All of the students made it home safely yesterday.
Thank you to everyone who made the trip possible for all of the students. Now we start preparing for the Spring Show - Broadway!
This is a blog about the Crowley ISD Honor Choir's trip to New York February 17-21
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
BRAVO!
Many of the students went on the backstage tour of Radio City Music Hall the morning. Others, did their last minute shopping or slept in before the big night.
At rehearsal, we learned that the children were in box seats on the side of the stage so they could be seen and heard over the orchestra. The were pretty high up, and for some of the children this was a bit scary. All of the children had to practice were to look and how to stand in this new situation. Clay Aiken was at rehearsal (he is emceeing the concert) and commented that the children were doing a great job.
When the concert began, the children were seated for the first part - Tim Seelig conducted Flowers Over the Graves of War. It was a very moving piece.
After intermission, it was finally time! Mr. Gilpin walked to the podium, the children stood, and the concert began. The children's voices filled the world’s most famous concert hall. When the children sang "A Child's Credo" is was as if angels had entered the room and were singing. Their pure, clear voices filled the historic hall.
The concert ended with Greg Gilpin's arrangement of "The Wizard of Oz." When the children chanted, "Lions and tigers and bears, oh my," Mr. Gilpin played along by being scared, and the audience was delighted.
When the concert was over, there was a standing ovation. There were many wonderful musicians that participated in the concert. The adult choir, other students, the orchestra and the children of the Honor Choir were superb! When everyone came together with the acoustics of Carnegie Hall, it was majestic.
There was a fun reception afterwards at Rosie O'Gradys. The food was wonderful, and Mr. Gilpin came and took a few pictures with the children.
Tomorrow is travel day! We are sad to leave the Big Apple, but there is no place like home - TEXAS!
At rehearsal, we learned that the children were in box seats on the side of the stage so they could be seen and heard over the orchestra. The were pretty high up, and for some of the children this was a bit scary. All of the children had to practice were to look and how to stand in this new situation. Clay Aiken was at rehearsal (he is emceeing the concert) and commented that the children were doing a great job.
When the concert began, the children were seated for the first part - Tim Seelig conducted Flowers Over the Graves of War. It was a very moving piece.
After intermission, it was finally time! Mr. Gilpin walked to the podium, the children stood, and the concert began. The children's voices filled the world’s most famous concert hall. When the children sang "A Child's Credo" is was as if angels had entered the room and were singing. Their pure, clear voices filled the historic hall.
The concert ended with Greg Gilpin's arrangement of "The Wizard of Oz." When the children chanted, "Lions and tigers and bears, oh my," Mr. Gilpin played along by being scared, and the audience was delighted.
When the concert was over, there was a standing ovation. There were many wonderful musicians that participated in the concert. The adult choir, other students, the orchestra and the children of the Honor Choir were superb! When everyone came together with the acoustics of Carnegie Hall, it was majestic.
There was a fun reception afterwards at Rosie O'Gradys. The food was wonderful, and Mr. Gilpin came and took a few pictures with the children.
Tomorrow is travel day! We are sad to leave the Big Apple, but there is no place like home - TEXAS!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Hakuna matata!
The children had another great rehearsal with Greg Gilpin. It is hard to believe that after the many months of planning and rehearsing, tomorrow is the big day. The Crowley ISD Honor Choir will perform at Carnegie Hall!
After free time filled with many adventures, we all headed to Hard Rock Cafe New York for pre-Broadway meal. Once we had finished eating, everyone walked down a few blocks to the Minskoff Theatre to see The Lion King. The costumes and choreography were very visually pleasing. The whole show was spectacular!
After the show, many of the students and chaperons took advantage of being near Times Square and went shopping. Some students were caught visiting the M&M store, Hershey store and other fun shops. It really doesn't feel like it is evening with all of the lights! So, some of the chaperones stayed out a bit later tonight :)
Tomorrow is the big day - Hakuna Matata! No worries!
After free time filled with many adventures, we all headed to Hard Rock Cafe New York for pre-Broadway meal. Once we had finished eating, everyone walked down a few blocks to the Minskoff Theatre to see The Lion King. The costumes and choreography were very visually pleasing. The whole show was spectacular!
After the show, many of the students and chaperons took advantage of being near Times Square and went shopping. Some students were caught visiting the M&M store, Hershey store and other fun shops. It really doesn't feel like it is evening with all of the lights! So, some of the chaperones stayed out a bit later tonight :)
Tomorrow is the big day - Hakuna Matata! No worries!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Saturday
We were sitting at rehearsal listening to the 300+ choir practice. The adults clapped for our students as they sang one of their parts.
