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Final Thoughts - Nancy Brakke

As Martha and I rode home from the airport, we shared stories of the trip with my husband, Bob, who had toured with us in 2003, 2005, and 2008.  We briefly share some of the “magical moments” on this tour with him.

  On this, the first day back home, I am reflecting on the magic of tours and especially of this tour.  The tour experience is like a many-faceted jewel; moments of wonder, of incredible beauty to the eye and the ear, random acts of kindness and care, and bursts of pride (for singers, pride in their music; for adults, pride to be associated with these talented, amazing young people who represent the best qualities of American youth). 

  Before I move fully back into my life and say goodbye to the tour, I am compelled to share with all readers the many, many complex layers of tour construction and to acknowledge the architect who builds this unique and invaluable structure for the rest of us to enjoy:  Martha Leonhardt.

  Planning for the next tour starts almost immediately with debriefing on this tour, reflections on successes and weaknesses that might be tweaked for the future.  Everything is scrutinized and evaluated with hopes of creating a near-perfect experience for the young people she so dearly loves.  Under all the layers of planning is her ultimate goal: to create moments of magic, connection, sublime beauty, and deep joy that will transcend the days of the tour to change lives for all time, to change lives for the better. All of these magic moments revolve around sharing music and discovering new (and often ancient) places and cultures to explore, expanding everyone’s horizons and world view.

  As Martha shapes the plan, she is, of course, in constant conversation with Mrs. Herrington whose vision in invaluable and who will ultimately choose the repertoire to be performed.  However, the untold emails and phone conversations, conveying our organizational values and defining the needs of our students, is left to Martha.  Publicity, airline reservations, insurance, staffing/chaperones, family groups, roommates, coach rides, rehearsal/education and concert sites, guided tours as we enter each new city, opportunities for singers to explore for themselves, entertainment, providing qualified healthcare for tour members, uniform planning, daily schedule/itinerary, food planning (including special needs), negotiating the lowest price possible, gifts for cathedral hosts, CDs, a Bon Voyage concert, programs (we took 1100 with us!), first aid kit, extras for singers like pearls/ties, coordinating copies of passports/medical coverage/permission slips for medical care away from home – all of which is carried with her throughout the trip!  Is your head swimming yet with all the layers of detail?  It is a full time job which Martha embraces along with everything else she does as Managing Director, to keep TYC humming – literally and figuratively – through the years.  If you are moved by this commentary, I hope you will take time to tell Martha thank you – she deserves our praise for a job well done and a thank you for all the love she pours into creating this experience for every singer on tour.

  As I prepared for this trip, I saw the faces and heard the music of the previous tours I chaperoned and now I add to that the 35 incredible young people it was my privilege to get to know and to enjoy for 12 days.  I can never thank you enough, 2014 Tour Singers, for your many kindnesses and smiles sent my way on this journey; you were so welcoming as I reentered TYC after a year of retirement.  I will never forget you!

Love, Nancy

#place: Tacoma Washington #zoom: 10

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Singer Post - Final Reflections - Amelia

