Special Day, Day II: Orchestra hall Nutcracker

We got up fairly early and headed for Minneapolis to see the Minnesota Orchestra perform for one of the free Target Family concerts. We didn't have tickets so had to get there early enough that we could pick up returned tickets, we didn't have any troubles getting them and in fact found excellent parking and was inside the lobby for the before the concert events. Magoo got to walk around to each of the musical stations. Whether it was initial shyness or interest taking over he really enjoyed the last booth we were at where he got to actually play the violin and cello (at least those are the instruments I think they were, I'm quite musically illiterate as many of you know . . .). He had a much harder time playing with the jingle bells, but really loved the ratchet and thought the boards were ok too. Not so into the water xylophone or conductors instructions, maybe next time.

At the end of the concert we asked him what his favorite parts were, the Nutcrackers, I assume the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Rose Petal dancers, when they came out I opened our book and pointed them out to him, their costumes were very similar to those in our book so I think he really got it. They were all terrific performers and the music was also a delight. And they finished off the concert with what is now one of my favorites, Sleigh Ride!

The Ratchet, "I can crank really fast."

From Winter 2008

Future cellist?

From Winter 2008

Or future violinist?

From Winter 2008

Before concert excitement!!

From Winter 2008

Many of the musicians warming up, we had pretty close seats this time. It was nice to be able to identify some of the instruments. He pointed out the harp, a violin or two, and a few horns.

From Winter 2008