jazz with kids

The best part of the Winter Jazz Concert at Savannah Country Day?

The absolute pride the two teachers had in their students!

As a retired teacher myself, I recognized that joy evidenced by Alyse Hudson and David Elliott there on the stage.

How wonderful!!!

Here's Ms. Hudson with her 8th graders, bouncing around almost as much as they did!

She started out tonight with 32 students, all in the 6th grade and fairly new to playing their instruments.

They'll get better with experience, but their renditions of "When The Saints Go Marching In" and "Ode To Joy" were still recognizable.

Next up she had 18 students, in the 7th grade, so they were in their second year with their saxophones and trumpets, flutes and trombones.

Yes, their pieces were much smoother and, although I didn't know "Grooved Pavement Ahead" or "Orangutango", I could definitely appreciate them!

Then came her last bunch, the 11 she's having for her 8th grade class.

She put them to work clearing the stage, then had them stand to perform!

And their music?

Such a wide assortment, from the fierceness of "Brass Attack" to the familiarity of "Favorite Things" and the newness of "Back In The Day" - I loved it all!

And she just beamed the entire time, so proud of 'her' kids!

(smile!)

Then it was time for the Upper School Jazz Band to take the stage with their 2 keyboards, 7 saxophones, 6 trumpets, 3 trombones, and rhythm section of bass, drums, and vibes.

Impressive bunch!

Mr. Elliott made sure to note the new instruments that were supplied by the school's fundraising group - kudos to them!

These students really knew how to play them, too, and all seemed to enjoy not only their music makers, but the music they were playing.

Trust me, due to their enthusiasm I was dancing in my seat for "Low Country Shuffle" and "Mas Que Nada"!

I will gladly stand up and dance the next time they perform!

Thanks for the free concert, y'all!

Now, it's time for my free dinner from cousin Penny and Panera.

I'd ordered it on the way, intending to eat at the school's parking lot, but the restaurant was abnormally slow, so I settled for only eating the chips.

I'd kept the bag shut tightly, so the Ciabatta Chicken Pesto Dipper and sauce were both still warm when I got home - nice!

Now, to settle in for "Ghosts" and "Elsbeth" while I dine...

what a busy, different, day I've had!

(smile!)

under the sea, in an octopus' garden

Baby octopus in seaweed salad???
Well, not this time. I have had that combination, once upon a time, at a now-extinct Yoshi's. Once was quite enough. It struck me as a rather gruesome experience, but, hey, to each their own, right?
Still, I have honestly earned the right to say that I don't like eating baby octopus. Partly, I don't like the feeling of it in my mouth, but mostly, I think, I don't like it because it's baby octopus.
But that isn't what this dish is.
Okay, how about a wetter version of crab rangoon???
Well, that's closer! Not quite on target, but definitely warmer. let me give you a hint: I ate it at Panera.
I was between events. I'd gone to a celebratory Light Tea at the soon to be defunct Savannah Tea Room. My friend the librarian had been promoted and I was one of the fortunates invited to praise the reward of her efforts. My dearest Marilyn, known for so long in so many different capacities, was also there, as well as two others from the Health Professions. The Green Lantern, aka The Hugger, was working the joint and made lovely plates of delicate treats for us - yum! And then lovely, lovely hugs afterward - YUM!
The librarian and I went on to explore some art galleries, neither of us having any particular place to be and both of us enjoying each other's company. Most of the galleries were already closed, but we did get to chat with a couple of the artists and to view their work up close. It was a very lovely way to spend time!
After she went home, I still had time before my movie at the Lucas Theatre, so, I thought, why not a light dinner? I had already had dessert at the tea! Panera was on the way, so in I went. What did I see? A new pasta dish!! Cool beans!
And, no, it was not coool, nor did it contain beans.
Pesto Sacchettini is the name. Warm and tasty is its game. Yum!
You should try it!
But bring your lactase.