As I reflect on our life changing journey of the past week and a half, several favorite moments come to mind, from an Irish ceili and a medieval banquet to a tour of London and visits to castles (along with a bit of newly learned cribbage playing). Yet one memory shines a bit brighter than the rest: our concert in Canterbury Cathedral; not the one where we performed for the public, though bringing joy to others through music certainly fills the soul in a way nothing else can, but the moments where we sang with no one in the cathedral but us. In subdued light, our voices echoed off the ancient stone walls for seconds on end, harmony swirling around us. We sang songs composed by both our own beloved Mrs. Herrington and Canterbury's Tallis, who very likely composed If Ye Love Me within the cathedral walls itself. We sang only for ourselves and God, performing sacred music on sacred ground. Thanks to the extraordinary Dr. Flood, we were given the gift of a private tour and personal performance in Canterbury Cathedral, an honor few in the world will ever experience. So many times that night I found tears spilling out of the corners of my eyes, astounded by the majesty of the moment. As Dr. Flood gave us a private organ performance I stood all of a foot away from him, watching fingers fly and feet pump. Moved by his beautiful rendition, I climbed down the narrow stairs from the loft, sharing a look with Martha as I sat down on a grand wooden bench. Tears filled both our eyes, and I knew that although I was thousands of miles from home, I was still among family, surrounded by people who loved me. As we sang and toured the cathedral I felt my soul being filled in an ineffable way. In Canterbury Cathedral, you can feel the weight of a thousand years of history. The second you pass through the doors the air inside the cathedral is charged differently than that of the outside world. Stone steps concave in from the steps of millions of pilgrims over centuries. It is impossible to look around the ancient monument without sensing the presence of the souls of the past. I will never fully be able to describe in words the shift in my entire being that occurred upon exiting the cathedral grounds. For that I must rely on the music. I know that these life changing experiences were gifts that were only made possible by the collaborations of many wonderful people. We can all safely say that none of us would be where we are, or be who we are, without Mrs. Herrington, and though she is missed dearly by us all, she is loved from afar. Mr. Haugen is a hero to our choir, stepping up to the plate and taking whatever came his way in our moments of need. Young Women's Choir has thoroughly enjoyed singing under his direction. Mrs. Boers has provided us with not only the rare pleasure of an accompanist on tour, but she has also served as an amazing mentor to us all while bringing smiles to our faces so many times during the tour. Kate and John are the best family leaders anyone could ask for and have brought such an incredible energy to our tour choir; you're amazing, alpha mom and beta dad. Nancy too has come to our rescue when we needed her, and it has been wonderful to pull her out of retirement for this short while. It always amazes me how she so quickly remembers every one of our faces, no matter how much time we've spent apart. Our tour consultant Anne, whom we adoringly call Auntie Anne, has brought so many fantastic cultural experiences our way, and our bus drivers have all made sure we've arrived safely through some very strenuous driving conditions while still making sure we have fun along the way. Martha deserves mounds of thanks; she has done so much for our choir both behind the scenes and overtly, and she is the glue keeping us together on this journey. Without her this tour would not have been possible, and we can never thank her enough. I'd also like to take a moment to thank my loving family back home, especially my wonderful parents. Without them I couldn't be typing this on the plane home from Ireland. The sacrifices you've made for me and the love you've shown me is extraordinary. Much love to both my immediate and TYC families, and slán go fóill! Amelia, 17

#place: John F Kennedy International Airport New York New York #zoom: 10

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Singer Post - Final Reflections - Emily

When I accepted my graduation gift at the family farewell concert this year, I was hit with a simultaneous wave of sorrow to know that my journey with this choir was over, and an impossible gladness to know that I still had one last hurrah with some of these magnificent singers. The tour rehearsals were long, but seemed to fly by, and in no time, we were all standing in the airport with our bags packed, passports in hand, and excitement in our eyes. I was blessed to be experiencing this same excitement for the second time, after touring with TYC back in 2011. The magic of landing in England was just as dazzling the second time around, and walking into Canterbury still sent chills up my spine. The fact of that Holy place, its story and significance, is enough to baffle any who walk unto its grounds, without even mentioning the absolute magnificence of its architecture. We were invited into a place where Christians have led pilgrimages to for more than a thousand years. Where Kings lay to rest, and Saint Thomas Becket's tragic tale unfolded. Yet we had the privilege of being more than just guests-- guests treated to an exclusive tour after hours, with stories told all along the way-- we were invited into one of the world's most sacred places as performers. Children, no more than twenty years old on any account, given the chance to relay our gift of music within the walls of the Cathedral. A chance which we will have once, (or just maybe twice, for the lucky few), in a lifetime. I know that I will someday be an old woman retelling the experiences we had there to my grandchildren. Though I doubt I'll be able to do any justice, I simply hope that they will listen. But I know I'll be able to entertain them by describing the ever-marvelous Doctor David Flood, who once and again, proved to be an absolute joy to work with. He seems to always be completely full of energy which outmatches any of us supposedly 'vigorous youths' any day. He constantly kept us on our toes, in both the physical and mental senses, challenging us to push our musicianship ever further by fine tuning seemingly minute elements in every song, which proved to make a hugely noticeable difference in the ultimate sound. And even aside from the memorable, cute phrases he used to help us remember certain concepts, what he thought us as musicians will undoubtedly stick with us for as long as we continue to make music. Yet, with all those lovely English moments in mind, I wouldn't be in good faith without admitting how absolutely and completely infatuated I rapidly became with Ireland. We were only moments into our motorcoach tour of Belfast when I said to myself something along the lines of "oh my goodness this is amazing". Every turn we took, every direction we cast our eyes in, there was another piece of history to be consumed. Street art and strong iron gates to the church where we would later perform in, and of course, the Titanic museum; Belfast alone had enough wonders to take in that even if we had spent all twelve days there, we still couldn't have taken it all in. A sentiment which of course carries entirely into describing Limerick, and Dublin alike. The cultural experiences we were able to indulge-- a Cieli, Medieval Banquet, and Irish House Party-- were all so uniquely and completely wonderful. Albeit the first was also sufficiently embarrassing, as most of us quickly realized we had no gift for Riverdancing. Even as we simply drove through the countryside, I was completely entranced, and elated by the sheer beauty of it all. The fact that I was able to experience all of this with a group of people I shared the unique bond of being in an ensemble with made it all the more memorable and great. Giving our music away to a couple hundred strangers was met with an incomparably loving response. We were able to touch other people's lives, while forever shaping and impressing upon our own. And I can thank Martha Leonhardt, Kyle Haugen, Nancy Brakke and the rest of the tour staff for making it happen exactly as it did. Until we meet again, my friends. - Emily, Graduated Senior, 18

