Music Man

In February, Trevor brought home a slip asking if he could be in band at school.  He had wanted to do this a couple of years ago, but we didn't have the money to rent or buy an instrument at the time.  This time, however, there were instruments at the school that he could use.  We thought this was a much better option, since who knows if he would really enjoy it or take to it.  After all, when Jake was in 4th grade, he played the saxophone in the school band.  It cost us nearly $40/month and he never practiced - but at least it was a time when we could afford that.  After a semester, he wanted to quit.  We were in a contract with the music store through the end of the year, so he stuck it out, but hated it the entire time.  So, you can understand why we would be hesitant.

But we agreed.  Trevor was excited.  The first day, he brought home this.

A BARITONE.  He could barely carry it home.  He practiced really hard all weekend and could almost play the scale by Monday.  But then 2 other kids decided to play the Baritone, and so he  decided to switch to this:

 

The Trumpet

Again he practiced and practiced.  He made a ton of progress very quickly.  The Band teach was very pleased - and Trevor gained enthusiasm as he learned more and more songs and got better and better.

On March 9th, they had a concert.  Trevor was pretty stoked.  He even stayed after school to help set up.  

Unfortunately, we couldn't see him AT ALL when they were on stage.  But they sounded great.  They played three songs.  And contrary to the painful band concert we went to when Taylor was in 4th grade, this was a joy to listen to.  They were really good. 

Before one song, the band director announced that this was a very trumpet-heavy song.  He announced that 2 of the 3 trumpet players had been playing for only a month or so and had really excelled.  He called Trevor out by name for his efforts. He was pretty tickled. 

Here are some videos of him playing the other day.  Not his best efforts but still kinda fun!