This morning we sang at Martin's home church here in Wolbeck, which is outside of Munster. We made some money!! We put out donation baskets and got close to 700 euros for just this morning!!! We have another concert tonight at Martin's parents' home that was by invitation only and hopefully we will make some more money there.
In case you were wondering, 700 euros equals about $1,120 American dollars...not that I'm counting....
We sounded awesome in the second service....the first left something to be desired, but we had a lot of unforeseen things crop up...sickness, tiredness, lateness, not to mention is was very early....but we overcame it and performed wonderfully later on. I'm sure tonight will be wonderful too. We are getting it all on video so we can show all the "home viewers" later.
Yesterday we went to Cologne. It was pretty cool, but we had less than desirable weather. We went to one of the largest cathedrals in the world and to a chocolate factory, which happened to be closed by the time we got there. We did get to check out the giftstore though...good times. There was also a wine festival going on so we got to do some wine tastings al fresco. We also went to the Lego store, which I'm pretty sure was the highlight of the day for everyone. Then we had dinner at this really good authentic German place. The building was really old and we got to eat in what looked like a dungeon. Then we took a late train home.
Tomorrow 9 of us are going to Amsterdam for the day (myself included) and then on Tuesday we are spending one last day with our host families before coming home to our real ones! I like my host family a lot, but nothing compares to the original. :-) I'm looking forward to Southern cooking, ice in my Coke and central air and heat (all of which you cannot get in Germany). Oh and FREE REFILLS! They don't do those here.
We'll be home by 4:30 on Wednesday! See you all then!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Thank you, Dr. Copeland
I just wanted to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Copeland for his words about my Dachau post. I am grateful to have a professor who is so in touch and interested in the opinions and thoughts of his students, and what's more than that, respects them. He has had a great impact on my life during the past several years, probably even more than he realizes.
Here is a link to what he wrote.
A Note in Our Honor
I appreciate your kind words, Dr. Copeland. Thanks for reading my blog. See you soon.
Here is a link to what he wrote.
A Note in Our Honor
I appreciate your kind words, Dr. Copeland. Thanks for reading my blog. See you soon.
Flight times....
In case any parents want to know, we fly out of Dusseldorf on May 28 at 9:40 AM.
We arrive in Atlanta at 1:30 PM and have a 3 hour layover.
We leave Atlanta at 4:14 PM and get to Birmingham at 4:12 PM our time because of the time change.
Prepare to be greeted by some very tired people!!
I'm pretty ready to come home. I've had the most amazing trip and it's not over yet, but I don't know if I could live this far away from the people I love....and definitely not without my puppies. I hate that I can't call my family and friends whenever I feel like it. I'll be so glad to come home and tell you all about the trip. We've all have had a wonderful time and have been very well taken care of on this trip. Luckily no one has gotten seriously injured, robbed or anything else so we're doing good (knock on wood). On behalf of the group I would like to extend a huge thank you to Martin for allowing us to have this wonderful experience and also to Dr. Copeland --without him and the music we make none of us would be on this trip. We're having a great time singing together and we actually sound great! I'm taking videos of all our performances. More to come.
Mom, Dad, Richard, Ty, Charlie, Oscar, all my grandparents and Lindsey, Maggie, Andrew, Charles, Meredith, and Andy I miss you all sooooo much! Love you guys!
We arrive in Atlanta at 1:30 PM and have a 3 hour layover.
We leave Atlanta at 4:14 PM and get to Birmingham at 4:12 PM our time because of the time change.
Prepare to be greeted by some very tired people!!
I'm pretty ready to come home. I've had the most amazing trip and it's not over yet, but I don't know if I could live this far away from the people I love....and definitely not without my puppies. I hate that I can't call my family and friends whenever I feel like it. I'll be so glad to come home and tell you all about the trip. We've all have had a wonderful time and have been very well taken care of on this trip. Luckily no one has gotten seriously injured, robbed or anything else so we're doing good (knock on wood). On behalf of the group I would like to extend a huge thank you to Martin for allowing us to have this wonderful experience and also to Dr. Copeland --without him and the music we make none of us would be on this trip. We're having a great time singing together and we actually sound great! I'm taking videos of all our performances. More to come.
Mom, Dad, Richard, Ty, Charlie, Oscar, all my grandparents and Lindsey, Maggie, Andrew, Charles, Meredith, and Andy I miss you all sooooo much! Love you guys!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Hanging out in Munster, Germany....
Hey y'all. Sorry (once again) that's it's been so long...
We're now in Munster with our host families. A lot has been going on in the last few days, although we've been more relaxed since we've been here. We've been rehearsing a lot to get ready for a concert that we're giving at Martin's parents' home (which is SO beautiful) on Sunday, as well as for three masses at which we're singing. There's a chance we might get to sing at one of the biggest cathedrals in the world in Cologne if Martin can get in touch with some people...
So last time I updated I told you about some of the things we did in Munich. Let me revisit that portion of the trip since I didn't get to properly describe it to all of you guys at home.
