jazz boy

Today I said to a friend, "It's like my boy goes to homeschool Music School." And it's true!

He spends the equivalent of a school day (minus free time) at our local Conservatorium of Music every week. Plus he practices. Plus he has jam sessions with his dad, plus there are concerts on Friday nights and workshops on the weekends. Perhaps you could fill him up with more music, but then he'd start leaking notes. :)

Last night was another whole night of music—the end of term Jazz Showcase. Kids ran around, going off to hear or play in various bands, laughing and talking on the grass. An espresso van came and served coffee and hot chocolates, and there was a sausage sizzle (such an Oz icon!). You could hear music at three different venues around the Conservatorium. Sound literally poured out of the windows.

My girl watched from the grass outside and danced. We held hands and spun in sweet, grinning circles. It was magic.

My boy played jazz piano for the first time in concert! He soloed on every song, along with the other kids in his beginning Jazz Band (the only band where he doesn't play drums). I wanted to post him playing here, but you'd be listening for about 10 seconds, the solos were that short. Next time maybe they'll stretch further. After all, they are just testing their wings right now.

But I got a video of my boy playing drums in his Jazz Combo. Trading 4's, as they call it, with the rest of the band.

It's just beautiful. And he's beautiful. And I'm proud.




Guess what we're doing tomorrow?

Another concert! My boy playing drums.  And maybe some more dancing on the grass…