festival

I spent this weekend with a bunch of 13 year olds who have songs running through their veins and bursting out the tops of their heads. The Kiwanis Music Festival was the second of two festivals in which Fi and her friends sing every year. Their music teacher, Elaine, was there too, along with their wonderful accompanist, Barry.

Fiona sang in 4 solo categories and also performed in a duet and a group piece. The latter was delightful - "Oh the thinks you can think" from Seussical - a musical based on the stories of Doctor Seuss. She and her friends did well in all of the categories.

The planning and training and organizations leading up to these festivals makes me appreciate the teachers (voice teacher and choreographer) and accompanist. They put in whatever time is required to make sure the kids feel confident to perform. The children who study with our music school stand out for their talent, poise and ability, and their obvious enjoyment of the experience. Most of all, I admire the kids for their hard work, detailed preparation and love of singing and performing. They work with their teacher to choose suitable songs. They attend their lessons and practice at home (together for groups and duets). They decide and prepare what to wear (recital clothing for most categories, costumes for musical theatre). They make sure they have 2 copies of the music book (one for the accompanist, one for the adjudicator). They fill out their entry forms and get entry fee cheques from their parents (followed by cheques for the choreographer and cheques for the accompanist). They know when they need to be at the venue and get up early to go there if necessary. They pack props and water, make-up, hair stuff and whatever else they need. Then they get there and wait while others sing, then they perform. At the end of each category, the adjudicator speaks to all of the performers about their work. She recognizes their strengths and good choices, and gives each one suggestions for how to improve/what to try next/mistakes to correct. The kids listen and learn not only from their own adjudication, but from the commments given to every performer in the category.

It's quite something to think about, and easy to forget that these kids are only 13 years old. They are truly remarkable.

Now festivals are done. Middle school musical and baby show are done. We have only Anne of Green Gables at the end of May, and I still have 2 dresses to sew. No worries, I'll be finished soon. The kids, I suspect, are ready already.

question: how do the kids in your life knock your socks off?

mompoet - I have given up even looking for my socks