Northern Illinois Christian Youth Orchestra

This summer the boys had the opportunity to participate in a homeschool Christian orchestra set up by the Caswell family and directed by Jacob Bernhardt. I wasn't able to participate because of work. The orchestra practiced on Fridays for about two hours. It was a great opportunity for the boys to play with other homeschoolers. They already had experience from playing in orchestra at the music academy, but the music for the chamber music was challenging for them especially for Aaron. Anthony was second chair first violin and Aaron was second chair viola. They had a great time playing, and the Caswells did a great job setting it up. The final concert was on Saturday.

(photo credit: Dad)

The boys had to wear all black for the orchestra, so Mom had the idea of taking pictures of them by the suburban with sunglasses. This is for Mr. Caswell who always says that we should drive up in our black suburban wearing sunglasses and people would think we were FBI. ;)

(Photo credit: Dad)
(Photo Credit: Dad)

rehearsal

The Caswells asked me to take pictures for the concert with Dad's nice camera, so there are a lot! ;) I got a lot of close ups.

Jacob did a great job conducting.

Liesa

Sarah

I focused in on the music in this one.

Emily Pollock

Becca

Rianna

eating and fellowshipping in the break before the concert started

everybody getting settled before the concert

aawwww!!!!

Mr. Caswell gave an introduction.

Joanna Nerius was the concertmaster as the first violin.

I put these pictures in soft focus (you selct a focal point to be clear and the rest gets blurred out) and added their name. I really like this look.

Laura's face was so cute while she was playing. ;)

trumpets

flutes

Sarah just started playing the string bass not that long ago, and she did a great job.

cellos

I love this one!

There were so many people that they had to sit along the sides and crowd in the back. Mr. Caswell and Dad had to keep bringing in chairs for everybody!

As you can see, there was a lot of people which was great!

This was too cute and sweet not to capture on camera!!!

Soldats and Nerius'

It was great to see the Soldats again! It's been about two years since they stopped going to SBC and went to a church in Chicago because of Mrs. Soldat's job.

Jusinos

chamber group featuring Sarah on the flute

Everybody not in chamber sat on either side.

chamber again

receiving applause at the end of the concert

visiting after the performance

the orchestra

Enjoying refreshments....

and fellowship.

We were so glad the Englings were able to come! :)

Dad and Mr. Richardson talked for a loooooooong time. I thinked he could be labeled as one of Dad's "buddies."

Mrs. Rische and Mom visiting

Joiners and Mr. Soldat

My little cutie pie!!! ;)

Roger and Aaron

taking everything down and putting it away

All the musicians did a great job! The concert was awesome! We are looking forward to doing the orchestra again next summer if they do it again (hopefully!!!). Thanks Caswells for organizing and getting the orchestra started!

~Amber~