This rainy evening we listened to Steven and Daveo perform in a violin recital. This was Daveo's first and probably Steven's last. The two played a duet together (Bessy Cow). Then Daveo played Jingle Bells. His expression as everyone applauded was what I will remember most from the night. He had a look of wonder and pride as he heard the roar from the crowd. He didn't seem to want to leave the stage. What a fun evening!
Yesterday was Dave-o's first violin lesson with Mrs. Rumsby. I can't even describe just how excited this "Steven-worshipper" was to start learning how to play. I was going to wait until he turned eight to start, but then realized Steven would be gone by then and I wanted them to get a chance to play together.
Dave-o learning the correct way to hold his violin.
Tonight was The Winchester Orchestra's season finale. On our way to the concert, we stopped at the Food Trucks for some dinner. The orchestra performed Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. The West Valley Concert Chorale and four opera soloists joined in on the fourth movement (Ode to Joy). I was spellbound for the entire performance. This was by far their best concert. The last movement was especially magical. I found myself holding my breath many times because I was so caught up in the melodious sound.
Mrs. Rumsby, Steven's violin teacher, hosted a recital tonight. It's always fun to see how her students have grown and listen to their improvements. Steven did a great job. I've noticed a huge improvement with his playing. I hear and see more passion. He knows how to play really loud and very soft. I look forward to many more performances from him.
It's been almost a year since Dave-o and Noah have seen each other. The Armstrongs met us at Happy Hollow where we spent the afternoon catching up on each other's lives. Happy Hollow has a lot of monkey to look at which made Dave-o really happy.
Don't let Loni's stoic expression fool you. She really enjoyed the rides and would complain every time it was over. Thankfully, it wasn't crowded, so she was able to go on them as many times as her heart desired (or our heart desired).
The twins, Josh and Aaron. They've gotten so big!
Hopefully we'll get to see the Armsrongs again at the end of May which is when Dave-o and Noah celebrate their birthdays.
After our little outing, David and I met up with Mom and Dad Zinn to hear Steven in the Winchester Orchestra. It was a great performance. They had a guest conductor, Sebastiano De Filippi who is considered by the press as one of the most interesting conductors among the maestros emerged in recent years from South America. This director did not disappoint. It was a thrill watching his unique style.
Steven's first concert with the Winchester Orchestra was this evening. I was so impressed! Benjamin Salisbury, a pianist, performed with the group on the final piece, Rhapsody in Blue. I have never seen anyone play like that. He's also LDS, which Steven suspected the first time he met him in dress rehearsals. Anyways, we had a lovely evening. Now, I need to buy us season tickets.
Steven's violin teacher made a guest appearance with the orchestra so that she could play with him. I love Barbara! She's amazing.
This was Steven's last performance with the San Jose Youth Symphony. He hopes to move on and play in the Orchestra at West Valley College. His violin teacher thinks he'll be able to make 1st violin.
Can you spot Steven?
He loved playing in the concert orchestra. It's been his favorite year. Ryo Fukuda, his conductor, is fun and animated to watch.
Following the performance, we ate at Johnny's Rocket and enjoyed some malts.
I'm excited to have Steven home on FHE nights now that SJYS is over.
Last night we drove to Steven's Christmas recital in a severe California storm. Everyone was cold and wet, however the mood was warm and festive.
Steven performed "Coventry Carol" which refers to the Biblical account of King Herod's order that all male infants under the age of two in Bethlehem be killed. It's a song full of sorrow as mothers sing a last lullaby for their murdered children. Another interpretation is that it could be Mary's lament for the future fate of her newborn Son. It's a strange song for a festive time, but it brings a deeper meaning of the holiday for me.
Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child, Bye, bye, lully, lullay. Lullay, thou little tiny Child, Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
O sisters too, how may we do, For to preserve this day This poor youngling for whom we do sing Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
Herod, the king, in his raging, Charged he hath this day His men of might, in his own sight, All young children to slay.
That woe is me, poor Child for Thee! And ever mourn and sigh, For thy parting neither say nor sing, Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
This evening we were able to listen to what the youth symphony learned during their weeklong stay. It was a packed room. We couldn't even see the concert orchestra, but it sounded great.
Then we took our Steven home with us. He said it was intense, but a lot of fun. There was only four hours of free time per day, and of those four hours two were supposed to be spent practicing. The rest of the time was spent rehearsing the new pieces with their ensemble or eating.
At mealtime, Steven said that he made paper flowers out of the napkins for the girls. Then during free time, he played ping pong.
I'm glad to finally have him home again. Tomorrow Kirsten comes home to make our family complete again.
Steven had his last concert for the season. Between practices every Monday evening and all of the volunteer hours that David and I have put in, being a part of the San Jose Youth Symphony has proven to be quite a commitment. It's one that we will be doing again at the start of the next school year. In April, Steven auditioned with the symphony again and was placed in the Concert Orchestra. Steven is excited to practice in a full orchestra setting.
In the evening, we all began the groundbreaking work on our latest project. A raised bed garden enclosure. My mother-in-law recently showed me hers and I knew we had to have one also. Harvesting vegetables is nearly impossible for us due to pesky varmints like squirrels and rats. Thankfully, I have a handyman for a husband who immediately jumped at the challenge. I can't wait for it to be finished.
This is the inspiration.
(Steven is seated in the middle to the right of the conductor.)
This afternoon we enjoyed hearing Steven play with the San Jose Youth Symphony for their second concert of the season. This time around, the conductor wanted the Intermezzo group to learn pieces that are slow. Apparently it is harder to play a string instrument slow while still making it sound good.
We listened to them perform:
Symphony No. 73 "La Chasse" IV. Presto by Franz Joseph Haydn
Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky
and
Scottish Air and Reel by Susan C. Brown
Steven loves playing in the symphony. He is currently practicing a couple of pieces for an upcoming audition for next season.
