Blair NYRO Audition 2014

On August 16th, Moo and I drove to the campus of Vanderbilt University and parked in the garage across from the Blair School of Music.  I took this picture just outside of the building where she would audition for the Youth Repertory Orchestra (see more info about the program HERE).    Honestly, I am surprised that I could hold my shaking hands still enough to focus the camera...and yet my daughter--the one with the audition ahead of her!!--seemed completely gathered and serene.  If I hadn't actually given birth to her, I would wonder where exactly she came from...

Just this Monday, we checked the audition results to find out that she made it!  To add sprinkles to the frosting on the cake--her pal Caroline made it too.  So after 10 days of anxiety over how this would all pan out, all is well...  ;)

We are so proud of and thankful for the dedication she has for her music, and we are excited that she gets to work, grow and make music in a great orchestral program like Blair--it's pretty unreal. 

Michael W Smith & Friends Album

Here is the album cover for the latest studio work that the girls participated in this summer.  The album features a bunch of great musicians; some we've met and others that the girls have sung with on previous projects. Its release date is September 30th.  Rolling Stone just published an article on the project that included a track list, so I think it's okay for me to give it away here:

Here's the album's track list:  (**indicates tracks where the girls sang background vocals)

1. The Miracle of Christmas
2. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
3. Happy Holiday/Holiday Season
4. Christmas Time Is Here (featuring Vince Gill)
5. White Christmas (featuring Lady Antebellum)
6. Somewhere in My Memory**
7. The Spirit of Christmas
8. Silent Night (featuring Little Big Town)
9. What Child Is This (featuring Martina McBride)
10. Almost There (featuring Amy Grant)
11. All Is Well (featuring Carrie Underwood)
12. Christmas Day (featuring Jennifer Nettles)**
13. The Darkest Midnight (spoke word by Bono)
14. Peace (with Michael McDonald)

To read more about the album, see a video interview with MWS, and find out more info about the upcoming tour, see this link to the Rolling Stone story: CLICK HERE