23Sep 2015

Trombones and technology…I’m in the band, Man

By Angela Banae 23 Sep 2015 0 Family 5th grade band, band, family life, In the band man, technology troubles Permalink 0

First of all, remember last week when I shared how the kittens are doing quite well as we “cat sit” them? They love hanging out in our basement and they are entertaining themselves nicely. And remember how I wondered if I’d come down and see them decorating a Christmas tree or playing with the Thomas the Train table? WELL. It has happened. (Not the Christmas tree decorated. Gosh, if that would have happened, I’d be on a world tour right now with “The most creative, amazing, talented cats in the universe”.) They are playing with the Thomas the Train table. Seriuosly. At one point over the weekend, while checking in on them, I opened the door and heard the Thomas “Jingle Bells” train begin to play its musical tune. YES. They are playing with trains and toys down there, friends. All I can say is that there better be some good sharing and turn taking going on.

In other exciting events, I thought I’d elaborate on what I shared last week…I’ve signed up to play the trombone. Yes. You read that correctly.

Back in the beginning of September, Nate came home with “An Invitation to Join Band” note. This is very exciting for 5th graders because DRUMS, TRUMPETS, TROMBONES, NOISE. And after reading the band instructor’s note, I saw that their recommendation was for Nate to play the trombone. (They have kids try different instruments and then, the instructors recommend one.) (Drums are not an option if the child hasn’t had piano lessons.) (Nate was completely bummed. #dreamingofdrums)

Nate wanted to play the trombone so badly. I had no qualms about it. I had played the clarinet when I was in elementary school up through high school and I believe having musical knowledge of notes and instruments and such makes a person well-rounded. Daddy needed a little coaxing. Not that he’s against band or trombones or what have you, but he was wondering when all of the practicing is going to take place, considering we are gone every night of the week. I assured him that Nate would practice for the 20 minutes a day 4 times a week RIGHT AFTER SCHOOL. And so, by that evening, we had a boy in the band.

The school’s note said that you must sign up your child on “Sign-up Genius” and that is exactly what I did. Except I’m not sure it should be called Genius. Because not everyone is a sign-up genius. I happen to be a chocolate-chip cookie genius. A fashion and boot loving genius. And I consider myself a genius in the world of having lofty ideas and then not following through with a single one of them. BUT. Sign-up Genius…that, I am not.

I went to the Sign-up Genius website and thoroughly read through the instructions. It specifically stated: Please be sure to use the student’s name – NOT PARENT NAME!

Well. I must have needed to sign Nate up with his own account, instead of using my account. But friends! When it asked first and last name, I typed in Nate’s name!!! Then, I selected “trombone” and it took me to the completed page of all the 5th grade band members who had signed up for their instrument of choice. And that’s when I saw “Angela Patterson” under the trombone list. Yes. I had signed up MYSELF to play trombone with the 5th grade band.

In a panic, I tried to delete it, but was unable to do so. Bless.

And that, my friends, is how I signed up to play the trombone. Please remember that technology and “Sign-up Genius” are not my strengths.

I checked the website the other day and praise God, someone must have changed the error. I’m assuming they didn’t want a 40-something year old mother playing a trombone with 5th graders?

The list of 5th grade trombone players has Nate’s name instead of mine, but in small fine print below his name (like an additional comment or something), it says: Mom is Angela. You all. I don’t even know what to say. I guess this: Yes, I’m the crazy mom who signed up for 5th grade band…

In other news, I can share some pics of when the boys and I went to West Music to purchase Nate’s trombone.

*Before you worry and think I was letting our children run all crazy and loose throughout the music store, without adult supervision, and touching all manner of musical instruments, do not fear. I was worried, myself. But the polite sales associate said “They are doing just fine! We LOVE to have kids play on ALL of the instruments! It’s a “hands-on” store!”