Last night's Jazz Band fundraiser was wonderful! I was amazed to see a packed house at the Forestry Center, since as of last Monday night there were only a little over 100 tickets sold (at a pricey $30 each). Mel Brown (woo!)was a guest performer at the event.

Robert (the director) picked some impressive elections for the Jazz Ensemble (which includes my trumpet playing youngest), and I have paraphrased as such:

Some of these kids have played their instruments for a few months and this is their first live performance. Have you ever heard a beginning band… you know, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Mary Had a Little Lamb"? You won't get that here. These kids are up here playing MILES DAVIS. Now fork over your monies so I can mold these children into musical geniuses!! Oh, and your children will never again perform in berets and bow-ties.

(ok, ok he didn't actually say the last two sentences, but the "monies = geniuses" thing was definitely implied, and his dislike of the previous director's choice of concert attire is common knowledge)

Speaking of attire, my youngest has outgrown her fancy clothes, so we went shopping, and by that I mean I shopped and she complained. For your amusement, I have paraphrased a bit of our conversation:

Me: "Those shoes aren't dressy enough."
Her: (rolling eyes) "Mom, it doesn't have to be THAT fancy."
Me: "But they're not concert attire. We'll check someplace else. Let's go look at dresses."
Her: "Do I HAVE to wear a dress?!?"
Me: "Yes."
Her: "WHY?!? I hate dresses. It doesn't SAY we have to wear dresses."
Me: "Because."
Her: "Geez, we're just not supposed to wear jeans or sneakers. The boys aren't even supposed to wear ties."
Me: "So? That doesn't mean you shouldn't look nice."
Her: "Fine. Whatever. Can I still get these shoes?"

Ah. Good times. Good times.

Btw…how did both of my kids get bigger feet than me? There was a glorious but brief moment when we were able to share shoes, but that has since passed. My oldest child's feet are longer and my youngest child's are wider, so all of us find each others shoes hideously uncomfortable. Oh well. It was fun while it lasted.