6th Grade Memories

The highest grade in each neighborhood school was the 6th grade. By the time each student had conquered each grade, it was a major achievement to leave the 6th grade for the junior high. However, before you could leave the 6th grade, there were several events that one had to attend.

One was the annual 6th grade concert. It was extremely embarassing to have to audition for Mrs Adelt, the district music coordinator. Each student had to make the trip alone to the second floor lunch room to sing certain tunes for her. And, if you couldn't do it satisfactorily, you didn't make it to sing in the concert...a major embarassment.

I will never forget my audition. I am no singer. But I was determined not to fail. After all, I had to save my mother from the embarassment of not having a participant in the annual concert. I was always an alto...never did have that nice girly soprano voice. Mercifully, Mrs Adelt took pity on me and, despite my voice's cracking try-out, I was somehow chosen to sing with mostly boys and do the alto part with the group. Once per week, we walked to the junior high to practice with the other 6th graders from all across town for the concert.

When the day of the concert arrived, my mother made me wear the most god-awful baby blue dress...a full skirted, bolero-jacketed creation, something my fashion-conscious Boston grandmother had sent for the occasion. I was so unhappy...and I fought the inevitable hair curlers and the dress I had to endure to get ready for the performance. My mother won, of course. I was expected to look like a lady and to give the performance of a lifetime.

The junior high auditorium was packed with parents, kids, and other relatives. We stood on risers on the stage and sang our hearts out. The repertoire was a collection of patriotic tunes but the only tunes I can actually remember singing were "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "You're a Grand Old Flag". I did feel like I accomplished something when I was done, but it wasn't one of my proudest moments. I was just glad it was done!