Thursday, April 25, 2013

Back in Iowa. Wait, did we not just leave here? - Garrett Heidenreich


Early this morning, the members of the Wind Ensemble returned to Morrison High School in Morrison, Illinois for a joint rehearsal session with the members of the Morrison High School Band. The rehearsal session was to allow both bands to spend time together and learn from each other. The Wind Ensemble played along with Morrison on one of their pieces, and they joined us on one of our pieces. The time spent with the other band was loads of fun, and was very informational.

After we finished up in Morrison, we loaded up the bus and vans to head back into Iowa to Clarence to spend an afternoon at North Cedar Middle School. While we were at North Cedar, we spent time practicing with the 5th Grade band and the 7th & 8th Grade band. After we practiced with these bands, we put on a concert for the entire 5-8 student body. The concert caused many students to sit in awe about what the Wind Ensemble could do. Many students that were not in band were in shock after we finished up playing this afternoon.

Once we finished up with the concert for the Middle School students, we had about an hour to just relax and have fun before we were served a wonderful meal at the middle school. We are so thankful to all that were involved with the preparation of our meals. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!
The day was wrapped up with a concert at North Cedar Middle School. The concert was great, and I am thankful to all who came out to hear us perform.
As a whole, I really enjoyed spending time with high school and middle school band members. It reminded me of when I was just learning how to play the saxophone, and when I had people with more experience than me help me out whenever I needed it. Spending time with other students helps us all to learn, since we are hearing information and music different from the people that we hear it from all the time. Watching the middle school band members sit in awe as they watched us perform made the whole afternoon one I will never forget. Thank you to all that spent time with us today, you are all amazing people.

I look forward to heading closer to China and Japan by heading up to the Chicago suburbs in the morning.

Happy days,
Garrett Heidenreich

4 comments:

  1. Aw, that's so awesome y'all played with the younger-kid bands! I'm sure they absolutely loved it! I mean, imagine being a 5th grader again, playing alongside with some talented college kids! College kids are the coolest people on the planet in the eyes of 5th graders (and probably even the 7th & 8th graders!) Pretty sure you guys made their day so kudos to you! :)

    God bless,

    Angela Zook

    P.S.--Don't be surprised if I comment on each post, if that's okay! I for sure am going to keep up with these posts! What an awesome opportunity this is for you all! Stay classy Wind Ensemble :)

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  2. It's so wonderful that you all played for the middle school students; hopefully the ones that aren't in band were inspired to join!

    I wish I could have heard the concert.

    Can't wait to read more updates! Have fun, guys. :)

    Amy

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  3. Sounds like you are meeting many wonderful people as you begin the trip to Asia. I'm sure each concert and clinic has been great. We wish you safe travels and God's blessings.
    Craig and Kris Heidenreich

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  4. It was so great surprising you all for this concert in Iowa. I'm so happy I could be there to support you and send you off to new adventures. Have a great trip, accumulate lots of stories and memories, and, of course, take lots of pictures. :)

    Missing and thinking of you,
    Erin

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