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.
