Settle in for an interesting-to-only-parents-and-possibly-grandparents post. Consider yourself warned.
The words "Hope of America" cause mixed feelings of dread and anticipation for parents with elementary aged kids in Utah County. This night of musical tribute to America marks the end of after school chorus, making life and schedules a little easier. But, it also means 3 hours of sitting in the most uncomfortable chairs in the world in the too-hot Marriott Center, trying to entertain the rest of the family for an hour before the program actually starts, then sitting through the same program that you have seen a half a dozen times, and battling traffic afterward. I was hoping Dallin wouldn't want to do chorus and the impending "Hope of America" this year, but since the first grade in our elementary school does the "Go, My Son" song every year, and we have a 1st grader, I resigned to the fact that we'd be going. They pretty much do the same thing every year with a smattering of new performances in an effort to mix things up a bit. This year was no exception.
This was my 3rd year watching one of my boys perform "Go, My Son," but I still tear up EVERY time. Cameron is in the 3rd row, 4th from the back - hard to see, I know - but it's a cute performance anyway.
Dallin is part of the chorus making the "living American flag". He is actually one of the white stars - bottom row, 4th star in from the left, sitting next to a bigger kid with dark skin.
The other video is my favorite song that they do every year. Just imagine the Marriott Center, completely dark (with the exception of those few kids who refuse to follow the rules and keep their flashlight down), then be lit up by thousands of flashlights and the much anticipated Disco ball. The audience also participates by waving their lit cell phones. It's quite a spectacular sight that my lame digital camera cannot fully capture.
If you actually take the time to watch these videos, then you can say you endured a fraction of what the rest of us parents had to sit through.
Enjoy!?
The words "Hope of America" cause mixed feelings of dread and anticipation for parents with elementary aged kids in Utah County. This night of musical tribute to America marks the end of after school chorus, making life and schedules a little easier. But, it also means 3 hours of sitting in the most uncomfortable chairs in the world in the too-hot Marriott Center, trying to entertain the rest of the family for an hour before the program actually starts, then sitting through the same program that you have seen a half a dozen times, and battling traffic afterward. I was hoping Dallin wouldn't want to do chorus and the impending "Hope of America" this year, but since the first grade in our elementary school does the "Go, My Son" song every year, and we have a 1st grader, I resigned to the fact that we'd be going. They pretty much do the same thing every year with a smattering of new performances in an effort to mix things up a bit. This year was no exception.
This was my 3rd year watching one of my boys perform "Go, My Son," but I still tear up EVERY time. Cameron is in the 3rd row, 4th from the back - hard to see, I know - but it's a cute performance anyway.
Dallin is part of the chorus making the "living American flag". He is actually one of the white stars - bottom row, 4th star in from the left, sitting next to a bigger kid with dark skin.
The other video is my favorite song that they do every year. Just imagine the Marriott Center, completely dark (with the exception of those few kids who refuse to follow the rules and keep their flashlight down), then be lit up by thousands of flashlights and the much anticipated Disco ball. The audience also participates by waving their lit cell phones. It's quite a spectacular sight that my lame digital camera cannot fully capture.
If you actually take the time to watch these videos, then you can say you endured a fraction of what the rest of us parents had to sit through.
Enjoy!?
8 comments:
That must only be in North Utah County because I have never heard of this. It could also be because I home school--but I usually at least hear about stuff like this.
This its 14th year with 72 elementary schools in Utah County participating. Most of the schools are from Alpine School District, but I know there were also some from Provo and other districts in Heber and south Salt Lake County. The first year we went to it we had no idea how big it was. We knew what time we had to be there, and left with what we thought was ample time, but ended up in this ginormous traffic jam on University Ave. We were not prepared for the crowds and the scale of it all. I guess we should have clued in since it was at the Marriott Center, but we didn't realize that every elementary school in Alpine School District was involved. We've since fine tuned our preparations - leave a whole lot earlier, get our seats saved, eat dinner outside on the lawn, and just chill out for 3 hours. Leon even has a strategy for getting out of Provo amongst all the traffic. We did really well this year. I know, more than you all wanted to know, but hey, I wish I had someone fill me in on the details when it was our first year there.
The Song "Go my Son" makes me cry every time too. Marysa has been excited to do this since Caleb did it 2 years ago.
For Mom and Camera both Provo and Nebo school districts were there too. The program also says home school singers. I am not sure if that is a group or not.
You missed a category... this post is also for aunts who miss their little nephews! I hafta say I choked up a bit watching these videos. It's all just so sweet and cute and exactly what an innocent childhood should be full of.
PS. Did I hear a little sob coming from behind the camera during the "Go, My Son" song? Or was that someone coughing?
Hey, Savanah was there, she was one of the white stripes of the flag. She was so impressed by the 90 year old lady who did the splits!
Our school never mentioned anything about it. Are only a few grades from each school involved? It looks long, but the clips were fun. I'm glad you went and let Cameron have the experience. I know, all too well, how it was being one of last kids to be involved in something that the family is bored of. Keep up the enthusiasm!!
Oh, and tell Cameron "Happy Birthday!" He's a cutie in his little indian costume.
Yay! I was reading about this even online the other day and so it makes it fun to see that my own nephews were in it! Nice job, guys! You look great, Cameron.
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