John's French Horn

John brought home his French horn today. We were hoping for percussion, but the band leader was trying kids out with all kinds of exercises and practice before choosing the ideal instrument for each kid after considering strengths and lip shape. Yeah, that and everyone wants to play the drums.

So, John's been practicing with just the mouth piece, and when he played today, it didn't sound too bad. He's got some wind power in them thar lungs. Brought me back to the days in the late '70s when I was a big Chuck Mangione fan. I had a couple albums and saw him live at the UMass Fine Arts Center when he toured. Feels So Good and Children of Sanchez. Pure magic.

Just realized after visiting youtube, however, that Magnione plays the flugel horn and trumpet--not the French Horn. What a disappointment. John wasn't that interested in watching him play the flugel horn.


At lunch today some of the teachers were just gushing over John. About his "aura" and how he's like magnet that other kids are attracted to, how natural and calm he is.

John is intrigued with the Korean kids, and while he's only learned two words in Tamil (thank you and delicious), he knows several phrases in Korean and a few in Japanese. He performed in an "advisory" play last week and impressed all with his portrayal of the victim of a bully. For an American school, there really aren't that many American kids in his classes. His gang includes kids from France, England, Germany, the Philippines, Canada, Korea, and Japan.

In his classes he has lots of online forums and virtual group work type assignments, and he is still enjoying school, thoroughly.

We're even coercing him to join the math competition team later this month since he passed on the swim team. Some of his other friends are doing it, so he'll go along with it. There's also a drama group called Madras Kids starting soon that he's somewhat interested in. Of course, we'll try to push him into that too.

Improving John's educational opportunities abroad: priceless.