The Final Note -- Part Three

The recital was a graduation requirement for Meggar, but truly a joy for her own family to share it with her. The party afterwards was a fitting tribute for her closest friends and for a few special friends and relatives who could make it. I knew it was too far away for many more who wanted to attend. Meggar is planning to send a recording of her piano pieces by mail to those who would like that memento.

Captain gave a few words of wisdom and a beautiful meal grace. I got to tell a humorous story to poke fun at her from the first semester's piano recital.

Guests: Gr. Judy and Gr. Gerald came from Wichita,

Gr. Elizabeth came from Colorado with Aunt Kathy and Uncle Terry,

Bill and Constance (from Jane Austen Book Club),

Alison (from church & her confirmation sponsor),

and Alpha Gamma Delta (members and alumnae).

*Credits to Playmaker for being the event photographer.
Not pictured: Heidi (from Pony Express Museum)
and Spencer (the boyfriend) and parents.

The Final Note--Part Two

After the 4:30 piano recital, we hosted a reception for Meggar at the Kirksville Country Club. Our black tables were topped with antique cake stands, black pianos, and vintage sheet music which was folded into fans by Carey Leonard's three crafty girls: Barbara, Hannah, and Rebecca. Each pedestal was accented by yellow and black ribbons.

Out front we placed a table for gifts, which twinkled with white lights and more black and yellow accents. I hope everyone signed the guest book with well wishes. Megan received lots of flowers, pair of wine glasses painted with piano keys, a set of teapot book ends, a Mozart action figure, and a blue window with "Mr & Mrs Wedding Events" vinyl logo.

The appetizer table greeted guests (about 30) by the open bar as they arrived (and Carey's girls had a few nibbles during the decorating time).

The buffet table was decked out with classic colors, and...

it was loaded with my famous lasagna and sweet green beans, homemade bread sticks, and a wonderful Italian salad provided by Spencer's mom (complete with artichokes, olives, and roasted red peppers).

Dessert was a variation on a "coffee and donuts" theme--this is an inside joke with Truman AGDs. The twins helped me load up baby donut skewers and melted chocolate fondue. There was also rum cake, whipped cream, and Donut House coffee.

Hannah sampled the homemade lemonade, which surely tasted better since there was a yellow-striped straw in her cup.

I was happy when Terry asked me how to use the Keurig machine so he could stay awake for the drive back home. Overall, it was a yummy event, which is absolutely the best way to celebrate a special occasion!

The Final Note - Part One

It could not have been more perfect. The graduation recital, that is. (Pity about the weather, as he British would say. There were heavy showers and high winds beforehand, but luckily no one was injured while travelling to Kirksville, Mo.) Our entire family had all been anticipating this day for weeks! It would be a culmination for Megan of her eight semesters of classical piano study. It also would be the degree completion for the first grandchild. And a "passport" that she has been longing for that enables her to take that final step into the "real world." And it was most importantly a celebration, mixed with some emotion as the rest of our family would be moving to Delaware the next day.
The auditorium seats were full with 60-odd friends and relatives coming to Truman State (between 3- and 6-hours' drive for some of the audience). Megan played tremendously well, and I'm not just saying that because I'm her mother! Megan's progression through the years is more evident to me as I've attended her recitals. And I was so proud to listen as she played more difficult pieces for this final semester. It is a testament to her diligent practice schedule, which is often behind the scenes away from family and friends. The head of the piano department and her studio professor both exclaimed their pleasure after her splendid performance.
The first Beethoven Sonata featured three movements (much like his "Inventions" that she was continually memorizing in high school). I love listening to the variations of Beethoven. And luckily, no one clapped in between the first Allegro and the Scherzo. She was so poised as her fingers fairly flew.
Her program next included a Debussy piece, which SHOULD be on the soundtrack of the next "Jane Austen" film or Masterpiece Classic. Beautiful tinkling notes that put me in mind of a spring afternoon tea party in the garden.
Finally, she played a Chopin Nocturne, in honor of Margie Cameron-Jarrett (her high school piano teacher). The way she gently struck the final two notes in perfect unison was enchanting, and the audience seemed reluctant to break the spell.
(More posts to follow soon with photos of the dress, the programme, the Country Club reception, and party-goers.)