#place: John F Kennedy International Airport New York New York #zoom: 10

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We spent our last afternoon having lunch at Hunter’s Hotel and gardens in the Irish countryside outside of Dublin. Many parents were able to join, gracious thanks were shared all around, and the singers serenaded the hotel staff one last time singing “Deep Peace” and “Blessing” as sporadic fountains of tears sprang up throughout the room.

The final rehearsal and concert at Saint Patrick’s Church in Greystones was an energetic culmination of the trip. Singing to a nearly-full house with many parents in attendance, the singers put all their remaining energy into giving us and their music everything they had. Symbolic in many ways of their relationships, travel experience, and themselves as a whole, their music grew once more, adding more layers yet again to each well-practiced piece. What a change from the Family Farewell concert only 13 days ago!

35 singers forming 4 tight-knit family groups, 6 chaperones, 6 concerts, 5 cities, 3 countries…Our amazing trip has come to an end. It’s been an absolute blast.

I’ll leave the last words to the singers, because, after all, it’s their trip! Until next time!

#place: John F Kennedy International Airport New York New York #zoom: 10

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Dublin! The last stop of our trip! We spent the morning on the coach, but had time in the afternoon for a guided sightseeing tour of the city. We ended up in Phoenix Park, where many of us walked through their working vegetable and herb garden. We ended the day with Formal Night, and the singers did not disappoint. Full suits, ties, and elaborate dresses were all over the place and everyone had a great time. After an Irish dinner we watched an Irish Folk band play. The music was very upbeat, and everyone got really into it, clapping and dancing in their seats. In Irish House Party tradition, Mr. Haugen and the singers were asked to perform for everyone. Yet again they sang beautifully and the crowd loved them. Once more, everyone was extremely upbeat and hyper after the show, excitedly talking and taking pictures. The last two pictures above are an after shot of the whole gang outside following the House Party and a photo of Mr. Haugen with the band. Last concert tomorrow! What a trip!

#place: Dublin Ireland #zoom: 10 #Dublin

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A View From the Piano - Amy Boers

We all have unique perspectives from which we observe, participate and reflect. One of the many joys of traveling with others is that you catch glimpses of those different perspectives, person by person, town by town, concert by concert in our case. My view is from the keyboard, from which I have a closely personal, yet quite non-verbal relationship with the choir. For this, I am forever thankful. Before leaving, my goal was to learn everyone's name. Uff da...I worked very hard to do this, and still have memory slips even after all of the Family Group meetings, room checks and face to face chats at breakfast or dinner. This is a disadvantage to my 'view from the piano'. I see these wonderful young people week in and week out, but rarely address them by name. I rejoice that this is the case no longer. Lesson learned, Amy. Call each other by name...it feels wonderful to know and be known by these kids. I consider myself to be rather introverted. When given the opportunity for free time in both Canterbury and Belfast, I relished the quiet and solace I found exploring these new cities. As I would pass the occasional 'group of three', it was wonderful to see their freedom and responsibility being wholeheartedly enjoyed. My peaceful solitude was also enjoyed during breakfast in the mornings. That is until THIS morning. I found that I wanted to sit with my traveling companions. We talk about the previous day's events or how we are all managing living out of our luggage, and trying to remember what that bacon stuff is called that we have eaten every day. Table for 35 plus 1, please. If music be the food of love, sing on. Play on. This is really where it hits me deeply. To create artistry day after day with these young musicians is a privilege. I love to communicate with them during our concerts. Whether they know it or not, I am 'singing' with them from the piano. We are all breathing and expressing together which ends up enveloping the great halls and cathedrals in which we perform. I will continue to bring my whole heart and musical passion to the piano for whomever I play. To have done that with these people on tour is the newest and sweetest reminder of why I love what I do. Amy Boers

#place: Dublin Ireland #zoom: 10 #Dublin

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Another outstanding concert and another night of Irish revelry…we could get used to this!

