHBDA (New Hampshire Band Directors Association) to try out to be a part of the 2014 Middle Level Honors Festival.  Callie practiced and practiced and practiced.  We then met with Miss Saranita (her old band teacher) for some guidance and help on her music.  Then Callie practiced, practiced and practiced some more.  Then we met with Miss Saranita again to tape her playing scales and her music.  Then we waited.......

We finally heard back that Callie made it into the festival as part of the Trumpet Choir.  From what I understand there were 60 trumpeters that tried out and they took 25.  She was ranked about 15 out of the 25.  The top 13 were asked to be part of the concert band.  Callie at first was disappointed that she was not a part of the band but she found that being a part of the trumpet choir she got more playing time and guidance as there weren't nearly as many students as in the band. 

The festival took place this past Friday at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH.  Callie and some of her fellow band friends (13 Merrimack Middle School band students were asked to be a part of this) spent all day at Pinkerton working with some of the great band directors in this area.  Callie really enjoyed the director of the trumpet choir and learned a lot about other kinds of trumpets.  So after playing all day and practicing music with other trumpeters in the state, they put on a concert at 7pm.  Callie had two other trumpet friends from Merrimack in the trumpet choir with her but made a new friend from another school who they discovered had some friends in common and played soccer against each other last Fall.

Emily and I went to the concert and enjoyed some great music!!  We first watched a Flute choir which was amazing as many of you know I love the Flute!!!  Then the Trumpet Choir came out!!  I was so proud to see Callie Girl up on that stage.  It took place in a beautiful theater that was packed!  The music was fun and sounded awesome!  The best surprise of all was when Callie did a solo in The Saints Go Marching In.  No, I didn't know she was going to do a solo so I did not get a picture or a video.  I have already ordered the DVD of the whole concert!  Unfortunately, Todd missed the concert due to work travel but will be able to watch it!!

After the trumpets came the Saxophone Ensemble.  Again a great performance.  We then had the pleasure of watching and listening to the concert band.  They were amazing!  To think that these kids had never played together before and never under the leadership of the director not to mention the director didn't know any of these kids.  And they all did it in a days work!!

We got home about 10pm and Callie was beyond exhausted!!!  She slept 10 hours and woke up still tried but there was no rest for the weary as she had to get ready for another event.  Yesterday was the Large Group Festival for the entire Merrimack Middle School Band.  I went to listed to them play and they were amazing!!  After performing three songs, one of which they made it sound like a locomotive was about to come barging into the building, they had to go sight read a piece of music and then play it for the judges.  I am happy to say they got a grade of an A for the event from the judges!!!  Way to go Merrimack Middle School Band!!  Below are some pictures that capture a bit of the past two days in Callie's world!

 

 The 13 Merrimack students that participated in the 2014 Middle Level Honors Festival

Pinkerton Academy, Derry, NH

 Callie taking a "selfie" with the group and Miss Saranita.

 Another "selfie" with Mrs. Levine, Miss Saranita and the group of students.

 

 My favorite picture of the night!  Callie with two amazing women, Mrs. Levine (current band director) and Miss Saranita!

None of this could have happened without the two of them!!

(side note: Mrs. Levine graduated from Ohio State. May have been there the same time as Jason.)

 

 The next day at Large Group.  Callie with two of her favorite friends!

Alicia, Callie and Kait

All three play trumpet and soccer together!

More trumpet players!

Sarah, Alicia, Callie, Kait and Brianna.

 

 



Merrimack Middle School Band trying to figure out if there is enough seats for everyone.

Nope, there wasn't.  Had to bring in a few more. 

If you look closely you can see Callie standing to the right of Mrs. Levine.

(I think if  you click on the picture you can view it as a larger pic)

And there you have it:

Merrimack Middle School Concert Band

 

 

Callie and her friends, Alicia and Kait, ended last night with a sleepover and pig out session while watching a movie.  Love these girlies and glad they could all be here for the night.

 

Meanwhile............Todd is traveling for work and Emily attended the Merrimack High School basketball championship game at UNH in Durham, NH on Saturday.  Sadly Merrimack lost by two shots but a good season nonetheless.

 

On another note.......Will our snow ever melt?????