Highland Memories That Lexie Will Take With Her.

Never did I think I would ever move any of our kids in the middle of their high school career, but luckily this is happening during the summer, and not while school is in session. Although Lexie will miss her friends, she doesn't refute change, and knows that it'll be good for her too.

There are many things Lexie will miss about Highland. She has attended the same school district since the third grade, and has met many friends from all over the township. She truly treasures the friendships she made, and even though there were times when things became a bit overwhelming when it came to quizzes, final exams, school projects, music competitions, early morning seminary, and let me add this in...school drama, and I'm not talking about theatre or the musical, but petty drama when it came to her peers she has always managed to let it go, and love. Love is the answer to everything that becomes hard, and I hope that every time I mention that to her that she will be reminded of  it.

Another thing she will miss, and will always remember are her teachers. She was truly blessed with an amazing group of teachers this year, and even I liked them! Mr. Bruder, Ms. Weirski, Mr. Wonderlin, Ms. Loring, and the one and only Mr. Tumminia. What an amazing group of educators who truly go out of their way to help their students learn, and succeed. She will always remember the good times, the laughs, the teasing, the talks, and all experiences that helped her along the way to be the best student there is. 

I asked her what memories she will remember from certain teachers, and classes and of course mentioned Mr. Tumminia. He would tease her and call her jr. burrito. As some of y'all know her sister Sierra was the main pianist in the jazz band, three years ago, and everyone called her burrito. I know, weird right, but hey...that's kids for you, and many teachers have inside jokes with some of their students.  

And of course there was playing the piano in the Jazz band. Although she wasn't the main pianist in the band she was grateful for the opportunity to have played in it, and will always find the time to play piano. 

Mr. Wonderlin, her history teacher, and tennis coach was one of her faves too! I think it's because they are both major history geeks, and have a love for Hamilton.

 I remember when her group made a sheet cake that consisted of marshmallows, brownie mix, twiizzlers, cheerios, and jellybeans. Everyone was impressed with it, and although they weren't the winners they still passed with flying colors. And enjoyed eating their cake too! 

Oh the memories. Truly bittersweet. As her mother I'm so glad that she was always able to talk to me about her days at school. She truly is an amazing girl, and was so strong and involved as to and make her final year at highland acceptable. She's maintained a 4.0 and hope that it'll stay that way for the next two years! 

Best of luck to you Lex at your new school!! Your going to do great! 

What I'll Miss About South Jersey: Part Two

For the past two years Lexie has been a part of her high school jazz band, concert choir, Girl A Capella Group (known as the The Melodears), Vocal Resolution, and the concert band. Phew! How she pulls all that off on top of being an honors student, and attending other extra curricular activities is beyond me! She has contributed so much in being a part of these groups, and one thing for sure is that she will miss her teachers that taught her how to become a better musician, and vocalist. 

I know for sure that I will miss attending her performances with this particular band, and choir, but as long as we are living in the same state, and only an hour away we will try to make the time to come watch their spring concerts for the next two years. 

Everyone did an amazing job, and sitting in the front row gave me the perfect view to record a few songs, and musical numbers. I absolutely love how certain members of the jazz band gave improv solos with their instruments to the song called "Super Chicken" and how everyone rocked it! Lexie did a violin solo, and she was so fun to watch! 

You can view her solo here. 
Lexie's Violin Improv Solo '16 from Rose Jorgensen on Vimeo.

Here are a few other videos of the The Melodears singing a Beyonce Medley in which you can view here, and one of my personal favorites is the combination of Eleanor Rigby and Mad World songs in which you can watch here. I'm a huge Tears for Fears fan, and when the movie Donnie Darko was released years ago I fell in love with the new rendition of the song Mad World that Gary Jules wrote. Pretty impressive, and Vocal Resolution did an amazing job singing it. 

The energy that was felt at this concert was a bit overwhelming. At least it was for me. Maybe it's because we are relocating, and that this was Lexie's last concert. Maybe it was because she was given a small solo in one of the songs, or maybe it was because she gave a violin solo and felt comfortable doing it. Or maybe it's because her sister attended all four years of high school, and is Highland alumni, and Lexie will be alumni at another school district. Yeah...I think it's all of the above.  

It's super bittersweet knowing that this was her final performance, and concert, but she is pretty excited to start her junior year at a different high school, and make new friends. She sure has learned a lot attending here at Highland , and I know that she will take everything she has learned with her to her other school. 

What an amazing evening it was, and we look forward to keeping in touch with how the band, and choir do via social media, and hopefully we will make it to their spring concert next year! 

