Hello CAM Vocal fans! I'm SO sorry that I haven't posted since April, for goodness sake!
I'm going to try to do better now that I have the World Wide Web in my very own little office at HOME.
I've been thinking about all the music that has happened since contest and even during the summer so far. Let's see--we sang ABBA songs, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat songs, prepared for Graduation, and Lucas sang at the Alumni Banquet. Students or former students have sung in New York City, churches in Cass County, and led music at Bible Camps. You'll see them at the Relay for Life and the July 4th celebration in Massena. We are just so busy spreading the joy! And I couldn't be prouder. One of my goals as a teacher is to help students be comfortable sharing their music in the community without me- taking their amazing abilities with them into their bright futures.
For right now, I'm taking a bit of a musical break, but you know how to reach me if you need me. I'll be ready to go at it again in August, but I'm not quite there yet. Let's see, I think I need about 40 more days of vacation! :)
Enjoy!
Mrs. Nichols

Another Contest in the Bag

I was wishing just now that I had some pictures of contest to show you, but that would mean that I remembered to take my camera last Saturday, and that I had time to take pictures.
But neither of those things happened. So you are going to have to use your imagination and picture 14 TALENTED kids singing their hearts out all day long and bringing home 9 I's and 4 II's- which is AMAZING. I love contest season for one very big reason- I get to work individually and in small groups with my students and I get to see how much they progress (which is relative, of course, to how much effort they expend!). I'm so proud of this group. You might notice that we are missing some faces in the picture, but they were with us Saturday: Riley Groves, Colton Carr, Jessica Thelen. We are also missing Erin Steele, of course. But some great news- she is being released from the hospital today!! We are so thankful that we will see her again soon. Special memories of Contest 2008: Jenna singing like a trooper through a sore throat; Mixed Trio getting totally lost in their difficult acapella piece but ending together and totally impressing the judge!; Shy Ellisa bravely singing a solo!; our FANTASTIC men's group; being the best Chamber Choir; Cassidy remembering Amazing Grace lyrics just in time :); Colton's introduction of his duet with Cassidy (you'll have to ask him); Brave Brett taking a solo for the first time as a junior; and the audience reaction when Riley finished his solo.
Unforgettable. Thanks, everyone. You make me smile.

Students travel to Everly

Six students accompanied Mrs. Nichols on March 28 to attend a production of "Guys and Dolls" which starred former CAM standout Scott Kruse. Scott played Sky Masterson, the gambler who gave up his wicked ways for a virtuous "mission doll." It was a long ways to Everly (think Okoboji), but we are so glad we went. Scott did a fantastic job! The sets were awesome! The acting was professional! The singing was exceptional! Wow- what a trip. We miss him so much, but it's so good to know that he is in a place where he is able to use his talents and abilities and where he is appreciated. Way to go Scott! Wonder what next year's musical will be at Clay Central-Everly!!

River Dance a Hit!!

River Dance exceeded our expectations Friday night- what a joy to be a part of something so wonderful. The dancing (how do they DO that?), the singing (breathtaking) and the instrumentalists (five men making so much music- incredible) were all top-notch and something we will remember for a long time. We also enjoyed dining at Applebee's in West Des Moines (see picture), and were joined by some CAM High School alumni and their moms.
The tradition continues! Funny things that happened: Thinking Miss R. expected me to have her ticket, emergency stop for CC, losing Mr. Berry, getting Regular instead of Decaf coffee, and trying to get out of the parking garage after the show. Ok, they weren't funny then, but seem humorous now! Thanks, everyone, for a great trip.

So Much Fun!!

Riley was chosen by audition to sing the National Anthem for one of the sessions of the Boys' State Basketball tournament, and he represented us all very well.
Thanks, Riley, for remembering that the song is about our country and not about you! Thanks, IHSAA, for taking such good care of us and for giving talented musicians this wonderful opportunity. Thanks, CAM Boys' BB team, who supported Riley by attending the day he sang.
I agree with Riley: "That was so much fun!!!"
You can see his performance by going to the front page of the school web site and clicking on the link in the article Mr. Giegerich wrote.

In other news: Solo and Ensemble Contest will be here before we know it. (April 12, Coon Rapids) In order to encourage my students to practice and memorize NOW, we will again be having a Pre-Contest Recital during Parent-Teacher Conferences on March 17. My goals are to give the students something to work for that's a little closer than April, and also to give more parents an opportunity to see their children sing. All vocal students are required to participate in at least one event. (Most choose to do more than this.) In addition, all vocal students are required to participate in the Pre-Contest Recital. Thanks for encouraging them to practice and memorize their music!

Southwest Iowa Honor Choir a Success!

Eight tired CAM vocal students (and one exhausted teacher) reported for school Tuesday morning the 12th after a hard, but rewarding, day of rehearsal at the Southwest Iowa Honor Choir Festival in Council Bluffs on Monday, February 11. We had a really good day, led by Mr. Joel Johnston of Omaha. He had only four rules for the day, which he cleverly re-enforced as the day went on. His rules helped to establish his expectations for the group, as well as focus them when the energy level began to sag. Here were his "rules" for making music together yesterday:
1) Tonight we will have an "event", not a concert; 2) For today we will put our list of complaints, concerns, and problems AWAY; 3) Remember not to count Crayons (comparing your box to others' boxes), but just to draw; 4) We had his permission to be BRILLIANT! (instead of lazy, non-musical, bored, or inattentive). With these expectations, we embarked on a journey of music making for the day. (I say we, because as accompanist, I was right there with them all day. Sore back to prove it.)
What a successful day in so many ways. First, we participated in a music making event that we will remember for a long time. Secondly, we had such an appreciative crowd of parents and loved ones. Thirdly, we learned a lot about music, singing, and being brilliant! In addition, we were well-represented in the twelve "soloists" chosen by the director by four courageous students from our school (Colton, Daniel, Luke, Jenna).
Thank you! Thank you students for working hard. Thank you parents for coming. Thank you, Joel Johnston for helping us create a musical event.
Boy am I tired!
Mrs. Nichols

Riley honored!

After the teams are announced for the third session of the Boys' State Basketball tournament on March 4 in Des Moines, the crowd will grow quiet in anticipation of the singing of the National Anthem. And.......CAM Senior Riley will be singing it!! Chosen by audition to participate in this year's Iowa High School Athletic Union State Tournament series, Riley is one of a select few to hold this honor. Riley, we are all proud of you!
This is a significant event in my mind for a couple of reasons. The first one involves my own growth as a teacher. Looking for new opportunities for my students usually means that I also have to try something new and different. This is the first year that I have submitted singers to the IHSAU for National Anthem consideration. My hats go off to all the kids that gave this a try right before Christmas! And don't worry, we'll give it another go again next year.
The second reason that this is significant is the obvious inter-dependency that sports and music share. I love music and I also love sports. Many times I have stood with my hand over my heart, at attention for the singing (or playing) of the National Anthem at a sporting event. How wonderful to take the time to acknowledge our great country, say a prayer for our armed service protectors (and the son on the field), celebrate a beautiful voice or blend of voices, and raise the spirit for a good game! There's nothing better. Thirdly, I am so proud of the accomplished poise of my students. Because many of them have had character-building experiences like auditioning for All-State, singing the National Anthem at home games, participating in small group contest and singing in front of their peers, they can shout for joy when they get news like what I gave Riley last Friday instead of cowering in fear at the thought of such an audience. Riley almost did a hand stand when I told him. Pretty cool.
Riley- we're just so proud that you will be representing us in Des Moines on March 4. Sing your heart out.