The Bands Played On

This past Saturday, both John and Peter participated in the FMI All-State Bands concert. Peter's done it before, but it was John's first time.


The FMI All-State Bands are open to kids in Catholic schools in Connecticut, and the program consists of four bands: Gala, Concert, Symphonic, and Jazz. John was invited to join the Gala band this year on clarinet. This band is made up of mostly fifth graders who have advanced enough in their music study to handle more complex pieces than they typically play in school bands.


He practiced his butt off and did a great job. As an unexpected bonus, one of the five pieces they performed was one of John's favorite Wii Rock Band songs, "Eye of the Tiger."


Here he is:





Peter performed with the Symphonic Band for the third year. He had a real shot at Jazz Band this year, which takes only four alto saxes, but broke his finger a few days before the audition. He also missed the Symphonic Band audition, but the directors held a spot for him anyway since they knew what he could do. He'll try again next year for a high position in Symphonic and maybe a spot in Jazz. John will audition, too.


The video is the band's performance of "Atop a Scottish Highland," a medley of Scottish songs. You can only see about half of Peter's face in the video -- wait until the end when the conductor introduces each section for a quick view of his full face.

We're very proud of both our boys.