The singers started their day yesterday rehearsing and giving a lunchtime concert at the ancient Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick. Completed in 1168, just 100 years after construction started at Canterbury Cathedral, this cathedral had a much rougher and older feel. The arches and walls showed jagged rock edges in sharp contrast to the smooth finishes we’ve seen in the other churches and cathedrals visited on the trip. The result was a much different sound, and the singers adjusted beautifully, singing extremely well.

In the afternoon we toured Bunratty Castle, a restored old castle in the Irish countryside. Interestingly enough, the very medieval looking building was completed 300 years after the church the students sang in in the morning, yet it appeared much much older. Murder holes abound and trap doors lurking, the singers performed an impromptu concert in the main hall providing a pleasant surprise for our fellow tourists.

We finished out the night having a medieval dinner at another castle, Knappogue. Much to our chagrin and later enjoyment, Kate and I were named King and Queen of the banquet. As a result Lord Kyle and his merry troupe of traveling singers were forced to give a resounding rendition of “Deep Peace” to avoid losing their heads for their transgressions.

Off to Dublin today!

#place: Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Bunratty Co Clare Ireland #zoom: 12 #Bunratty Castle #Knappogue Castle

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"Zion's Walls" from the concert at Saint Mary's Cathedral in Limerick today.

#place: St Mary's Cathedral Bridge Street Limerick City #zoom: 12 #St. Mary's Cathedral

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Finally, we have some fast internet to make posting a few more videos possible! Here's one more moment from the Ceili last night. What we lack in talent (especially the guy in the back left) we make up for in fun!

#place: Limerick Ireland #zoom: 10 #Limerick #Ceili

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What a night last night! Irish dancers and musicians came to the hotel for an Irish Ceili. They performed a number of dances for us as well as some instrumental pieces on the flute, harmonica, and cello. Then the fun really started, as they taught us some basic Irish dances. Fumbling through the steps and motions, we bounced off of, ran into, and danced around each other under the guidance of talented Irish dancers aged 7 to 70. Sasha played a couple of upbeat Irish fiddle tunes for everyone, and the choir ended the night with a moving rendition of "Deep Peace". I haven't seen that much laughter yet on the trip, and that's saying something!

#place: Limerick Ireland #zoom: 10 #Limerick

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Singer Post - Cheyenne

Traveling along the countryside to Limerick after a stop to top up on caffeine and kinder surprises eggs, we are all very excited for the next leg of this amazing journey. This tour has given each of us singers a chance to step out of ourselves and our typical way of life and embrace a whole new culture in a way we would never be able to, without the guidance and encouragement of the amazing directors, our lovely accompanist, fantastic tour chaperones, and beautiful music.

Last night’s concert and all the concerts before have given us the chance to grow not only as personal musicians, but as a whole choir. While each concert has had a stand out moment last nights concert, in my mind, is one of the best yet! After a dinner seating surprise (thank you Nancy for that great opportunity) and a very interesting meal, we got on stage in front of a small crowd and sang our very best. This crowd was so appreciative of our music, I recall hearing comments like “this is the most brilliant choir to perform in this church” and some asking for us to return very soon. These are the moments that make me realize that TYC is not only a gift to us singers but to the audience, as well.

Looking back to our first tour rehearsal and all the excitement that was shared there, I can reassure you that on tour day number 7 that excitement just continues to grow. Working with Dr. Flood and singing in Canterbury cathedral, buying trinkets for family and friends, 3-course meals every night with food that is always something new, fun and interesting touristy things, and rehearsal moments that allow us the chance to try new things, how could we not be excited for what’s around the next corner?

The spaces we sing in and the people we work with change who we are as musicians and it is a true gift to be able to be a part of an experience such as this. Not very many singers get to say they have sang in the places that we have, or work with the people that we get to work with and that just makes this whole trip and every moment spent fundraising worth it! I know that this is a trip I will cherish for the rest of my life and the bonds I have made on this trip will be life long friendships. I will look back on this moment and always remember how much of a blessing everyone in this program is, not only to me, but to the music.

