What can I say about Lucca? I think it was the only town with no tourists, other than ourselves of course. The concert tonight was amazing. The local choir that sang with us was called "Il Baluardo". I walked up to one of the members after the concert and asked them what Baluardo means. She told me that the Baluardo was the wall that surrounded Lucca which was created by the Etruscans in the very birth of Italian civilization. So I thought that their choir name was pretty interesting, since it's meaning related very closely to the origin of the City itself. It kind of shows how close this community is to it's music.
I hope to one day come back to Italy and stay in Lucca for a while. I heard that they have a Conservatory for music which really made me actually consider the option to one day come and study here. It is very peaceful and the nature of the place is great for people who want to come and learn about history of art and music, and to come and learn about themselves.
That all from me, I will probably be posting one more blog before we leave to come back to the States. Thanks for reading.
-Jason Whitney
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
St. Francis of Assisi
Today we visited the town of Assisi, which has been the best site for me so far. It was much less populated than Rome which made exploring Assisi much easier. It was so amazing to be walking in the narrow streets between the ancient tall buildings and shops. The locals were very nice and enjoyed us very much. I do have to say though that the Tomb of St. Francis moved me the most. You can feel the emotion of all the people as you descend the steps into his tomb, and as you turn that last corner, you see it, the Tomb of St. Francis. Everyone was silent, some sitting, some walking around, and some praying. I sat down for a while and started to pray. Just thinking about all the history behind St. Francis, the people who had been here before me, and all the history behind Catholicism in Italy in general made me began to appreciate a lot about how important my religion is to me. I soon began to have tears fill my eyes and I began to wonder to myself why I was weeping. The power and emotion filled in that room was very intense, so intense that I even went back later for a 2nd time.
All in all, Assisi was an amazing experience, not to mention the impromptu performance at the cathedral. I liked how we were able to sing for the tourists wandering in and out. I'm sure it made their experience there, and ours, an even more memorable one.
-Jason Whitney
All in all, Assisi was an amazing experience, not to mention the impromptu performance at the cathedral. I liked how we were able to sing for the tourists wandering in and out. I'm sure it made their experience there, and ours, an even more memorable one.
-Jason Whitney
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Dyandra Edwards
I must say, today has been the highlight of my trip. We visited Vatican City and toured the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Later in the day we saw the Pantheon and the Revi Fountain. This was the part of the trip I had been waiting for the whole time.
All my life I've wanted to visit the Vatican. It's something I've been thinking of for years, and even thought of trying to plan on my own someday. But once I heard that this was going to be on the trip, I was very excited. We were able to see several different statues and paintings, glorious tapestries, and see the art that inspired Michelangelo's works. The Sistine Chapel was a wonderful thing to see, simply awe-inspiring.
The Pantheon was a wonderul experience. I walked around and saw the different statues and tombs, different paintings. However, the Trevi Fountain was awesome. Huge states adorned the fountain. People filled the steps around the fountain to take pictures, videos, and throw a coin or two into the fountain. One coin was to come back to Rome, and two was to come back with your true love. We were also able to have some free time today to shop and look around town.
I'm exhausted right now. But in a good way. I've had the day of my life, and I can go home happy with plenty of pictures to remember this day forever.
All my life I've wanted to visit the Vatican. It's something I've been thinking of for years, and even thought of trying to plan on my own someday. But once I heard that this was going to be on the trip, I was very excited. We were able to see several different statues and paintings, glorious tapestries, and see the art that inspired Michelangelo's works. The Sistine Chapel was a wonderful thing to see, simply awe-inspiring.
The Pantheon was a wonderul experience. I walked around and saw the different statues and tombs, different paintings. However, the Trevi Fountain was awesome. Huge states adorned the fountain. People filled the steps around the fountain to take pictures, videos, and throw a coin or two into the fountain. One coin was to come back to Rome, and two was to come back with your true love. We were also able to have some free time today to shop and look around town.
I'm exhausted right now. But in a good way. I've had the day of my life, and I can go home happy with plenty of pictures to remember this day forever.
