Last night was Cassidy’s school musical performance.
While I’m on the subject of the school musical can I just ask if I’m the only parent in America who is not amused by these productions? I really don’t know why they bother. Watching 125 nine-year-olds attempting to muddle their way through movements but not even having enough room on stage because they are packed up there like sardines just does nothing for me. And the songs? Even if the kids did know the words you wouldn’t be able to hear them because the music teacher drowns them out with the audio tape tracks of what the music should sound like. Oh, and then there’s the speaking parts. I know them well. The kids line up behind one of three onstage microphones waiting for the chance to hear his or her incomprehensible words be amplified throughout the cafeteria.
I miss the days when it was okay that not everybody had a chance to speak. At least then those who did deserved the part. When everybody speaks, nobody listens.
And back in the day we at least had comprehensible storylines. We did plays–complete with costumes–set at summer camp. Or in the wild west. Or colonial times. There was a logical progression from beginning to end. Not a bunch of random lines hastily thrown together so as to give everyone the opportunity to shine. Whether they actually shine or not.
Can you tell I’m not exactly the most politically correct parent on the block?
You don’t even want to get me started on the trend of “non-scoring” soccer or t-ball games.
Let’s just stick with Cassidy’s performance.
In spite of it’s shortcomings, I do consider Cassidy’s performance a success.
Anytime she can remain on stage throughout the entire show, it’s an achievement. We encountered only a single sticking out of the tongue. But at least there was no pushing of classmates. Or lifting up her dress to expose her snagged tights. Of course that would have been difficult to do since she was wearing jeans. Yes. I’ve learned my lesson in that regard.
There was an aide standing just off stage whose job it would have been to wrestle Cassidy to the ground had she started a coup. It may be tough for those of you who don’t know her to imagine exactly how much trouble she could have caused up there. Imagine classmates falling like dominoes down those tiered bleacher things that they stand on and you’ll have a good idea of why there’s an aide on stage.
Thankfully though the aide’s tackling services remained unrequired.
And in spite of my jesting I must admit that I swelled with pride last night. From the get-go there was question whether or not Cass would be able to participate at all. She rose to the occasion though. And while she may not have hit those moves as quickly and accurately as her classmates, she hit them nonetheless. She may not have known every word to every song, but I did see her mouth forming some of the lyrics, and with only a slight delay.
Mostly it was a success because when all was said and done, she beamed from the magnitude of her accomplishment.
High pressure situations are not normally her strong suit. More and more each day, though, she is stepping up to the occasion. And I’m nearly as proud about that as she is.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
That is fantastic! We haven’t really gotten too much into musicals or plays or anything yet, but I agree that the political correctness needs to stop. Same thing with not scoring the games. I understand the concept, but hey, a kid has got to learn how to win, and how to lose, too.
Congratulations to Cassidy on her achievement! Many more to come, I’m sure. With a mother like you, how can she fail?!
Good for her! I hope you recorded it. So great gto look back at things like that.
Of course I’m anti-PC as well. I dig the no-scoring though, maybe because they only do that here for the under-5 set. Nice way to learn the game without pressure.
The thing is, the kids really wouldn’t care if they win or lose, it’s the butthole parents! I can’t believe how out of control the adults are in situations like that. :(
Don’t sugar-coat it. How do you really feel about school productions? ;o)
I’m glad that you get to watch Cassidy bloom! What a great feeling, huh?
I think you mistook Cassidy’s swell of pride…it was actually her realization that she behaved well enough to get ice cream! But then again, who can blame her?
See she will almost always surprise you with her accomplishments, but the other 124 students falling like dominoes would have been a teeny bit comical.
Standing O for Cassidy. What a brave girl. At that age, I was petrified to get on stage and be in front of an audience.
Kristen forgot about the play our oldest kids put on at church…where you couldn’t hear what was being said b/c everyone was on stage and there was only one microphone. The teacher looked like Jerry Springer gone wild – running back and forth.
Yea for a success! I’m about to head to school for the kindergarten valentine’s “mini-program.” It only lasts ten minutes, so it will take more time to get ready and get in and out of the car with the three kids at home than we will actually be there. Why are they even doing this? As if parents need more reasons to feel guilty.
Congratulations on your performance Cassidy!
Way to go, Cassidy!!!! I can just imagine how proud you were!
I have never commented so much on blogs as I have this week. Usually I’m just a silent stalker. Anyway…good for Cassidy and good for you for letting her participate. My husband didn’t want to let my special needs daughter participate in the church Christmas play this year, but I insisted. When she got in a fight with another sheep and went rolling across the stage and then had to be dragged off the stage by a shepherd….well…there wasn’t a dry eye in the church. We were all laughing so hard we were crying and everyone said it was the best Christmas pageant ever. It is important that special kids are treated like everyone else.
I have an uncle who has Downs so I love when you write posts that debunk the myths that all Downs people are sweet and cuddly and compasionate. They can be, but boy is my uncle stubborn. If he doesn’t he want to do something he suddenly gets this wicked superhero strength that could take down Mr. Universe.
I also wanted to give you a cyber **high five** on your comments about the non-scoring trend in kids’ sports. What is UP with that?! I think someday you should write a whole post on that topic.
I’m not sure which is more amusing–watching the kids or the parents with their noses stuck to the videocameras :)
I completely agree. Pointless, but necessary I guess. Yay Cassidy! I have a hard time SITTING still through those! ;)
Go on with your un-PC self. I feel the Exact. Same. Way. I remember having to read for the teacher if you wanted a speaking part, almost like an audition, and if you got it, great! If you didn’t, you learned a little bit about disappointment. And you got over it.
But anyway…
So glad to hear of Cass’s success! Did you get pictures?
Can I just say how much I appreciate how authentic you about about Cassie?
I love your stories about her. They are funny and heart warming.
You’re such a great mom, Darcie.
YAY! Cassie. You did yourself and your mama proud. =)
I enjoyed this post.
Way to go, Cassidy! And you SHOULD swell with pride…she’s amazing.
Your post made me smile. I have never been one to appreciate elementary performances. Unless they are short. And they have free refreshments at the end.
Okay, so there definitely are some cute moments, but often the programs are too long (in part because – as you said – everyone participates).
That said, I’m wondering if my perspective will change when it’s MY daughter up on stage. ;)
P.S. Congrats to Cassidy!
Congrats to Cassidy for doing so well. It’s all about just doing the best we can and enjoying the moment. Although some of these productions seem overdone at the time (when there are so many of them), later on you will look back and smile! Usually at most schools. different grade levels each take responsibility for a PTA or special occasion performance. So… the good news is – you may be off the hook for Cassidy’s school performances until next school year!