Oh, and Mr. Tumminia...you will be missed! 

For more videos of the concert this year, and previous years in which you can see my oldest daughter in you can go to my YouTube Channel! 

Have a wonderful weekend folks! 

2016 World Class All-Chapter Jazz Band Champions!

This past weekend members of the Highland high school jazz band had a very successful championship weekend, and we are so very proud of them! 

I will always remember the first time my oldest daughter became a member of Highland's jazz band, and how highly she talked about Mr. Tumminia. Her first impression about him was correct, because when I met him I could tell how much he loves music, and enjoys teaching it. I can tell how big his heart is in teaching his students. The fact that there is not enough funding for the arts here with music, the kids tend to fund raise a lot, and Mr. Tumminia does a lot on his own time, and dime and always makes an effort to give these kids private lessons. Even though he lives in a different township where they don't have to worry about budget cuts for the arts, working in a school district where they have cut a lot of the funding can have a teacher pouring their heart out in doing everything they can to keep it going, and that's Mr. Tumminia. I can see that he is doing his very best to see that our kids get the kind of music education that he knows they need. 

As a a parent I can tell how much Mr. Tumminia loves his job, and I have witnessed firsthand at all the hard work he puts in so that our kids can play their best, and be the best. I see how much he cares for his students, and how much effort he puts into having a great bond with them as their teacher. It pleases me to see that type of behavior being expressed to these kids including both my daughters, and how much he was always willing to go out of his way to help them every time they needed assistance. I have seen nothing but positivity radiating out of my girls when it came to playing, and there were times when Sierra seemed a little nervous before a performance, but I think that comes at being good at what you do which in her case is a great pianist! But at the end of her four years of playing with the band she always appreciated the hard work, and time Mr. Tumminia put in for her while she was the main pianist at Highland. 

Sure there are times when my girls would mention his frustration especially when band players would hit the wrong note because they didn't practice enough, and believe me when I say this. Teachers know. They know when these kids are not practicing enough at home, and they can get really disappointed when they don't. But that's part of being a band director. Especially when your performing for the state championship. Hello, ever seen the movie Whiplash? Not that Mr. Tumminia is anywhere near J.K. Simmons character, and actions portrayed in the film, but I totally understand why band directors are stern in their rules especially when it comes to practicing, and preparing for any jazz band competition...especially the championship finals. 

That's another reason why I tell Lexie to practice, practice, practice, and to never hesitate to ask for help! 

When I read about all the achievements some of the students accomplished this past weekend as well as throughout the year I knew I had to document it on here so that Lexie can remember how well their band did as a whole. I'm so proud of Lexie for always playing her best when it came to doing her part as one of the pianists in the band. Their winnings are well deserved, and it's all because of Mr. Tummunia's hard work. 

It is my hope that the future students of Highland High school will have more years like this, and that the future generations of the highland jazz band will enter into the band room filled with enthusiasm ready to work, and play in unison with great communication so that they can continue to hold the title of being champions. 

I was really impressed with all the accomplishments that Mr. Tumminia mentioned in an email for all the hard work, and winnings our children received, and they are listed as follows:

*  Friday night, the Jazz Band won the 2016 TIA World Class All-Chapter Jazz Band Championship.  Our band has now won four ACC titles in a row at this event.  Their score of 98.26 was the highest score earned over the four-day Wildwood ACC championships, of any event.

* Saturday night, the Jazz Band, coming in originally as a #8 seed, placed 5th in the New Jersey Division III Jazz Band Championships.  At the event, we won the award for BEST TROMBONE SECTION.  It is our first trombone sectional award at a state championship in over 25 years.  Congrats to our trombone section members Kryssa Goodhart, Samantha Dorofy, Emily Hand, and Michelle Sapp.  We also finished with our highest scoring at the NJ State Finals since 1990, with a score of 88.1  We were only 2.6 points away from 2nd place, beat the 6th place band by 6.3 points, and beat the 7th place band (Overbrook) by 8.8 points!  Clearly, the judges placed your kids in elite status as one of the top programs in the state.

* Over the season, we were awarded honors for Best Rhythm Section, and Best Trombone Section, and four different musicians (Ben Woodward, Amanda Clarkson, Eddie McKeown, and Elliott Howard) won best soloist awards at various events.  This is the first time, that I can remember, that Highland has had four different soloists win awards in the same year.  These are very rare accomplishments of which we are all very proud.