A big day full of grace.... by Katie Hodge
The morning started in a mad rush to the heart of Roma! Starting the perfect day was a tour of the Vatican Museums! Tapestry, paintings, frescos, and mosaics are only the beginning of a long list of artforms found in the museum. The most incredible moment came as we stepped through the door of the Sistine Chapel. To witness Michelangelo's masterpiece was astounding and to describe it would be near impossible.
Last night, I blogged and promised to describe what it meant to me to sing in the Vatican. Touring the museums even further enforced these feelings because they are the combined tribute to the ultimate case of Grace. To sing in St. Peter's Basilica means a great deal to me, not as the target of a pilgrimage, but as a tribute to the ultimate case of grace. Simon Peter is one of my favorite people in the Bible. He got to walk with, talk to, learn from, and follow Christ. Still, it wasn't enough for Simon Peter to merely follow Christ. Christ wanted Peter's name, his identity. Christ said, "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church." (Matthew 16:18)He literally changed Simon son of Jonah's identity. Names, at the time, were sacred and representative of a person's character. The very essence of a person was captured in their name. When Christ changed Simon's name to Peter, He literally changed his identity. "Peter" literally means "Rock". Just as Christ predicted in at the Last Supper, Peter denied knowing Christ three times before the rooster crowed the night of Christ's betrayal and crucifixion. Even knowing this, Christ still named Peter the Rock of His Bride, the Church.
Matthew 7:14, "Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Though I may trip and fall on my face while finding my way through this narrow gate, Peter's humble and devoted return to Christ reminds me of the grace given to me in salvation. A church constructed in honor of Peter is a church constructed in honor of what defines his and my life. I am being given the rare privilege of getting to praise the Almighty God in a memorial built to give tribute to the thing that saves me: grace.
Love and peace,
Katie Hodge
Last night, I blogged and promised to describe what it meant to me to sing in the Vatican. Touring the museums even further enforced these feelings because they are the combined tribute to the ultimate case of Grace. To sing in St. Peter's Basilica means a great deal to me, not as the target of a pilgrimage, but as a tribute to the ultimate case of grace. Simon Peter is one of my favorite people in the Bible. He got to walk with, talk to, learn from, and follow Christ. Still, it wasn't enough for Simon Peter to merely follow Christ. Christ wanted Peter's name, his identity. Christ said, "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church." (Matthew 16:18)He literally changed Simon son of Jonah's identity. Names, at the time, were sacred and representative of a person's character. The very essence of a person was captured in their name. When Christ changed Simon's name to Peter, He literally changed his identity. "Peter" literally means "Rock". Just as Christ predicted in at the Last Supper, Peter denied knowing Christ three times before the rooster crowed the night of Christ's betrayal and crucifixion. Even knowing this, Christ still named Peter the Rock of His Bride, the Church.
Matthew 7:14, "Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Though I may trip and fall on my face while finding my way through this narrow gate, Peter's humble and devoted return to Christ reminds me of the grace given to me in salvation. A church constructed in honor of Peter is a church constructed in honor of what defines his and my life. I am being given the rare privilege of getting to praise the Almighty God in a memorial built to give tribute to the thing that saves me: grace.
Love and peace,
Katie Hodge
Monday, March 16, 2009
Eduardo Paredes
The timeless and epic statues of the annals of past popes and holy men, the quiet, watchful sentinels who act as silent guardians and watchful protectors gave me (and I suspect all of us) comfort as we entered that grand hall at Vatican City. The Basilica di San Pietro stands as a monument to those who find faith and hope in everyday things, from the wisp of a cloud racing the skies, to the grandeur and majesty of Maestro Michelangelo's heartstopping and divine brushtrokes, this is truly a center of God's magic working through us and around us!
There is a sense of searching and longing, even for those whose faith is unyielding, there, in those hallowed halls. A moment of volitation is certainly in order for those willing to let the experience take them to new heights, and it is with great excitement and joy that I can say I was truly and deeply touched by the Almighty this day.
This entire trip has been awe-inspiring and awesome, and I can't wait to see and do more, and hunger for more!
There is a sense of searching and longing, even for those whose faith is unyielding, there, in those hallowed halls. A moment of volitation is certainly in order for those willing to let the experience take them to new heights, and it is with great excitement and joy that I can say I was truly and deeply touched by the Almighty this day.
