Dancing on the Inside

Truthfully, I was a little worried about attending my Fenton sixth grader’s first band concert last night.  Most of these kids have only played these instruments for about three months—how could they possibly know enough to put on any sort of public performance? Expecting to hear more squeaks and squeals than melody, I wondered if I should bring earplugs or headphones or some other noise-reducing device.

I didn’t need to worry.  Those students were amazing. 

Under the direction of Mrs. Pam Hayes, the sixth graders entertained a packed gym with 12 songs that included a percussion feature and solos.  Mrs. Hayes doubled as emcee for the evening, explaining each song’s features and what our students learned as they mastered each.  Parents got the added benefit of not only seeing the end result, but also understanding what our children do in class. I don’t know how you do it, Mrs. Hayes.  I’m sure those first few months were filled with squeaks and squeals that you somehow helped turn into music.  Since I also have a seventh grade band student, next week I get to see how far they progress after an additional year of practice.  I can’t wait.

As an added bonus, the high school jazz band, directed by Mr. Andy Perkins, played a selection of Christmas music, showing the mesmerized sixth graders what they might be able to accomplish in a just a few years.  Hayes and Perkins, though in separate buildings, collaborate to create a spectacular band program. Their passion and enthusiasm for their jobs and our children’s accomplishments is contagious. I saw it in the students’ performance and in the audience reaction.

There were two little girls—one in her fuzzy pajamas, the other with sparkly shoes that glowed with each step—over on one side of the gym who danced their way through the evening.  Most of us adults are too cautious and reserved to give such a public display of our enjoyment, so we sit quietly and politely clap at the end of each song.  But don’t let that fool you.

We were dancing on the inside.