Munich is the largest place we've been in Germany. It's very industrial, yet still maintains that old European feel to it in some aspects. Correct me if I'm wrong Martin, but I believe that about 70% of Munich was destroyed in WWII so it doesn't look as small and quaint as some of the other places we've been to in Europe. It has a subway and reminds me somewhat of Montreal, Canada. We stayed in a youth hostel in the urban part of town, which was convenient because it was right by a subway station. It was a busy time in Munich because we just so happened to be there when the presentation of some big soccer award was going at city hall --- I mean, this soccer business is huge over here ---there were people EVERYWHERE. We also got to go to the Hofbrauhaus, which is a restaurant with traditional Bavarian food and drink, namely beer, and they do traditional Bavarian singing, dancing and other performances. It's a pretty famous place to go in Munich for tourists and there were a lot of groups from many different countries there. Sam and Chris J. got to go up on stage and dance with the performers -- it was pretty hilarious. They brought out the American flag and started playing Battle Hymn of the Republic and of course our table went wild. The Koreans were looking at us like we were mad. :-)
We also got to visit Dachau, one of the first (if not the first) concentration camps in Germany. This was one of the most horrifying, eye-opening, harrowing, and yet still amazing experiences of my life. I got an eerie feeling just walking up to the gate -- it's as if the earth on which Dachau stands emanates some kind of impression of the past on you as you enter. Visitors come in the same way that Dachau's "inmates" did -- huge wrought iron doors inscribed with the words "Abrei macht frei" creak open to let people pass through just as they did all those years ago. The words written there on the door bring a message of impending doom -- translated into English, it means "Works makes freedom", which is sadistic because work only killed those at Dachau -- it could never bring freedom to those who entered through those gates. Many of the original buildings have since been demolished. I asked Martin why and he said that those buildings were useless because they could never truly be clean again. At first I didn't know whether he meant physically or metaphorically -- but when I stopped to think about it, I realized that what had happened there could never be erased in either capacity. We went through the area where the cells for "special" inmates were -- these cells were for religious and political activists who were expressly against the Nazi party. We also saw what are called "standing cells". These were cells that were intended to hold about 50 people, but the guards at Dachau would squeeze over 400 men into one cell so that there was no room to move about at all. Sometimes the floors would have drains in them to act as a built in urinal. Seeing these cells still fully intact just as they were during those times really hit home the reality of the situation for me. It's almost impossible to fathom what it must have been like to be in this dreadful place. I got the creeps just visiting it -- I can't imagine what being trapped there must have been like.
Then we went into the museum area, which is housed where the guards used to live and work. That building also served as a "processing" area for new inmates -- we saw the room where the guards would strip them of their clothes, possessions, and ultimately, their identity outside of Dachau. This is also where they were assigned a number and profiled by reason for arrest.
Then we went over to the most harrowing part of the tour -- the crematorium and gas chambers. The gas chambers were not usedat Dachau for mass execution like they were at Auschwitz, but they were used to kill smaller groups from time to time. The crematorium burned day and night to accomodate all the bodies that either died from malnutrition and exhaustion or at the hands of the guards. There is a holding room where the victims would stand to disrobe before going into the "shower" as they were told -- I got a feeling of panic standing in that room. As I stepped across the threshold into the the "shower" or gas chamber as it were, I got very nervous and almost a little sick to my stomach. What must it have felt like to stand in this stark, cold room naked and waiting for what you think is going to be a shower? They even had fake shower heads installed so that they would believe it was true. How awful and sadistic can people be to do that to another human being? Then walking through the crematorium...even more awful. Those jobs were delegated out to inmates in the camp. What must it have been like to shovel bodies all day? Inevitably they came across people they knew -- and they had to shove them into the fire to burn or else face awful penalties. Not to mention the smell of burning flesh that must have permeated the camp day and night--- a constant reminder of the fate that many would soon suffer.
We also got to see the barracks where they slept. Everything looked almost brand new because the inmates were forced to keep everything spotless. The barracks were tiny and cramped and conditions worsened as the camps took in more and more people.
We visited a chapel that was erected later to serve as a worship place for visitors. There was a wall of letters written by visitors in all languages as well as a book of prayers and wishes. I got a little teary eyed reading some of the comments people left, and I decided to leave one on behalf of our choir. It went something like this:
May all who enter this hallowed place remember what it stood for; may all who leave take away a message of peace and acceptance for all people. Let us a remember that despite our differences we all share the commonality of what it means to be human.
"All nations shall come and worship before you.
For your mighty and holy acts have been revealed.
Great and marvelous are your deeds
Lord God Almighty."
Love, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Concert Choir
Birmingham, AL USA
Sorry to write so extensively on such a depressing topic -- it was a very moving experience.