This entire trip has been awe-inspiring and awesome, and I can't wait to see and do more, and hunger for more!
Brenda's Adventures =)
Today was the most incredible day yet. We started the day off early with some yummmyy breakfast (the cappuccino is to die for!), and then off to the Roman Colosseum! I could try to describe it for you... but words won't do it justice. Pictures will be posted up soon, but even those can't describe its grandeur. It was absolutely beautiful... After that was the Roman forum where we definitely had some fantastic picture ops and took advantage of them. =) I was amazed at how preserved the Roman structures are after thousands of years. I have been so lucky to be able to share this experience with two of the bestest friends any girl could ask for... and an article is actually going to be posted in the Herald about our bond throughout the years and our big Italy trip, so that's something to look forward to. YAY!
The day was busy busy busy. After our beautiful sightseeing, we hurried off to our hotel to get changed for our choir concert at THE VATICAN! The sheer magnitude of it beauty is so overwhelming. The statues and artwork are awe-inspiring, and left us all speechless. I can't wait to show everyone pictures... and our singing at the mass? It was gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous, thank you. Absolutely incredible. Hopefully, some of it will be online, and you can see for yourself. =) Yay, Rome! More sightseeing tomorrow and our first full concert.
I'll be posting more soon.. stay tuunneedd! =) Ciao!
-brenda <3
The day was busy busy busy. After our beautiful sightseeing, we hurried off to our hotel to get changed for our choir concert at THE VATICAN! The sheer magnitude of it beauty is so overwhelming. The statues and artwork are awe-inspiring, and left us all speechless. I can't wait to show everyone pictures... and our singing at the mass? It was gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous, thank you. Absolutely incredible. Hopefully, some of it will be online, and you can see for yourself. =) Yay, Rome! More sightseeing tomorrow and our first full concert.
I'll be posting more soon.. stay tuunneedd! =) Ciao!
-brenda <3
Katie Hodge
Hey everyone!
Today was our first full day in Rome. Complete with good food, lots of laughter, comraderie, and music, I can honestly say it was as close to perfect as possible. We began the day with a tours of the Colosseum and the Roman Forums. There is no better way to begin a tour than visiting the birthplace of modern civilization. It's a fact! It didn't seem possible that it was really happening. I can hardly believe that I have touched the Colosseum and stood where so many thousands of people gathered to satiate their desire for action. Movies and pictures only begin to express the grandness of this amphitheatre.
The next great moment came in St. Peter's Basilica. From the moment I stepped into the square, I knew this would be an defining moment. Stepping into the actual building was a feast for the eyes. We didn't have enough time to take in everything about the architecture, paintings, mosaics, and sculptures. Hopefully, tomorrow we will get the chance to experience it rather than observe it. Maybe then I will be able to convey my feelings about singing in what I consider the perfect tribute to grace. The day still hasn't sunk in and probably won't until we are on the plane home.
Well, there is a long line of bloggers waiting to tell of their experiences... I'll talk more some other time.
Love and peace,
Katie Hodge
Today was our first full day in Rome. Complete with good food, lots of laughter, comraderie, and music, I can honestly say it was as close to perfect as possible. We began the day with a tours of the Colosseum and the Roman Forums. There is no better way to begin a tour than visiting the birthplace of modern civilization. It's a fact! It didn't seem possible that it was really happening. I can hardly believe that I have touched the Colosseum and stood where so many thousands of people gathered to satiate their desire for action. Movies and pictures only begin to express the grandness of this amphitheatre.
The next great moment came in St. Peter's Basilica. From the moment I stepped into the square, I knew this would be an defining moment. Stepping into the actual building was a feast for the eyes. We didn't have enough time to take in everything about the architecture, paintings, mosaics, and sculptures. Hopefully, tomorrow we will get the chance to experience it rather than observe it. Maybe then I will be able to convey my feelings about singing in what I consider the perfect tribute to grace. The day still hasn't sunk in and probably won't until we are on the plane home.
Well, there is a long line of bloggers waiting to tell of their experiences... I'll talk more some other time.
