Max's Band Concert

Here's the deal:  Last year Max tells me that in 4th grade he'll get to be in the school band and that he'd really like to play the tuba.  However, if I've learned anything over my last nearly ten years of parenting, it is the art of re-direction/distraction.  So, I responded with my best-laid plan of something basically like how that was so awesome that he'd like to play the tuba, but that it is so big and too heavy to carry and play so why doesn't he play the French Horn instead, and in fact, I can get Uncle Joel's old French horn so we won't even have to rent one (!) and then by the time you're in high school you can try the tuba (but by then you'll have forgotten all about it....perfect!).  And, he bought it.  Until the school year started and now as a 4th grader he met with the school band director and, lo and behold, she tells him that if he's interested in the tuba he doesn't have to start with the French Horn but can play the euphonium.  Isn't that so great!!  Just great.  If I had to pick an instrument based on the players physical qualities, the euphonium for Max--a boy who's voice is so squeeky that he's had teachers ask me if he can bring the pitch down at all--would be dead last on the list.  And so much for my best-laid plans, because I actually brought home the French horn from Utah, so now I have two large brass instruments at our house, both of which he thinks he can play. Practicing time is awesome.

Here's his first band concert.  I'm not sure if the overwhelming joy he feels for playing this instrument comes through, but he couldn't be more thrilled.  Don't miss the ending where he's sure to not be left unseen when it's time to take a bow. 

post edit:  Apparently I needed to give a warning to prospective viewers of this video to have a nearby box of tissues as you may be induced to tears from laughter.  And here I thought that my saying that this is a 4th grade band was sufficient. Enjoy.