Seasons

I tell my grown children (if you didn't know, I have five of my own plus all of yours!) that they should be thankful that they get to move on in their lives. I'm eternally stuck in high school! But if I didn't love it, I wouldn't be here. Which brings me to the title of this blog: seasons. In my job, seasons are defined a little differently than fall, winter, spring, summer. They pass without fail in the following way: All-State/Musical (or Variety Show) season, Christmas concert season, Pops Concert season, Contest season, Awards concert season. And that's just the high school. Of course, we have been working on Christmas music for 2 weeks now. It tends to sneak up on us. The mixed ensemble is getting ready to go out into the community to spread Christmas cheer. If you have an event for which you need Christmas music, let me know! All I ask is that you give me at least 2 weeks' notice (preferably more). At other times of the year, we need more lead time. But we are already preparing for a Care Center gig on December 19 so we should be ready by the 10th or so to help you out.
On another topic, let's talk about leaving comments on this or any blog. There are only 2 ways that I know people are reading this blog to get all of this essential information:) 1- you tell me in person (thanks, Diana). 2- you leave a comment on the blog. It's really easy and here are the step by step instructions. If you want to post a comment to my blog, (it’s always great to know that someone is reading my blog!) all you need to do is go to www.google.com and create an account. You will use this account information to reply to my blog after you click on the word "comment" at the bottom of the entry you want to reply to. It will then ask you to log in. You'll have to remember your log in information! Good luck!

Looking forward to comments from readers,
Mrs. Nichols

Kelsey & Colton's All-State Adventure

Hello everybody! Right now Colton and I are in Ames at the 2007 Iowa All-State Festival, and we are having a blast! This is the first time that me or Colton have participated in the All-State experience and so far it's been amazing. I personally have never done anything like it. There are 603 of the finest singers in Iowa all singing in the same place at the same time and it's just...wonderful! : The volume of the voices and the extreme talent of every individual is stunning and today during rehearsal I had to just sit down and say, "wow!"...haha... Me and Colton both are meeting tons of new people and starting new friendships. When we're not rehearsing we have to find things to do and one of the things we discovered was the 'Photo Booth' on Mrs. N's computer (explains the picture) :)... but just thought I'd tell everybody that we're having a good time here in Ames.

Opus Concert a Success

Success can be described in many ways. But I think you would have to say that this year's Opus Honor Choir Festival was a success in every way. First of all, you have four eager and talented students who are eager to learn and grow musically. Second of all, you have three gifted guest directors who love kids and are eager to share their musical wisdom. Thirdly, there are the supportive parents who provide transportation, money, and their presence (even when they don't feel well) to encourage these budding musicians. We can't forget the 716 other students from around the state who made up the rest of the four 180 member choirs. Add the teachers who lovingly prepared them and the packed house audience and you have the makings for a memory-making experience.
I haven't had the time to REALLY talk to the participants from yesterday: Alyssa, Daniel, Makaye, and Jenna because I'm still in Ames with the All-State students. I can't wait to hear what they have to say. I have three highlights of my own to share, however. For my thoughts to make sense to you, you will need to know that I happen to be the Chairman for this year's 7/8 grade girls choir. Thought #1: Students enjoy and NEED to be a part of something bigger than themselves. When they are, it changes them for the better. I had a student tell me during the day that "this has been one of the best experiences of my life." Sigh. Thought #2: Some musical treasures can be gifts from God. During the 7/8 grade concert I was moved to tears at the mature and lovely heart-touching emotion that the choir poured into their song "Heart, We Will Forget Him." Simply beautiful. Thought #3: It's so cool when you are appreciated for all your hard work. All four choirs received standing ovations from a packed CY Stephens Auditorium crowd and the sincere thanks of their directors. I received a heartfelt thank you from a parent that I did not know for making this experience possible for his daughter. What a gift! OPUS 2007-What a wonderful memory!!

We did it!

I'm always surprised and I shouldn't be. You would think that, after 15 years of doing this in one form or another, I would never be surprised by the fact that the show comes together even if I think it will be a flop. As I mentioned in the previous entry, these variety shows are a different animal. It must be the control factor. I thrive on it, love it, and need it. So when I have to give some of it up to a group of 32 teenagers, I have to do a lot of deep-breath-taking and gulping before I say confidently "ok, we'll try it." When DJ patiently explains FOUR DAYS BEFORE THE SHOW that the Wild Boyz would like to find a new song. Gulp. When the beef jerky commercial needs what kind of costume?? Swallow. When Cassidy is sure that the blue wig will be "poifect" for her judge character. Sigh. When Brett is positive that he can dance the Cuban Pete number "just like Jim Carrey". OK. When Riley needs his Ray Charles karaoke transposed how far up?? No Problem.

I'm so proud of this group of kids. They were all there- 100 %- doing what they had created with no apologies or regrets. WAY TO GO! And THANKS to all who helped in any way- especially those not in band or vocal who helped us just because we asked. Bailey and Erin- nice job.

And thanks to two of the best co-directors I could have!

Mrs. Nichols

CAM does indeed have talent!

Some random musings about variety show production.....
1. I always wonder if we will really have a show. I know we have talented students.
But will the show flow? will people laugh? will the voices be heard? will they be understood? Will the costumes enhance the performance or detract from it? Will the technology work? Will they remember their entrances and their props? Will our support crew think it's important enough to volunteer their time? Will the inevitable short tempers and personality conflicts divide the cast?

2. Sometime in the last week before the show we always turn a corner and I know without a doubt that we will have an entertaining show. This year it was Tuesday. Anyone who saw
us last week would have wondered what we were selling tickets for! Ask Chad, the janitor.
He has suffered through the whole process with us and never said a discouraging word.

3. Musicals are easier. There is a script, written out songs, a plot and set suggestions.
At first, I created the variety show idea as a break from the tried and true Broadway productions of the past because I thought it would be easier. I was wrong. Giving up control of
the production to a group of high school students is scary. But it is also incredibly rewarding.
CAM'S GOT TALENT was created by the students that are performing it, start to finish. The songs are not original, but the ideas are.

4. You will enjoy it even if you don't know anyone in it! Come and watch some of the best
high school talent you'll see anywhere. You won't be sorry.

5. And thank you for giving me such great kids to work with!

Mrs. Nichols