Junior High Talent Show

Last week Eric came home from school to inform me that he had been invited by a couple of his friends to be the lead singer in a band they were putting together for the school talent show. He came home not knowing what he should do, and feeling unsure of even being able to do it.

I, of course, encouraged him to join and try out. "I'll bet you'd be really good," I said. Eric has not had choir since the 7th grade, but I know he can sing. He is always torn because he really likes Art and Drama and it's hard to fit all the electives in. Plus he's really good at both, so I encourage those as well.

Anyway, as it turned out, he decided to give it a go. He went to one of his friend's house after school and they practiced. He came home all happy and excited and feeling really good about it.

Tuesday, after school, were the tryouts. He wouldn't sing the song to me, though he played it for me on the internet. I'd never heard it. (And I still can't remember what it's called). I kept saying to him, "C'mon, sing it to me. How does it go?" Nope! He wouldn't do it. (At this point, I just have to say that I never pushed him because my Mom always used to try and get me to sing too and I always hated it.....so I let Eric off easy). Sorry Mom.

When he returned home from school, he said it went really well. He told me all about it. "Mom, we had to sing in front of the choir teacher, the drama teacher, and one other......AND the cheerleaders and the student-body officers." He was excited and nervous. He said he didn't even dare look at them, he just kept his eyes on the guitar player. Funny, huh? (and so junior high-ish) BUT he did get a few compliments. One kid told him afterward that he didn't know he could even sing. And his choir teacher (from 7th grade) said to him, "Eric, why haven't you been in my class the last two years?" It was very exciting.

I told him I was very proud of him for trying out and that he's a lot braver than his mother. And that whatever happens, I hope he had fun.

He said he would find out if he made it or not the next day (Wednesday). Of course, I was a little bit on pins and needles throughout the day. Right when he walked into the house after school, I looked at him, and tried to read his face. The first words out of his mouth were, "We made it." He was so excited. It was so fun to see him so happy.

In Drama that day, his teacher said to him, "Eric, I have a bone to pick with you. Why weren't you in the musical?" And another one of the teachers asked them (the band) if they would be able to come up with some other songs to sing while the people are coming into the auditorium. These are good compliments, don't you think? They must be an okay band, right? It was all very nice to hear.

I am so proud of him and although I still have no idea what he sounds like, or anyone in the band, for that matter, I'm so glad he is having fun and taking the opportunity to explore his talents. I will attend the talent show assembly and that will be the first time I hear him (and probably the last....since he won't sing for me). But isn't it exciting for him?

I'll have to post how it goes. Until then, cross your fingers that he doesn't get stage fright or throw-up on the sidelines or pass out......like I would if it were me!