Music to My Ears

I just love 4th grade band! As they walk in the room, they fill it immediately with their enthusiasm. Today's class had 3 violins, 6 flutes, 2 clarinets, 4 trumpets, 1 trombone, 1 baritone, 2 saxophones, and 4 percussionists. There was a lot of energy in that room!!
We began by reviewing what we have learned so far this year. That includes getting the instrument out, putting it together, and making some kind of sound on their instrument. We were ready for the next step...playing a note. I walked around the room and began to show the different instruments their fingerings. I have to make this trip around the room several times because by the time I get around, someone has forgotten what I told them the first time!
We are ready. I count, "One, two, ready, play." And we're off. The year (and the careers of these young musicians) has begun.
The sound that follows my count is one of the most unique sounds in the world. It could be described in many ways. The ones I hear most frequently are: car horn, train whistle, something collapsing, or even total and complete chaos! If you listen really closely, there is usually one predominate note. In this case, that note was a 'd'. Only about %30 of the band was actually playing, but there was energy in that sound!
I love that sound. I love hearing that awful noise. It reminds me of how bad last year's first day of band was and, even more importantly, how far they have come. My fifth graders can play a 64 measure piece. It has 8 different notes. They play their instruments and count their rests. They get a decent sound and still have some enthusiasm left over from last year! But one year ago, a very similar sound came from room 125. One year ago, that 'd' (or car horn) rang out. Next year, it'll happen again and I'm sure I'll think the same thing: I love the fourth grade band!!