•Hayley’s Blog•

My New Blog

My new blog’s address is http://hayleytai3.edublogs.org/. This is where all of my new posts and work will go. If I am on your blogroll, please change my link to this new address.

21 Babies Infected by Critical Bug

I was getting ready for school this morning and I happened to glance at The New Zealand Herald newspaper on my way past the kitchen bench. My eyes fell upon an article about this, and I had a quick read. The newspaper’s title on the story shocked me, so I was eager to find out more.

An outbreak of Staphylococcus Aureus (a deadly bacteria) has infected at least 21 babies at Auckland’s City Hospital. This bacteria can cause diseases such as Meningitis, Pneumonia, Septicemia and Toxic Shock Syndrome for babies. It isn’t so bad for the rest of us though, usually producing only boils. But the bacteria is one of the top three fatal infections for newborn babies. All of the babies are being tested for the infection, and some of them are already seriously ill. But the hospital staff aren’t entirely sure if this is because of Staphylococcus Aureus or not.

I was pretty gutted when I read the article about this, because I thought of the babies’ mothers and/or fathers, and how it must have affected them. I mean, how would you feel if you had just gotten a new pet or something, and then you found out that they may be about to die? Yeah. Pretty disappointed. I wish that there was some way we could help the babies and their families, but for now all we can do is hope that they get better.

Blood Brothers

The lights were starting to darken, but my feelings of excitement were starting to lighten! I was sitting in our town Woolshed theatre, and the musical ‘Blood Brothers’ was just about to start. Me, my mum, and a ‘couple’ of her work friends were all there. Mum and her friends had planned to go the week before, but I had persuaded her to let me come too, because I absolutely love drama, and going to musicals. She agreed, seeing as it was the night of my birthday anyway!

The performance started off with a choir-like song, behind an eerie clear curtain. Then the narrator appeared up in a window, and told us in his poetic, booming voice, an insight into the tale we were about to experience. The story starts with a pregnant Mrs Johnstone singing of her problems, including having 5 kids, no husband, and very little money. The woman she works for, Mrs Lyons, convinces Mrs Johnstone to give her one of the not-yet-born twins. Mrs Johnstone gives in, and they swear over the bible. Within the month, the twins are born. Even though she is doubtful, Mrs Johnstone passes on a twin to Mrs Lyons. (Eddie)

Mrs Lyons fires Mrs Johnstone, in fear that she is getting too close to her son. The two brothers, now named Mickey and Eddie, are brought up in different life styles. Mickey lives in a poor, undisciplined world with 5 siblings, while Eddie is showered with anything he desires, and is an only child. The boys end up meeting each other, and forming a special bond. They call themselves ‘Blood Brothers’, but are still unaware of their real connection. The mothers found out, and are furious at first. But kind hearted Mrs Johnstone finds it hard to not like Eddie, and grants him a special locket.
Mrs Lyons is trying to avoid the past, as the narrator keeps reminding her, and so moves away with Eddie, and her husband, up into the hills. Mrs Johnstone, without realising, follows her. The boys grow up some more, but then find each other again. Mickey’s girlfriend Linda starts to accompany them on their little adventures as they develop into young men. Meanwhile, Mrs Lyons discovers that Mrs Johnstone is living near her, and attempts to murder her, but fails and goes mad.

One day Eddie announces that he is headed to college/university. While he is gone, everything changes. Mickey and Linda become engaged, and Linda discovers that she is pregnant. Mickey gets caught up in an attempted robbery and murder with his brother Sammy, and is sentenced to 7 years in jail. He gets addicted to anti-depressant pills. Eddie then arrives back from college, and admits to Linda that he has always loved her. Linda realises that Eddie is the only person she has to turn to. Mickey finds out about them, and goes on a rampage to find Eddie. He does, and threatens to shoot him. Then Mrs Johnstone appears and begs Mickey to stop. And she finally confesses the truth about the twins’ connection. Mickey realises that Linda was all he had left, and that now she had been taken from him. He shoots Eddie, and the police shoot Mickey.

I really enjoyed this musical. My favourite character was by far the narrator. The poetic way he spoke really drew in the audience. So did the way he loomed over some particular scenes, just watching the characters talk.

