Congrats to you and yours! What an incredible achievement. Not only to make the county orch - but concertmaster. I don’t think folks not involved realize how competitive school music can be. And none are more competitive than strings/violins. This is a BIG DEAL. Make the most of it. (Of course, you probably don’t want to tell her that she is peaking at age 13, and it will all be downhill from here! :D) JK!
My kids have been doing pretty well lately, but no single thing jumps out.
They are also into the music thing at school - tho band instead of orchestra.
The other day I notied one of my nephew’s name in the Chicago Trib. He is doing well at gymnastics, and his HS team has a chance of competing for state. I’m happy for him, and acknowledge the effort and accomplishment involved. But It sort of pissed me off that no matter how well my kids do in band, or academically, or in forensics, theater, etc., their names will never appear in the paper like that. Heck, on weekends the whole back of the sports section is dedicated to HS sports. I, for one, would prefer a HS academic/arts section. But, I don’t mean for my rant to hijack your thread.
Eldest daughter (HS soph) recently decided she likes playing her instruments in public, so has been seizing opportunities to play flute and piano in various settings - competitions, church, recitals, etc. Our minister heard her practicing, and asked if she would be available to play at weddings over the summer. She’s presently reading Hamlet for school. It is fun re-reading it and discussing it with her.
Middle son (8th grade) screwed up the nerve to ask a girl out the other day. Tho she later turned him down, at least he was in there fighting. He recently discovered a Boy Scout related “Venture” troop in the neighboring suburb that does revolutionary war re-enactment. Seems to combine just about every one of his geeky interests, from a near obsession in military history, to painting miniatures, and on.
Youngest daughter turned around her grades - went from a C-D in math to having the highest grade in her class. And she seems to be a natural with her bassoon. We’ll see how much - if any - of a setback her new braces pose. She seemed to have some social difficulties previously, but seems to be developing a couple of real close friends.
We’ve just started a major “kids have to appreciate what goes into running a household” theme. Getting on them to do more cleaning, and chores like laundry, washing dishes, etc. Requires working with them to make sure they learn how to do it right. It seemed they had gotten into a trend where they just sort of expected nice tings - food, clothes, etc. - to appear, not realizing the expense and effort involved. Seems to be working. Improvement in their attitude and the quality of their contributions around the house.
All in all, things are going well in casa Dinsdale. Thanks for asking.
