Last night was Jake's first band concert. And-- even though the whole thing was hot, crowded, and way past bedtime--I was just so proud of my Big Guy. What a long way he has come!
For years, Jake went to speech therapy to deal with major articulation issues. His tongue, jaw and palette were so weak, as a preschooler he couldn't even blow soap bubbles or drink through a straw. The speech teacher and I spent hours with him using all kinds of tubes and whistles to strengthen those muscles. Now, the fact that he can play the clarinet (quite well) in the fourth grade band is a mini-miracle that I don't take for granted.
If you are his grandparent and want to watch, he's in the front row, mostly hidden by the music stand, just right of the microphone. Hopefully, you'll recognize the tune.
This was also his first year in Chorus and the music teacher is fabulous! (If you don't believe me, just glance at her shoes and listen for the ambitious harmonies. Fierce.) Jake is in the back row, right under the "s" in MUSIC. Special appearance by the principal.
The final song had me in tears...by this point a younger sib had confiscated the camera and I gave in because I was hot and cranky and up past my bedtime. So, I have no recording of the chorus singing this song, but listen to it anyway. Imagine these words in pure, sweet fourth grade voices, you might get misty, too.
12 comments:
Wow!! I'm not a grandparent but I really enjoyed that. Way to go, Jakeman - you were awesome!!!!
We were thrilled to see this concert! Yay for Jake!
Thanks for the special presentation. Another blessing of the Internet.
I was in tears after the Mary Poppins song-your music director is FANTASTIC!!! Don't take HER for granted-ours is not so good. It is wonderful that Jake has come so far-you're a good mama!
that was probably the best rendition of "macarena" that i have ever heard.
they were singing the macarena, right?
good stuff, gab. i feel your pride.
You have every right to be oh so proud! How rewarding and exciting!
That is one impressive group of fourth graders! Wow.
And one impressive music teacher with fun shoes!
I'm thrilled for Jake and you and Brad as well.
Way to go, Jakey! That is fantastic.
So, so true. Those shoes are fierce. And she moves around fearlessly.
I LOVE that he is doing so well on the clarinet...and how you said you don't take the miracle for granted. That made me teary.
I love the lyrics of Unwritten. I would have cried, too.
Awesome! The very first thing I wondered before reading the rest of the post was how his speech and articulation was. That's incredible! You should be very proud of Jake.
That music teacher is enthusiastic and adorable. Love her outfit.
Little miracles leave us absolutely breathless don't they?
Awesome.
I'm proud of Jake... and I haven't even met him.
It is so exciting to see kids overcome and conquer challenges.
Congratulations!
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