Now we're with our home-stay families in Munster. Jackie and I ended up staying together due to some mix ups in the plans. It actually worked out for the best and we're having a great time. We have 4 host brothers and really nice host parents. Our host dad is a lawyer (perfect for me) and our host mom is in public administration. She is also a pretty fantastic cook. :-) I was very afraid of staying with people I don't know at first, but I've gotten used to it and they are super nice. I'm so glad Jackie is here --- I would have been lost without her. We've been watching a lot of Heroes on our laptops and taking some glorious pictures. It's been a good time so far. We're going to Cologne on Saturday and possibly Amsterdam on Monday. But before then we have to get through our performances. Sunday we are singing the following:
Ave Maria--Biebel
Song of Triumph
If ye Love ME
So far ich hin
David of the White Rock
JEsus Loves Me
Nunc Dimittis
Pie Jesu --Webber (Duet with Sam and me)
Irish Blessing
The Prayer -- duet with sam and Daniel
We're now in Munster with our host families. A lot has been going on in the last few days, although we've been more relaxed since we've been here. We've been rehearsing a lot to get ready for a concert that we're giving at Martin's parents' home (which is SO beautiful) on Sunday, as well as for three masses at which we're singing. There's a chance we might get to sing at one of the biggest cathedrals in the world in Cologne if Martin can get in touch with some people...
So last time I updated I told you about some of the things we did in Munich. Let me revisit that portion of the trip since I didn't get to properly describe it to all of you guys at home.
Munich is the largest place we've been in Germany. It's very industrial, yet still maintains that old European feel to it in some aspects. Correct me if I'm wrong Martin, but I believe that about 70% of Munich was destroyed in WWII so it doesn't look as small and quaint as some of the other places we've been to in Europe. It has a subway and reminds me somewhat of Montreal, Canada. We stayed in a youth hostel in the urban part of town, which was convenient because it was right by a subway station. It was a busy time in Munich because we just so happened to be there when the presentation of some big soccer award was going at city hall --- I mean, this soccer business is huge over here ---there were people EVERYWHERE. We also got to go to the Hofbrauhaus, which is a restaurant with traditional Bavarian food and drink, namely beer, and they do traditional Bavarian singing, dancing and other performances. It's a pretty famous place to go in Munich for tourists and there were a lot of groups from many different countries there. Sam and Chris J. got to go up on stage and dance with the performers -- it was pretty hilarious. They brought out the American flag and started playing Battle Hymn of the Republic and of course our table went wild. The Koreans were looking at us like we were mad. :-)
We also got to visit Dachau, one of the first (if not the first) concentration camps in Germany. This was one of the most horrifying, eye-opening, harrowing, and yet still amazing experiences of my life. I got an eerie feeling just walking up to the gate -- it's as if the earth on which Dachau stands emanates some kind of impression of the past on you as you enter. Visitors come in the same way that Dachau's "inmates" did -- huge wrought iron doors inscribed with the words "Abrei macht frei" creak open to let people pass through just as they did all those years ago. The words written there on the door bring a message of impending doom -- translated into English, it means "Works makes freedom", which is sadistic because work only killed those at Dachau -- it could never bring freedom to those who entered through those gates. Many of the original buildings have since been demolished. I asked Martin why and he said that those buildings were useless because they could never truly be clean again. At first I didn't know whether he meant physically or metaphorically -- but when I stopped to think about it, I realized that what had happened there could never be erased in either capacity. We went through the area where the cells for "special" inmates were -- these cells were for religious and political activists who were expressly against the Nazi party. We also saw what are called "standing cells". These were cells that were intended to hold about 50 people, but the guards at Dachau would squeeze over 400 men into one cell so that there was no room to move about at all. Sometimes the floors would have drains in them to act as a built in urinal. Seeing these cells still fully intact just as they were during those times really hit home the reality of the situation for me. It's almost impossible to fathom what it must have been like to be in this dreadful place. I got the creeps just visiting it -- I can't imagine what being trapped there must have been like.
Then we went into the museum area, which is housed where the guards used to live and work. That building also served as a "processing" area for new inmates -- we saw the room where the guards would strip them of their clothes, possessions, and ultimately, their identity outside of Dachau. This is also where they were assigned a number and profiled by reason for arrest.
Then we went over to the most harrowing part of the tour -- the crematorium and gas chambers. The gas chambers were not usedat Dachau for mass execution like they were at Auschwitz, but they were used to kill smaller groups from time to time. The crematorium burned day and night to accomodate all the bodies that either died from malnutrition and exhaustion or at the hands of the guards. There is a holding room where the victims would stand to disrobe before going into the "shower" as they were told -- I got a feeling of panic standing in that room. As I stepped across the threshold into the the "shower" or gas chamber as it were, I got very nervous and almost a little sick to my stomach. What must it have felt like to stand in this stark, cold room naked and waiting for what you think is going to be a shower? They even had fake shower heads installed so that they would believe it was true. How awful and sadistic can people be to do that to another human being? Then walking through the crematorium...even more awful. Those jobs were delegated out to inmates in the camp. What must it have been like to shovel bodies all day? Inevitably they came across people they knew -- and they had to shove them into the fire to burn or else face awful penalties. Not to mention the smell of burning flesh that must have permeated the camp day and night--- a constant reminder of the fate that many would soon suffer.
We also got to see the barracks where they slept. Everything looked almost brand new because the inmates were forced to keep everything spotless. The barracks were tiny and cramped and conditions worsened as the camps took in more and more people.
