Days with the Dorans

 I kind of figured this would happen sooner or later but Al has decided she's not going to take viola anymore. She's kind of nervous to let her orchestra teacher know since she said something about her being in the more advanced orchestra next year and typical Ali doesn't want to let her down. She's decided to keep going with French (to take AP French her senior year) and also wants to take art as well as some other classes psychology/ sociology that she's interested in. I get it. There's never enough time and I remember having to choose between art and sports in HS and I even had a 0 and 7th hour (independent studies) to get things in. Still, I'm going to miss hearing her play- maybe just maybe she'll pick it up now and then and play a little Harry Potter for her dear old mama...

    We were so excited to hear Ali's Orchestra Festival. We knew a little what to expect having gone to Joey's band concert last year but or course orchestra is a little different.  It started in the auditorium where we went and listened to them perform some prepared pieces that they had been working on in class. You can hear that performance by clicking HERE . I of course loved it but may be a little biased. I was a bit sad knowing that this would be one of Ali's last performances~ though her teacher asked her to audition for a higher orchestra, Ali has decided she doesn't want to play anymore so she can take some other classes she is interested in. I'm going to miss her playing and hope that she will still pick it up from time to time. After the performance, we followed them into the Orchestra Room where they were given a piece of music that they had never seen and had to sight-read and perform it. This part always amazes me. We weren't allowed to video in tha...

Day of Strings is a day when the middle and high schools get together to learn music and play together. Ali never wanted to go when she was in middle school but HS made it mandatory!!! YAY!! It was a busy day because we had dentist appointments so Jeff dropped her off, I took the boys to get their teeth (and mine) cleaned) and then I took off to hear her perform (HERE) and then take her for her cleaning. Somehow we always manage to get it all in. I love listening to her play! Nan & Paul were there to see Ryan too so I got some good pics (from Nan!). Loved seeing them!

 The Collage Concert was a great concert again~ Orchestra, Band, and choirs all do their thing and it's so nice. Ali was first chair viola (big potatoes) and I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't see her. The orchestra she was in I thought had kids that looked too old but I forgot they're all mixed in together (sorry Ali). She felt bad, I felt worse but she forgave me and I found this picture that someone posted. Joey played too and we did find him (but I deleted all pictures once I realized I missed Ali and felt awful). It was such a fun concert with a sing-along to boot. It was a long week for me with conferences yesterday so this was a wonderful way to end the week (and now I can sleep...). Great job, Bigs! (Not sure why we didn't get a picture with the Littles or Nana and Papa... All were in attendance.

And just like that it was time for Ali's first high school concert of the year. It was Halloween themed (even though it was a bit AFTER Halloween). The nice thing was there were no warnings about not taping so I got THIS video of the concert which was cool since Nana couldn't be there. It was pretty crowded because the Orchestra teacher is at both WLN and WLC. The cool thing is this meant that my friend Nan and her amazing camera were also at the concert. She didn't spot Al right away (and of course she was taking pictures of her kiddo). But she did eventually find her and she shared these pictures with me! So lucky! Joe was excited to see Ryan too. They've been good friends but haven't seen each other as much since they go to different schools and have such busy schedules! It was a great concert but also wonderful to see an old friend! Great job, Al! Can't wait for your next performance!

It's hard to believe that it's Ali's LAST orchestra concert. I'm still amazed at all she has learned these last 3 years but I'm not surprised because she adored her orchestra teacher. Mrs. White was a wonderful teacher and was so good to "Ali D" always! Ali has decided to continue in orchestra in high school! Can't wait to hear her next year. HERE is a video from Al's concert. Her fan club all thought she was GREAT!!!

 We got to see/hear Ali play in her second orchestra concert. In the first concert she combined with other orchestras but this one featured the band from her school and the orchestra. I'm always amazed at how well they do after only playing a few years. I took a video of the concert HERE . 'Tis the season of concerts and I love that the kids are able to support each other and attend (Al often missed last year because of dance). Z did put his book away during his sister's part (mostly under the glare of his mama).  Nana was watching the Drapal kids but Papa was able to make it! I laughed because when he took a picture of our family he was confused and had it pointed at him with us seeing the screen. I love how we laugh together. It's also been sweet to see these two grow closer (I think) as Ali ends her 8th grade year and Joey his 9th. They have some over-lapping friendships now too which is fun (for now)! Great job, sister! You were great!

 So I mentioned in a recent post about Ali's orchestra concert (I'm playing catch-up in the blog dept) that Nan sent me some pictures and I lost them because I got a new phone. I asked her if there was a chance she still had them and she did!! So here are a few more of Ali! Nan didn't even know that Ali was there until she spotted her at the end leaving the stage! Ryan plays for WLC! She was able to zoom in super close and get that picture of Ali (below). She has such an amazing camera! The top picture is the picture she zoomed in from! After a super long day she immediately sent them to me. There are people out there who just shine and Nan is one of those people! Thank you so much for snapping these pictures!!

 Al's first orchestra concert was great! They combined with Walnut Creek, WLC and WLN! I made a video of her pieces HERE . Nan was there too and got some pics with Al (since Ryan was there) by chance. She texted them to me but I got a new phone so lost them (I'm so bummed). I'm hoping she may still have them. Al was in an odd mood that night so no pictures with the family. I know she felt bad about her moodiness later so I'm hoping there'll be some smiley pictures with perhaps some family in it the next time!