Xavier ISSMA - Ballad for the Dance - Group I Timpani Piece

Xavier participated in the regional ISSMA contest today at Bloomington North High School.  This was both a familiar experience for me, as well as new territory.  I participated in this contest from 7th - 12th grade as a choir student, doing many solos and several different types of ensemble numbers.  However, there is a huge difference between being a female choir student and being a Band Mom.  The experience was none-the-less enjoyable, and I adore watching my little (BIG) buddy perform.

This was his first experience in the ISSMA south competition, as he has participated in the ISSMA central group at Perry with Franklin Township in the past.  And he was given a Group I Timpani solo piece.  The timpani is a new instrument to him and obviously, we don't have one of these instruments at home - one of the interesting parts of being a percussionist is that you get to work with many types of instrument, and most of them you can only work on at school.  Additionally, if you place with a Gold with a Group I piece, you get to go to State competition.  And Band grades base on your score.  So there is a lot on the line with this performance.

So, here is my little buddy, playing Ballad for the Dance, on Timpani.  He got a Silver rating for his performance, but I am none-the-less proud of him for taking on such a challenge.

Here he is getting ready to play.

And now for his performance:

And here he is with his Silver ribbon.  Way to go, Xavier!   We are very proud of you!!!!