One time, at band camp...

We met a wonderful woman last summer at oboe camp.  She has been so helpful in introducing us to many opportunities to play, compete, and audition.  Needless to say, she told us about band camp and how could we say no since it was only fairly inexpensive and just in Clear Lake.

And then to top it off, this wonderful oboe mentor was in charge of the oboe's at band camp.  So Zachary played with her, and she offered him the opportunity to play English Horn, his true love!

It was a fun week of playing small and large ensembles pieces.  It was only from 9-1P, so it worked out perfect for Zachary's schedule.

He really wanted me to take some pictures of him holding the English Horn.  I almost think that was the most important part to him.  He badly wants an English Horn, but has postponed his saving efforts, at least for now.  He wanted some "cool" photos of him holding it.

"Ok, take it now." (notice the lean)

"let me adjust my hands."

"How about like this?"

"Ok, just the English Horn."

I think he is pretty cute.  And he makes me laugh, posing like he is a professional player.  Oh to be in his head for a day.

Summer Experiment

With summer allowing us a little more time, we decided to try neurofeedback.  Wikipedia defines it as a type of biofeedback that measures brain waves to produce a signal that can be used as feedback on brain activity to teach self-regulation.  It can address areas such as attention & focus, anxiety, stress, self-control, plus many other areas.  I listed the items we are hoping it will address.

Last weekend, we got took the initial test that simply reads your brain activity with your eyes open and then closed.

Amazing little cap reads his brain activity

We start sessions this weekend.  I'm not placing my hope in this, but still trusting God for Zachary's healing.  I am praying this could help him get off or reduce his medicines, and that he would feel more in control of himself.  Whatever happens, I know God is always working in Zachary's life.  As I am praying, will you join me.

Chess tournament

Zachary decided to play chess again in the spring.  It happened that we were unable to make it to any chess club meetings.  When our school tournament rolled around in June, he said he wanted to play.  And funny as it may be, he took first in his division.  He hasn't really played since the last chess tournament.  It was a joy to watch him receive his trophy.  He doesn't tend to express much emotion, but he was excited to be on stage.  I didn't get a good picture of him receiving the trophy, but I thought this one was good!

1st place winner

CLCS school winner

Summer has begun

And it is already hot!  There won't be many days going shirtless, and Zachary is pretty modest these days.  I caught a few photos of him with Kirby in the yard.  I know they are all just about the same, but each one captures a different thought.  And Kirby looks so relaxed.

Spring Band Concert

Tuesday, the school band put on a Spring concert that just featured its members.  Typically, the band is put in a little corner during Spring Show or as a side-note at the Spring Sports Banquet.  In order make the concert more than just 30 minutes, the band teacher asked a few students to play their solos.  He also asked Zachary to conduct a piece.  I thought he did a very good job and he tried very hard during practice.  Here is a YouTube link.  I'll apologize upfront for my giggles.

Receiving a recognition award.

Acting Experience

Zack continues to show interest in acting.  This spring, the school prepared it's performance with the intention of using the drama class for the major roles.  There again, we found favor with Mrs. Rutledge, as she created a role for Zachary.

His name was Fred and he was one of the students in the classroom for Life School Musical.  This was his biggest role yet, with more lines and several times he needed to pay attention so that the interactions looked natural.  A change was made the day of the dress rehearsal.  With a bit of anxiety, I waited.  And he did a great job, even with a smile several times. 

Front and center, with girls all around him.

Thank you Lord for your goodness!

Finished with victory!

Back row:  Emma Brown, Megan Ritthaler, Isabella McGovern, Gabby Darko, Danielle Gomez, Yovanni Cano.  Front rows:  Zack Sansing, Hunter Green, ?, Nadiya Blair.

Houston Youth Symphony auditions

Zachary's oboe teacher suggested he try out for the Houston Youth Symphony, so we gave it a shot last Saturday.  They have five symphonies; two for just strings and three that are full symphonies, so there is a better shot of him making this symphony than the Bay Area Youth symphony. 

As the time drew near, he was a bit concerned about various issues...excessive water on his lips, reeds not working, too young, not enough time to practice, etc.  In the weeks approaching, I told him to do his best and if he offered a position, he could turn it down if he really didn't want to join.  I reminded him that his schedule next year will be drastically different because of some adjustments we have made and work he will do in the summer.  He could only see what was before him.

You prepare for weeks, and then the audition is about five minutes.  I stood outside the door.  I couldn't help myself.  He made a little blip on one of his solo pieces, but other than that, I thought it sounded good.  I did hear him play a scale three times in a row.  I asked if the judge asked him to play that, and he said, "I gave him a bonus."  I snickered.

Now we wait until the summer when the letter comes.  And then we have Bay Area Youth Symphony auditions May 18th.  This symphony is in the Clear Lake area, so I would prefer this drive vs. a weekly 40 minute drive.  Until then.

While we waited for John at Rice University after the audition, we went and explored.

Neat little structure to pray and take in nature.