Spring Tour 2008 Blog

Headed_Home

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:07:58 -0500

Projected Return is 11:45 PM - 12:30 AM.
*Please arrive at 11:30 PM and know that we are headed to Holy Trinity and our best guess arrival time should arrive between 11:45 PM and 12:30 AM.
*Please leave the main aisle clear for the busses (like when we left).
*We have some group gear to unload when we arrive. We would appreciate it if everyone pitched in and helped. The kids (and parents) have practiced this all weekend and are considered set-up and tear-down professionals.

See you in a few hours!
-Utz

Fiesta_Texas

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 15:21:34 -0500

Six Flags is a blast - kids (and parents) are riding the rides, watching the shows, and enjoying a relaxing last day of the trip. I’ve gotta go get back out there.

-UTZ

Day_2_Comments

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:40:28 -0500

As I sit in my room tonight, I’ve been thinking about what a great day we had! The kids sounded great at both concerts and I can’t tell you how many compliments the band received. In fact, our staff member at Sea World said she couldn’t believe that the kids were in middle school! It is so much fun to hear the bands improve as they get more familiar with playing on the road. It has been a blast for me to hear the bands this weekend.

I also have to point out what a great group of chaperones we have on the trip. All day, all trip actually, they have jumped in and helped load and unload busses, watch instruments, act as security, keep track of the kids, and just pitch in. They have helped make this trip enjoyable for all the kids and on behalf of all the Music Learning Staff, thank you.

Well, I have to rest up so I can be at the top of my game for Six Flags Fiesta Texas. I’ll check in with you later.

Remember, if the website goes inactive, please call 972-499-0831 option 2 to find out when we have left Six Flags and our best estimate return to Holy Trinity in Dallas tomorrow night.

-UTZ

Sea_World_Concert

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:35:42 -0500

For our final concert, we couldn’t have had a better location. We played at the front of Sea World while people from all over San Antonio heard us on their way into the park. The kids all sounded great! Our honor band wrapped up the concert with the crowd favorite “Swing the Mood”. I didn’t know all the great musicians in the band could dance too!

We’re off inside Sea World to see Shamu, dolphins, ride roller coasters, and so much more. I’ll check in later.

- UTZ

History_Talk

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:55:53 -0500

After our great concert - the band members and their parents listened to a very informative and entertaining talk about the history of Texas and especially the battle at the Alamo. After the talk, the visit through the rest of the Alamo shrine took on a little more meaning.

No pictures allowed in the shrine, so I’ll post once we’re at Sea World!

-UTZ

Concert_at_Alamo

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 08:52:56 -0500

Wow - the bands sounded great this morning. It is a unique sight to see the downtown area of San Antonio stop when the band plays the “Star Spangled Banner”. The bands were once again a hit with all their popular songs, especially “Phantom of the Opera” and the “Hey Song”.

We’re also getting better at setting up for concerts faster. A special thanks to the very helpful chaperones and roadies who are helping the band this weekend.

Off to see the Alamo.

-UTZ

Pan_For_Gold

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:03:36 -0500

After the tour of the caverns, the kids had a chance to strike it rich panning for gold and other precious gemstones at Natural Bridge. I can’t believe how many pieces of pyrite, crystal, sapphires, emeralds, and even fossils the kids found just playing in the dirt! Tomorrow will be a busy day with two different concerts. I’ll try to update the blog a little more regularly. I’ll catch up in the morning.

-UTZ

Underground

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:15:09 -0500

After a great concert, the kids (and parents) traveled more than 180 feet below ground and toured Texas’s largest cavern structure. They learned about stalactites, stalagmites, fred eggs, and all sorts of other cool cave formations. We also found out that today is the anniversary of Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery more than 40 years ago! Be sure to ask about your child how 70 degrees at 99% humidity feels!

-UTZ

Natural_Bridge_Concert

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:36:01 -0500

Wow - the bands sounded AWESOME at the Natural Bridge Caverns concert. All the visitors inside and outside the caverns heard the Beginning, Intermediate/Advanced Band, and the limited edition “QB Superband” perform hits like “We Will Rock You” (appropriate, right?), “The Hey Song”, Let’s Go Band, and the Theme from Rocky (also appropriate for caverns).

The kids sounded great and the crowd went wild. I’ll check in again later!

-UTZ

On_the_Road

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 06:34:59 -0500

We have left Holy Trinity and are on our way to Natural Bridge Caverns. The tour is off to a great start with so many great parents and students.

Please check this blog throughout the trip to see what we’re doing on tour, hear some clips of the bands performing, and keep up with any fast breaking news from the road. I’ll also do my best to post a note up here when we leave Fiesta Texas on Saturday. That way, you’ll see a projected return time to Holy Trinity.

I’m going to get back to hanging out on my bus - I’ll check in later.
-UTZ