I also liked the actual storyline. The overall plot isn’t very realistic, but it gets a little more so towards the end. The deliberate lack of props in some scenes left a lot of room for acting, and for imagination. For instance, instead of having a bus, there would just be a steering wheel. Or, instead of a fence, there would only be a climbing block. If this musical opens again somewhere for show, I would definitely recommend it!

Never Take Anything for Granted

It was interval, and my friends and I were sitting around talking and eating. One of my friends said that she had seen a dead ginger cat on our street. The words hit me like a bomb. I pestered her for more information, and the description she gave me sounded just like my cat. She said that it was after I had left to go on the bus. I could picture my cat chasing a stray pet across the road without checking for cars. All day these horrible thoughts ran through my mind and I found it hard to concentrate on any of my school work. All I wanted to do was go home and check if it was my cat who had been hit by a car. On the bus ride home, I started to feel sick. We were nearing my house and I would be getting off soon. The girls next to me started talking about their pet cats, and I felt like crying. We turned on to my road, and I scanned the ground outside my house for a trace of ginger fur. There was nothing. I got off the bus and looked down the whole street - there was no fur or anything. I couldn’t find any cat at all! I walked up our driveway and went into our house. I looked around, and I found my cat, alive and well, outside on the deck! I gave her a huge hug, and texted my best friend; ‘SHES ALIVE!!!’

This just goes to show that you shouldn’t believe everything you hear, and that you shouldn’t take anything for granted. After this happened, I gave my cat, Jaffa, so much attention that she ended up getting a bit frustrated with me. So when your mum, or dad, or dog, or someone, gives you a hug in the morning before school, don’t brush it off, hug them back because it just might be the last time you see them.

Girls Cyber Bullying

“Education Ministry figures show a 41 per cent increase in girls being stood down, suspended or kicked out of school for assaults between 2002 and 2006. But the way violence is dished out appears to be changing. Experts point to a new gang-like mentality among schoolgirls whereby a popular “queen bee” uses friends to bully or hurt others to reinforce her power.

Secondary Principals’ Association president Peter Gall said schools were seeing not only more overt physical violence by girls, but a big increase in cyber-bullying - sending nasty text messages and e-mails, or putting humiliating images or words on the Internet.” -Stuff.

I was looking around at stuff.co.nz, and I stumbled across this article. The information wasn’t new to me, but I decided to share it with whoever reads my blog, incase they ever come across a situation that involves cyber/mental bullying. I think this is a much worse variation to bullying than the physical kind. Because in some cases, words can hurt far more than hits. It contradicts the old saying; ’sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’. Bruises and cuts heal a lot faster than a wounded soul. If you are ever aware of somebody being bullied in this or any other way, I think you should stick up for them, and help them get through it. If you ever get stuck in a cyber bullying problem, I think a good way to deal with it would be to try and ignore whoever the bully is, and tell someone you trust and/or know will help you fix the problem. I have never exactly been a target in cyber or mental bullying, but I am sure to watch out for it. I advise you to as well.

Totara Springs Band Camp

Monday 12th May - day 1

I groaned as I looked ahead and saw the remaining distance that I had to lug my weirdly heavy bag and trombone case over. It was a cold and foggy Monday morning, and I wasn’t the only one complaining. I looked around me and saw other TAI students struggling with their luggage and instruments. We were packing the school trailer, and buses, with instruments and bags. It was the day that we were to be leaving for Totara Springs. More and more students arrived, each one shivering as they passed their bags to the parent helpers. At last, some hour later, we were all set to file into the buses and begin the trip. The bus ride took a little over an hour. We arrived at the camp and spotted Matamata Intermediate, who were staying with us, arriving too. After a lot of confusion, everyone had unpacked and settled into their pre-arranged cabins. But not for long! Soon after, it was said over the loud speaker that the first rehearsal for the followings night’s concert was about to begin. There was going to be a presentation from the Junior Band, the Senior Band, and the choir. The three groups walked over to start practising. The rest of the day carried on with 2 more practises, some free time, mealtimes, and a little sing-a-long session after dinner.

