Arrow had her very first piano recital!

We practiced for a few weeks at home the proper behavior for such a performance. We tried out different types of bows (no dabbing allowed, much to her chagrin). She hemmed and hawed about the recital, ultimately settling on the opinion that she hated the idea and would never ever ever do something like that.

Just before the performance, we all filed into a large conference room. There were seriously over a hundred people there… probably typical for a recital but brand new to us. Definitely out of the comfort zone for our daughter. Little Arrow felt SO nervous getting up in that big crowd. Tay and I were worried this would happen. We didn’t want to haul her up there to play (well… maybe a little bit). But we wanted her to be brave and do something outside of her comfort zone. After all, she was only playing 4 measures after all. But those 16 notes may well have been the opening bars to the funeral march… Arrow did NOT want to go up there.

Fortunately, her piano teacher was prepared. Miss Stacey located Arrow in the crowd and knelt down by her side for a quick pep talk. Then, with an attitude blending “no nonsense” and “you’ve got this”, Arrow was convinced to walk up the aisle from the peanut gallery, one hand tightly clutching her teacher’s hand, and while she chewed on the nails of the other. At the front, Miss Stacey announced Arrow’s name and song choice. With Miss Stacey seated just behind her, Arrow took courage and plunked her way through “3 Little Kittens”. Maybe it was just my imagination, but the audience gave an especially warm applause for Arrow when she finished 🙂

For the remainder of the recital, Grammy kept Archer busy while Auntie Cam took Sander (thank you guys so much!)

Family photo of who was able to make it: (we missed you all who couldn’t come!)

Hmm. What’s that face Arrow is making there?

Lmaooo. Arrow was still pretty mad that she had to perform in front of a group.

Of course, we had to get pictures with her darling teacher. It really does take a village to build up these kids. Extended authority figures, like a firm and kind piano teacher, have such a unique impact on these kiddos.

We love you Miss Stacey!

A little reception back at our house after the recital:

Auntie Kaye made THE best rice krispies. I could use a plate of those right about now.

Performing in front of crowds was pretty intimidating for little Arrow, but she did it! Good job baby! We love you!