But as the quote goes, all good things must come to an end, but this end will always stand in my mind as the most exciting moment of my life!

Thank you TYC, Mrs. Herrington, Mr. Haugan, Martha, Mrs. Boers, and everyone who has supported me for this trip and allowed me to grow as a singer. And a special thank you to my mom and dad, you guys are awesome and I can’t wait to share every moment with you when I get home.

Cheyenne

#place: Limerick Ireland #zoom: 10 #Limerick

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Singer Post - Maia

Being in TYC is an experience I will always be grateful for. I have had the privilege of working with some amazing musical directors, singing in beautiful places and meeting some life long friends. This trip is just the icing on the cake to end my time in TYC. When I started this trip in England, I knew the experience we had here would be unforgettable. Singing in places that enhance the beauty of our sound and working with a choral director as well known as Dr. David Flood is something we can not fully take in yet… Not many people get this opportunity to sing in such beautiful places and being here is incredible. We have all worked so hard and put in tons of time to master how to make our sound as perfect as we can. Even with that said, after having rehearsals and workshops here, we are shocked to hear that we get better and have a different sound every time we sing. The feeling of seeing the emotions on peoples faces while we perform is something no one can understand until they experience it. To hear the men sing “Soldiers Elegy” during the concert at St. Peter’s Methodist Church was breathtaking. Their voices brought tears to so many eyes throughout the crowd at our first formal concert. Hearing Mr. Haugen read us emails or compliments he gets from people who attend our performances remind us that our music matters. Our gift matters and impacts people other than us. As singers, we tend to take our voices for granted. This thing we do is a gift we have that at this point in our life comes naturally to us. I can only speak for myself, but making music a priority in my life has changed me for the better. I’ve learned to find the magic in the smallest things in life and I’ve grown to appreciate all the effort that it takes behind the scenes to make such amazing performances happen. And I have Mrs. Herrington to thank for all that. I met Mrs. Herrington when I was 4 years old, she was my music teacher when I started to attend Charles Wright Academy. She was the one who brought the voice out in me and made me fall in love with making music. Music has brought so much joy into my life and having the experiences that TYC brought me are just the beginning of my journey with music in my life.

Maia, 18

#place: Limerick Ireland #zoom: 10 #Limerick

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Singer Post - Maddy G

I realized that Canterbury Cathedral was no place for apathy only seconds after filing into the building’s lofty naive alongside my thirty-plus fellow Tacoma Youth Chorus singers. The entrance space was adorned with intricate stone carvings and stunningly vivid stained glass windows. Our group’s gasps of astonishment and utterances of awe caused Dr. David Flood’s eyes to crinkle into a smile as he proceeded to project dates and facts and stories about the Cathedral into our heads with a grand English voice that echoed around the church’s magnificently high vaulted ceilings.

As an Episcopalian, this cathedral holds more meaning to me than any other church in England could possibly provide. I guess the anticipation began in November of last year when I participated in the Poinsettia fundraiser TYC put on to offset the cost of the tour. I set up a little table and poster in the parish hall of my church, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church of Lakewood, explaining the trip and depicting the itinerary. The overwhelmingly positive response from my church absolutely shocked and delighted me.

Simply put, Canterbury Cathedral is to the Episcopal Church as Mecca is to Muslims or as the Vatican is to Catholics. It has been the seat of Anglican Church (known as the Episcopal Church in the States) since medieval times; It was acknowledged as a site of pilgrimage after Thomas Becket was murdered and martyred within its walls; It has withstood time and attacks, and it continues to hold a special meaning in the Christian world. At the time of my fundraiser I had not fully realized the meaning of this holy place, but the longtime members of my church were fully pleased with the amazing opportunity that TYC had lay before me. The complete support of my church community pushed me to learn more about this holy site and allowed me to really begin to get excited about visiting the Cathedral.

Skip forward 8 months. About 10 seconds before walking up the alter steps to take my position for the first piece in our Canterbury lunchtime concert I began to feel butterflies in my stomach. As a pianist, flutist, and competitive athlete, as well as a singer, I’ve learned, over the years, to tune out my nerves; I have been trained to grit my teeth and get on with it. But in such a deep place it is hard to keep emotions out of the picture. Now, I did not sit there and bawl or anything, but I could feel, as I am sure my fellow singers could, the weight of the place and the performance. I knew, even in that moment, that I would remember the moments I had in that cathedral for a long time to come. Even if our singing was not perfect (in such a big place, where you can hardly even hear yourself, how could it have been?), but our effort to utilize all that Dr. Flood had taught us while still integrating our knowledge from TYC made the concert truly excellent.

