It's summer, which means fun.
We added a newt to our menagerie.
XX had another violin recital. This is just a snippet as it was a long piece.
We watched the gecko shed one night. Simultaneously incredible and repulsive.
Then came acting camp. Two weeks of full days, learning singing, acting, dancing, stage combat and set building. What could be better for an outgoing and energetic child?
There were theme days, including sea creature day when XX went as a jelly.
The two weeks culminated in a showcase, of course, complete with a scene from Shakespeare (guess who got the loud, funny role?)
Our local, professional orchestra has been faltering of late, but is back on its feet after some reshuffling. To open this year's season, they invited community players of all levels to participate in the first piece, which is brilliantly written with parts for professional down to beginner levels. XX said yes, she wanted to go, even though she has had no orchestral experience. She learned the level just under professional and was happy that the conductor did not move her down. She had one two hour rehearsal with the other players in her section, two rehearsals with the professional musicians, and then it was showtime.
As there were about five other young children, they allowed parents to sit in the audience during the rehearsals, a great chance to watch and take a few photos. XX is so small though, that I couldn't see her head over the music stand.
For the performance, we were luckily seated high up so could see her. She saw me immediately, and started waving wildly. Gotta love it! At least she didn't call out as she did in rehearsal to someone she knew in the professional section, her voice loudly carrying over all the warming up and practicing. The lungs on this child are incredible. (She is below, in the red outline.)
Everyone sounded great and she had a wonderful time in her first group experience, but as far as the rest of the night's performance? Once she was finished and out in the audience, this is what happened:
A long weekend of rest and she was ready to go ... on to July.