Love and peace,
Katie Hodge
Rachel Boyd
Today was very surreal... We vistied the Colesseum and the Vatican. Our tour guide was definitely energetic. She told us that they used to enact Naval Battles in the Colesseum. Apparently they used to fill it with water, and have people rouse up their patriotism by watching those re-enactments. It was interesting to me to find out that they didn't just have gladiator fights there. You know, people say they did all those things because they didn't have tv, but wow, I think that their entertainment was 10x better than tv. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention... We sang at the Colesseum! Everyone there came to the railings to look down on us and listen. It was such an experience, I can't even put it into words.
We also visited the Roman Forum, which was amazing. It's crazy to think that the things we were looking at were just ruins. I can even imagine how majestic that place looked in its prime. It was truly breath-taking. I know for me, I didn't even know what to think. Of course you want to appreciate what you're seeing, but it's so surreal that you can't even fathom the magnitude of what you're looking at. I don't think I even realized yet that I'm in a different country. Well, I guess I sort of have, but it's still hard to wrap your mind around.
Later in the day we walked into the Vatican. What a place! I didn't even take my camera since we were performing, but I was glad I didn't. It is definitely a place you need to visit more than once, just so the first time you can try to take everything in, and later take pictures and such. When you walk in it is overwhelming! You don't even know what to think, it's so solemn and everyone is in a state of reverence. Then suddenly you feel almost unworthy, but then you realize, that's not what it's about. Everyone is worthy... It's the point of Christianity. Then we sang. I didn't think it was going to be as great as it was. The best part for me was at the end of the mass, the little monk who was playing the organ gave us a little silent applause. That took the whole thing straight to heart for me. It was truly amazing. The first thing they asked was if we could come back next year!!!
Anyway, we have much more to come, so we will do our best to keep you up to date with our experiences.
We also visited the Roman Forum, which was amazing. It's crazy to think that the things we were looking at were just ruins. I can even imagine how majestic that place looked in its prime. It was truly breath-taking. I know for me, I didn't even know what to think. Of course you want to appreciate what you're seeing, but it's so surreal that you can't even fathom the magnitude of what you're looking at. I don't think I even realized yet that I'm in a different country. Well, I guess I sort of have, but it's still hard to wrap your mind around.
Later in the day we walked into the Vatican. What a place! I didn't even take my camera since we were performing, but I was glad I didn't. It is definitely a place you need to visit more than once, just so the first time you can try to take everything in, and later take pictures and such. When you walk in it is overwhelming! You don't even know what to think, it's so solemn and everyone is in a state of reverence. Then suddenly you feel almost unworthy, but then you realize, that's not what it's about. Everyone is worthy... It's the point of Christianity. Then we sang. I didn't think it was going to be as great as it was. The best part for me was at the end of the mass, the little monk who was playing the organ gave us a little silent applause. That took the whole thing straight to heart for me. It was truly amazing. The first thing they asked was if we could come back next year!!!
Anyway, we have much more to come, so we will do our best to keep you up to date with our experiences.
Lina A. Zamora
Good Morning from Rome! This is our first full day of our tour and we are very excited to be here. Last night we had a wonderful dinner at the hotel with traditional Italian food, which was delicious. We also had a rehearsal after dinner and I am glad to say that we are totally ready for our big performance today in St. Pater's Basillica. Its our big day and we have a long day ahead of us. We are going to tour ancient Rome and see all the rich history that the city of Rome has to offer. We are really excited and grateful to be here. Thanks for keeping up with us, Ciao!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Arriving in Rome
We have arrived, or at least half of the group has arrived. Since the Master Chorale is made up of about 60 students, we were not all able to get onto the same flights for the trip to Rome. Flight group "A" flew on Air France and left before flight group "B", who traveled to Rome via British Airways. Flight group "A", of which I am a part, arrived about 3:30pm (about 2 hours ago) Rome time to the hotel, and we are expecting the rest of our group to join us shortly. We are all going to enjoy a welcome dinner together here at the hotel tonight, followed by a short rehearsal to prepare for the Mass we will be singing at St. Peter's Basilica tomorrow afternoon at 5:00pm.
The journey to Rome was a long one, begun more than 27 hours ago. But, through the long lines at 4 different airports, and near mishaps with missing luggage and instruments in Rome, we made it, and are looking forward to this trip of a lifetime!
