More from final concert

Here are a few more videos from the final concert...

update...

Please see updated version of "Last Concert and farewells" post...

Petroleum Museum

It’s been an action packed week and we have made some great friends as well as having amazing experiences. This morning we visited the Petroleun Museum which is very interesting with lots to do, including a ride in flight simulator. Billy took his role as flight technician very seriously!

Last concert and farewells

Our final concert, shared with Lee High School orchestra, was a terrific success.  Councillor Stephen Mann, the Mayor of Haringey, gave presentations during the evening and exchanged gifts with Beau Garza, Karen McAfee and Corey Metcalf from Lee High School.  We will post more videos of the performance in due course.

Lee HS Symphony

Danse Macabre 

October

HYM Stage Band

A Night in Tunisia

Goodbye Pork Pie Hat

Boogie Stop Shuffle

HSG Dancers

Fratres

Hey Pachuco

HYM Wind Ensemble

Dambusters March

Intermission

HYM Symphony Orchestra

Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

HYM Symphony Orchestra 

Cry Me a River

Theme from Dallas 

Mrs Sippy Quodlibet

Joint orchestras

Finale from Symphony no. 2 - Sibelius

      
   

   

All our goodbyes have been said and everyone has now reached home back in the UK.  It was clear from the tearful farewells that the young musicians and dancers had made long-lasting friendships with their host families.  It is encouraging to see this evidence that our belief in the value of the cultural change model is justified.

   

 

Massed rehearsal

We had a massed rehearsal with Lee High School Symphony Orchestra yesterday evening. An inspirational session on the last movement of Sibelius’ 2nd symphony directed by Beau Garza. This is to be the grand finale of our concert this evening.

Dancers and first performances

The dancers from Hornsey School for Girls have also been having some great experiences with their Lee High School counterparts.  Amazing choreography; fantastic, energetic and elegant dancing. Their routine to fit our finale piece is also particularly inspired.

Yesterday evening we had a terrific barbecue followed by some dancing in the school yard to the HYM Jazz Combo.

Today we gave 2 performances in elementary schools and enjoyed looking at their fantastic facilities including the amazing dance studio at Bowie Fine Arts Elementary School.

Rehearsal day

Today we had some detailed rehearsals. The young musicians are playing really and impressing our hosts. We even found a sousaphone to add authenticity to the performances of American themes. Looking forward to our barbecue later on and our first public performances tomorrow.

Lubbock

Today we travelled about 100 miles to visit the city of Lubbock. We had a tour of Texas Tech University and watched some rehearsals, including some students working on the Mambo for West Side Story that we are also performing this week. In the afternoon we visited the Buddy Holly Museum. A fun day out. Tomorrow we are back at Lee High School to rehearse for our concerts and do a jazz improvisation workshop with some of their students.

 
 

 

Big rehearsal and Candy Factory

We started the day with a massed rehearsal of the finale from Sibelius’ 2nd Symphony directed by the charismatic Beau Garza. The players responded very well to Beau’s rehearsal technique and we were joined by many of his Lee High players mid-rehearsal. The Stage Band also got their own rehearsal room and had some very productive time together.  After lunch we had a visit to the Candy Factory, including donning paper hats and dipping oreos in a chocolate fountain.  After the factory visit we had an intense session polishing up “West Side Story” before going back to the hosts for the evening.  The dancers also had a great time including an intense workout led by the LHS dance tutor, Misty-Ray. Jet lag is beginning to fade and all still seem to be in good spirits.  Off for a day trip to Lubbock tomorrow, including a visit to the Buddy Holly museum.

Welcome dinner

Yesterday evening was our welcome dinner at Lee High School.  All our students reported having had a wonderful day with their hosts and seemed vwey happy. Beau Garza, head of the orchestra program at LHS, gave a welcome speech. Peter thanked all the hosts and then handed over to the Mayor who, following Beau and Peter’s example, managed to climb on a table to be seen but still look dignified for giving our formal vote of thanks.We were then treated to a Mexican Fiesta meal and had a lovely time chatting to each other. One of the LHS parents had made this fantastic cake which tasted as good as it looks. There was plenty to go round.

Yesterday evening was our welcome dinner at Lee High School.  All our students reported having had a wonderful day with their hosts and seemed vwey happy. Beau Garza, head of the orchestra program at LHS, gave a welcome speech. Peter thanked all the hosts and then handed over to the Mayor who, following Beau and Peter’s example, managed to climb on a table to be seen but still look dignified for giving our formal vote of thanks.

We were then treated to a Mexican Fiesta meal and had a lovely time chatting to each other. One of the LHS parents had made this fantastic cake which tasted as good as it looks. There was plenty to go round.


Today we start our rehearsals and this afternoon we are off to the candy factory for a tour.

Ready to go out for our welcome meal

A real honour to have the Mayor of Haringey, Cllr Stephen Mann, with us on our cultural exchange. His chain caused some raised eyebrows at airport security, even though it is only the imitation one. Stephen and his wife Jennifer have paid their own way to be with us this week and we are grateful, as always, for their enthusiastic support.

All safely despatched

all safely arrived in Midland and sent off with the very welcoming hosts.  Very tired but all okay. Time to recover tomorrow (which is already today in the UK!)

Austin group landed

second group safely arrived in Austin.

Landed in Dallas

first group landed safely in Dallas. Now for immigration, baggage reclaim and fiinding our coach driver...

Heightened Security

Some of us have been pulled over for additional security checks. Didn’t think we looked that dodgy!

Through the airport

Waiting to board the plane to Dallas

And we’re off

all safely on board the coaches and driving to Heathrow. Well done parents. See you next weekend

Early start

The coaches are due to leave at 5am from Hornsey. Will everyone get there on time? Will they remember their passports? We hope so and look forward to embarking on this exciting journey. 100 people in the group. 50 flying to Austin and 50 to Dallas. We then have 5 hour(!) coach journeys onto Midland which is way out west towards the Mexican boarder.

WELCOME

If you're reading this, you've found the blog.  Please check each day for updates.

Peter Desmond