26 October 2008

An exciting day

I don't post much about our daughter's activities, but this one is too exciting to pass up!

Yesterday she was selected as one of twelve high school percussionists state-wide for our all-state band. To be chosen on any instrument is a huge honor, but to make the percussion section is quite a feat because of the extensive requirements and small number of students selected. This was her third year of going through the audition process.

To audition, percussionists have to perform a variety of etudes, solos, and rudiments on snare, marimba, and timpani. If they make it to the second round of competition, they have to repeat everything they played in the first round, plus demonstrate a variety of skills on crash cymbals and tambourine. The audition process, which took the entire day, had me on pins and needles while I waited for news. But she's cool under pressure and obviously fared just fine!

Our daughter was actually one of two students in our high school who had qualified to audition for either the all-state band or the all-state choir. Because she plans to eventually become a band director, she chose to audition for the band this year. But she still prepared all of the vocal audition material, in addition to the percussion requirements, so it has been a busy summer and fall. Next year, she plans to audition for the all-state choir.

The all-state band and choir will perform in concert at the end of November. We're very proud of her and excited that she will have this experience during her high school years!


10 comments:

Fonda said...

Whoo Hoo Congrats to Bailey!!! Sounds very exciting! That's cool that she wants to be a band director! Love that photo too!

Kristina said...

A HUGE Congratulations to Bailey, Janet! That is just awesome and I would be over the moon proud like I know you are.

Janet said...

Fonda-Thank you! She is very excited, as you might imagine! lol She has wanted to be a band director forever and I don't see that changing. It's a good fit for her! :-) Oh, I snagged that pic from the DM Register! :-)

Kristina-Thank you! We are very proud of her. It will also be helpful to have this on her "resume" when she starts auditioning for college percussion programs.

Lily said...

ow! What an accomplishment! I love that photo. she looks so intent

Sarah Coggins said...

What an honor! Huge congrats to your daughter! :)

Linda said...

Congrats to your dd! That is a fabulous achievement!

Heather said...

That is so exciting! And amazing to be as talented as she is! Hooray for her!

Cheri said...

That is the most AWESOME news!!!! I remember how excited I was when I got in the choir, so can imagine you and DD's excitement now! Huge congrats!

Janet said...

Lily-Thank you! She is VERY intent when she plays. I love that photo...can't take credit for it, though! :-)
Sarah, Linda, and Heather-Thank you! We're pretty excited, as you can tell... lol
Cheri-Thanks so much! You know how much pressure there is with this whole process...It's been quite the time preparing BOTH vocal and percussion auditions! lol

Darcey said...

Congratulations! That is great!