I would just like to thank TYC for allowing us to have such a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thank you Mrs. Herrington and Martha for creating such an amazing itinerary. This trip has given me memories I will absolutely never forget. I would also like to express my appreciation for Mr. Haugen. He has lead us in concert with great ease and never fails to make us smile, whether it be in rehearsal or in a performance. Last but not least, I’d like to thank my parents for allowing me to embark on such a great adventure overseas. I love you!

From Ireland, 
Maddy G, 15

#place: Limerick Ireland #zoom: 10 #Limerick

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Singer Posts - 8/2/2014

We were on the coach much of the day yesterday’s we traveled from Belfast to Limerick. We are fortunate to have some very talented journalists at TYC, who took that time to write about their experiences thus far. Their unedited reflections are as follows:

Singer Post - Beatrice Wilson

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the longer one looks forward to something, the more the experience disappoints. But I have been looking forward to this trip for more than a year, and so far it has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Working with Dr. Flood was incredible. The energy he exuded was infectious. He bounced around the half circle the choir formed, drawing out particular parts and encouraging us. He worked with us for about 6 hours or so total on only a few pieces, so he had time to really refine each vowel and note. The difference in the sound from the Bon Voyage Concert is significant, and every day we peel back more layers. My favorite experience so far has been the private tour of Canterbury Cathedral given to us by Dr. Flood. We were totally alone in that vast space. The silence in a building like that has a quality of its own. Even when you make a sound, the quiet quickly presses back. When we sang Jubilate Deo in the nave (I think that is what that part of the cathedral is called, but I can’t be sure, so don’t quote me on that) and Ubi Caritas in the crypt, I felt as though the music flowed through me, as though I was an empty vessel through which emotion and Song could be released.

As I write this, we are on the coach to Limerick. I do not think I can begin to describe in words exactly how green the Irish countryside is. Only that the hillsides are carpeted with very, very green plants and trees and each hillside is a different green that seems to glow very, very softly. It is raining properly now; yesterday it was just kind of damp for most of the day.

Belfast was quite nice; I wish we could have spent more time there. We went to the Titanic Museum yesterday, which was fascinating. It is a very interactive museum, with exhibits that appeal to sight, sound, and touch. The narrative ends tragically, though. Near the end, there are little kiosks that record the names, ages, nationalities, occupations, status on board, and fates of all the passengers. One name in particular caught my eye. Miss Erna Alexandra Andersson, age 16, Swedish, Third Class, survived. Her entire family perished. Parents, brothers, and sisters. There was no special exhibit featuring her, as there were for the more wealthy passengers such as JJ Astor and Leonardo DiCaprio. She was just another name on a tragic list with a tragic story.

I am so grateful for the experiences and the fruit scones I am having here. I am having a wonderful time, and I can’t wait to come home and share my memories of the tour with my family and friends.

Fondly, as the British say,

Beatrice, 16

#place: Limerick Ireland #zoom: 10 #Limerick

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Some more Belfast pictures from our trip to the Titanic museum yesterday as well as the rehearsal and concert. Other than the museum, it was a day mostly filled with music. The day off from singing and transition into a couple of new songs (Traveling Song!) seem to have brought a new energy and focus to the music. The concert last night was outstanding, ending in an encore and one patron coming to the front of the church to emphatically thank Mr. Haugen and the singers in front of the whole crowd. Other highlights of the day included chaperones taking goofy pictures at the Titanic museum and Mrs. Boers serenading the group on the Parish Church of Saint George organ. Today, we’re off to Limerick!

#place: Belfast Northern Ireland #zoom: 10 #Belfast

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An excerpt from the concert at the Parish Church of St. George in Belfast this evening. Personally I think this was the best concert yet.

#place: 105 High Street Belfast Northern Ireland #zoom: 12 #The Parish Church of Saint George

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A day of travel and dreary weather in Belfast means the chaperones got the chance to go back to the archives for a few action shots. From birthdays to unique warmup exercises to group shots to creative (explosive) photo editing by Ms. Boers, we enjoyed these quite a bit.

#place: Belfast Northern Ireland #zoom: 12 #Belfast