We couldn't help the tears as they welled up. Greg Gilpin is amazing with these children, and they are getting an experience to work with a world-class composer and conductor. Many performers never get this experience-especially at 10 and 11 years old! To sing a song with the person that wrote it or arranged it, is thrilling. Greg can tell the children exactly how he hears the song in his head, what he was thinking while he wrote the song, and the dynamics he feels makes the song what he intended. It was impressive to see that Crowley ISD had the most people singing at the concert for Greg Gilpin-almost double the next highest group. THANK YOU, Crowley, parent, friends, and community for representing Crowley and Texas well! YeeHaw!
We couldn't help the tears as they welled up. Greg Gilpin is amazing with these children, and they are getting an experience to work with a world-class composer and conductor. Many performers never get this experience-especially at 10 and 11 years old! To sing a song with the person that wrote it or arranged it, is thrilling. Greg can tell the children exactly how he hears the song in his head, what he was thinking while he wrote the song, and the dynamics he feels makes the song what he intended. It was impressive to see that Crowley ISD had the most people singing at the concert for Greg Gilpin-almost double the next highest group. THANK YOU, Crowley, parent, friends, and community for representing Crowley and Texas well! YeeHaw!
This afternoon the children had free time. Many went to the 9/11 Memorial, visited Central Park, Time Square, took in a Broadway show, and enjoyed many other things New York has to offer. Everyone seemed to have some great adventures!
Tonight we went on a dinner cruise. We had had a great view of the Statue of Liberty, cruised under the breath-taking Brooklyn Bridge, and had a great view of the New York skyline. The children (and many of the parents) danced the night away as we dined on yummy selections from the buffet.
Dinner, Dancing and Fun on the Water was had in the Big Apple tonight!
Friday, February 17, 2012
The Choir Has Landed!
Eight months of planning, selling chocolates, rehearsing, working odd jobs, singing at various venues, and sharing our dream of the Crowley Honor Choir students coming to New York, has become a reality! The choir has arrived safe and sound in New York.
The first two flights arrived, dropped off bags, and headed out to explore. Of course, this was after the first flight's bus had a little "fender bender" with a yellow taxi right in front of our hotel! No one was injured, but it made for a great story.
Many of the groups walked around Times Square (which you can easily see from our hotel), went to Central Park (around the other corner of our hotel, went to ride the ferris wheel inside Toys 'R Us, watched or participated in ice skating.
The third bus came, and we were finally able to get our hotel keys. By the time the hotel keys were passed out, it was a big rush to throw your luggage into the room and go to Ellen's Stardust Diner.
At Ellen's, the waiters and waitresses sing big musical numbers while you eat. We had the downstairs to ourselves, and we were able to sing, dance, and have a lot of fun. Everyone enjoyed the variety of music.
Next, we walked to Top of the Rock, which is on top of Rockefeller Center. It was chaotic getting in, but it was well worth the hassle . The view from top is awe-inspiring. The students were able to see a very clear view of the Empire State Building.
Tomorrow rehearsals start. Today was a long day. Everyone is tired, everyone is safe, and I hope everyone feels blessed to be in New York. I keep thinking I am dreaming....
More tomorrow!
Love,
Janice
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
11 Elementary and Intermediate Music Teachers Perform for the Honor Choir
11 of the Crowley ISD music teachers dramatically entered Honor Choir rehearsal on Tuesday, and performed a special version of "New York, New York" for the choir. In addition to the amazing performance, the the music teachers had made a goodie bag for each of the 109 choir member going to Carnegie Hall. Thank you for your support!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Preparing for New York
When Greg Gilpin asked the Honor Choir to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York last May, it started a journey that is almost to fruition. The students and parents have sold Dippin' Dots, World's Finest Chocolates, hosted Pampered Chef and Premier Jewelry parties, had car washes, performed at many different venues, donated to a Silent Auction, and many other things to raise money for this unique opportunity. Also, there is the generosity of family members, friends, corporations, and individuals who gave donations. Without their kindness, many of these students would not be able to take this trip. All of this has led to 109 students who will sing on the Carnegie Hall stage representing Crowley ISD.
We will update the blog while in New York so family and friends can go on this journey with us. Check back daily starting Friday, February 17, to see some of the activities we did, how rehearsals are going, and pictures.
A BIG thank you to everyone who has made this trip possible for these extraordinary students. We are still taking donations. Please go to www.honorchoir.com to find out more. Our goal of "No Child Left in Texas" is becoming a reality.
We will update the blog while in New York so family and friends can go on this journey with us. Check back daily starting Friday, February 17, to see some of the activities we did, how rehearsals are going, and pictures.
A BIG thank you to everyone who has made this trip possible for these extraordinary students. We are still taking donations. Please go to www.honorchoir.com to find out more. Our goal of "No Child Left in Texas" is becoming a reality.
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