Tuesday 13th May- day 2

The day of the concert was upon us! After such a ‘long’ wait! As you can imagine, nerves began to build up as the day progressed to the evening. Me being the only trombonist in Junior Band, I was definitely feeling some pressure too! There were 3 more rehearsals throughout the day, along with free time, meals, and tuning up. The junior band had prepared 4 pieces, but one was cancelled at the dress rehearsal due to timing issues. The Senior band had prepared 6, and the choir had about 5. We couldn’t wait to show them off! Later that afternoon, we were all in the lecture theatre for tuning up. But then, the unthinkable happened- the fire alarm went off! Since nobody had heard about a fire drill, panic was definitely in the air. We all had to assemble out by the hockey field. I can understand why we were told to bring our instruments- can you imagine the cost if they all got burnt!? Anyway, after much confusion, we were told that everything was okay. Apparently, one careless cabin had left a towel on their heater. But someone had stepped in to help, and soon we were all back in the lecture theatre. There was a little pep talk, and then we all piled into the auditorium. The audience was still chattering away about the previous ordeal! I waved to my parents and Grandma as I walked past. Once we had all sat down and shut up, Mrs Germann began her introduction. 

The night breezed on by without a hitch. (If you don’t count the microphone breaking right before a choir solo, and the fire alarm fiasco!). My little solo in ‘Geronimo’- a junior band piece - went well, as did the rest of the junior and senior band pieces, and the choir. There were some extra performances including a talented drum group from Matamata, a flute duet by two older girls, and a violin group (from Matamata). The Salvation Army band also made a guest appearance! After the concert, the students met up with their parents/friends/relatives/etc and then it was time for bed.

Wednesday 14th May- day 3

D-day. Well, not really, but it is the day that we were leaving. Not too much happened, except that both schools got to have a turn on the outdoor hydroslide and other activities. It was one of the parts of camp that people had been looking forward to the most - including me! The ‘other activities’ were shooting, archery, and 3 wire rope walking. The only one of those that I went on was the 3 wire rope. It was okay. Although I was pretty freaked out, especially when it started raining when I was halfway across! I managed to get down alright though. But the best part of the day was definitely the hydroslide. The water from the hot pool was used for it, so it was very warm! Most of us went on it at least 3 times. There were rumours going around about some ‘ghost boy’ that slows you down when you go around a certain corner, but I chose not to believe that. Mainly because most of the corners were extremely fast! Anyway, after everyone had gotten dressed, we started to pack the bus and prepare lunch. We ended up having it on the floor of the dining room, because the tables had been packed up! So there were a lot of crumbs, as you could probably guess.

We arrived back at school around 2:00, to find our bags were being put in the hall. But everyone managed to find their luggage okay! (I think!). Overall, I really enjoyed this camp, not just because of all the free time we got, but because of the new skills I learnt on my instrument, and the new friends I made. I think I have improved a lot on my trombone! Also, I would like to thank all of the parent helpers and teachers that made this trip possible.

Disaster Strikes in Myanmar! (near Thailand)

“Myanmar’s state media said Cyclone Nargis killed at least 22,980 people and left 42,119 missing.

American diplomat Shari Villarosa, who heads the U.S. Embassy in Yangon, said the number of dead could eventually exceed 100,000 because safe food and water were scarce and unsanitary conditions widespread.

The situation is “increasingly horrendous,” she said in a telephone call to reporters. “There is a very real risk of disease outbreaks.”

A few shops reopened in the Irrawaddy delta, but they were quickly overwhelmed by desperate people, said Paul Risley, a spokesman for the U.N. World Food Program in Bangkok, Thailand, quoting his agency’s workers in the area.

“Fistfights are breaking out,” he said.

A Yangon resident who returned to the city from the delta area said people were drinking coconut water because there was no safe drinking water. He said many people were on boats using blankets as sails.

Local aid groups distributed rice porridge, which people collected in dirty plastic shopping bags, he said. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he feared getting into trouble with authorities for talking to a foreign news agency.

U.N. officials estimated some 1 million people had been left homeless in Myanmar, which also is known as Burma.” - http://www.kansascity.com/449/story/609158.html

Cyclone Nargis, which hit near Thailand, struck on the 2 & 3 of May 2008. I think this is a really horrible thing to happen. Cyclone Nargis was worse than Hurricane Katrina (for more info click here), which is saying quite a lot! It is horrible to think about the fact that now 1,000,000 more people are homeless due to this disaster. It’s even more horrible to think that at least 20,000 were killed too. I read at www.stuff.co.nz that New Zealand has donated $500,000 to aid the relief agencies in Myanmar. I was actually quite proud when I saw that! It’s great to know that our country is contributing to the funds. My heart goes out to the people in Myanmar who are suffering because of this terrible cyclone. I hope the rest of us can pull ourselves together, to do everything we can to help.

