Tuesday, February 15, 2011

disappointed but so proud

As many of you know, my son had all-state tryouts yesterday.

Typically, they are held at a college campus seeing has over 1000 kids come from all over the state to tryout.  

However, our "snowmageddon" caused lots of problems and it was moved THREE times over the last couple of weeks.  It ended up at a high school in Conway, 30 minutes from here.  Not the greatest situation, as the school was in session so most tryouts couldn't start until the classrooms were open.  

They had the kids arrive at NOON and crammed them all in the auditorium and then made them stay in there till school was out....ugh!!  You can only imagine what it was like in there...1000s of teenagers stuck in one place for over 3 hours.... all running on adrenaline and nerves!!!!

They did hand out time cards early on and Jared's time was 5:54.....
....that meant 5+ hours of waiting.

Because of the limited space, the kids were only given the 30 minutes before their tryout time to rehearse....that is not much time.  Finally around 3:30, they let kids out of the auditorium to go to the cafeteria or hang outside...the weather was beautiful!!!  Some kids tried to practice but were stopped by adults sighting that they could be heard in the buildings where tryouts were going on.

Needless to say, they were not the most favorable conditions. However, those in charge really did a good job with what they had to work with....I certainly would not have wanted to be in charge of that!!!

Fifteen minutes before his time slot, we headed to the tryout room.  Jared soon found out that he was immediately following the number one horn in the state.....slightly intimidating.

I have to say, my son handled his nerves so well!  
He never got grouchy or on edge....like his mother would have!
And even helped others out while waiting his turn.

Sadly, he didn't make it.
He was 14 points off.....totals are over 1000 so he was very close.
When he found out, his comment was....
"well, I didn't make it.  that's ok.  Time to start getting ready for next year"

I am so proud of him!

19 comments:

Mocha with Linda said...

What a great son you have. Such maturity he showed in his attitude!

Those tryouts are so hard. My girl got a really nitpicky judge for Solo & Ensemble a couple of weeks ago. She nailed her piece, the judge wrote many complimentary comments, then gave her a 2. She was in tears, and mama bear wanted to beat the judge up! (figuratively, of course!)

Seasons Restaurant said...

I know it is amazing how mature our 17 year old boys can be.
But what a mess. I would have been grouchy !!!
You have a lot to be proud of Sara.

Seasons Restaurant said...

Sara - That is me above. Guess I forgot to log off of work email.
LuAnn

Penny said...

What a great attitude to have -- and he was only 14 points off??!! That's really an accomplishment!

STILLMAGNOLIA said...

I remember those days and it is so hard for the nerves. My daughter auditioned several times in her high school career. It made me a wreck.

The Cyber Hermit said...

Jared is one awesome kid being raised by some awesome parents.

Getting that far and being only 14 points off is a huge accomplishment, and the fact it didn't discourage him is an even bigger one.

Willys and Elizabeth (Lizzie) said...

Your son’s response is a reflection of your great parenting!

riTa Koch said...

Jared is a winner in my estimation.
Keep up the good work!

Skoots1moM said...

it speaks loudly when you can be disappointed and still look to the future.
my girl didn't make all state her senior year and her heart was set on it...it's hard watching disappointment cross your child's path...bravo, mom!

Tiffany said...

Wow, what a great sport. I would be proud, too:)! He'll get'm next year!

Unknown said...

That is an amazing attitude, especially in the music world (coming from a musician). God will honor that attitude!

Amy said...

It is all the not making its that will shape he character more than the making it...you learn so much more from the disappointment than the successes.

Good for him!!

Kim said...

You and Steve have raised remarkable kids! That's a wonderful attitude -- no wonder you're proud of him :)

Mimi said...

What a great boy, you've raised him well. I would have been climbing the walls just waiting with him!

Hugs & love,
Mimi

BARBIE said...

Your son has a wonderful attitude. And just 14 points off, that's fantastic. You must be so proud of him!

Cathy said...

What a great attitude...no wonder you're so proud!

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

OH, I am disappointed for him!!! But, he has the RIGHT attitude and will do well next year! What a MESS with the tryout situation!

Angie said...

Wow! That was a tough day. 14 points is sooo close! I made it to all-state one year so I know how tough it can be and those nerves. I would have been a bucket of tears by the end. He does have a great attitude. Tell him congrats for doing so well!

Tina said...

I can see why you are so proud of your son. I played the french horn in high school and remember going to our regional tryouts. I don't think I would have been as gracious as your son!