With only a couple of months of rehearsals the 9th grade band did well. These are all first year students and many from middle school band did not continue into high school, thus leaving this band smaller than it might have been. The new band teacher this year is exceptional and is doing really good things with the kids. Spencer is enjoying the band and wants to continue his participation all four years of his high school education.

Spencer plays in Jazz Band II this year. This is first year jazz band students and they really did a great job for only a couple of months of rehearsals. Spencer has a short trumpet solo in one of the pieces. We're trading out his trumpet this year for a better quality one since he's doing so well. He's taking private lessons once a week and hopefully will continue to make good progress.

Taking up the clarinet this year, Amanda played in the 7th grade band in her local middle school band concert. This is her first year playing clarinet, so the teacher started her in 6th grade band requiring her to meet all the tests before she could move to the 7th grade band. She is now almost through the 7th grade band requirements and will soon move up to the 8th grade band and participate in jazz band the 4th quarter. I may be the last generation to play piano, but so thankful music continues to be an interest with our kids.

Amanda began voice lessons this past September,held only twice a month. She missed a couple of the six lessons due to illness, so she has not really had much formal training yet. Despite the amount of lessons she decided to participate in the voice recital presented by her teacher. She did great and showed such poise and confidence. She can't wait to begin again in January and we're looking forward to seeing what she might do with what seems to be a talent given to her by God. Enjoy.