Ohope Camp

Day 1: Tuesday

On Tuesday morning, the students of Rooms 3 and 7 all arrived at school in mufti clothes, much to the envy of the rest of the school! We had our luggage all packed and ready to go. The parents, teachers, and students departed for Ohope beach at about 10:00 am. We arrived at Lake Okataina, which is on the way, around lunchtime. We had lunch there, and walked part way around the lake and back again. After that, everyone jumped back into the cars for the remaining car trip to Ohope. We arrived around 3 o’clock. When we arrived at Ohope Christian Camp, everybody started unpacking and exploring the campground. We went for a short trip to the beach, and we also went for a swim at the Whakatane Aquatics Center. Bedtime was around 9:00.

Day 2: Wednesday

Today, Room 3 went to the High Ropes and Amazing Maze n Maize, and Room 7 went Fishing, Kayaking, and walking over the hills to Shelly Bay. The High Ropes were a lot of fun. Firstly, we stayed on the ground and did some trust exercises and group activities. Then, after lunch, we braved the ropes. They involved climbing up poles, jumping for trapezes, walking across logs in mid air, jumping from platform to platform, jumping across swinging tyres… you get the idea. Of course, these were all supervised by professionals, and we had to wear helmets and harnesses. After all of this, Room 3 trudged on over to the Amazing Maze in Maize. This is, as it implies, a maze in maize. We had to navigate our way through the sweetcorn mazes, to find little snippets of Kiwiana information dotted through the fields. It took forever, with many confused walks around the same area, but my group managed to find most of the asked pictures and questions! We found the exit about 3 times in a row, and this was before we had had enough. Room 7 had fun with their activities too. In the evening, we went to the Whakatane Aquatics Center again.

Day 3: Thursday

This day, Rooms 3 and 7 swapped activities, so now Room 7 was headed to the High Ropes and Maize, and Room 3 was headed for the Fishing, Kayaking, and Walking to Shelly Bay. My group went to Shelly bay first. The walk over there and back was extremely tiring! But it was worth it, for the amazing views, and pretty shells. The next activity was wharf fishing. There was a man there. I guess you could call him a mysterious stranger, because he didn’t say much about himself, apart from that we should call him sir. He made sure that everyone caught at least one fish, rescued us from hungry bees, baited our hooks, and taught us heaps about fishing, which I thought was extremely nice of him. Next was our final activity, kayaking. It was held in the Ohope Beach Harbour. Tiring, because we had to paddle against the strong currents. Painful, because I, along with everyone else, got covered in rashes and windburn. But very fun, because we played ball tag with the kind instructor, Kenny. In the evening, everybody attending camp went over to the Awakeri Hot Pools. The teachers allowed the kids to buy junk food at the shop there, which probably wasn’t such a great idea in my opinion. Everybody went a bit crazy with the sugar!

Day 4: Friday

This was our last day, so we didn’t have enough time to do much, except have breakfast and pack up. On our way back, we stopped at Te Puke, and had lunch there. Since us kids were allowed to spend their money there to buy lunch, most people bought Subway. Including me! We came back to T.A.I at about 2:00 pm.

This camp was a lot of fun, and I think the highlights for me would have been the High Ropes and Amazing Maze in Maize. I would do them again any time!

The TAI Disco

Last night, (Wednesday), the school council held a disco. They had been organising it for a few weeks, and the outcome was great! The theme was “dancing with the stars”, so everybody had to dress up as their favourite star. This part was a little disappointing, because half of the people that attended had gone as themselves! I did as well, so I can’t say much. But, the people that did dress up as stars did a good job of it! There was a James Bond, a Johnny Depp, a Paris Hilton, and a Nicole Richie to name a few. James Bond won a prize for best dressed. The night included dance competitions, food and drinks, and singing competitions. The disco went from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Nobody was allowed to leave the hall until their parents arrived, for safety reasons. Which was fair enough, I suppose.

Although I didn’t win a prize, (my dancing was pretty crazy), I still had a great time!

My Goals for Term 1/2

Academic:

~ To not get distracted when doing my work, and to manage my time effectively.

I can do this by ignoring distractions around me, and getting my work completed early.