We visited a chapel that was erected later to serve as a worship place for visitors. There was a wall of letters written by visitors in all languages as well as a book of prayers and wishes. I got a little teary eyed reading some of the comments people left, and I decided to leave one on behalf of our choir. It went something like this:
May all who enter this hallowed place remember what it stood for; may all who leave take away a message of peace and acceptance for all people. Let us a remember that despite our differences we all share the commonality of what it means to be human.
"All nations shall come and worship before you.
For your mighty and holy acts have been revealed.
Great and marvelous are your deeds
Lord God Almighty."
Love, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Concert Choir
Birmingham, AL USA
Sorry to write so extensively on such a depressing topic -- it was a very moving experience.
Now we're with our home-stay families in Munster. Jackie and I ended up staying together due to some mix ups in the plans. It actually worked out for the best and we're having a great time. We have 4 host brothers and really nice host parents. Our host dad is a lawyer (perfect for me) and our host mom is in public administration. She is also a pretty fantastic cook. :-) I was very afraid of staying with people I don't know at first, but I've gotten used to it and they are super nice. I'm so glad Jackie is here --- I would have been lost without her. We've been watching a lot of Heroes on our laptops and taking some glorious pictures. It's been a good time so far. We're going to Cologne on Saturday and possibly Amsterdam on Monday. But before then we have to get through our performances. Sunday we are singing the following:
Ave Maria--Biebel
Song of Triumph
If ye Love ME
So far ich hin
David of the White Rock
JEsus Loves Me
Nunc Dimittis
Pie Jesu --Webber (Duet with Sam and me)
Irish Blessing
The Prayer -- duet with sam and Daniel
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Climbing over rocky mountains...
Yesterday was cool...and I mean that literally. We played in the snow in the Austrian alps, which is unlike any snow I've ever experienced. We also stayed in a cabin on top of a mountain that we had to take a cable lift to get to and then hike (or slide on your butt in my case) down about 600 feet to get to. There was no shower except for glacier water, so we opted to be dirty rather than freezing. We had to carry our luggage down the mountain so we didn't bring much...I forgot pajamas but you better believe I hauled my makeup bag all the way down that mountain and back up the next day. We got to have home cooked meals made by the people who own the cabin and we stayed in a room with one huge communal bunk bed. 15 people in one room....
Then we drove to Munich, where we are now. We#re in another hostel which is nicer than others we have been in on this trip. Last night we went to the Hafbrauhaus...more on that later. Today we went to Dachau concentration camp which was a somber experience to say the least. I have much to write about it, but I am at an interenet cafe and I am paying by the minute so it might have to wait.
This trip has been wonderful. Three days ago I was on an Italian beach, the day after that I was in the Austrian alps, and today I got to visit a very important place in the history of the world, albeit depressing. I have had a lifetime of experiences in 19 days. It has been amazing.
All this said, I miss everyone at home...and my puppies. I cannot wait to see you all. Until then, all my love....
Then we drove to Munich, where we are now. We#re in another hostel which is nicer than others we have been in on this trip. Last night we went to the Hafbrauhaus...more on that later. Today we went to Dachau concentration camp which was a somber experience to say the least. I have much to write about it, but I am at an interenet cafe and I am paying by the minute so it might have to wait.
This trip has been wonderful. Three days ago I was on an Italian beach, the day after that I was in the Austrian alps, and today I got to visit a very important place in the history of the world, albeit depressing. I have had a lifetime of experiences in 19 days. It has been amazing.
All this said, I miss everyone at home...and my puppies. I cannot wait to see you all. Until then, all my love....
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Glacier climbing today!
Today we're in Austria and we're going to climb the Stubai glacier. I have no hiking boots. I'll let you know how it goes....
Yesterday went to Verona again and visited a place called Sirminione, which is a small beach town in Italy. We got to see the Catulla ancient ruins, which have been there since way before Christ.
The day before we climbed through the gorges in Italy, which are beautiful canyons of eroded rock with gushing water running through them. We also sang a couple of our choral works in the gorges because of the acoustics in there.
Then we went and played on the beach and had a relaxing day and had a cheese tasting by the pool of some cheese that we got in Verona and from a cheese factory where we ate lunch.
We're still having a great time, although we're pretty much in dire need a laundromat. They don't exist here. We asked our consierge (I use that term loosely) about it and he said that he had seem them in movies but never in real life. How funny.
Sorry for the lack of pictures. It takes forever to upload them on blogspot, but I'm putting them on facebook as much as possible.
Miss everyone and love you all!
Yesterday went to Verona again and visited a place called Sirminione, which is a small beach town in Italy. We got to see the Catulla ancient ruins, which have been there since way before Christ.
The day before we climbed through the gorges in Italy, which are beautiful canyons of eroded rock with gushing water running through them. We also sang a couple of our choral works in the gorges because of the acoustics in there.
Then we went and played on the beach and had a relaxing day and had a cheese tasting by the pool of some cheese that we got in Verona and from a cheese factory where we ate lunch.
