Post - 5/28/2020
October 22, 2019 marked the first concert of the year. Wow, what a difference from 1 year ago when Carter was in beginner band.
In early November, it was the day that the Honors band kids had been preparing for since the first month of school - Regional auditions. Carter had put in the daily work and was ready for this Saturday's solo completion. He walked into the room filled with just the 6 Bari sax competitors from around the region and the judges, whom were separated by a curtain. In true Carter fashion, he was calm as a cucumber. He sailed through the first 4 parts and then during the last song, a large piece of his large Bari Sax literally fell to the ground. He tried his best to keep his composure knowing that this was a worst case scenario and that none of the sounds were coming out correctly. He finished the song. I can only imagine how he felt. After everyone had packed up and left, he held it together while the judges tried to fix his 🎷. He came out into the waiting area and found me and was a mess in a crowded room, but he quickly regained his composure and he said he still wanted to wait the hour for the results. During the wait, we talked about what a story he has now, even contest organizers were coming up to him trying to lift him up and telling him how he was the only 7th grader in the Bari sax contest and he’d come back next year and dominate. Over and over, I kept telling him how proud of him I was and that it doesn’t matter what place he got. As a parent, what got to me the most, were 2 of his band friends that were amazing, going over and above, carrying his gigantic case out for him, telling me stories about what an amazing Sax player that carter is. It was refreshing to see 13 year old boys so tuned in with their friend and supporting him during such a sad moment for Carter. They kept checking on him. We stayed there and waited and waited... Finally, a woman came out and posted the results and shockingly Carter still got 2nd place and made regional band. A first place would have been forgotten in 3 years but this 2nd place will be remembered for a lifetime! Carter learned today, by example, how important it is to support his friends when they are down, which makes the whole afternoon worth it to me.
After such a BIG week making A Team for 7th grade basketball and now regionals this Saturday, Carter deserved a night of fun with his friends to celebrate all this hard work and dedication!
In mid December, Carter had Region Band clinic at Johnson Highschool for 2 days, which including a final performance on Saturday night. With the braces, his mouth was sore but he had a great time and loved his region band director from an awesome middle school in Austin.
Last concert of 2019 was the Holiday concert in mid December.
After COVID and school closures, Carter continued practicing and taking online lessons with Mr. Trevino with weekly 2 hour long Zoom classes with Mrs. Garza most weeks. At the end of April, he emailed Mrs. Garza and asked to be considered for Alto Sax, instead of Bari for 8th grade. He submitted his "tryout" video early on the Friday before he severely hurt his shoulder on Saturday night.
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| Your 2 hour end of year Band Awards show that you patiently sat and watched while at a party at your best friend's house. |
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