Violin Wrap Up

In between our long hours of sitting around doing "simply nothing", we've also been busy wrapping up activities for the season.  For Leah, last week brought the end of her first year with the Des Moines Youth Symphony.

As with the last fall's concert, the conductor had great and inspiring things to say about setting a goal and working hard to achieve it- if you know you want it, then get the motivation you need to get it!  Make a goal and put your goal into action!  I know Leah didn't always love the practicing, but she never asked to quit and the weekly rehearsal in DSM was just enough to keep her improving as the year went by.  And she loved being part of a group that made such beautiful music.  

The concert was simply fantastic, as always.  It makes me a little nervous about the caliber of school band concerts that we'll be attending next year.  I could sit and listen to these talented young musicians for hours.  It can be harder for the kids to sit still, but Cubebot was a huge help for Noah!

 And it's always a treat to get to sit and snuggle with Daddy.

After the final number (that included a talented young drummer that Emma immediately declared that she "like liked", heaven help me if she's not just like her mother), Adam declared that he would like to start learning how to play the drums in addition to the piano.  So all around, the concert was an uplifting night for all of us, and Leah was rightfully proud of a first season very well done.

We're proud of her too!

This is her carpool buddy.  He is such a sweet and helpful young man, and I've been so grateful to his mom for helping share the ride this year.

And here are the beautiful numbers they performed at this final concert.

Appalachian Hymn, combined with the Preludio (younger) orchestra. 

Dance Scenario, by Del Borgo

Medieval Wars, by Brian Balmages- they also played this at their mid-winter lobby concert.

Beethoven's Finale from 5th Symphony- don't mind Noah's sigh and giggle at the beginning.

And everyone's favorite, combined with the Youth Philharmonic- The Maiden Voyage by Lucas Shogren.