Saturday, October 24, 2015
will always stand out in my memory.
Two HUGE things happened. Annie presented some of her art for review by several art schools. And Jake performed in his last high school band competition. Both make me incredibly happy and sad and a range of other emotions all at the same time.
Jack had a call time of 7:00 a.m. to be at the high school to assemble props before the band rehearsal. He returned a bit later for a short break before going back out to dis-assemble the props, pack the trucks and head to Blue Springs, Missouri for the band competition.
Jake was out the door by 7:30 a.m. He had an 8:00 a.m. call time, which means instrument in hand and on the field ready to rehearse.
Annie and I headed down to the Kansas City Art Institute a little after 10:00 a.m. Before I get into our adventure I should tell you, last Monday I wasn't sure this would even happen. Annie didn't realize the event was so soon. For some reason she had it in her head it was in November. After some scrambling and tears she was able to pull a few things together. And borrow a portfolio from a friend.
Annie didn't want to get there too early, and decided we needed to make a few stops - for a snack, film and I needed to drop some stuff off at church. The Kansas City Art Institute is located next to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. We found her friend, Max, and his Mom, Bridget. And made our way to Registration.
I have to tell you, I had no idea what to expect. I had done a bit of research the night before in an attempt to educate myself on questions to ask. I wanted to feel prepared even if I was there only to support Annie. This is an awesome learning experience, something new and exciting.
National Portfolio Day at KCAI is an event where art schools from around the country and one from France, send reviewers to individually look at student portfolios. The completion of a portfolio review is an essential part of the admissions process.
The event didn't officially start until noon but lines we already forming. They decided to start with the Kansas City Art Institute because they had heard they are tough. Unlike most schools KCAI had a dozen or more tables of reviewers Annie told me I was there to be seen and not heard. (I'm paraphrasing but that was the just of it.) It was not the time for me to ask questions. I didn't wait in line with her. I could tell she needed friend time. While I waited I heard someone say parents were being used to divide and concur and wait in other lines as place holders. I found Annie and told her my plan. I waited in line for SAIC - School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I noticed they had several tables and the line was steadily advancing. I let a group or two go in front of me. When Annie arrived she waited no more than 15 minutes before it was her turn. While she liked not having to wait I wondered if it was too quick. The guy from KCAI didn't know much about photography and "didn't get" most of her work. She had a series and he thought it was unnecessary. Maybe he was wanting her to defend her work or maybe he was just a jerk. I don't know but he didn't say anything positive. And just like that KCAI is off her list.
SAIC review
School of the Art Institute of Chicago was a better experience. She gave Annie information she could work with. Constructive criticism. Annie was glad she spoke to SAIC but says they are no longer on her list, too. (They are crazy expensive so I can't say I was disappointed to in this news.)
As I waited I glanced around the room at some of the other schools. One, Art Academy of Cincinnati, didn't have a line. When Annie was finished we walked out and stopped behind a partition. She wanted to wait for Max. I mentioned AAC had no waiting and I thought it would be good to get in front of as many schools as possible and she agreed. The reviewers name was Nick and, although I was standing far behind Annie, was perceptive enough to recognize I was Mom, came around and shook my hand. He had a chair in front of his table which I think helped Annie feel a bit more comfortable. They talked for quite a while and it was a great experience. The school is small, with only 200 students. And they have a 3 week art camp in the summer that is reasonably priced. I think we will send Annie. It will give her a great experience and determine if it's a school she'd like to attend or not.
AAC review
Annie was excited about the school but really wanted to know what her teacher thought of it. She didn't know anything about the school which made Annie skeptical. "I just think it sounds too good to be true." She does want to take the summer class and is actually very excited about the prospect. I think Max will be going, too.
Annie was happy with the experience but needed a break. We sat on a patio outside and chatted with friends and her art teacher. She urged several friends, including Max, to talk to AAC, It was the bright spot in the day for many. Annie thought meeting with three schools was plenty but her teacher suggested meeting with one more. Annie decided on MIAD, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. The line was long. We got in line at about 2:40.
Waiting with friend made the time go a little faster.
Annie, Max and Quinn
At 3:40 Annie was next in line. Annie's friend Quinn is a Senior, so Annie let her go ahead.
MIAD review.
Annie got his last 5 minutes.
Although it was quick, Annie was very impressed. "He gave me good information." So, at the end of the day, it was was a good experience. She is interested in MIAD and AAC, which was very helpful when I signed her up last night to take the ACT with writing test in December.
I left Annie with friends and headed to Blue Springs to join the boys. My phone was low on power and I got lost in Kansas City for about 40 minutes. I had a flashback to my childhood the third time I drove under I-70 but couldn't find a way to get on the highway. (My Dad got lost frequently leaving Royals games.) I was sweating profusely when I finally found an on ramp not blocked by construction.
I missed Prelim Awards. BVW took 2nd in their class. Here are a few pictures my friend took...
I found Jake before Jake. He gave me a quick hug and joined his friends eating dinner.
Zarda BBQ!
As we waited in the stands it hit me. This would be Jake's LAST competition performance. GULP! They weren't performing right away and just before the first band the Air-grams started. This was it, I had to do something. My friend, Lisa, decided she wanted to do something too, so we sent her son Justin. I threw out a few ideas and told him I would text him what I decided on. He said, "OK!" It was simple - To Jake: This is it! We couldn't be prouder. Tuba's rule! Love, Mom and Dad. Justin returned happy with himself. (I did NOT ask if he got my text.)
Finally it was time. The band was getting in position and the Air-grams started. They announcer screwed up the first one. It was the one Justin did for his brother, Nick. It made no sense. Lisa was mortified. Justin laughed. Then the announcer said, "TO JAKE, FROM MOM and DAD, DON'T BURN THE CHURCH DOWN! He said something else but my mind was numb. I came to in time to hear TUBAS RULE!" "Ummm, Justin! WHAT WAS THAT?" Justin laughed. "Did you not get my text?" Blank stare. "I told you I sent a text and you said, 'OK'" Justin: "yea, I sometimes do that". Justin is in 8th grade. I shook my head.
It was by far their best performance I had seen. I was so very proud of each and every student, staff member and schleppers for all their hard work. A few of these pictures are mine, the rest are from friends.
2nd place overall!
They beat some really BIG bands!
AMAZING!
Jack returned from his duties and, of course, his first words were "DON'T BURN THE CHURCH DOWN!?" which Jake echoed when I finally saw him later in the evening.
As I look back on my day, what sticks out? Next year at Portfolio Day - divide and concur. Take a few candid shots. Bring water and snacks. Stand behind her. Be ready to ask questions, just in case. *Don't forget extra power & a cord. If I ever do another Air-gram... do it myself. And most importantly, put the camera down and enjoy the show!
It was a big day. It was a good day. A proud Mama day. I will smile.
xo
