The second graders traveled to the Olympic grounds, just north of the school, for fun and games.  If you know Judy, you know how much she was looking forward to outdoor games on a field.  She survived!  They had a fun time, and the weather was comfortable, although the wind was blowing more than usual.

I had classes today, so I have to finalize my planning and begin the commute.  At this time of the morning (10:00 am), the trains are not too bad.  I arrive at BHSFIC in plenty of time to find my room for the week and get it unlocked.  I eat a quick lunch and meet with the “Guitar Club”.  They’re working on “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day.  Only one of the five students is self-taught.  The others have teachers or have taken lessons previously.  They read music a little, so progress is pretty good.  The biggest problem is that we meet for ½ hour on Thursday and Friday.  By the time we get the guitars tuned, our club time is finished.

My music classes go well, and the orchestra club gets going.  I audition the pianists to get an idea of their ability.  They all three seem to play fairly well.  One of the pianists’ was actually pretty amazing.  I had been told last year in my interviews that there would be a good pianist here this year.  He apparently won a big-time Beijing piano competition.  He is “for real”.   One of the violinist brings in an Elgar solo w/piano accompaniment, so I leave the two of them to work on it while I head back down to work with the remaining orchestra members.

I give each of the orchestra members a chance to talk about what they want to accomplish with their club.  The most common reply is that they want to work up some music to play for poor migrant school children in a nearby school.  Each student gets a chance to perform for the group individually.  I’m trying to assess their level so I can find resources to suit them.  We finish our session listening to the progress of the violin/piano duo.  They sound great and we’re all inspired.

The trains are really packed as I head home.  They’re as full as I’ve seen them when I’m riding.  This is when it’s nice to be one of the biggest people on the train.  They can push me, but I don’t necessarily move.  At the apartment, Judy is in the middle of organizing and sorting.  I’m worn out, so it’s off to bed.