We're still having a great time, although we're pretty much in dire need a laundromat. They don't exist here. We asked our consierge (I use that term loosely) about it and he said that he had seem them in movies but never in real life. How funny.
Sorry for the lack of pictures. It takes forever to upload them on blogspot, but I'm putting them on facebook as much as possible.
Miss everyone and love you all!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Making tracks!
Since I last posted we have covered quite a bit of ground. Wifi internet is fairly non-existent in Europe (or so it seems) or else I would have updated more. Let me give you the run-down of what we've been doing...
Currently we are visiting a beautiful place called Lake Garda, which is situated not too far from Venice and Verona. We spent two days in Florence, which was an incredible town (once you get past the rough parts). We stayed in a youth hostel that was once a mansion (trust me, it was not as glamorous as it sounds). It was beautiful on the outside, but it only had barebones amenities on the inside. The girls had to share a room with some Italian girls we didn't know, which turned out to be ok. We also got to meet a lot of other people our age who are traveling around Europe, many of whom were from the states. We traversed all over Florence and visited Il Duomo, which is an incredible example of Italian architecture and serves as the burial ground for many saints and other important religious figures. We also visited where the famous Medici family is buried along with the remains of some more saints. I was excited because I got to use my French! There were a TON of French people in Florence. We ate lunch at a fantastic authentic Italian ristorante. Then we went across the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, which is the oldest section of Florence and shopped and looked about some more. We had gelato -- which I'm fairly certain I'm now addicted to -- and then went for dinner at another Italian place (I guess they're all Italian places since we're in Italy). I ate gnocchi for the first time, which is now a new favorite. Then we walked back to the main square of Florence where the David by Michelangelo is and decided to sing. A HUGE crowd formed after a few minutes --we put out a hat and made 17.50 in ten minutes!! Not too shabby. Another high school choir walked up and sang for us too -- they were from Sweden like our friends from Cork. It was pretty awesome -- Dr. Copeland, if you're reading this, we tried to call you afterwards, but we weren't sure if we had your new number or not. We miss you!
After Florence we drove through the Tuscan country side and stopped at a vineyard and had lunch and a wine tasting. It was the most delicious food I've ever eaten in the most beautiful setting. Then we moved on to where we are now, Lake Garda. Yesterday we took a day trip to Venice, which is a very interesting place. There are no cars there; everyone uses boats and gondolas to get around, since the streets are essentially all water. It is a very picturesque place, but it smells awful as they canals double as sewage. It is also one of the most crowded places we've been, or at least it seemed that way -- all the streets are tiny so I'm sure the cramped space contributes to the crowded feel. We went to mass at St. Marco, which is all inlaid in gold mosaic on the inside and serves as the burial place for the famous St. Marco (I'm not Catholic, but apparently that's a big deal). On the way back to Lake Garda we stopped in Verona, where Romeo and Juliette is set. It is much more quiet but still a big place -- we lucked out because there was a cheese/food festival going on there by chance. Martin and I sampled cheese and proscuitto to buy to eat at the lake. I have never eaten such good cheese in my life -- and the sausages and meats -- enough to make the staunchest of vegitarians' mouths water. Then we came back to the lake for a good night's rest and a morning of sleeping in to follow.
Today we're just chilling out on the lake, which is stunning to say the least. I know that I describe everything as being so beautiful and wonderful, but it is true. I'm on sensory overload. The food is delicious, the weather is always perfect and the view includes snowcapped mountains, the ocean, flora and fauna all in the same panorama. It's magnificent. I'm spoiled now. Gulf Shores will never be the same. :-)
I miss everyone back home and I can't wait to show you all the pictures (I'm well over the 1000 mark with photos) and videos I have made. I love you Mom, Dad, Richard, Ty, Charlie and Oscar!! I'll see you all soon!
Currently we are visiting a beautiful place called Lake Garda, which is situated not too far from Venice and Verona. We spent two days in Florence, which was an incredible town (once you get past the rough parts). We stayed in a youth hostel that was once a mansion (trust me, it was not as glamorous as it sounds). It was beautiful on the outside, but it only had barebones amenities on the inside. The girls had to share a room with some Italian girls we didn't know, which turned out to be ok. We also got to meet a lot of other people our age who are traveling around Europe, many of whom were from the states. We traversed all over Florence and visited Il Duomo, which is an incredible example of Italian architecture and serves as the burial ground for many saints and other important religious figures. We also visited where the famous Medici family is buried along with the remains of some more saints. I was excited because I got to use my French! There were a TON of French people in Florence. We ate lunch at a fantastic authentic Italian ristorante. Then we went across the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, which is the oldest section of Florence and shopped and looked about some more. We had gelato -- which I'm fairly certain I'm now addicted to -- and then went for dinner at another Italian place (I guess they're all Italian places since we're in Italy). I ate gnocchi for the first time, which is now a new favorite. Then we walked back to the main square of Florence where the David by Michelangelo is and decided to sing. A HUGE crowd formed after a few minutes --we put out a hat and made 17.50 in ten minutes!! Not too shabby. Another high school choir walked up and sang for us too -- they were from Sweden like our friends from Cork. It was pretty awesome -- Dr. Copeland, if you're reading this, we tried to call you afterwards, but we weren't sure if we had your new number or not. We miss you!