~ To work hard in Maths and try to get into the top group.

I can do this by concentrating hard, and asking for help when I don’t understand something.

~ To make the most of my time in each Tech Art

I can do this by putting my all into the different subjects, and trying hard.

Social/Cultural:

~ To help more with the T.V. show with my role as a producer.

I can do this by helping the rest of the group when we do filming, and offering ideas and suggestions.

~ To get into the class softball team and try my hardest.

I can do this by learning all of the rules of the game, and remembering to bring my P.E. gear! 

~ To put more effort into helping my group in the ICT club.

I can do this by getting more involved, and putting my ideas in.

Personal:

~ To perform well with my part in The Elves and the Shoemaker. (See below)

I can do this by remembering all of the script and songs, and practising them.

~ To get into the Senior Band with my instrument. (Trombone)

I can do this by practising every day, and trying my best.

Poetic Writing

Sorry Mrs Crowe, I kept forgetting to put this on!

The house was old, abandoned, and dusty, as if the occupants had deserted the house a long time ago. The floor she was standing on creaked as she walked. Then the front door loomed up. It was marked with brutal stains of the past. The moonlight gleamed through the cracks, and through the window panes on either side of the door. The burgundy paint was peeling, giving off the sense of neglect. The brass keyhole was situated in the dead centre of the wooden door. Her eyes gazed around the room she once knew. Photos of happy memories littered the moth eaten shelves. There he was, with his wife, laughing on the beach with the wind in his hair. Those days were gone. It was unfair of them to take him like that. Her eyes flicked back to the door. Did she imagine it, or did she just hear something outside on the gravel? She could hear faint, ghostly, footsteps coming up the stairs. There was a silhouette of a broad shouldered man now blocking the light of the half moon. The shrill doorbell pierced the silence. Her heart beat with the excitement and anxiousness that had been bottled up for years. She threw open the door and saw him. He was standing there in his camouflage uniform, which was never to be used again. He had crinkly eyes that portrayed sights he should never had seen. His hair was speckled with grey, and he had walked with a limp. But all of that didn’t matter. He was there, and that was what counted. She shrieked and ran towards her son, with a hug that should have followed many before it. The door swung beside them, and squeaked on its rusting hinges, as though it too, was laughing with joy.

The Elves and the Shoemaker

Okay, so this is how the story goes: (Skip this part if you like)

There was once an old shoemaker, that made good shoes, but they took him a long time to make, and he sold them for very little money. So he and his wife were pretty poor. One night, the shoemaker left the next day’s leather on the bench, and went to bed. The next morning, he woke up and discovered a ready made pair of shoes, beautifully crafted down to the last stitch, where the scraps of leather had been. A customer walked in, and paid well over the usual price for the leather shoes. With the money, the shoemaker bought twice as much leather, and put the leather on the bench for the following night. The next morning, two pairs of top quality leather shoes sat where the leather had been. The shoemaker was delighted! He and his wife sold the shoes for top dollar, and bought twice as much leather to lay out on the bench. This pattern continued, until one day, the shoemaker’s wife decided to find out who was making these shoes, that were bringing customers in from around the country. So that night, she set out the leather, as usual, and hid behind a curtain in the corner with her husband. They stayed there until the clock struck midnight. Then, a window above the working bench creaked open, and in climbed two of the tiniest people the shoemaker and his wife had ever seen, crept in. The sat down in front of the leather, and set to work. They crafted every pair of shoes with great care, as if by magic. When the elves had finished and left, the shoemaker and his wife crept back to bed, but only to lay awake pondering about their little friends. The following morning, the shoemaker’s wife set about sewing together some little clothes for the elves, to replace their ting rags. She left these clothes on the workbench, instead of leather, and waited for nightfall. That night, instead of finding leather, the elves spotted the clothes. They looked at them in amazement, and cautiously put them on. The smiled at each other, and hopped out the window. That was the last time the shoemaker and his wife ever saw the elves. But good luck remained with them. They became very rich, sold every single pair of shoes everyday, and lived happily ever after. 

This fairytale, you might already know this, is being made into a musical. (Showing in August) The auditions were last Saturday, and I was one of the nervous people that tried out. But I made it through! I got a part as one of the elves. I thought I was just going to be acting but it turns out, singing and tap dancing are a part of the deal as well! It was very nerve-racking, (auditioning) but I’m glad I did it. I used to do tap when I was 6, up until I was 9. So I know the basics. Apparently there are 9 other elves, unlike the story. I hope it will be fun!