-Ruben Rincon, Jr.
The journey to Rome was a long one, begun more than 27 hours ago. But, through the long lines at 4 different airports, and near mishaps with missing luggage and instruments in Rome, we made it, and are looking forward to this trip of a lifetime!
-Ruben Rincon, Jr.
We are here!
Ciao!
We have finally arrived in Rome after several flights and layovers in Houston and Paris. The many hours on the plane were tiring, so finally getting to the hotel was a relief! The hotel is cozy what is most interesting is the small size of the shower and beds. A group of us went to a nearbye café and we ordered sanwiches using a mix of Italian, Spanish and English. That was a fun experience to start off the trip.
Currenty, everyone is relaxing and refreshing themselves waiting for dinner time to roll around. After dinner we will have a short rehearsal to prepare for tomorrow's performance in St. Peter's Basilica. Everyone is looking forward to what the week is going to bring! Until next time!
-Heathcliff A. Lopez
We have finally arrived in Rome after several flights and layovers in Houston and Paris. The many hours on the plane were tiring, so finally getting to the hotel was a relief! The hotel is cozy what is most interesting is the small size of the shower and beds. A group of us went to a nearbye café and we ordered sanwiches using a mix of Italian, Spanish and English. That was a fun experience to start off the trip.
Currenty, everyone is relaxing and refreshing themselves waiting for dinner time to roll around. After dinner we will have a short rehearsal to prepare for tomorrow's performance in St. Peter's Basilica. Everyone is looking forward to what the week is going to bring! Until next time!
-Heathcliff A. Lopez
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Breathe in the familiar air of confusion and chaos*
Adam Gonzalez, Harlingen
I didn’t sleep last night in anticipation of the voyage to come. It took 15.3245817365 hours to pack which is 15.3245817364 hours longer than it usually takes me. My mind has been filled with “did I pack my toothbrush”…”where’s my good underwear”. I had no idea how ponderous the preparations are for an international journey; and that was just the menial details. The man hours put in by a great many individuals must be astronomical. Yet, as I sit in the George Bush Houston International Airport, I am surrounded by the overwhelming white squall of emotions; fear…anxiousness… wide eyed wonder! After an uneventful night spent in front of my TV, my parents and I rushed to the UTB/TSC campus to meet the rest of the group. The rest of the day has been spent racing through gargantuan airports, catching buses and biding through TSA security. This is the first chance that I’ve had to reflect and catch my breath. Now that my psyche has caught up with my body, I reflect upon what I leave behind. I leave behind my homework…my home…and the world as I once knew it. This is the first time that I am traveling abroad. Words fall short to express the experience of such a trip. An unintentionally provincial life was my lot until college. My father was a mechanic and my mother had an unofficial home business as day-time child care taker. One might consider me a write off with no exceptional connections or bank accounts to speak of. It was financial aid, and perseverance on my part, that took me to the University of North Texas. My time at the University of North Texas was paramount to my training as a musician…and now at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College I have been given the opportunity to tour Italy with the UTB/TSC Master Chorale. What lies ahead waits to be found.
* "Give Me Your Eyes,” by Brandon Heath
I didn’t sleep last night in anticipation of the voyage to come. It took 15.3245817365 hours to pack which is 15.3245817364 hours longer than it usually takes me. My mind has been filled with “did I pack my toothbrush”…”where’s my good underwear”. I had no idea how ponderous the preparations are for an international journey; and that was just the menial details. The man hours put in by a great many individuals must be astronomical. Yet, as I sit in the George Bush Houston International Airport, I am surrounded by the overwhelming white squall of emotions; fear…anxiousness… wide eyed wonder! After an uneventful night spent in front of my TV, my parents and I rushed to the UTB/TSC campus to meet the rest of the group. The rest of the day has been spent racing through gargantuan airports, catching buses and biding through TSA security. This is the first chance that I’ve had to reflect and catch my breath. Now that my psyche has caught up with my body, I reflect upon what I leave behind. I leave behind my homework…my home…and the world as I once knew it. This is the first time that I am traveling abroad. Words fall short to express the experience of such a trip. An unintentionally provincial life was my lot until college. My father was a mechanic and my mother had an unofficial home business as day-time child care taker. One might consider me a write off with no exceptional connections or bank accounts to speak of. It was financial aid, and perseverance on my part, that took me to the University of North Texas. My time at the University of North Texas was paramount to my training as a musician…and now at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College I have been given the opportunity to tour Italy with the UTB/TSC Master Chorale. What lies ahead waits to be found.
