SUPAF

This week we received word that Melanie had placed in the Southern Utah Performing Arts Festival in the Intermediate Beginning Violin section.  She had been learning a specific song for awhile and then she was able to play it for a judge back in February.  She had an excellent pianist accompany her. Grandma Margaret and Ross were able to come and watch her.  They were able to watch the other violinists and they said she played better than the ones they heard.  When she received her score sheet she had all superior markings, or 1s.  We had to wait until the entire competition was over, which takes about two months, to hear if she placed.  The awards ceremony was held at Tuacahn Amphitheater on Tuesday night.  When she was about 9 or 10 she also placed in the piano division.  She got 3rd place in her section.

Last Saturday was our stake baptism day and our ward was in charge of the talks, prayers, music, etc. I had to lead the music and so I had Melanie play a special musical number.  She played "Heavenly Father Loves Me."  She seemed so calm but I was so nervous my hand were soaking wet.  She pulled it off without mistakes at all and I was so proud of her.  It was a beautiful piece.

Last week I took a morning off to go with Melanie and her school orchestra to their SUPAF competition and they placed first among all the middle school orchestra in our district.  I was so excited to go on a field trip with her because I don't think I have gone with her since she was in kindergarten.  She was having a hard time that day for some reason and was feeling really emotional.  I had to go back to work in the afternoon so Kelly took the day off and took her bowling and out to eat.  I'm so grateful he is working in town now.

Her school orchestra at SUPAF

I have to sneak up on her to record her.  This wasn't her performance, she was just warming up.

Melanie after the awards program.  She didn't want her picture taken