<p>I usually enjoy our school’s musical and theatrical performances. Every once in a while they have a “dud”, but for most of them are very well done. My issue has always been with the time commitment expected of the student performers. I do understand that both musical and theatrical activities require a ton of practice, but sometimes I think the demands are too great when you take into account long school days, homework and other EC’s. I know kids who will finish a show or practice session around 10:00 pm and then have to drive 30-45 minutes home only to be back in school at 7:00 am. A lot of the athletes are also in this situation and teenagers really need more sleep to function well. I have also had students fall asleep at the wheel on the way to school after a long night and crash. Fortunately, I haven’t had one get seriously injured, but even so it is scary.</p>
<p>Never got tired of the concerts and dont believe I ever will. I have been attending concerts since my D was in Grade 4 and while in high school the concerts were 2 nights twice a year and they lasted from 7 till 11 both nights. My D also played in 3 community bands and we never missed one of them either. Now she is in college state side and fortunately we are able to drive for those concerts as well. This year alone we have driven down 6 times for concerts. It is 2 hour drive each way but until I physically cant go I will be at everyone.
Toledo-- I do just that, I dont go both nights for the high school conerts but I do go at least one evening per year. Everyone of those students works hard and deserves community support</p>
<p>Neither of my D’s played an instrument in high school- but I can still appreciate the ones who do.
Congratulations, Bulldogs!
[url=<a href=“http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kplu/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1648071/KPLU.Local.News/Garfield.Reigns.Supreme.at.Essentially.Ellington”>http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kplu/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1648071/KPLU.Local.News/Garfield.Reigns.Supreme.at.Essentially.Ellington</a>] Practice makes perfect<a href=“or%20at%20least%20pretty%20darn%20good”>/url</a></p>
<p>Just went to one tonight. Saw a lot of crying parents as this may be their last concert if their son is an 8th grader. Yeah, I’ll miss them too.</p>
<p>LOL I was IN one tonight!</p>
<p>The New Horizons band I am in (for adult former/new players) played a few pieces at a high school band concert to give the kids the reassurance that there is musical life after high school and that you can still play into your dotage. ;)</p>
<p>What fun…they had a couple of jazz ensembles as well as bands. Brought back memories…</p>
<p>I didn’t read this entire thread, but I have a simple piece of advice:</p>
<p>red wine in a disposable coffee cup with a lid.</p>
<p>Our three hour band/choir/show choir concert is followed by awards for both band and choir and drama that lasts and lasts.</p>
<p>red wine in a disposable coffee cup with a lid.</p>
<p>emeraldkity–congrats to Seattle’s Garfield HS! </p>
<p>LOL nicksmtmom–“drama that lasts and lasts”</p>
<p>They really should have separate choir/band concerts, esp. with an awards night. I do admire your solution, however.</p>