Saturday, March 21, 2015

Playing Catch Up.....


Time is the greatest of vanishing acts. I began this blog in August of last year with the intention of documenting each and every event of the kids last year in high school. I now find myself in the middle of March without having written anything of note. Although the hours and days have moved on, I still want to make a record of the memories. Although my summary of these last few months will be completed on one writing, I will be posting it in increments as it could be too lengthy to read in one sitting.

The months of August and September found the kids settling in to a routine and enduring the remnants of the summer heat. The first semester, as it has been for their entire high school tenure, required Sydney and Griffin to start school at 6:30am. In addition to their participation in the orchestra program, both of the kids have participated in an additional strings group called The Starlight Serenade. Participation in this group is by choice and is in addition to all other required work which is why they practice in the early morning hours while you and I sleep. They learn their music during this time then perform at the local retirement (snow bird) communities during the second semester of the school year. This group is really something to experience.
September was a specail month for Sydney. She auditioned for and was granted acceptance into The Advanced Vocal Ensemble. This is a group of 18 singers that sing a multiple of genres. This was a huge deal for Sydney, she really deserved it and we were so proud of her.

 We began the month of October with one of the highlights of my year; we went on a college road trip. With the kids schedules already full, we needed to make pilgrimages to 2 universities for music scholarship auditions. We left Gilbert Arizona on the 3rd and returned on Friday the 10th. Although traveling with a type A personality is not always pleasurable (according to the fam), unless you are another type A, it was one of my most memorable weeks. The first stop was Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond Oklahoma. What a wonderful place this is for young adults. Sydney and Griffin meet with Dr. Thompson for their orchestra audition and Sydney met with Dr. Pullen for her vocal audition. Although we have not heard if they will receive any scholarships, both of the professors spoke very highly of their abilities. Leaving Oklahoma, we headed toward Searcy, Arkansas which is the home of Harding University. In an effort to allow the kids to experience a taste of campus life, we stayed at the hotel on campus. The Harding campus, like that of Oklahoma Christian (OC), was a wonderful place. The orchestra auditions were very similar to those at OC; they met with Dr. Chance and had the opportunity to play for him. The vocal performance audition, however, was a little more formal. Sydney’s accompanist could not make it at the last minute, so as she was warming up Dr. Scott Carrell walk through the door and told Sydney that he would be filling in. What happened next was absolutely mesmerizing. Dr. Carrell asked to see Sydney’s music. After scanning it for like 3 seconds, he sat down and started playing the song like he had been playing it all his life. Sydney and I looked at each other……”Whoa”. They worked together for about 3 minutes and then proceeded into the auditorium. We walked in and there on the stage was one of the largest pianos I have ever seen. I know…. I should get out more….. As Janice and I sat down, one of the warmest human beings I have ever met approached us with his hand fully extended. “Hi I am Cliff Ganus and we are so glad you are here”….most impressive and comforting…..Not unlike OC, we have yet to hear from Harding regarding scholarship awards. The first week also brought the years first orchestra and choral concerts. I have been continued to be amazed at the level of talent that not only our kids have, but at the levels achieved by all of the kids. The month ended with concerts for both the orchestras and choral groups.
 

Saturday, August 16, 2014

A Letter Worth Reading....

So...I was perusing Facebook this morning and discovered a post from my friend Janet Richards. Although Sydney and Griffin are not YET on a college campus, I found this message to be really powerful.

The more I thought about the words, the more I thought......Although these words were directed at college age individuals.....I could really apply many of these principles to my life.

Take a look and let make a difference in your day......

Grace,

dad

https://tyreeintraining.wordpress.com/2014/08/15/a-letter-to-harding-freshmen/



Wednesday, August 13, 2014

First Day of School.....

So even though I am a week late, I wanted to post pictures of the kids on their first day of their last year of high school. I wish I knew where the pictures were of their other "first" days, especially kindergarten, were but alas....I have slept since then and I would even be able to make a guess. In the event I find them in the next year....I will surely post them.

As I had them pose for these pictures I could not help but think back to the days in our house on Auburn Road. I vivid memories of Sydney and Griffin both looking out the side windows of the front door watching me work. I will have to post those pictures as well. This is my second post and I am already seeing a pattern.....I have the thoughts and time....but no documentation...I will have to fix this somehow....

As I indicated in my first message...this next year will completely frustrate those readers who are looking for complete and grammatically correct thoughts and sentences. Most of what you will read here will be quick thoughts when I have a few minutes or a group of quick thoughts when time finds me......Please feel free to offer any and all words as it will make my journey that much better......

On a non-related note...please check out my No Soliciting sign.....Top 5 Best Birthday Gifts ever....

Grace,
 

dad




Monday, August 11, 2014

And so it begins.......

In an effort to ease my multiple levels of anxiety over the impending departure of my children to college, I have decided to document their last year at home before stepping out into the world.

I did, however, want to get a couple of things out there before I set forth on this journey. First, the title...... It is not mine. I want to credit one of my greatest friends, Kevin Kadrich as the owner of the phrase "A Year Of Lasts". Second, this blog is a collection of unedited thoughts. So most of what is posted will ,undoubtedly, be grammatically incorrect. Finally, what you read on this site over the next year will be a compilation of my thoughts, ramblings, observations and emotional confessions. Furthermore, I will encourage any and all who have the desire, leave your thoughts, memories and comments. Hope you enjoy the ride.....dad