Seventy-Six trombones...

You may remember that in the fall I helped coordinate sets for the middle school's production of Annie. In May, I got to do sets again for the high school's rendition of The Music Man!

Along with several parents, students, and other teachers, I created the town of River City, Iowa. Madison Library, a hotel, Shinn's Billiard Parlor, a bank, a stable, City Hall, Dunlop's Grocery, a park, and 2 houses all made up the city. It was a lot of work, but worth it in the end.

One of my favorite things to create for the set was the inside of a train. This is probably one of the most famous scenes from the Music Man. A talented mom painted some windows that appeared as if one was looking outside the train to the country side. We added a chair rail and molding to the wall of the train. Curtains we hung as well. The train turned out very nice for the bumpy ride the actors took!

As you know, I live with a family...well the director of the play caught hold of this information, and soon the family and I were running the show! Mr. Mullet (my dad here) was recruited to be a singer in the Acapulco quartet. He did fabulous! Jarrod (Kristin's brother) volunteered his large muscles to move around all the parts of my set. I was grateful for him. I contributed my art skills for the making of the sets, but that's not all! I was also asked to play trumpet in the pit orchestra. Did you not know I could play trumpet? I didn't either! It's a new skill I have acquired since coming to Hungary...actually, the trumpet was very easy for me to play. I played the part on a keyboard!!! The director could not find a trumpet player, so my piano skills were used to fill in the gap.

I have NEVER done anything in the drama department until I came to Hungary...a regret I have always had since high school. Opening night was a moment of satisfaction for me. It was a wonderful time being a part of this show.

End of the year

Special events have begun to signify the end of the school year. Today, Farewell Craziness took place after school. We were all called into the gym for an ice cream bar. Craziness soon followed.

All of the teachers who are leaving ICSB were called up onto the stage. Then, student after student was randomly drawn from a hat and called up as well. Each one was given a whipped cream pie. Their task? Pick the teacher of their choice and pie them in the face! I thought out of 10 teachers, maybe I would get only one pie from a student. Well, I got one right away. Pie #2 soon followed. Pie #3 hit my right in the ear. Then, I got one final, fourth pie!

The whipped cream soon began to melt off my face into my hair and onto my shirt. I sure smelled delicious!! It was a messy but fun time, especially on a dreary, rainy day!

Little Blessings

I have been working hard the past two weeks designing, fixing, painting, and decorating sets for the high school's production of The Music Man (I will do a blog after opening night!).

Yesterday morning I overheard some negative comments about the sets which really hit me hard. These came from some adults. The words, I know, were not aimed at me, but I was feeling stressed about the sets. These words hit a nerve that really bothered me. I just prayed for God to give me joy and strength to work hard until opening night, two days away.

Adding more stress to my day was the fact that I had to teach the 8th grade boys in the afternoon. Recently, I have had trouble with motivating one particular boy. One day he sat under the table all hour instead of working. Another day, he tried to convince me just to give him an F. He said his work was not good, and it was not worth even trying. I hoped and prayed that class would go OK, especially because I was feeling sad from the morning.

The Lord is so good. My 8th grade boys worked so hard...all of them!! My trouble student was so wonderful...he was actually excited to work on his project! I was so shocked...I knew that his good attitude could only be a result of God's love and answer to my prayers. I was so thankful. After the hurtful words from a parent, this eighth grader was a blessing to me.

Fine ARTs Festival

Music, poetry, and...ART!

For the first time ever, this year ICSB's Fine Arts Festival included visual art!

It was an exciting event to plan. I had each of my art students submit at least on piece of art to display during the event. I was surprised when several of my students wanted to show 2 pieces of work! After pulling teeth to get them to do their projects, my heart was warmed that they wanted to show off their work.

My helpers and I spent all day Friday setting up art in the back of the gym. We turned the gym into a wonderful art gallery! Mobiles hung from the basketball goals, temporary walls were put up to display art, and special pieces were placed around the room on ledges and tables. The art added a special atmosphere to the gym.

I wanted to have a bit of art judging during the festival. I recruited a variety of 3 judges. First, a freelance photographer and graphic designer. Second, a Hungarian woman who loves beauty. And the third, with no art background, a male teacher willing to offer his opinions. They worked together for 2 hours before the concert to decide which artists deserved awards.

Minutes before the concert, people were milling around the art, and students were taking pictures of their work. During the concert, we heard from the middle school and high school bands and choirs. A few students recited poetry. Just before intermission, I took the stage..."And the winners are...!!" I was so proud of every piece of art on display, but I was especially excited to announce the hardworking winners. I handed out certificates and placed ribbons next to the winning pieces.

We enjoyed snacks at intermission, and I invited guests down to the art room to show off the newly finished mural. Last year, the art students started a beautiful wall mural in the art room. It displays many different art periods. My high school Art 2 students worked hard to finish the mural for Fine Arts Festival.

The night was so special for me. In watching how hard my students work, I was proud to show their work in a professional manner. Especially because I am leaving in just a month, it was so memorable for me to see all the art together one last time.