Emily's Exploits

On Sunday we got to sleep in and then attend lunch and Sacrament Meeting in our hotel. It was a very special spiritual experience. And hymn singing was the very best!  Around 2 pm we were given the freedom to roam the city and do as we pleased-- I ended up making a new set of friends! Headed up by Shipley Munson who grew up here in New York City, I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge! It was a beautiful and overcast day so we were not too hot.  After our momentous crossing, we came to the 9/11 memorial and Saint Paul's Church. My last time here in 2006, the memorial was simply a big pit under construction. The ladies from Valhalla Vox also sang an impromptu performance of Dona Nobis Pacem. I can't remember the name of the composer of that particular text setting but it was a special experience for me. It was nice to be back.  It was a nice visit. On both the Brooklyn Bridge and also at the Memorial we sang "America the Beautiful" ...

First day in New York! Today we had a relaxing morning and time to get breakfast in Times Square, upon which Alison and I ran into George Cohan, famous composer of "Give my regards to Broadway".  We left at 11:45 for Bethel Woods, the performance site which famously sits on the same grounds of the Woodstock music festival of 1969! Apparently it rained for 3 hours straight at one point of the festival and they stopped the shows until the rain passed. When we arrived at Woodstock it was raining-- so we had about 9 hours of continuous rain and wind! It was 54 degrees. In the middle of June!! The venue is outside though luckily covered. We watched them set up the stage while we snuggled under my blanket for warmth.  Rich was sporting his blanket from the airplane, as were many others who didn't have jackets.  Being in the choir is an amazing experience that takes a lot of behind the scenes work. I can't even believe all the logistics involved. Barry Anderson helps us out ...

This morning we had an early start. We left the hotel at 7:45 for DC. It was a beautiful day, and luckily overcast so I didn't get too hot! This lush little garden outside one of the art galleries captured my attention. I probably could've spent an hour there just writing thoughts in my journal but I decided it was better to meet up with friends and family! I was able to first meet up with my friend Michael Slawson, who had come to the concert the evening before at Strathmore! It was a surprise to see him waving to me from the audience. And nice to have even just a 10 minute catch up--we haven't talked since I told him I was engaged. I love pleasant little surprises that God will give you along the way through life :) Then I went shopping at Union Station! I was proud of myself for navigating the metro successfully to get there. And I bought a 2 new pairs of elephant earrings for my collection! I now have elephant earrings from Vienna, Prague, Santa Barbar...

Last night after I blogged Alison and I went to the hotel pool to hang out with other choir buddies. We had fun! This morning we lazily got out of bed and went to breakfast in the hotel, another grand meal! We took buses over to the Strathmore Music Center, where we are spending the day performing a matinee and evening concert.  Rich, Christian, Alison, Me! I can't make a silly face-- I end up smiling and laughing every time! Sound check this morning was great! I seriously got the chills and had one of those "this is why I was born" moments-- what an absolute honor to sing in such a lovely space. Oh, and I'm not on the back row! Janine, Angela, Karen and I were all marveling at the fact that we were 3 rows down instead of at the very tippy top. It's nice for a change of scenery. And we are right next to the percussion, which makes for some AMAZING moments. The tabernacle, as amazing as it is, is very hard to hear the orchestra. When we are squished on these smalle...

Herein I intend to keep track of events and fun things happening on my very first Mormon Tabernacle Choir Tour! It's been great so far-- I could not ask for a better group of 600+ people to travel with! First, Ryan dropped me and Mindy off at the airport, where we were greeted by many kind people who told us where to go! Ryan will meet me in New York next week! I walked around the airport with Amber Bezzant and Jean Applonie to get some exercise before boarding. Our seats on the chartered plane were assigned. I sat next to Andrea from Syracuse, UT and we had a great time!   We had a really funny staff who made jokes the whole ride. We also started our plane ride off with a prayer, which was awesome! I think every plane ride should begin with a prayer. Definitely calmed my nerves.  And this, my friends, is what was served for lunch! It was breakfast food- surprisingly delicious. Thanks Delta! Oh and notice the mini salt and pepper shakers!...