Happy 4th of July Weekend / 1st Public Performance

Well it's too late to turn back now. The Olympic Orchestra has had their first public performance (Well at least the Modesto area performers have). They marched in the 2008 4th of July parade in Modesto California. The performance was very impressive and we can't wait to hear what it sounds like with all 2008 members performing it together in Beijing. The Orchestra was well received by the onlookers, and there was only one comment made about "Human Rights" or "Free Tibet", and since that was not the general consensus, it was pretty much ignored. Most of the comments that I heard were supportive and ones of congratulations and pride. On thing is for sure, I haven't had to walk that far in very long time. That's right, all of us proud parents got to walk the route with the Orchestra while they played. We acted as liaisons to the crowd if anyone had questions regarding the trip, other performances and just general congratulations that are invoked from a chance of a lifetime such as this. The final result of this public appearance in the 4th of July Parade was that the Olympic Orchestra took first place in the marching band division in the parade. I have posted some pictures on the photo site that you can access at the "Little's Links" on the right hand side of the page. The Olympic Orchestra will have a farewell performance on July 22nd at the Downy High School Stadium at 7:00pm. Everyone is invited to attend as this is an attempt to raise some funds to offset the travel costs to the students. The cost is only $5.00 per ticket. If you aren't able to make it the program would happily accept any cash donations that you might want to give. That was my shameless plug at marketing and drumming up donations. I know it was pretty pathetic. Well enjoy the pictures and until the next fascinating installment of "Where's the Little's". . .Peace out!

News Story About The Red Orchestra

Well it is definitely official now we have a local news story about the trip to the Olympics. The story took place at Beyer High School so there is a predominate theme of Beyer High Students. There are however a few Davis High band members featured. Naturally being a proud parent I need to take this opportunity to tell everyone that there is an excellent shot of Joey playing his bass drum. It's mostly his back but you can see the side of his face and the camera didn't break (He He). He must have his mothers good looks. At any rate I hope everyone enjoys the video. I know that the video starts automatically and continues to run in a loop I am trying to figure out how to change this so bear with me. Until the next post . . .Back to the Bat cave!

A Question Posed By A Neighbor

We were visiting with a couple of our neighbors tonight checking out his new ride. He scored the ultimate mans ride. That's right you guessed it. . . a Hummer! I can bet that one doesn't even exist in China, except for maybe in the military and only if they stole one from the United States. Well at any rate he posed this question. . . Are Chinette paper plates called Americanette in China? I told him that I would find out for him when I make a trip to the local Beijing Wal Mart. That's no joke we found out that they actually have 3 Wal Marts in Beijing alone. Country wide they have 79 total. Hows that for an ineresting fun fact. I included the link to the Wal Mart info below. Well until the next installment. . . sayonara, Peace out!


http://www.wal-martchina.com/english/walmart/wminchina.htm

Joey Starts The Orchestra Practice

Well this week is the beginning of the many days of practices that the Olympic Orchestra will have. I have contacted a reporter with the local news channel and hopefully they will get some coverage of their practices. The reporter said that she would try and be at a few of their practices so she could do a nice story about the expirience. We have been trying to learn the language, which is Manadrin Chinese. Holy Shit! There must have their toungues screwed on backwards or something because mine sure as hell doesn't work that way. We will probably be better off not learning it because we will just butcher it. Even worse though we would probably offend someone or end up in jail because we accidentally spewed out obscenties about someones mama. Well until next time here's chow mein in your eye. . .

Well There Has Been Alot Happening

Well kiddies there has been alot of things happening over the past month. Everything from measuring the kids for their Orchestra uniforms, to changes in the music, to new trip itineraries. I have uploaded the artist renditions of the uniforms on our photo site so you all can see just how adorable Joey and his bandmates are going to look. All I can say is there is deffinately a difference in thier taste and mine. Never the less Joey gets to keep the uniform, cape and all and that is just plain cool any way you look at it. As the time drawes nearer we are all getting excited and nervous at the same time, and as you all might have guessed Joanie is stressing out about what to pack or not to pack. There are deffinate size and wieght restrictions when it comes to international flights. You know it has something with a trivial issue, like figuring out the fuel milage based on weight. I am not as concerned about what to take, but then again I'm just a guy. My two biggest concerns are my laptop and how much my "Big Boy" clothes weigh. This will be the first time I have shopped for clothes based on weight. As for the laptop that is my carry-on. I will probably start updating the blog from this point rather regular as there is constantly new things happening almost weekly. Until the next time see ya. . .