I’m a little excited.  Okay, so maybe a little doesn’t quite cover it.

For starters, I think this year I may finally surprise Brad with a birthday gift he will really love.  I’m a terrible gift-giver, so this will (hopefully) be a welcome change.  That’s all I’m going to say about that ’cause he might be reading.

Second, Peter had Solo & Ensemble try-outs on Saturday.  This was a complete surprise to me, as we never participated in Solo & Ensemble until we were in High School.  At least, that’s how I remember it.  So we took him over to the school, and for his first solo, he…got nervous.  I’m sure it didn’t help that a) we were in a small room with just him, the judge, and us (me and Brad) and b) the judge played the piano track for him to play along with…something he apparently had not practiced doing before.  I videoed him with my iPhone with the thought that I would post it here, but then I decided to spare everyone the agony of seeing him choke feeling his pain.

We left the school with a very disappointed – although very well-dressed! – 11 year old.

Then on Monday, they posted the results.  Everyone got either a “1” or a “2” (no “3”s this year), as well as comments from the judges.  Here’s Peter’s score, copied directly off the page:

JustPeter 1

He got a blue ribbon, and the judges’ comments were all about what a great tone he had and how he needs to learn to keep a steady flow of air, blah blah blah…but overall they were very encouraging.  He was so excited!!!

Meanwhile, tryouts for Honor Band were last week.  We’ve been anxiously awaiting the results…and just got them tonight.

PETER MADE 5TH CHAIR IN THE 2013-2014 HONOR BAND AT HIS MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!!!!! The first 4 chairs are all current 7th graders, which means Peter ranked first among all the 6th graders!!!  WOOHOO!!!!

Finally, we have been slowly getting in STAAR results.  Peter’s scores were outstanding – he only missed TWO questions on the ENTIRE TEST!  And Matthew was almost as good – he only missed THREE!!!!!

So there.  I know that’s terribly braggy of me but I just had to let it out.  I’m so proud of ALL my boys!!!!  They are becoming such exceptional young men!!!!

Now we will return you to your regularly scheduled programming.  Thank you for rejoicing with me!