* "Give Me Your Eyes,” by Brandon Heath
Enervated
Mood: Riconoscente
Thank you for all your help Mr. Hanna.
:]
However, I have a migraine which has been taunting my brains out since when we departed from Harlingen Airport this afternoon. Fortunately, some choral members were prepared and shared some Tylenol with me. :D Thus my head-ache is a little lighter. :] Even so, I'm still extremely sleepy. -_- I only had 1 1/2 hrs. of sleep last night and I'm more than positive that all the other choral members are feeling equally as tired as myself.
Well, nonetheless. We will get aboard our next flight that will be departing at 5:35PM. and will arrive at Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris, France at 8:50AM. tomorrow.
That's about a 16-17HR. flight. We will all for sure get our voices rested and beauty sleep, no doubt about that.
:D
I just can't wait to have the soles of my feet on European soil.
I'm falling into Z's.
Amo il nostro Signore Jesus Christ e tutto fa nella mia vita. Roma, Italia qui sono venuto.
Muah...
-Michael Andrew S.
Juan Lara
Its been great so far. Everything is going super fast though. We get of a bus, then hop on a plane, then chill at the airport. I feel really excited though. I don't care if I feel tired, I just can't wait to travel across the Atlantic and get to our destination safe and sound. Right now, we are waiting here at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport ready to get on the Air France flight. Erin, Michael, and I had a really good lunch at a burger joint here at the Airport. From Paris, we finally head to Italy. I've been anticipating this trip for a very long time now and I just can't wait to see the wonderful country of Italy and get a taste of their culture.
In Houston
Michael Espinoza, Brownsville
The day has started off so good. We all met at the band hall and got stuff fixed and me and my mom did a small interview and the experience was so awesome. I had never done anything like that before, especially with my mom. Of course I doubled checked I had my passport and all was well. We got on the bus and headed for Harligen to catch our first flight. I had missed the adrenaline of that moment when the plane takes off . So far the flights have been very enjoyable and i've gotten some naps in between. Right now we're in Houston, and just relaxing and eating till the next flight , for me the stop will be at Paris next...
The day has started off so good. We all met at the band hall and got stuff fixed and me and my mom did a small interview and the experience was so awesome. I had never done anything like that before, especially with my mom. Of course I doubled checked I had my passport and all was well. We got on the bus and headed for Harligen to catch our first flight. I had missed the adrenaline of that moment when the plane takes off . So far the flights have been very enjoyable and i've gotten some naps in between. Right now we're in Houston, and just relaxing and eating till the next flight , for me the stop will be at Paris next...
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Peggy Sue Reyna
Ciao! (hello)
Today was the University's 'Arrivederci' send-off for our upcoming Italy tour. It was such a fun and exciting way to say "Farewell Texas, Ciao Italy!"It meant so much to be surrounded by the University and our loved ones wishing us a safe journey. I can honestly say it was the first time I felt the weight of this trip upon the chorale. In spite of all the planning and logistics, it still felt like a dream that could vanish in an instant. As Dr. Garcia described the Master Chorale's performances in Rome as UT-Brownsville's performance on the "world stage", we were filled with a sense of reverence for our voyage. It was no longer just the choir going to Italy, it was 58 Americans traveling to represent our collection of hometowns stretching from Brownsville to Laredo to Corpus Crisiti and others. It really is a historical moment for our University and the pressure is almost frightening. However, we cannot feel anything aside from positive for our tour. In the rehearsal room, our discussions slowly turned from music to travel as our trip drew nearer. For many, this will be their first journey overseas while others have traveled no further than Texas. Our questions grow more frequent and detailed in case of any miss hap with luggage, music, money, electronics, clothing, the airplane, food etc. The anxiety becomes clearer and more consistent in our voices even with the most ridiculous deatil. As our journey draws closer and our imaginations get carried away, we begin our transformation from a 58 individual ensemble to one Master Chorale. We begin to depend on one another for reminders, safety, travel groups, wake-up calls, check ups etc. Mrs. Brumely is constantly keeping the chorale informed so that we can be prepared for anything. Even now, I can hear the many safety tips and warnings offered from her and the music faculty that will accompany us on tour. She is becoming not only our conductor, but a mother-figure who we turn to regarding our questions and worries. The music faculty are becoming beacons of safety in an unfamiliar, foreign world. I could not have asked for better hands to be placed in. Knowing that we are under the watchful eyes of our loved ones, I can breathe easier with the concept of being so far from home.