A Secret Graduatiion

Meggar will hopefully graduate tonight. She will play Chopin, Mozart, and Debussy. Seveeral pieces. No one will be there--except the head of the department and her piano instructor! This is her preliminary senior recital. They want to ensure she is ready before her public performance. She claims she is not nervous, but I will be praying nonetheless.

O Holy Night

 Prelude carols were played by Fiddlers Three.

 The altar is gloriously decorated.

 The manger scene sparkles during mass.

 Everyone is happy to be together!

 Purple for Advent.

 Christmas Couple.

Schmidling Siblings.

Music at the Edges

One of the challenges is living without a piano in Nashville. Our instrument always draws me into the front room when we come back to Missouri. But I found that I also missed playing the organ every week for church. While I was home, I filled in for the early mass at St. James. (Tracy and JL treated me to a Cracker Barrel breakfast as compensation.) That old pipe organ, however, is so stiff that I get an entire workout between the two keyboards and foot pedals. Of course, I chose some of my favorite songs (which were still relevent to the liturgy).

When Your Teacher Dies

We had a sad phone call from our violin teacher, Nick. He said his mother was moving into Hospice House on Tuesday. She was diagnosed with lung cancer at the end of the summer (we had no idea), and it spread more quickly than they imagined. His mom was Meggar's piano teacher in high school and had a significant impact on the course of Meggar's ife. Margie was young, only 60 years old. She had not smoked since 1982, and was in fine health until August. The twins and I went to KC at noon today to visit, but she had died this morning! Captain was already heading back with Meggar from college, too (it was too stormy for him to pick her up in his plane). We are all greatly saddened for the family she left behind (Nick and Lindsay are expecting a baby in March), and the students who will miss her joyful personality. Meggar talked about the summer we took Margie and her husband Gary out to the French Restaurant for Bastille Day... And how Margie made her record a song 30 times before submitting it for the Truman State piano auditions! Meggar and I will attend the visitation and funeral service on Sunday afternoon.

Making Music in Nashville

The twins stayed on the same line for the starting weekend of Thunder Hockey Training Camp. They wanted to make things happen during drills and show their stuff. I know they were probably a little nervous to be "new" and only 15 on a team of 15/16. But they told me how "cool" and welcoming their teammates were. Two also play golf! Some of those boys are HUGE by comparison. But my twins have other assets: they are smart on the ice, and this wasn't about checking or hitting drills yet; plus they are strong with their upper body from cross-training all spring. Polar Bear even felt like prior conditioning* helped him prevent further injury to his internal right oblique muscle. (relief) *plug for Spine and Sport Physical Therapy
The whole hockey team stayed at the rink 24/7 from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Yep, they took cots and sleeping bags for "bonding time" with all the guys. Let's just say there was some talking in their sleep and before their sleep.
Besides looking at rentals, I went to two concerts over the weekend. Well, I was in Nashville after all. But they were the-free-type, not the purchase-tickets-type. First came a trip to The Coffeehouse in a hipster locale near the Downtown Square in Franklin (quite close to our future church and future hockey rink). I listened to original compositions by Luke Bellet, accompanied by Michael Bellet. It was so endearing to hear the song he wrote about his brothers (seven of them) and the song her wrote for his sister (only one girl). He is a good friend of the organizer of the second concert. On Sunday, we stopped by the Morel Farm for another "Love Good Music" event with Jimmy Mitchell and friends. Over 200 people showed up (his biggest back yard event to date), so it resulted in a great potluck and opportunity to meet Catholic homeschoolers. The twins were thrilled to meet so many in the "Connect" teen group!

Mayor's Art Awards

Dorito was chosen last night for the 50th Anniversary Mayor's Art Awards as the Youth Artist of the Year!

1. Describe nominee’s achievements and biographical information:

    Reid Schmidling began playing piano at age 7 but asked to take violin lessons at age 10. His excitement for this new instrument came after witnessing a music group performing at “Trails West” festival that summer. He studied Suzuki Violin for 5 years with Terry Brock at Missouri Western (Center for Community Arts) and for 2 years with Nicholas Jarrett, graduate of the UMKC Conservatory. He participated in Symphonic Youth Orchestra for 4 years and was in the first violin section at Missouri Western State University for 1 year under Rico McNeela (while still in high school). He also performed with the Jarrett Studio 12-piece Ensemble for 2 years, including a solo part in Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Two Violins.” As a homeschooler, you are not allowed to participate in State Music Competitions so Reid competed in the MMTA Concerto Recital in 2012. For his senior violin recital, he performed “Concerto in A Minor” by Bach from Suzuki Book 7.

