Tonight HSH participated in her very first school concert. (I'm not counting the preschool graduation show, which showed 4-year olds in total confusion over why they were onstage in the first place.) I was very proud. Firstly, she looked stunning.
too good for america's next top model, i think.
She picked it out herself. Sparkles are very "in," I guess. I blame Hizzoner for the gene pool, because I was never that pretty.
This photo bothered me in a way only a mother can be bothered.
look, ma -- earrings are back!*
I don't know if it's the fact that she's lost that baby roundness, or that she just appears to be way older than eight, or that she's showing signs of having definitely inherited my nose. In any case, it bothers me.
The concert itself featured this very small school's very small music program: the 3rd graders, the upper school choir (all 23 of them), and the mass band (5th graders, middle school, and upper school). I won't say it wasn't painful to listen to at times, but they all did their best.
The band played a lot of non-holiday fare, including some Herbie Hancock, and of all things, Freebird. I don't know if that was a special request from the Claus or not, but it wasn't half bad. The music teacher has to direct and play trombone at the same time (there's some holes in the band that need filling), but I suppose it's not that hard to keep time with a trombone slide.
the third grade. hsh is top row, extreme house right.
The choirs sang a lot of decidedly religious music. (The privilege of a private school, I imagine. I think that's great.) The 3rd graders got their own slot, singing four different (and unfamiliar) songs. They did a really good job. I'm being totally honest here. The upper school choir sounded sick by comparison, despite learning a lot of nice pieces, though, including a comical medley from O Brother, Where Art Thou? featuring the only six guys in the school with the cojones to sing in public. Then they brought the little kids back on stage and all sang together.
our heroine is center front, paying attention to the conductor just as she should.
Again, I didn't know the song, but the kids did very well. HSH sang her little heart out. One of the ladies from the bus stop remarked on it, with a smile so big you'd think it was her own grandkid on the stage.
I look at these kids, most of whom I've known for at least four years now, and it's kind of scary. I feel like I can tell you who the troublemakers are going to be; who the cheerleaders and the jocks are; who's going to be on the fringe. Yeah, they're only 8 and 9 year olds now, but how quickly they grow up.
I don't think I like that.
_____
*Oh yeah. Earrings are back in after the great Lost Back Fiasco; had to essentially repierce one ear but so far the sterling wires are being tolerated, and I didn't have to consult a professional.
OMG. It's a mini you! She is Gorgeous!
Posted by: Sheri Sierak-Riesel | 15 December 2011 at 06:52
Those moments when you glimpse the woman inside your girl, are exhilerating, scary and heartbreaking, all at once. I generally just shut my eyes, and run off to hide from reality.
Posted by: Beth | 15 December 2011 at 07:57
She is one very lovely girl, with what appears to be a wicked sense of fashion. (Says the grown-up wearing a pair of sequined shoes. Sparkles ARE in!)
Posted by: twistedtexan | 15 December 2011 at 09:20
HRH is just stunning! And I'm afraid you're right she doesn't look eight, more like ..... well, I'll let it go. Good job mom!
Posted by: Cindy in Happy Valley | 16 December 2011 at 12:24
Amazing. I always feel like I'm watching Oprah when I read the comments on your blog. Even some of the dudes sound like chicks.
While I'm sure Punkin sang well and enjoyed herself, I always hated schools executing coerced singing in these programs. There doesn't seem to be much choice in participation. Note the boys in the photos all slumped over, less than excited about participating. These things should be strictly voluntary. Cut PE, but make 'em sing!
Punkin is beautiful. Her perfect singing body position is noticed (sitting straight up for maximum lung capacity). Undoubtedly coached by her expert Mom.
Posted by: Uncle Ted | 16 December 2011 at 12:33
Very pretty outfit - it has enough sparkles, even Ladybug would approve. I'm so looking forward to more school concerts. Band, orchestra, high school musicals... So close, yet so far away.
Posted by: Emily | 16 December 2011 at 22:44
She's lovely. You must be so proud:)
And they do grow up way too fast.
Posted by: Karen | 19 December 2011 at 09:00
She's beautiful (and pssstt...there's a lot of you in her). Congratulations and my deepest sympathies (especially to Hizzoner).
Posted by: Bo Williams | 19 December 2011 at 19:27