I got this version of the fairytale from ‘A Lothian Book’ titled ’The Elves and the Shoemaker’

Publishers: Oyster Books Ltd 

New Theme!

Do you like my new theme? It’s a photo of my 16 year old cat, Jaffa, that I took this morning. I was getting bored with my old theme, so I wanted to change. Many thanks to Milly for showing me how to make the header into a photo. And vice versa! Oh, and sorry the photo’s a little pixelated. It came up really huge when I downloaded it, so I had to shrink it to fit.

What I Want to be When I Grow Up

When I leave high school, I am going to have a gap year before I go to university. I might go to an underdeveloped country and help build houses or something. When I come back, I’ll probably go to a performing arts university/college somewhere, because I love acting and dancing. So they might play a part in my career. But I’m not really sure. When I retire, I’ll probably own a farm. But all of this isn’t exactly definite, so I’ll just have to wait and see what happens!

My Book Review

Let the Circle Be Unbroken

By opening up this book, you will be entering an emotional story of love, courage, and hope. When the
Logan family’s teenage friend T.J., is wrongly accused of brutally murdering a shop owner by a white jury completely biased against black people, 11 year old Cassie is left with confused thoughts and feelings. This book is set in 1935 in
Mississippi, following Cassie as she begins to understand the unjust life she leads with her black, cotton farming family. She makes some enemies, black and white, and befriends a special person named Wordell who saves his words for only the people he cares about most. Cassie also aids an elderly friend, Mrs Lee Annie Lees in her quest to stand for what she believes in. Cassie goes through some heartbreaking hardships as well, but manages to pull through for the sake of one of her much loved family member’s life.

‘Let The Circle Be Unbroken’ is the sequel to a book called ‘Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry’, another bestseller by Mildred D. Taylor. Let The Circle Be Unbroken has significant pros and cons, and explains the characters moves in great detail. I enjoyed the parts of the book where dramatic things happened, and when new things or people were introduced. But there were a few things that I didn’t enjoy. There were parts in the plotline that left me feeling confused. For instance, there were big gaps in the storyline where nothing was happening, and those parts were pretty boring. This was partly why I enjoyed the dramatic parts. The wording of this story is very detailed and specific, and the characters speak in a way that makes the book seem very authentic. They use words such as ‘y’all’ and ‘’bout’, and talk to each other in such a polite manner that is rarely seen or heard in today’s world. This book made me feel very privileged and lucky to live in a world where racism is rare in most countries. This story gets pretty emotional in some parts, but also very uneventful in others. I think this book would appeal to kids in their late teens, and maybe young adults. Also to people studying the hard, confusing, and unjust life of black children in earlier years.

By Hayley

Trombone

Today I finally got my trombone! It’s kind of big, and coloured gold. I can make a horrible sound on it. (Yay?!) Lessons start next week, so I’ll probably get better. I also had my first hip-hop lesson today after school. It was fun, and half of the moves were almost the same as my jazz ones, so I picked up on it quickly.

Dancing

Last week, I had my first dance class of the term. I do jazz dancing, and I am starting hip-hop this Thursday. When I was 9, I did tap dancing as well as jazz, but I stopped after a bit. The lessons in jazz get tougher and tougher as you move up in grades. I am in grade 5 now, and the classes are pretty disciplined. My thighs hurt for two days after one particular lesson! (A very challenging stretch). But I have improved a lot in my opinion.

Jazz dancing is sort of a cross between ballet and hip-hop. It starts out easy, but doesn’t stay that way forever! This photo was taken at my dance show two years ago. We were cowgirls/boys. (It wasn’t exactly my favourite show!)

Hello!

My name is Hayley. This is my second week at Te Awamutu Intermediate as a year 7, and I am loving it! I am in the accelerate class, and so far we’ve done Tech Arts: Design, P.E. , Swimming, and Visual Language. I am part of a T.V. Show committee, and we are going to be putting the finished project on our class blog (room3tai.edublogs.org) when it’s done, so watch out for it! I am also going to be in the band, playing the trombone. I’ve never played anything apart from the piano before, so it’s pretty much all new to me, but I should be alright =)