Disneyland

Every year the middle school bands audition for the right to play for the crowds of Disneyland. They play for a few minutes and then are free to play for hours. This year, the band didn't win the privilege to play. Instead, they had to pay for a clinic experience. Personally, I think it was a much more valuable experience.

They didn't perform in front of the masses (all the moms and dads that go watch their kid play). No, they were taken behind the scenes (no pictures were allowed) and sat in a large studio. They were given music to sight read, and had to play for a professional director. Our director is currently working on the traveling Broadway show, "Peter Pan". He talked about what it meant to be a professional musician and how music and movies went together. Explaining how dynamics make such a huge difference in the mood of a scene.

So, the kids were able to practice their music about 3 times. It was Disney music to a scene of a movie. Then it was professionally recorded. Behind the director was a HUGE screen. After the music was recorded, the kids got to watch the scene of the movie (they did something from "Emperor's New Groove" and "Atlantis") with their music playing. It was so neat. I think they came away with a new understanding. The director was great. He was tough, but funny.

I went as a chaperon, but was disappointed that I wasn't assigned to hang out with my own kid. After the assigned "stay with your group" time, the kids were free to roam around in their groups with no chaperons. Brandon made it clear that he didn't want me hanging around. I know it is totally natural, but it was the first time he chose his friends over his mom. After a few hours riding rides with another mom, I got a call from Brandon. He told me they were stopping for dinner and asked if I wanted to join them. That made me happy. Am I a mush heart, or what?! It was a great day all the way around.