He also mentioned the our jazz band is one of six finalists who are competing to win a chance to perform with Philly Pops, So if you can spare two seconds of your time to vote please click on this Facebook link, and "like" the post about Highland. You can hear them sing the song "Sing, Sing, Sing" here. The concert will be on Monday, May 23, at 7pm at the Investors Bank Performing Arts Center in Washington Township. 

Here's hoping y'all had another great weekend, and let's hope our school wins & that we get some sunshine this week! 

Happy Monday folks! 

Winter Concert 2014.

Attending Lexie's winter concert last week was amazing, and ended way too quickly. 2015 is fast approaching, and before we know it'll be hitting us like a ton of bricks. The years are seriously passing us by, and I am such in denial that my second daughter is three years away from graduating high school! This night was bittersweet. Watching her and her friends singing and having fun with it reminded me of all the times we attended her past plays, and concerts since she was in second grade. She is a freshman now, and I swear this girl acts as if she's already been there done that, and I know that she is destined to do something great. She is such a gem and everyone in the concert band did such an amazing job performing and singing. 

So to add a little Christmas cheer here to your holidays I've added a few links below of Vocal Resolution singing, and the entire choir singing one of my all time favorites "Hallelujah" from The Messiah. So beautiful, and powerful!  

Hallelujah Chorus from The Messiah from Rose Jorgensen on Vimeo.

You can listen to Carol of the Russian Children here, and Wake the World with Joy here. Vocal Resolution did such a great job in singing, and I'm so happy that Lexie is a part of it! 

I hope you have a Merry Monday!  

It's Football Season.

I had been feeling a lot of guilt lately due to the fact that we haven't attended any high school football games since football season began to hear Lexie play with the pep band. Two games have passed, and last Friday we finally had the urge, and time to attend one of her games. It's been kind of hard with Jon getting off around the same time the game starts, and having to rush home to change can make us be on edge, and a stressor. The fact that the Highland football team always loses anyway, and has been losing for the past few years (or at least as long as I've been here) doesn't make me a big fan. I'm not alumni at this high school so it doesn't make a difference, but because I have a second daughter who could possibly be an alumni here I'm trying to make nice, and attend only because I want to hear her, and the band play. It's a good thing I like sports because if I didn't I probably wouldn't bother staying for the second half sitting down in agony because our poor football team loses so much. I'm sure they are all good players, and like all those NFL football players will learn as they grow. We make the best of it, cheer even when I don't feel like it, and just have a grand time. Memories of attending football games last year when Sierra played including the homecoming game where she was nominated for homecoming queen was pretty fun, and exciting. I love this time of year, and just the fact that it's football season whether the team loses or not prepares me to enjoy the fall season even more. Chelsea and Noah love sports and when they hear that we are going to go to "a game", they get super excited.

Here are a few photos of the first game we attended with Lexie playing on the keyboard. She totally reminded me of Sierra, but because they are both unique in their own way Lexie had her kind of groovy rhythm. Please excuse these photos. There were a few people who were standing against the rail blocking my view of Lexie that I had to zoom in on a few. Hope they are not too grainy for your vision...

 ^^^ highland mascot--tartan. ^^^

There are a couple more home games left, and so we are going to attempt to attend them, and be good sports to just cheer this team on whether they win or lose! 

**Another band post where you can see the resemblance in my daughters can be read here. 

Happy weekend! 

music appreciation awards banquet.

Numerous awards were given tonight at the music appreciate awards banquet. Some of the students who are in choir, chorale, drum line, and jazz band were presented with plaques, patches, certificates, trophies, and five scholarships were picked out of a drawing. 

Sierra wasn't lucky this time, but she did get various awards. She's one heck of a pianist, and I'm so grateful for all the recognition she received tonight.

Ms. Kolody is her choir teacher and she represented them with a hand shake, and a photo. 

Mr. Tumminia who is her band teacher represented her with the Louis Armstrong Award. This award is a recognition of outstanding achievements in the field of jazz as demonstrated through superior musicianship, character, and individual creativity. She certainly does fit all those attributes! 

She was even given this cute, gold little plaque with Louis Armstrong on it.

She was the only one that was given this award, and after all the singing and playing at all those jazz competitions I'd say she deserved it. Receiving this award was a happy ending to her senior year in being a part of the Highland Regional jazz band.

We are so proud of you Sierra!  

Yup...I'd say she is giddy with happiness, grateful for her accomplishments, and like a small child wanted to take home some balloons! 

Can you imagine how she'll be at graduation? I can hardly wait!

songbird.

