January 22, 2013
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audition
This is rant. Run away if you’d like to.
Background info: There is a midweek (Tuesday as a matter of fact. imagine that) program at my church which includes choir for kids. I’ve been helping with choir since Spawn was first eligible- 1st grade. As she is now in 10th grade, that makes this my 10th year. Every spring we do a musical. Traditionally this musical is for 1st through 8th grade and a lot of the years I’ve been involved it’s been quite a production. Acting, singing (of course), costumes, sets. Just a big deal. And the middle school kids basically carried the show with the extra stuff and the solos and what have you.
I’ve heard a speech every year around this time from our choir director, designed to encourage cooperation from the younger kids. The speech goes something like this “your behavior now is your audition for roles in the musical”. Or something like that. I recognize this speech as utter bullshit. I have from the beginning because I’ve watched the kids who don’t behave get special treatment. Frankly, it has pissed me off on more than one occasion.
It has made me livid on two occasions.
The first was when Spawn was in 8th grade. That girl gave me plenty of trouble through the years, but she was always cooperative in choir. I was with her in choir for 1st through 5th grade and heard for the other 3 years that this stayed true. She has a wonderful singing voice. She was excited for her 8th grade year and so was I. Because her 8 years of “auditioning” meant that she should have had a good part in the musical- if not a lead. That year our minister was leaving and instead of a regular musical, we did a retrospective of songs from musicals over the years. My daughter had a solo. That’s it. It took me some time to get over that, I can tell you. It was fine in the end. Awesome kid that she is, no one would guess she had any disappointment at all.
I heard the speech again today. I was not actually in the room at the time he said it. Which is probably a good thing. Because LLO is in 6th grade and therefore paid her 5 years of dues to have a role in the musical. (While she wasn’t always cooperative in choir, that doesn’t matter really, apparently.) Well. This year, the middle schoolers aren’t in the musical at all. The end. They are doing something else entirely.
Of course I will get over it. But today I can’t help feeling like both of my kids got screwed.
And now I’m going to watch some more Dr. Who and continue knitting my scarf. (And try not to freeze solid.)
Comments (19)
life, oft-times, doth suck. verily.
dr. who might just be the medicine you need.
We’re allowed an occasional rant.
Mama Bears always ran,t and growl too, when they feel their cubs aren’t being treated fairly.
That’s part of life, puts a chip on the kids shoulder but they learn and carry on… I still think my sister is my mom’s favorite though…
Yes that does suck but sometimes these moments can help prepare a kid for real life. It not all winning winning winning.
I can relate. My sons were slighted when the 2nd grade participated in the 1st Communion liturgy (two yrs in a row). Even though they were both reading well above 6th grade level (son#1 read the LOTR trilogy in 2nd grade) they were not given any reading or speaking parts, neither were they awarded with carrying in banners or candles. There were only 4 or 5 kids that had no part other than holding the doors open for the rest of the kids. Yep. Mine didn’t even get to hold the door… But I’m over it. Kind of.
I think it’s understandable that you’re upset.
oh yes the old “your behavior shows your faith and love for God”. I have heard that so many times over the course of my life.
Rant away. I was more nervous when I did a solo, Tennor (sp?) that I was getting judged at. Did that four times. Twice in Middle School and twice in HS.
@godfatherofgreenbay - the unfortunate part of that is always that the kids who don’t need to hear it are the only ones who do. the kids acting like little assholes never hear anything. and then they get to do the special stuff anyhow. not that this upsets me.
@murisopsis - i’m glad that you have let this go. it’s nice to know there is hope for me to get over it.
@Shining_Garnet - thank you.
@Zoz36 - it was a very special solo for all kinds of reasons. but still.
@RushmoreJ - it would nice to have some examples of when life IS about winning.
I can hear your utter disappointment and anger…
Since when does behavior have to do with talent..
@armnatmom - this is true.
@vexations - thanks for hearing me.
rant away. hugs are here if you want them.
I understand your rant.
Complain.
The minister isn’t God. Complain.
@lanney - @Crystalinne - @angys_coco - @Bricker59 - thanks.