Riley Earns Straight As; Gets $150

I am so proud of Riley for getting all A grades in the 8th grade at BJ High School. That's a tough age and grade to focus on school not to mention the extra energy and time she puts into the trombone. I pay $25 per A (nothing for less) so she gets $150!

Riley Says Farewell to Her Band Friends

Riley said goodbye to her Brea Junior High School band friends at an award banquet last week. She is the only one from her class who will be attending the Orange County School of the Arts in the Fall.

She was first chair Trombone in BJH Concert Band and we just found out she made second chair in the symphonic band at OCSA.

Her teacher, Mrs.Bartell, is really amazing. She seemed to turn a dying music program into three award winning junor high bands in just a few short years. It's almost a shame Riley can't stay in Brea because her teacher's husband, Mr. Bartell, is the music teacher a Brea-Olinda. His jazz band (Riley is not into jazz) has great chops.

More in her Instagram account here.