She began dancing when she was about one years old. Blame it on being a '90's baby, and the fact that I was born in the '70's hooked on '80's music had me teach her at a very young age to listen to the right kind of music.

Music is her world, and she finds many opportunities to surround herself with it.  

She began dance classes when she was five, playing piano when she was seven, and although she doesn't really dance anymore she still plays the piano, and discovered she had a voice about three years ago. 

We used to call her our hummingbird when she was little, and now she is our songbird. 

I was amazed when I began hearing her sing nonchalantly around the house. You know under her breath, while she's cleaning, or even in the shower. I said to myself, "this girl can yodel sing pretty good, and she's never even had voice lessons." 

I've never given it a thought in having her take voice lessons. I figured since she's been humming since she began playing piano, and singing in the choir since middle school that she doesn't need to take private voice lessons. 

Some of my friends say that even though she has a pretty voice that i should still get her into voice lessons for the mere fact that they wouldn't want her to strain her voice or damage her vocal chords. While that's excellent advice and a lot of truth to that I just couldn't find the time, or even give it a second thought in finding her the right teacher. It's not that easy finding music teachers let alone a voice one. She's graduating soon, and I'm pretty sure she'll have plenty of opportunities at college to learn how to improve in other areas when it comes to voice and music. Not that she needs more lessons in piano, but hey...the more you learn the better you get! 

Sierra, and her piano fingers never take a rest. I can't even imagine playing like her, especially when she played this piece when the choir sang Battle of Jericho. That can be a hard piece for others to play, but she was amazing being the pianist for that song.

Grouped with some amazing talent for the past three years in high school this choir has done amazingly well when it comes to singing ballads without any instruments. If any of y'all have ever watched the movie Stand by Me, you'll be reminded of the movie when you hear them sing this one.

Members of the chorale are now known as "Vocal Resolution", and that is what they will be called from now on. 

Here they are singing their own rendition of "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon. I was very impressed and these kids just keep getting better and better with their talent as they continue to prosper. 

Sierra sang exceptionally well. She kind of reminds of the Latina singer Selena with her moves and everything. Having such a beautiful personality with a beautiful voice, who is kind to everyone and has rhythm when she dances! Bittersweet...

When all the girls from chorale get together they really sing loud, and even though I didn't understand what language this song originates from I really enjoyed it. It's called "Voice Dance.

  
The spring concert for Highland high school last night was just awesome, excellent, and it was especially nice to see Sierra & Alexandra side by side singing this song together along with the rest of the choir. 

I'm so glad that Alexandra (along with other middle school choir members) had a small cameo in singing with the Highland choir. 

Sierra's last concert of her high school career ended epically, and I'm very pleased that she came here five years ago in 2009 to join the future class of 2013 because I'll tell you something...this class truly is the cream of the crop, and from my eyes I don't think there will ever be another class like them. (unless it's the class of 2018, 2023, or 2027.) 

Those are the years my other kids graduate! 

Yikes! 

Aida

This past weekend was the high school's musical production of Aida. We all love the theatrics, and being that this is Sierra's senior year we wanted to show our support by attending all three nights. This was the first time in four years where I've seen a high school musical for three nights in a row, and I'm so glad I did! 

On opening night one of my best friends came with me for support, my husband and I went on Friday night, and on closing night I had a mother/daughter date with Alexandra.


Aida has got to be my favorite high school musical thus far. Maybe it's because I love a good love story, and it also reminded of the broadway musical Ghost. 

Although Into the Woods, and Rent were performed very well in the previous years Aida in my opinion was the best.  

We had front row seats, and it was a perfect view to not only be in view of the violinists (which Alex was thrilled to be close to), but to see Sierra as well. 

This year instead of acting, or being a part of the stage crew Sierra played with 10 adults in the orchestra. She looked like a professional in being a part of the orchestra, and played exceptionally well on the keyboard. 

Who knows...this could have been practice for when she plays in an orchestra for a broadway show in the future. 

Another dream thought i suppose!

As always when the show is over I take pictures of Sierra with her acting buddies. 

picture via T.J.

This show was phenomenal, and what an amazing talent these kids have! They all did very well, but I have to give a huge BRAVO to the three key players that had lead roles. 

Lindsay as the fashionable Amneris

Desiree as Aida, princess of Nubia

the one and only t.j. as Radames

They all have acting potential, and are all majoring in musical theatre in the fall. 

Now I normally don't take pictures with any of Sierra's friends, but I just had to take one with T.J. who played Radames. He was amazing, and I truly felt as if I was watching an actual broadway show. 

