Nick's First Concert

Nick started playing clarinet in the 5th grade beginning band this year. And he and his bandmates recently performed a few holiday numbers in what was their first concert.

Nick got all dressed up in his long-sleeved, button-down shirt and non-jeans pants and was all business as he played his holiday carols.

He says he's enjoying the clarinet, but wants to try the saxophone next year ... even if it is bigger and heavier and more of a chore getting it to and from school.

I'm glad to see him trying something new; I didn't even have to prompt him, he had already decided he wanted to take up a band instrument before he even asked back when school started in August.

I love his enthusiasm and the performance was so sweet. But one thing's for sure: they don't call it beginner band for nothin'.

Nick Strikes Up the Band

We're about in our fifth week of school now and we're finally settling into our school routine. Nick announced during the first week of school that he wanted to join band. And he opted for the clarinet, which I have a feeling is because it is about the smallest of the instruments and he didn't want to lug around a saxophone or trombone or some other thing that would feel like carrying a baby hippopotamus around.

I ordered a rental clarinet and the moment it arrived, the frequently off-key blare, I mean the sweet music, could be heard throughout the house ... if not the neighborhood.

He really is into it and will pick it up and start playing, usually several times in an afternoon and evening. And even though it's only been a few weeks, I can already hear improvement. The steady note that goes abruptly off-note is becoming less frequent.

Nick wouldn't let me take a picture of him playing it. So this one will have to do ... for now.