The Valiant Knight

The Knight going off into battle with his trusty...Elephant

About a month ago one of my mommy friends told me about a concert series for kids put on by the North Carolina Symphony.  I have had the symphony bookmarked on my computer since Edmund was about a year old as a fun out of the box activity.  Around that time I learned that Edmund is a kid with sensitivities to loud, even moderately loud noises, and dim or dark lighting, so I put the symphony out of mind until my friend mentioned it.  Edmund has made progress in the things he can handle as of late.  He's now seen a movie in the theater and even greatly enjoyed a bouncy house excursion after the initial tears subsided.  I love live instrumental music and wanted Edmund to have an opportunity to experience it, so I took a chance and bought a ticket to one show.  Until I tested the waters I wasn't about to buy the whole series package.

While Evie could have gone on this outing, it was best suited for a mother/son date.  The concert was entitled Halloween Spooktackular and children were encouraged to dress up in costume.  Edmund was thrilled with a chance to premiere his knight costume a couple of days early.  We arrived at the concert hall with about 10 minutes to spare.  There were musicians set up in the lobby with instruments for children to try.  We had time for Edmund to choose one before it was time to take our seats.  Edmund chose the violin and the violinist on hand found one just the right size for him.  He instructed Edmund on how to hold the violin under his chin and the proper way to hold the bow.  Edmund was a bit too enthusiastic when he took the bow to the strings, but with some guidance the musician was able to reign him in. After his 2 minute lesson Edmund looked like a true concert master.

Little Elephant

Over the loudspeaker we heard our 5 minute show call and found our seats.  I strategically purchased aisle seats in case we needed to make an early exit.  Soon the lights dimmed and I talked Edmund through it.  He settled in and excitedly awaited the beginning of the concert.  The concert began with Hedwig's Theme from the Harry Potter score.  This was a great song to begin with because it remains fairly quiet throughout.  I also knew when the crescendo was coming and was able to prepare Edmund for it.  Edmund, who was now settled in my lap, tensed up at this, but still enjoyed it.

Next a storyteller told a "spooky" story as the orchestra played behind her.  Edmund was at the edge of his seat, er my lap, and bravely told me he wasn't scared.  The concert continued with Storm Troopers making their way through the audience as Darth Vader took control from the conductor to conduct his "Imperial March." Edmund has been very into Star Wars, although he has not seen the films, so this was a treat for him.  Once I assured him that these were people pretending and the conductor was indeed not in Darth Vader's grasp, Edmund was enraptured by the scene playing out before him.

Mommy and Daddy-"Smile Edmund."
Edmund "This is my brave knight face."

After another slightly chilling story from the storyteller it was time for the costume parade.  Edmund couldn't wait for his turn, but wanted me to walk on stage with him.  Not because he was afraid of the costumes, but because he was fearful the orchestra would get too loud.  I walked with him to the stage, but to my surprise he chose to parade without me.  As I waited for him to come down the steps I saw the biggest smile cross his face.  He was so proud.  

It was now time to go and I'd like to tell you the outing went off without a hitch.  Unfortunately I had a bit of trouble locating my car in the parking deck at concert's end.  It was a small parking deck and Edmund and I eventually found the car after walking around each level.  In my defense the car was where I looked initally.  The lights didn't blink when I clicked the remote, so I assumed I'd gone to the wrong place.  In fact I'd love to leave this little detail out of the trip altogether, but my son is now old enough to tell on me.  When friends and family ask how the symphony was, his response, "It was great until my mommy got lost in the parking deck and I was so scared."  So before my son can tell on me to anyone else, I'm telling on myself.

 Since I haven't talked much about Evie this post you will see some of her Halloween pictures scattered throughout.