Grade 10 Band Trip 2014

Ron and I were able to chaperone Ellie's grade 10 band trip to a music festival in Chilliwack this week.  There were 41 kids, 4 chaperones and the bus driver.  Ellie did all she could to avoid the camera lens.

We had a great time and were once again impressed with the talent displayed by our band.  We listened to another grade 10 band from the lower mainland perform right before our group.  I was reminded of what I remember about most of the high school band performances that I have heard in the past; a few squeaks, slip-shod appearance, and OK music. The adjudicator then proceeded to attempt to correct them, while they squirmed and tuned him out.  When our kids' turn came, they were very professional in both appearance and sound. The adjudicators were blown away and gave our group a "gold" rating- The options were "no score", bronze, silver or gold.  The bus driver was very impressed and told us he felt so moved by the performance, he was on the verge of tears at one point. When the adjudicator gave our group their critique, they engaged with him and were asking questions and performing as he suggested.  The adjudicator had to be reminded time was up repeatedly and went over time by about 15 minutes with our group.  I am always amazed when I hear this group play. They are a joy to chaperone, as they are also very respectful, all around good kids with a teacher who does a wonderful job with them.

Of course, it wasn't all work!  On our way there we stopped at Science Wold in Vancouver (AWESOME!), then Gilford Centre for some shopping, where there are these really beautiful living walls planted under the glass studded ceiling.

 The next morning (yesterday) was mini golf, arcade games and Go Karts before the afternoon's performance followed by the trip home today.  We saw a HUGE pod of dolphins from the ferry on our crossing back to the island and we were blessed with gorgeous weather the entire trip.

OK . . . when and where is the next one?