4H Musical -- American Dream

We had an exciting day Saturday! Five of our children participated in the 4H Music & Drama festival with our club the Willing Workers. They put on a condensed version of "American Dream" telling America's history through song.

George as Leif Erikson looking over his map. He had one of the biggest parts (which he requested)

Parts were assigned mid-January and then the work began meeting twice a week for practices. At first we weren't sure how this was going to come together but slowly and surely they improved. Although last week a few of us moms looked at each other when the kids forgot the first verse of the first song wondering how well they really would do. The ages of our group ranged from 5 - 18 but they work well together with the older ones helping the younger.

I painted the backdrop (which didn't turn out exactly as I envisioned but I did it in a day) and also the letters for America. We each found costumes from various sources but they turned out great as we got an award for best costumes.

During one of our practices. Missy has her exclamation upside down. Tank holds the letter R (for the right to pray as you please)

The day of the performance I think I was more nervous than my children were. We had hoped to get a practice in before going on stage but there were so many other groups trying to practice that it was just hilarious trying to sing our songs. I was behind the backdrop helping with costume changes so I didn't even see the actual performance but it sure sounded good.

Afterwards we went to hear the judges comments and I had a hard time not letting my tears fall as I heard so much praise for our group. I cannot even express in words how proud I was of our children for all the effort they put into this and they gave it their all. Even my little Missy Blue sang and danced along with the rest and the judges were amazed that she didn't get lost in the crowd but kept up with everyone else.

The end of the day brought the judges results and we were hopeful but didn't know what to think. In the end our group won for best musical!!! Which means they will now go to the state fair and perform again competing against other 4H groups from around the state. Very exciting!!!

Pete is on the far left cut off a bit, Re-Pete is in the middle with Tank in front of him and Missy up front. George is on the right.

George played -- Leif Erikson and then changed into a Thomas Jefferson costume for a song

Pete played -- a pilgrim man and then had a larger part when he was Tecumseh (he makes me smile with his bold voice and actions he puts with it)

Re-Pete -- reluctantly participated but ended up enjoying playing Vasco Balboa and then a Colonist

Tank -- really liked being Daniel Boone.

Missy -- dressed as a pioneer girl but didn't have any lines. She did sing and dance very well.