After Florence we drove through the Tuscan country side and stopped at a vineyard and had lunch and a wine tasting. It was the most delicious food I've ever eaten in the most beautiful setting. Then we moved on to where we are now, Lake Garda. Yesterday we took a day trip to Venice, which is a very interesting place. There are no cars there; everyone uses boats and gondolas to get around, since the streets are essentially all water. It is a very picturesque place, but it smells awful as they canals double as sewage. It is also one of the most crowded places we've been, or at least it seemed that way -- all the streets are tiny so I'm sure the cramped space contributes to the crowded feel. We went to mass at St. Marco, which is all inlaid in gold mosaic on the inside and serves as the burial place for the famous St. Marco (I'm not Catholic, but apparently that's a big deal). On the way back to Lake Garda we stopped in Verona, where Romeo and Juliette is set. It is much more quiet but still a big place -- we lucked out because there was a cheese/food festival going on there by chance. Martin and I sampled cheese and proscuitto to buy to eat at the lake. I have never eaten such good cheese in my life -- and the sausages and meats -- enough to make the staunchest of vegitarians' mouths water. Then we came back to the lake for a good night's rest and a morning of sleeping in to follow.
Today we're just chilling out on the lake, which is stunning to say the least. I know that I describe everything as being so beautiful and wonderful, but it is true. I'm on sensory overload. The food is delicious, the weather is always perfect and the view includes snowcapped mountains, the ocean, flora and fauna all in the same panorama. It's magnificent. I'm spoiled now. Gulf Shores will never be the same. :-)
I miss everyone back home and I can't wait to show you all the pictures (I'm well over the 1000 mark with photos) and videos I have made. I love you Mom, Dad, Richard, Ty, Charlie and Oscar!! I'll see you all soon!
Friday, May 9, 2008
So sorry I haven't blogged in so long...
Hey y'all...sorry I haven't written in so long, I have not been in a place with Internet access. A lot has happened since I last wrote...
As you all probably know, we didn't win the competition. However, we did win best Schutz piece, which was something...and all other choirs were telling us we should have won. We only lost within the range of one point, so it's not like we failed by much. I was very proud of what we did in the performance and at the gala. Both were magical experiences for me and I'm sure for the rest of the choir.
Since then we went to Dublin for two days. There we went on a 5 hour walking tour which almost killed us all. It was long but worth it since we got to do an impromptu performance at St. Patrick's along the way.
Then we packed up and flew to Frankfurt, Germany...well, some of us did. Sam, Daniel, Martin, and Bryan missed the flight and had to take a later one. But it turned out ok...we all met up in Bacharach, Germany later to stay the night at Bacharach castle. It was incredible! I have pics, but I'm using a communal computer the hostel right now and cannot upload.
The next day we drove 11 hours from Bacharach to Florence, Italy after taking a cruise down the Rhine River to look at castles. We got to drive through the Swiss Alps which was one of the most breathtaking sights I've ever seen. Now we're in Florence in yet another youth hostel (which I 'm still getting used to) and are about to go out an explore the city. By the way, we saw about 20 prostitutes driving in late last night...good times.
I'm sorry this post is not more descriptive, but I only have a little time. Update again soon! Love to you all!
As you all probably know, we didn't win the competition. However, we did win best Schutz piece, which was something...and all other choirs were telling us we should have won. We only lost within the range of one point, so it's not like we failed by much. I was very proud of what we did in the performance and at the gala. Both were magical experiences for me and I'm sure for the rest of the choir.
Since then we went to Dublin for two days. There we went on a 5 hour walking tour which almost killed us all. It was long but worth it since we got to do an impromptu performance at St. Patrick's along the way.
Then we packed up and flew to Frankfurt, Germany...well, some of us did. Sam, Daniel, Martin, and Bryan missed the flight and had to take a later one. But it turned out ok...we all met up in Bacharach, Germany later to stay the night at Bacharach castle. It was incredible! I have pics, but I'm using a communal computer the hostel right now and cannot upload.
The next day we drove 11 hours from Bacharach to Florence, Italy after taking a cruise down the Rhine River to look at castles. We got to drive through the Swiss Alps which was one of the most breathtaking sights I've ever seen. Now we're in Florence in yet another youth hostel (which I 'm still getting used to) and are about to go out an explore the city. By the way, we saw about 20 prostitutes driving in late last night...good times.
I'm sorry this post is not more descriptive, but I only have a little time. Update again soon! Love to you all!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Awesome performance, everyone!
