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Last night, our GSA students represented our school with amazing success at the St. Louis Art Museum.  They played their hearts out.  In my thirteen years of teaching, this was probably one of the strongest concerts I have ever enjoyed.  Of course there were countless superstars who made this happen!  Heidi Abbott’s great organizational skills and talents really shown through.  Her bands played amazingly!  I continually pondered on how she teaches so many different instruments and have them play so well.  I just have four instruments to teach.  Mr. Matt and Dr. Schick’s support and attendance was more meaningful to the students than they might have realized.  I do mean this in a positive way Dr. Schick!  My orchestra teacher friends, Lucy Mosier and Amanda Davis from U. City were so helpful with the orchestra students.  They helped tune the instruments, played in a few ensembles, and were strategically placed with students as “hushers.”  They were VERY impressed with our student performances, and wanted me to tell the students how well they performed and behaved in the audience.

Yes, there were countless superstars with our students!  I’m pretty “orchestra-centric,” as I’m sure all of you have noticed by now.  Even though there were many band “hot shots,” I only know the names of the orchestra students to share.  Kai Montgomery played in every single orchestra piece performed.  He also helped load equipment on the truck.  Matthew Lucy played a solo so well, I think he even surprised himself.  Of course, there was Justin Collins.  He led “The Deep Theory” (our cello/bass ensemble); conduced 6th graders; and played cello with the most heart-felt sound.  Elmir Malkic, along with Justin, helped from the very second we loaded at the school to unloading of the last instrument back to GSA.  There were also other hard-working students who helped load and set up as listed yesterday.  Our great custodians helped upon our return.  There’s no way Heidi and I could have done this alone.  When you see these superstars or any of the band or orchestra students in class or in the hall, feel free to give them a “high five,” “caught-ya,” or “congrads.”  They deserve it!