First let me define the title.
Fiddlers ReStrung is a Saline, MI high school group of select musicians who perform under the guidance and regulations of Saline's Community Education department and Saline Area schools. Audition is mandatory and many do not make the cut. It is not a club, though at the younger levels that feed into the group, all levels of abilities are welcome without qualification. Go to www.fiddlersrestrung.com for all kinds of pertinent information.
Next, there is my son Kevin, who has been a member of this group for 3 years. Before I go into my accolades of him, I must mention that as noted above, there is an audition process and he was defeated there the first year of tryouts. The second year, tail figuratively between his legs, he auditioned and succeeded.
Since I will be posting this to "localism" I feel that I must define the "them-them" portion of the title. I should even perhaps go so far as first defining Active Rain as the definitive real estate resource for realtors: advice, information, problem-solving, comraderie, condolences, congratulations, and available to consumers if appropriate. "Them-them" is an extension of the "me-me" where a member of Active Rain is asked to expand upon their bio and really let loose from what most of us post in our profiles. "Them-them" can be about anyone, real estate or not. It is just a shout-out to say, "you are appreciated." I have only done two so far, one for my daughter and her adventures living in Paris this semester (www.saraanneinparis.blogspot.com) and another for her cat left behind. (The cat doesn't have a website but I think she is fully capable of it, like all cats....) See, they can be about anything! I think I may have missed all the marks though when I them-them'd a cat, even a geriatric one rescued when a family was foreclosed upon and who may have a thyroid problem....
For a change, I am going to hit the them-them right on target, in all regards. I will start with Fiddlers ReStrung. Tonight I witnessed a performance so polished I wonder if it will ever be surpassed, absolutely ever. Part of my thinking is that there are an inordinate number of senior members this year and I doubt that will ever happen again; their experience was so evident! The music, the stage presence, the easy flow of complicated maneuverings on stage - to mikes for solos or groupings, the abandoning of instruments for dance sets, the announcing by students and leaders; it was all orchestrated without being orchestrated. The on-stage banter was fun but not distracting. They knew what to do and did it - so professional! At many of the group's year-round events, comments are often made that it is hard to believe that these kids are high-schoolers, some as young as 9th grade. I only wish all the year-round event attendees could all make it to the hometown concerts because that is the best of the best. This night surpassed every hometown concert event I have ever seen, and I have been attending them for nearly ten years now, since we have lived in Michigan - I saw perfection tonight.
Regarding my son Kevin, I know I will not insult him by first saying that I was shocked that he took to music, particularly playing music, on violin, as naturally as he did in 5th grade. He is not a coordinated fellow in most regards - sports were an adventure in failure - but music is apparently completely different in brain chemistry terms. His eyes, hands, mouth, and body could coordinate in this regard so unexpectedly!
When dance (clogging) was added to the mix soon after his admission to Fiddlers ReStrung, I worried if he would ever really get it. Tonight, I was so proud of him in the new dance quartet performance with his break-out solo. He was a hit and I was amazed! Sometimes overconfidence pays when it equates to "give it your all" and he did that flawlessly toight. In another area, Kevin introduced an upcoming song in what has to be the most verbose soliloquy this group has ever witnessed. (Any wonder that his major will be computer science, for the money, and English Literature as a minor, for the passion, in the fall of 2008 - Michigan Tech?) The audience was laughing with enjoyment and his delivery was impeccable, all bass voice with the remnant of enunciated British accent he acquired in our two years in England, apparently impossible to erase via speech therapy here in the states. I have never heard a student introduction so eloquent, carefully timed, and precise as his tonight. Yes, I know I am his mother.... What a great way to go out as a senior!
All in all, a tribute and round of applause to all concerned: Artistic Director, Cori Smith, Assistant Artistic Director, Josh Herter, Community Ed principals, Scot Graden and Rebecca Groeb-Driscoll, choreographer Sheila Graziano, and all the parents and other supporters who make this group strong and successful. Congratulations all!
If I manage to snag a video, there will be a follow-up to this them-them. They deserve it and you will enjoy it, guaranteed, or your money back. OK, no money back, this performance will be free. Enjoy!
Please visit my website at www.susanwalters.net
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