I had a great time singing last night. My face was shaking from smiling so much. I felt like we exuded confidence and pride for our choir, our country, our school and of course our music. I was worried because I didn't know how we measured up to other choirs since we hadn't heard any anothers perform...but when we went out to listen afterwards I realized we were right in stride with everyone else if not a step ahead of them. Performing for an attentive, interested audience is a thrill like none other. I could see people's reactions out of my peripheral vision and that really encouraged and excited me even more. I also think we stood out in a number of ways. We had by far the biggest sound. Other choirs were good at the controlled chamber choir-esque sound, but that got boring very quickly. However, there was no way anyone could sleep through any song in our set. Every song was exciting in some way. Our songs were impeccably chosen and executed. I think we had just the right mix of control and exuberance in our sound. Also I think we had the biggest and best dynamic contrast compared with other choirs. We did a great job at looking excited too. Some choirs (like Canada) just looked dead. Another aspect that set us apart was the mix of traditional choir "block chords" and dissonant sounds in our literature; at first I was worried that other European choirs were singing all this avant garde literature, but they ALL did it (either that or very controlled chamber music). We stood out in a sea of strange, almost experimental pieces by singing a more traditional but still exciting set. I think we provided great examples of exciting choral singing and showed everyone that, yes, Americans can sing too!
As we sang I thought about what Dr. C said about all of our songs having a certain universality to them -- that is what this whole experience has been for me. We've gotten to meet people from all over the globe, and despite our differences we all share a love of choral music. It is a source of passion and joy for all of us or else we wouldn't be here. When we hit the phrase "until the universe can fit inside my heart" I could feel the love and warmth in the room. I felt a definite appreciation for what we were doing up there from people of all walks of life. That caused a revelation in me -- that we're all just people, no matter what or where we come from. Music is the single thread that ties us all together and it is truly a universal language.
As we sang I thought about what Dr. C said about all of our songs having a certain universality to them -- that is what this whole experience has been for me. We've gotten to meet people from all over the globe, and despite our differences we all share a love of choral music. It is a source of passion and joy for all of us or else we wouldn't be here. When we hit the phrase "until the universe can fit inside my heart" I could feel the love and warmth in the room. I felt a definite appreciation for what we were doing up there from people of all walks of life. That caused a revelation in me -- that we're all just people, no matter what or where we come from. Music is the single thread that ties us all together and it is truly a universal language.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Blarney
Today we went to Blarney, which was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Having been to other European countries, I think that Ireland is by far the most aesthetically pleasing. Everything about it is pleasant, the people are nice, the weather is mild -- I love it. Blarney is the perfect example of Ireland's beautiful countryside and greenery. It is not very far outside of Cork and is much more rural. We visited the Blarney Castle where the famous Blarney stone resides at the top. I have not climbed that many stairs in my whole life combined! The stairways are so narrow that if you were overweight even by a little you could not fit through. It was so narrow that my purse that I was carrying on my shoulder was scraping the wall as I passed through. It also has ingenious architecture for its time, with every corridor leading to another room yet somehow connecting all at the same time. We walked around the grounds, which boasted the most beautiful lush foliage and flowers. It was a little cloudy and misty today which added to the wet, lush feel of the place. It's easy to imagine what it might have looked like at the time of its completion as they have done very little to alter the castle. The Blarney stone, which is rumored to give you the "gift of gab" if you kiss it, is at the very top of the castle. You have to lie down on your back and lean your head over the side of the castle to get to it. (They have attendants there to help you keep from falling.) I chose not to kiss it, firstly because hanging my body over the side of that huge castle was not an appealing thought, and secondly because the germs on the stone were no doubt a formidable opponent for my bottle Purell. Meredith and Lindsey agreed with me on this, also choosing not to kiss it, but Linc, ever the adventurer, hung himself over the side of the castle and kissed it. I'm not sure he got the gift of gab, but I did make sure he brushed his teeth when we got back. :-) I'm so glad we went to Blarney. Just to see the castle alone made it worth it.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Pictures from Cove (Cobh)
These are a few pics from our trip to Cobh today where we sang for the elementary kids. Isn't it picturesque?
National Chamber Choir of Ireland
Tonight we had dinner at great Indian restaurant, and along the way we decided to pop over to one of the cathedrals where the National Chamber Choir of Ireland were performing. Linc, Lindsey, Meredith and I trekked through Cork to find the cathedral, which is one of many here. I'm so glad we chose to attend that concert -- they are an exceptional choir. The choirs here in Europe have their blends mastered. It's unlike anything you hear at the collegiate level in Alabama, even from UAB. National Chamber Choir of Ireland was no exception. They blended perfectly. The concert was entitled "A Time for Everything" and it juxtaposed 16th century madrigals with contemporary pieces. They made some beautiful sounds with the madrigals, but I thought they were best with the contemporary pieces. They made use of straight tone much more so in those pieces, which I thought was their best sound, especially in the soprano section. They had a very boy choir-like quality to their sound which suited the music well...this contemporary literature was very "crunchy" as my church choir director would say, meaning that it had a lot of dissonant chords and strange intervals. I particularly liked the fact that some of the open chords in the contemporary pieces were akin to the perfect fourths and fifths common in madrigals. There was one piece they sang that was so beautiful that no one clapped for about 20 seconds after it ended -- it was mesmerizing. If "Dies irae" from Verdi's Requiem is the music you hear as you descend into hell, this piece is what the angels sing when you go into the bright light towards heaven. It had a recurring phrase at the end, not unlike the end of Whitacre's "Sleep" that we did last year. The tenors held the same note for about five minutes without the pitch falling at all and acted as a sort of a pedal tone for the rest of the choir. It was superb to say the least.
