Shining Star

Bailey's spring concert performance was Friday night. It was so fun to see this concert, mainly because I get to brag on my kid for getting a special part in the story line. Here is the set up: We are at the Farmer's barn and the rooster has just quit his job as an alarm clock to go try out for American Idol. So, now the Farmer is tasked to audition other animals to take the rooster's place. Bailey is playing the part of the Bunny.

I found out something interesting about my daughter's during this play. When the Farmer states that he cannot hire the bunny because the other Farmer's would make fun of him for having such a fluffy alarm clock and the laughing ensued, McKenna stood up and fiercely said, "Hey, that is NOT nice to say about my sister!!! They are being so mean. Mom, I don't like the way they made Bailey feel bad, I think she did a GREAT job!". I often wonder if my two girls will have a bond for 2 reasons; they are completely opposite in personality and disposition and because they are so far apart in age, commonalities are often scarce. BUT now I have seen the future. They will be each others firm support system and if anything ever happened to Mark and I, they would have each others back in every situation.

Here are all the 4th graders performing a music exploration number. Doesn't look much like school work to me, looks more like a load of fun to be had. After I asked Bailey how she got to be in the front and she said the more solid dancers were put out front. Oh yeah, that's my girl!

During the course of the concert Bailey was presented with a "Shining Star" award. This award was given to a handful of 4th graders who showed up to class prepared, with a good attitude and a desire to learn. Sounds like Bailey to me! Several other parents approached me after the concert and commented how Bailey looks so calm on stage and that she is following in her Dad's footsteps.

The following clip does not include Bailey but I just had to include it. It is 8th graders from the music exploratory class. They are using black light technology to showcase this performance of monsters doing some surfing. Each monster is manned by three 8th graders, one for the head, one for the hands and another for the feet. What a great idea, not only highly entertaining but a great lesson in teamwork! I'm totally ready for the summer!

Now here is my little bit about the importance of Fine Arts in the school systems. It is completely necessary to develop children's creative skills. After all, if we didn't have a society that fosters creativity how would technology and industry continue to evolve and change? For heaven's sake, isn't that what science is all about? Thinking outside the box? NOTHING in school promotes this creative spirit and development better than the fine arts. Just during this concert alone we see several skills being developed such as team work, coordination and exercise, musicianship, art and I would even go as far as to say math, social and science skills were utilized as well. And to top it off, the kids were anxiously engaged in good clean fun. You can't say that about math club (not that there is anything wrong with that, I was a member myself) But why not have math club AND creative clubs and classes?? What it really comes down to is this: wouldn't you rather have your children spending their free time creating something positive that drives their creative skills and self esteem? I sure do! There is plenty of distractions out there to drive their negative, destructive, self esteem killers. Fine Arts rock!

Dissclosure: You should all be aware that my husband, is in fact, pursuing a doctorate in Fine Arts. I am totally and completely biased and I. am. not. ashamed. Plus he's hot!


Three days to go!!! That is unless flights are canceled, planes break down, the "needs" of the AF change, decisions to torture the families take place . . . But, never fear, hope resides here!!!!