Green Valley Orchestra

Mr. Neuman took the advanced concert orchestra to Chicago for a prestigious workshop and performance Dec. 15 - 18 and asked me to sub for his other classes. It was a blast, of course. He left two pieces for each of the two orchestras (beginning and intermediate) and three for the guitar class. We had a little fun with the Santa thing, but I told them this was not a vacation and we would be making "significant progress" on the pieces, so Mr. Neuman would be surprised. So I drilled them pretty hard. Took the bloom off the Santa rose I suppose, but they cooperated. Learning classical music with an orchestra is one of those things you should never watch, like making sausages and laws. You should just enjoy (or endure) the final product. I love directing finished products best, but even the chaotic journey to that end is fun. They didn't think so...most of them...it was hard.

The fourth day, Thursday, Dec. 18 was canceled due to snow, so I didn't get to polish the tunes, but we did make significant progress. One of the student violinists, who happens to be in our ward choir, said that Mr. Neuman was shocked Friday when they played a particularly hard piece all the way through, which they'd never done before. :):):):).

In the guitar class, they made good progress, too. I also taught them a standard blues pattern. I haven't heard if Mr. Neuman appreciated that. It was kind of a departure from his instructions, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. The kids certainly enjoyed it. I also gave them something they don't get from Mr. Neuman...piano accompaniment during their practicing. It makes it easier to learn...and fun for me.

Coming soon: Mr. Neuman wants me to sub for him during Obama's Inauguration Jan. 16, 20, and 21 while he goes with the band to Washington, D.C. to march in the Inaugural Parade. I guess they need chaperones or something. But this time he will leave the Advanced Orchestra behind for me to play with for the first time along with the others!!!! Fun times!!