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Sarah Kate’s first band concert was on Tuesday night. I’ll be honest – we were not expecting all that much from a bunch of sixth graders new to band, but they actually sounded really good. We chose seats on the front row, but several latecomer clarinet players showed up and added chairs onto the end of the row, obstructing what had been a good view of her when we sat down.
We were, however, able to see her feet. 🙂
Having the “feet view” showed me something I might not have noticed otherwise. When Sarah Kate started band back in the fall, I fretted about her struggling with finger dexterity in her right hand, since it’s mildly affected by her cerebral palsy. I also wondered what the odds were that she’d ever be able to march on the field, but mostly I didn’t think about it because you don’t need your feet to play in the middle school band, right?
Technically, I guess that’s true, but as we sat there I noticed that nearly all of the 130-ish kids on the stage were either bouncing a knee or tapping a foot (or two) in time to the the rhythm of each piece. Sarah Kate didn’t. In fact, as you can see in the photo above, her feet weren’t even planted on the floor.
Nathan’s IEP meeting for kindergarten in the fall was Thursday. Mr. Andi and I both felt like it went well and feel really lucky to have had Miss Angie and Miss Melanie with Nathan for the past two years. When it came down to it, we honestly didn’t say a whole lot, because they were strong advocates for him. I’m nervous about kindergarten, but we’ll cross that bridge when it comes. Things have gone so well so far that I have to keep believing it’ll continue.
The sixth graders at Sarah Kate’s school have had a number of decade-themed days here in the home stretch, and Wednesday was “2000s Day”. They get to dress up in a way to represent whatever decade they’re celebrating, so…she decided to go Goth.
When I posted this photo on Instagram and Facebook, WAY too many of my friends seemed to think Goth was a good look for her.
I changed the heading fonts here on the blog! Like? Hate? Can’t tell the difference? Spill it!
At long last, Shrek, Jr., the Musical begins today. Sarah Kate is well-prepared for her three lines in the role of Bishop (at least that’s what she tells us – we haven’t seen a rehearsal). Yes, we are a wee bit uncomfortable that she is a female playing the part of a bishop, but we’re assuming Farquaad and Fiona are Episcopalian or something. I can’t say it’s her performing debut, but it is her acting debut.
Unfortunately, much like last week, she had another spill during rehearsal on Thursday. This time she got knocked down by a horde of kids rushing to get to the stage for I-don’t-know-what. She has a pretty rough looking long scrape/bruise combo on her arm. That’s the bad news. The good news is that her bishop robe will cover it.
I’m happy to say that the tiny bit of tension in our home re: Auburn vs. Alabama softball has been resolved! When push came to shove, Sarah Kate cheered for Auburn against Alabama in the SEC Tournament (which Auburn eventually won). We would be eagerly looking forward to watching Auburn play in the first round of the regionals tonight (which they got to host), but the game is at the same time as the play. D’OH! But at least we can say that It appears Sarah Kate’s brief flirtation with the University of Alabama is over. Thank goodness. 😉
Have a Great Weekend!
This post was inspired by and is linked to This Ain’t the Lyceum’s 7 Quick Takes.
I think SK went more ethereal goth with her look and I like it. Good for her for not tapping her feet! That irritates a lot of band teachers.
Just a thought on the Goth thing– some of my best writers and thinkers in classes have been Goth kids. They think outside of the box and don’t take things at face value, and they often start great conversations in my college classrooms (both in person and online– I know the online ones are Goths b/c of their pics they post first week). They tend to be kids who were made to be outsiders by the “trendy” kids (or in my day, we called them “preps”) because they think differently and don’t just follow the herd. Many have had struggles in their lives that “mainstream” kids wouldn’t understand. When they make it to college, in my experience, they are more sure of themselves, more mature, and fall prey to peer pressure less. Give me some Goth kids in class any day of the week. I don’t have to “potty train” them like I do most of the others.
Sarah Kate definitely pulled off the goth look 🙂
Happy Tuesday
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