Lollipop Concert

I got some free tickets from a colleague who was unable to attend the Annual Lollipop Concert in Lafayette.  She had 2 adult and 2 child tickets, so Camden took her friend Nataly.  This concert is an introduction to the symphony and put on by the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra.  I remember going a few times when I was about Camden's age.  It used to be held in the Lafayette Jeff gym and usually featured, "Peter and the Wolf."  Tonight's performance was the U.S. premier of "Carnival 2."

We headed downtown after having dinner with Aunt Carole and Uncle Ric.  After the short walk from the parking garage, the sign didn't have to remind us how cold it was!

Before the orchestra took the stage, there was an instrument "petting zoo" in the lobby.  Kids got to try their hand on various instruments.  The space was small, crowded and loud, but the girls enjoyed it.

The viola:

They tried some percussion instruments before Camden gave the brass options a try.  This section made me excited because I figure this will be the section that she will attempt next year in band (or a woodwind).  She actually had a real nice embouchure for a first go.  

Kevin played the tuba in band and I primarily did the oboe, but briefly marched with a clarinet.  I also learned the bassoon (but hated bass clef) and took a course in college to learn the french horn.  I was happy to see how she did on it (despite the grainy video).

The concert itself was chaotic as lots of little kids in the theater were noisy.  But the performance was fun.  Each piece featured an animal with a video about that animal playing behind the orchestra.  The music was the soundtrack to the images.

As we left, each child was given a chocolate lollipop from Kathy's Kandies.  Sure beats the dumdums I got as a kid. 

We crossed the river for dessert at Red Mango before heading home.