Miss W's Singing Debut

November 2nd was a BIG day for our little family. It all started last spring when Miss W was asked/encouraged to audition for a choir concert. She was the only 3rd grader at her school to audition and be accepted. That alone was a BIG deal to us, but it got even bigger when we realized the choir concert was the South Dakota Elementary School Honors Choir involving 180 (+ a few) fourth through sixth graders from across the state. She had to memorize six songs prior to the Saturday concert. She had practice once a week after school with the other students from Sonia Sotomayor. She also watched a video to learn the dance moves and actions to one of the songs. On the day of the concert she and the other elementary students met their guest conductor and rehearsed as a group, blending their voices and singing in rounds. The concert for the audience was to begin at 3:00 PM. Hubby and I left the house at 1:30 (we heard there would be a big crowd) for the 10 minute drive only to learn we were about an hour late for the line standing for premium seating. No one was let into the concert hall until rehearsal was over and the students and conductor were ready to show-off their hard work; that happened about 3:20. I think there may have been 1000 people seated and standing for the concert. Miss Willa had seven of us there and I bet other kids had more audience members.

the guest conductor Dr. Ann Usher

Miss W in the middle showing off the peace sign

we were told to sit on the right side to see the sopranos

not so, as Miss W was front and right

the only way to see her was to walk in front of the stage 

prior to the concert

this was the section of students we saw during the concert

singing a cappella to the African folk song

just realized I do not have the titles of the songs

they sang

this is for the SD followers who might want to watch

these 180+ elementary students sing

there she is...

one of 180+

Oh yes, we were so proud of her!