Something about hearing that music sung in that particular space was very moving. I'm a bit nostalgic by nature and I like feeling connected to the past. Sitting in that church that has been there for centuries while listening to music that represents both the past and future was a powerful experience. I felt connected to something bigger than myself, as if perhaps somewhere far down the line an ancestor of mine had sat in the same church listening to these ancient madrigals just as I was that moment.
Later after the concert was over, we explored the church, which in my opinion has more character than other European cathedrals I've visited. The walls are covered in family crests placed there in memory of various people. After scanning around the church, I noticed there on the wall was my family crest (Woods) on my mother's side. I have no way of knowing if I'm actually part Irish or not without some research, but it was exciting to see it there. It was even placed directly above the organ right by the choir loft. Linc also found a memorial to a man with the last name Parrott on the wall. It's neat to think that we might have some distant ties to this place, especially since music is such an important part of Cork's history.
I wish everyone in our choir had come to this concert. I think we need to emulate the European choral style -- they make the audience come to them; they do not hit the audience over the head with the music. Their intimate style draws the listener in and is truly effective when dealing with soft dynamics. Also each singer knew how to blend with his or her neighbor -- they all knew that the show was about them as a group, not one person trying to outsing another. They changed formations for just about every song to get just the right blend for that particular song. On some songs not everyone sang because the piece was only written for a certain amount and they wanted to be true to the composition (at least I'm assuming that's why). All in all I was blown away by this experience and it made me view our music and the way we sing in a different light.
Above are photos of the cathedral...
A link to more pics...
Here is a link to some pictures that were taken yesterday by a professional photographer at City Hall. This are from our meeting with the mayor in his chamber and afterwards on the steps of City Hall. I think they're wonderful! Enjoy!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/philipco/sets/72157604841313652/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/philipco/sets/72157604841313652/
Day 1 Pics
There are many, many more of these, but it takes so long to upload them because the internet is SO slow!
It's been a good day so far...
So far today we have been to the Cork School of Music (I think that's what it was called) to practice our set for the competition and make sure everything was solid for this morning's performance. It went pretty well, although tensions are high because our competition is getting closer and closer. Then we got on our trusty coach bus and drove to a place called Cove, or in Gaelic, Cobh which is the port where all the immigrants who traveled to America, Australia, Britain, etc. went out of. It's the Ellis Island of Ireland -- if you want to trace back your lineage to immigrants, that's where you go to do it. It was, in my opinion, the most beautiful place we've been so far. It's right on the water (obviously, since it's a port) and the contrast of the blue water with the green landscape was gorgeous. It's also much more rural than Cork and you can see how the fields are laid out like patchwork as you drive through the countryside. We went to a school there in Cove to sing for a group of about 150-200 children. By the way, parents who are reading this, thanks for sending us to good schools in America -- that school needed some serious help. Anyway, we sang in their gym, which had AMAZING acoustics -- Silence of Time was magical with the echo effect it provided. We sang our whole competition set, plus our 3 "fun" songs. Chamber Choir sang Michelle and Country Dances, which both sounded good -- they were definitely a crowd pleaser. We closed with Star of the County Down, which all Irish people love because they know it (I guess it's like Sweet Home Alabama to us) and He's Got the Whole World in His Hands. There was this cute little old nun in the audience who was getting down to Whole World -- she was ALL about the choral music. ;-) Then we left there and went to visit the port where the immigrants boarded the ships. Like any historical site, it has been turned into a tourist attraction, which was still cool. It is a simulation of what the immigrants went through on their journey to America (or wherever they were going). It was really neat and educational -- always a plus. I actually found the Woods family name on the list of immigrants (Woods is my mom's maiden name) so I could possibly be Irish.
And now once again, we're back at the hotel. We sing again at 4:45 in the hotel lobby.
Thanks for all the posts. Charles left us a good piece of advice:
"Sounds like yall are having a great time...and I know you all are singing wonderfully. Just hang on EVERY word Dr. Copeland has to say to you, and always sing ACTIVELY. Don't try to oversing, and just have fun! Yall are great and love to you all. p.s. have a pint for me"
I think we should try to listen to those words of wisdom, especially since Charles has been through this before.
Keep posting comments! Tomorrow's the competition! Check back for the results!
And now once again, we're back at the hotel. We sing again at 4:45 in the hotel lobby.
Thanks for all the posts. Charles left us a good piece of advice:
"Sounds like yall are having a great time...and I know you all are singing wonderfully. Just hang on EVERY word Dr. Copeland has to say to you, and always sing ACTIVELY. Don't try to oversing, and just have fun! Yall are great and love to you all. p.s. have a pint for me"
I think we should try to listen to those words of wisdom, especially since Charles has been through this before.
Keep posting comments! Tomorrow's the competition! Check back for the results!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
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