   To round out his music endeavors, Reid was in Homeschool Choir all 6 years during middle school and high school. He was also a bass singer for 2 years with New Generation Singers.

   In addition to a love of music, Reid has a well-rounded personality and stays involved in ice hockey, soccer, golf, chess club, Trivia Bowl team, robotics competitions, Boy Scouts, Mic-o-Say, and youth group. He is an Eagle Scout, Hillyard Ambassador, and works part-time at Fairview Golf Course.

    He spent last summer as an exchange student to Austria, where one highlight was touring the Mozart Museum.

    Reid auditioned and made the orchestra string section for Benedictine College, but he won a significant leadership scholarship to K-State where he will study Mechanical Engineering this fall.

2. Describe how the nominee’s contribution to the arts in St. Joseph are significant and long lasting:

     Above all, Reid has impacted the community through his family band known as “The Fiddlers Three.” His younger twin brothers play the harmony parts, and his sister is the piano accompanist (she has a piano fellowship at Truman State University). Reid has carried the melody parts and first chair role from a young age for all the classical and fiddle shows of this sibling group during the past 5-6 years. They were the opening act for Friday night of PumpkinFest in 2009. Through competitive audition, they were selected for the Family Stage at “Trails West” festival in 2010. They were featured for the opening of the One-room Schoolhouse at TNT (Tuesday Night Talks) in 2012 at the Pony Express Museum and performed for the Sesquicentennial Parade on the Museum grounds.

     By performing over 40 shows per year, Reid and his sibling group are enjoyed by civic groups, award dinners, and school programs. Their special feature is to provide educational tidbits about the 1860s songs and explain how the fiddle became the state instrument of Missouri.

      Reid gives generously with his music by playing for free at many events, including area nursing homes. The most fun is when each resident gets a shaker to play along with “Irish Washerwoman” and “Red-Haired Boy.” Their faces light up during the sing-along of cowboy favorites, and many listeners come up front afterwards to share their own stories of piano or violin lessons. Reid has played countless hours for many Catholic churches, funerals, and weddings too. It is a delight to see this young man play from his heart and have his music touch the hearts of so many people.

Love Good Music? Yes!

Love Good Music Tour Bus arrived at 2:00 am Friday night for a Saturday luncheon concert in our back yard.

Samuel Knight sounds like Michael Buble!
Josh plays a drum-set-in-a-box (way cool)!

Jimmy plays original composition for deceased brother while Amber performs a painting.

We might have been their smallest concert attendance, but it was like a mini World Youth Day. We had jammin' music, prayer, reflective painting, and everyone was so full of love and joy! These Nashville missionaries of good Catholic music are looking for patrons to give $10 a month on their website. We signed up five patrons just from our little group! 

Wedding Bells

We played another outdoor wedding complete with Pachabel's Canon in D and Bouree by Bach for the daughter of our banker.

Then we played more classical music for the outdoor cocktail hour. My sons looked so formal, and they did really well with the wind and the sunset in their faces.

Senior Violin Recital

What a lovely concert! (with a K-State bow tie) Dorito performed five songs from Suzuki Books 4-7, showing his span of music lessons in his high school years. Not many teens continue with music through high school, so we were especially proud of his efforts. Everyone enjoyed the four violin concertos plus the "Ave Maria." (That latter piece was a tear jerker.)

Then for the grand finale, he performed with his teacher (Nick Jarrett) and his twin brothers with a Vivaldi "Concerto for Four Violins." All three movements! Magnificent!!

Meggar was the accompanist for all the songs! She rushed home from college and did an amazing job. Dorito had very little rehearsal time with his sister, but she made every piece flow smoothly.

The setting was an historic 1880s church downtown, and the staff at First Christian were so accomodating and helpful to us. We hosted nearly 70 people for the reception afterwards. Catering done by Lesa's Company. I mean that Lesa and her family were company at my house and I put them to work prepping the food! We hired the cupcakes from a homeschool girl in five flavors: red velvet, lemon, coconut, key lime, and purple chocolate swirl for the future K-State student.