Buona notte! (goodnight)
Today was the University's 'Arrivederci' send-off for our upcoming Italy tour. It was such a fun and exciting way to say "Farewell Texas, Ciao Italy!"It meant so much to be surrounded by the University and our loved ones wishing us a safe journey. I can honestly say it was the first time I felt the weight of this trip upon the chorale. In spite of all the planning and logistics, it still felt like a dream that could vanish in an instant. As Dr. Garcia described the Master Chorale's performances in Rome as UT-Brownsville's performance on the "world stage", we were filled with a sense of reverence for our voyage. It was no longer just the choir going to Italy, it was 58 Americans traveling to represent our collection of hometowns stretching from Brownsville to Laredo to Corpus Crisiti and others. It really is a historical moment for our University and the pressure is almost frightening. However, we cannot feel anything aside from positive for our tour. In the rehearsal room, our discussions slowly turned from music to travel as our trip drew nearer. For many, this will be their first journey overseas while others have traveled no further than Texas. Our questions grow more frequent and detailed in case of any miss hap with luggage, music, money, electronics, clothing, the airplane, food etc. The anxiety becomes clearer and more consistent in our voices even with the most ridiculous deatil. As our journey draws closer and our imaginations get carried away, we begin our transformation from a 58 individual ensemble to one Master Chorale. We begin to depend on one another for reminders, safety, travel groups, wake-up calls, check ups etc. Mrs. Brumely is constantly keeping the chorale informed so that we can be prepared for anything. Even now, I can hear the many safety tips and warnings offered from her and the music faculty that will accompany us on tour. She is becoming not only our conductor, but a mother-figure who we turn to regarding our questions and worries. The music faculty are becoming beacons of safety in an unfamiliar, foreign world. I could not have asked for better hands to be placed in. Knowing that we are under the watchful eyes of our loved ones, I can breathe easier with the concept of being so far from home.
Buona notte! (goodnight)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Signorina Brenda A. Gamez =)
I printed out a list of basic Italian phrases today.. I can't say I've been practicing, but at least I've mastered the phrase: "Parli inglese?" or "Do you speak English?" ha. That should be useful, right? =) I seriously cannot believe that we will be in Italy in just four days! This is incredible. This is going to be the trip of a lifetime, and I feel so blessed to be a part of it. It's felt like it's been months and months and countless months away.. and now, it's here. finally! Our official sendoff is tomorrow.. at the Eidman courtyard at noon. It should be pretty fun. So, be there. Well, Devo andare adesso, in other words: I have to go! =) Actually, I haven't even started packing, and I should definitely get to that... Ciao!
-brenda =)
-brenda =)
Monday, March 2, 2009
Welcome to our blog
On behalf of the UTB/TSC Master Chorale, thank you for your interest on our tour of Italy. In the coming weeks, members of the chorale will blog about their experiences, thoughts and memories from Italy.
During our week long trip, from Sunday, March 15 to Saturday, March 22, we will visit the cities of Assisi, Florence, Lucca, Montecatini and Orvieto, with out highlight performance at at St. Peter’s Basilica at High Mass at the Vatican on Monday, March 16.
Before we depart, however, we will also report on our progress and events that will lead us to the performance of a lifetime.
During our week long trip, from Sunday, March 15 to Saturday, March 22, we will visit the cities of Assisi, Florence, Lucca, Montecatini and Orvieto, with out highlight performance at at St. Peter’s Basilica at High Mass at the Vatican on Monday, March 16.
Before we depart, however, we will also report on our progress and events that will lead us to the performance of a lifetime.
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