My daughter teases me and says that I have a crush on him because every time I see him I give him a big ol' hug. 

I may not have a crush on him, but I do love the way he sings, and acts on stage. He is the nicest kid anyone would want to hang around with and is truly humble. I am glad they are friends, and that in their senior year they ended with this show.  

This young man definitely has the potential to star on broadway. 

Okay...besides my husband I do love this kid. He's quite tall too...just like Jon! 

Amazing, amazing, amazing performances from everyone!! 

Miss Congeniality with the sunniest smile.

As I attended the Who Who's nominee event for the class of 2013 last night I couldn't help but to observe all the students, and to see in all of them something good. It was interesting to see all the drama members sitting in one section of the auditorium, and the jocks in another yet you could still hear them talking amongst each other. It's nice to see that all these seniors get along, and enjoyed themselves on this night.

I really enjoyed the host, Mr. Winfield who was Sierra's History teacher last year. He is quite the comedian, and made everyone laugh with the remarks he was making as he was announcing the nominees as well as the winners. I wish I had a teacher like him while I was in High School. Maybe I would have paid more attention in History class!

Out of a class of at least 320 seniors Jordan and Sierra are the only ones who are LDS, and yet they are friends with the entire class. It doesn't matter what religious background anyone is they are both friends with everyone.

I also think it's great that these two strive to live their standards in a world where other students may not agree with their beliefs.

Jordan with his cute girl Meredith, and Sierra

For four years Sierra has been attending Highland, and for her to be nominated for two different categories in her Senior year really tells you something about her. For some of the students at Highland who are "veterans" (meaning that they were born and raised here) accept her for who she is. To me that doesn't make her an outsider, but somewhat a "Jersey girl." She may not have been born here, but in the past five years she has made friends left and right, and continues to do so.

Sierra with T.J. who won for most school spirit. 

Even though she left without "a trophy" she definitely has the sunniest smile, and her congenial nature makes everyone want to be her pal.

She is Miss Congeniality in our eyes, and she doesn't need a trophy to tell her that she is.

the last home football game of the season

Cold temperatures didn't stop our family from attending the last home football game of the season. We brought an extra blanket, and tried to keep warm throughout the entire game.

This was also the night they announced the Homecoming King & Queen & everyone cheered and clapped as the four nominee couples walked onto the football field. I felt as if live paparazzi were surrounding her taking their picture.

No fancy dresses were worn, and they all still looked great. 

Even though Sierra didn't get the tiara she still had a magical evening. She has really enjoyed being part of this year's pep band, and continues to shine sharing her musical talent.

Sierra jamming out with the Homecoming King Mikhel.

I meant to take a picture of Sierra alone, but our goofy neighbor Nam sure knows how to photobomb a photo. 

The best night of this evening was the answer she gave in why she should be Homecoming queen:

"I am grateful to have been anonymously nominated and to have this opportunity. I have never been in anything like this before, and would be so happy if I win. I feel that I deserve to win, and I would be a great example to my class in sharing that school spirit, and being a strength to others."

I was really touched by that, and she was so pleased to have had this amazing opportunity to have been among these great kids in being part of the court, and in running for Homecoming Queen.

It was a great evening even though our team lost, and so worth going to the games just to listen to the sounds of Sierra Jorgensen.

Friday night lights.

Fall is the season for football, and I am ashamed to say that I have never been to any of the games at my daughter's high school...until now.

I clearly remember the last football game I attended with my sister, and a few friends up at BYU back in 1994, and I really enjoyed it. That was almost 18 years ago!!! Well, since this is my daughter's last year in high school, and because she is the keyboard player in the pep band I decided to clear my busy schedule that I always have on Fridays to go to her game, and hear you play.

All I have to say is...WOW!!!

She is so amazing, and I am always impressed with how she plays music. She never needs any sheet music because she is such an excellent sight reader, and can play anything at the drop of a hat. You can here some of her playing here.

The sounds of the entire pep band are amazing, and it brought back many memories of when I was in high school. I remember going to the Brahma football games, and cheering them on. For one year I was in the Drill team, and loved entertaining the crowd with our dancing routines.

I was surprised that I didn't come with a headache with all the shouting that was going on directly behind our seat. I have a young heart, and thoroughly enjoyed myself along with the kids. We won 31-ZERO against the other team, and left happy.

I forgot how great it felt going to football games to root for our home team. I will definitely make more of an effort to attend the home games when our other kids enter high school in the future.