The Hills in Brisbane Are Alive With the Sound of Music!

We have absolutely loved the music program at Yeronga!  I couldn't believe the music director not only allowed but actually insisted my kids be involved. The music program is during school, but only those in the bands, choirs and strings get pulled out for weekly practice.  The choirs and band also have an early morning practice once a week. I didn't think she'd want them since they would only be able to do half the year.  Park tried out for tenor sax and she took him, I emailed her explaining we'd only be here 1/2 the year and we didn't want that to inconvenience the band when we left mid year, but she replied saying she knew the situation and would not want to deny Parker and Sydney the chance to be involved in music, especially when they loved it so much and had so much potential!  

 So Syd joined the Cosmio Singers and sang and competed at a couple different events this semester and Parker joined the band.  We all enjoyed...usually...his practicing every morning.  The tenor sax is uhh, a pretty loud sound!  We heard a lot of Twinkle Little Star, Jingle Bells and Ode to Joy.  But he really loved it and he actually picked it up pretty well.  It was so fun to watch them both love music and participate in it.

This is Ms. Plumridge the music director.  She is such an incredible educator.  It is always about the kids for her and planting seeds of music appreciation!

Here are the Cosmio Singers at their final winter concert.  When they perform, all school choirs wear their formal school uniforms.  Makes it easy for me!

Here is Park coming onto the stage for their winter concert (winter is in May and June and July here).  He did awesome!

In the winter concert (choir and band performed) there was a dedication in the program to the Allen family, especially Parker and Sydney.  It said how they would be missed, thanked them for sharing their talents with the music program at Yeronga and good luck in America.  It also said, "..don't forget us and keep making music!"-- I was so touched I got teary.  It was very sweet!

Park and his friends after the concert!

The band at Yeronga State School!

Horns and reeds!

Parker and his good friend Cooper who lives right around the corner from us on the Corso.

After the winter concert we celebrated at....where else?


Chompers for fish and chips and Aussie burgers baby!

It was a great year for music.  And on the last day of school Ms. Plumridge brought each of them a going away gift.  Park got a CD of tenor sax players and Syd a children's choir CD, with notes encouraging them to keep going in music.  What a great experience.