San Diego Children's Choir, Germany/Austria Tour
Wednesday, July 5, 2000

Please click on any thumbnail to view a larger image; see journal below

Waiting to enter Neue Pinakothek Monet van Gogh van Gogh
Gauguin Monet Feuerbach Picasso
We're not sure.... Overbeck Ok, we received our culture quota for the day Glockenspiel Rathaus in the center of Munich
The fountains are amazing One at every turn The bell tower is high Cindy and Elizabeth
The Concert Choir at Oskar-von-Miller The Youth Choir Girls The Youth Choir

When I asked the almighty Joe on July 3 if I could write the entry for July 5, I had already promised to write the journal entries for two previous days. Now mind you, I did not neglect to write these entries because I was tired (even though I was) or lazy (even thought I am), but because I hadn't felt that I could sum up an experience to which the entire choir could relate. I knew that the final concert would be just such an experience, but I was in no way prepared for the surge of emotions that would permeate the group.

The concert itself was one of the best given this tour. The audience, filled with our homestays and other students of the gymnasium, was enthusiastic and receptive. At the end of the Youth Choir's section, the entire Youth Choir bowed to Mr. Herman in his typical fashion as a sign of gratitude. Canon and Thanh presented roses to the graduating seniors. As we walked off the stage, we were greeted with high-fives from the Concert Choir. We walked into the hallway, and several of the seniors, including myself, burst into tears. Realizing that choir, one of the few constants in my life had finally come to a close, was not a reality I was ready to face. I mean, I've grown up with these people, some of them for the last nine years. As I looked into each tear-stained face, I wondered how I could leave them. People that I barely knew greeted me with hugs and kinds words. The most moving part of the evening was singing "Goin Up A Yonder" with everyone in the hallway (Ed. note - this was during intermission, all others were outside having refreshments).

Before we went up to the balcony to enjoy the rest of the concert, I saw Mr. Herman. He told me not to be sad, that I was going on to bigger and better things. As I looked around the room at everyone, I replied in quiet disbelief, "How could anything be better than this?" I am fairly certain that no future moment will quite measure up to that.

Written by Sarah (from Ching's Chaperone Group).

 

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