Tsai Family of the Parklands

My cousin, Ya Chen,  just recently graduated with a Masters degree in journalism from the University of Iowa.  Before returning to Taiwan, she decided to come to Maryland to visit us.  Her visit was a total surprise for my mother and a nice surprise for the rest of us.  She joined us for the Montgomery Branch 20th Reunion Celebration at the farm and all day Sunday.  On Monday, we joined her in visiting Washington DC to see some of the sites.  Then we finished by taking her to the Washington DC Temple.  It was nice to have her visit us this weekend.

Almost twenty-four years in the making, Jessica has returned home with the man of her dreams.  We her parents were more than delighted and excited to host an open house in honor of their engagement.  Plans were made for many weeks.  Finally, the long-awaited day arrived. On the afternoon of Friday, June 22, we picked up Jessica and Henry at the airport.  With about an hour barely to rest, the guests began to arrive at 6pm as scheduled.  Three tables were carefully prepared, one for meat, one for fruit, and the other for dessert. We were fortunate to have over 60 people in attendance.  Thanks to all those who came from afar in the pending thunderstorm to come meet Jessica and Henry to extend best wishes.  Congratulations to our sweet daughter and fiance!

The second harp recital of 2012 was held tonight in Eldersburg.  Megan played a number on the harp.

The official promotion ceremony for Megan took place in the morning of Tuesday, June 12.  The ceremony signified the completion of elementary school.  In addition, she received numerous awards.  After the ceremony, they celebrated with photos and an afternoon of fun at Bar-T.  Congratulations, Megan.

Melinda was the sole graduate from our branch at the Washington DC Stake Seminary Graduation on June 10, 2012.  Melinda both played the piano for the evening, and she played a musical number by herself.  She received her graduation certificate.  Afterwards, we enjoyed pie and ice cream.

After 3 short rehearsals, Josh performed with the Mormon Orchestra of Washington D.C. in presenting "Music Around the World" at the Washington DC Temple Visitor Center, not once, but twice.  We watched the 6pm showing and enjoyed the interesting pieces.  Melodie Henderson was the guest conductor.  The program included "Hoe Down" by Aaron Copland, "Irish Suite" by Leroy Anderson, "Gabriel's Oboe" by Ennio Morricone, "Carmen" by Georges Bizet, "Variations on a Korean Fokl Song" by John Barnes Chance, "African Piece Comma" by Harvey Droke, "Russian Sailors' Dance from the Red Poppy" by Reinhold Gliere, and "Hava Nagila - Israeli Folk Song" by Douglas Floyd Smith.  The second showing was repeated at 7pm.

Mom held a recital at the Sunrise Senior Center in Montgomery Village.  Many of her private students performed pieces they learned during the year.  In addition, Megan played the harp and Noel Jones played the violin.

On a rainy night, the Woodfield Movie Night still prevailed.  The cafeteria was packed with pajamas wearing and blanket bearing students and parents.  Enjoying popcorn and pizza, the participants attempted to watch "Alvin & the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" amidst a room full of chattering.  All in all, it still could be counted successful.

Despite threatening thunderstorms, looming clouds, and even a few raindrops at the beginning, the Damascus High School graduation for 2012 proceeded without any weather interruptions.  In fact, it was probably the most comfortable and cool graduations since the first one we attended in 2006.  After many loquacious speeches, the candidates finally relished in their turn to walk on stage and receive their diploma.  After the ceremony, our family celebrated at Bugaboo.  A couple of hours later, the thunderstorms came.  We were fortunate to have the good weather right before the storm.  Congratulations, Melinda, on a job well done!

On the evening of Friday, June 22, 2012, at the Tsai home, we are hosting an open house in honor of Jessica and her fiance, Henry Lin. You are welcome to come and bring your wishes for the two of them from 6pm to 9pm. Please RSVP on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ events/376819352353825/ . Hope to see you here! (5.24)

Megan performed in the Woodfield Elementary School Spring Concerts on May 23.  The morning performance was held at Woodfield Elementary School, while the evening performance was held in the nice cool cafeteria of Baker Middle School.  As part of the Advanced Strings conducted by Mr. Gillenwater, Megan played the harp for "Can-Can," "Petite Tango," and "Banana Boat Song."  Then she sang with the entire 5th grade Chorus.  Mrs. Aungst led them in singing "Mrs. Jenny Wren," "The Path to the Moon," "Yo le Canto Todo el Dia," "Solfege Suite #3: Tango," "Where'er You Walk," and "I Feel Better."  Although it was raining outside, the concert was a success, and we ended up with flowers for the performer.

On both May 22 and 24, Mom held two recitals for her Group Piano students at Woodfield Elementary School.  This was the culmination of this semester's group piano classes.

Elder Phil Hanks, who served in our branch about 17 years ago, had a meeting at Fort Meade.  So he dropped by our home for dinner.  We then drove him to the Kentlands Chapel for the branch fireside, where he met other members.  It was great to see him after such a long time.

After eight months of diligent practice, the children of the Jinhua Chorus presented a 2-hour program at the Performing Center at Montgomery College.  They performed a variety of songs, including Hashivenu, Aya Ngena, Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride, Que Sera Sera, Count One Me, and 14 Chinese songs.   Melinda received her graduation certificate from Jinhua Chorus.  After the concert, everyone enjoyed finger foods and talked under the cool night sky.  Good job to all Mrs. Hsu and all of the performers.

Hey this is Josh! I wanted to share a little about my recent experience in Europe on tour with the BYU Wind Symphony. I'm not quite sure where to begin, as so much happened within those three weeks! But it began immediately after winter finals: two days of rehearsal, then flying off to Amsterdam, Netherlands. Our first stop was at the Anne Frank House where we were able to go inside of the greatly preserved Secret Annex. The museum was so well done, it is a miracle that Anne Frank's diary survives as well as this important place in history. We'd come back to the Netherlands, but first we would spend the next 1.5 weeks in Germany. We first played at an elementary school in Hamburg, the "green capital" of Europe. Indeed it was very green, and the climate much, much more humid than that of Utah. In fact I was very happy about not having to worry about humidifying my clarinet, and I could even play on hard reeds again (very difficult to do in the desert)! After playi...