"Aboard the Titanic" Prom

Everyone looked fabulous!
The dinner was delicious at Benton Club.
The decorations were a hit.

Meggar was an outstanding disc jockey for the dance. The seniors guys had a good time dancing with Absolutely Everyone!
Captain let us borrow his airline uniform hat for a prop!

My Senior Can Sing

The semester program for homeschool classes was tonight. For their "Grand Finale," the 12 seniors in Choir did a special ensemble performed with choreography. Dorito sounded fantastic! Finally there are enough male voices to support the four-part harmony songs. (Note: Some years our homeschool choir has been on the quieter side.) I am proud of my senior for never quitting "Choir" all these years, even when it wasn't the fashionable place to be on Tuesdays. He has set a good example every week with his good attitude. After the concert, all the teens were going out to eat and getting ice cream. I think the twins decorated Dorito's car when it was in the parking lot :-)

Mom's Weekend at AGD

We had fun: dinner with Spencer, Bunco and dessert night, and Saturday brunch.This photo was with Peyton (former suitemate and Panhellenic teammate for Recruitment).

Here's Lois (best crafting buddy), tall Emily (former roommate back from study abroad in Italy) and their moms!

Plus Meggar and I went antique shopping and attended a Piano Recital for a Master's candidate.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Bach!

Today is Bach's Birthday (under the old calendar, so that's where I keep it).
It is good to "note" that Dorito is working very, very hard on "Concerto No. 1 in A Minor" by Bach for his Senior Violin Recital. I am struggling with the accompaniment, but Meggar will be there for the actual performance. It's full of accidentals and extremely high notes and 32nd-notes and Baroque harmonies (which are odd to the ear). The twins and he are also polishing three movements of a Vivaldi concerto. Besides rehearsals, the pressing matter for me is to get a concert-dress photo of my son to print up the invites to the big celebration!

Using Our Talents

Yesterday was KCMTA's Concerto Recital, and I enjoyed watching the twins enter for the first time. They both played music by Seitz. Winger performed Concerto No. 2, 3rd movement; and Polar Bear performed Concerto No. 5, 1st movement. Both had their pieces memorized and performed really well on the stage. I am not as technology-oriented as Captain is, so no recording was made to share with this blog spot. For those of you at Meggar's Senior Recital, you would have heard Dorito playing the same songs -- he was a freshman that year. What a great accomplishment for any high schooler. And a treat for my ears!

Cleaning Music

What would I do without Pandora?! I love my access to Michael Buble radio while cleaning the kitchen/house. Plus I love that it is free! Speaking of savings, my tank of gas was reduced $6.40 because of my accumulated HyVee gas points, which is wonderful. Now I won't go into the politics of gas prices nor our failed economy under Mr. O... I'm too happy listening to "Hold On"

Romantic Movies

Captain and I watched the final episode of "Downton Abbey" on Sunday night. He just barely made it back in time for this tear-jerker finale! But I am starting to be annoyed that Mr. Fellowes is not writing a script accurate to 1912-20 except in clothing and castles.
Meggar was pleased on Valentine's Day when Spencer offered to watch "Pride and Prejudice" with her after a candle-light dinner! He knows what is in her heart. Then over the weekend, she had arranged tickets for him to go with her to see an Opera! They saw "Rigoletto" live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City via the movie theatre in Columbia. She thought it was well worth the drive, and gets extra credit for her music history class. I'm going to check and see if they are ever offered at our theatre in St. Joseph.

Vocal Music Class

Meggar has voice lessons and vocal class instead of Choir this semester. Here is one of the songs she is preparing:  I think you will enjoy the poem by Klaus Johann Groth, which was put to music by Brahms.
Your Blue Eyes
Your blue eyes hold so still,
       I look into their depths.
You ask me what I want to see?
      I see myself healthy again.
One blazing pair of eyes burned me;
     the feeling from it still hurts.
Those - yours - are as clear as a lake
    and, like a Sea, so cool. 

Dein blaues Auge
Dein blaues Auge halt so stillen
     Ich blicke bis zum Grund.
Du gragst mich, was ich sehen will?
     Ich sehe mich gesund.

Es brannte mich ein gluhend Paar,
    Noch scmerzt ds Machgefuhl:
Das deine ist wie See so klar
    Und Wie win See so kuhl.