Pep in his Step

As we close out some of our lasts -- grade school, babysitters, etc. -- we are starting on another round of firsts with 7th grade.

I'm not sure if I previously mentioned that Carter will be active in band this year and that, last spring, when they found out he could play the tuba, they were quite excited to have him. He did start out the year on the trumpet but because they needed some more "low brass" players, he now finds himself with a baritone. Not quite as big as the tuba, but pretty big to lug around, nonetheless.

One of the great opportunities at Assumption is that once the band members are in Middle School, they have the chance to play with the Pep Band for home sports events. They are already busy practicing for the homecoming halftime show a month away, but tonight they got to play at the first home volleyball game.

So here is Carter, second in from the right, playing the baritone with other middle-schoolers and high-schoolers! He sort of had to learn most of the songs as he went along. "It was hard!" he said. But he also said it was awesome! "I just never dreamed when I saw the band playing all these times that I'd ever be on stage with them!" Cool, huh? (Can you believe the girl standing next to him is in his class?? Carter needs to grow!)

His biggest challenge, besides new songs, was reading music -- since his holder wasn't working and he had to see over his horn to read it on the stand -- and keeping up with their experienced tempo.

He's determined to keep trying, though. And as long as his homework is done (or can be done by a reasonable time when we get home), we're all for it! Yes, it's fun for Mom, too. And no, Jim already asked -- I did not cry!

Yet.