Thursday, June 23, 2005

GREETINGS FROM EDINBURGH!

Happy Birthday, Rosie!

Well, I can’t think of anything to say except, “I told you so!” The kids only get better and better at performances and today was no exception! Perhaps we should add touring of Madison to our next year’s summer schedule?

We started out by getting picked up by the bus and our new city guide, Sue, who was full of fun facts about the city including the scoop on famous Scottish murderers and the most devoted dog of all time (check out the 1961 Disney movie about that one – no, sillies, the dog not the murderers!). The bus tour took us from the relatively new portion of the city since this part was only 250 years old, compared to the old city that included the Edinburgh Castle built on an extinct volcano 350 million years old! Unfortunately for us, Charles, Prince of Wales, was in town at the Holyrud Palace, so that was closed to the public. We climbed a steep hillside that overlooks the Palace, but no sight of Charles or Camilla – guess they’re still honeymooning! Ask the kids about the history of Holyrud Palace (here’s a hint: it has to do with an angry bull, some prayers and a cross).

For about 2 hour we got to ramble about the very, very old castle, saw the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the prisoner of war cells, ruins, guns and cannons, and where King James VI of Scotland, aka King James I of England was born to Mary, Queen of Scots. Fun trying to learn the long ago political history of Scotland and how it came to be part of England after all those battles, wars and turnovers of power.

Next we were off to the Craigmount High School where we ate our picnic lunches, warmed up (for the first time since last Saturday’s rehearsal), and performed for more than 100 high school music students. Cool to see them all in their “casual” uniforms versus those kids who go to private schools in kilt skirts (girls) and nice pants and sweaters (boys). These kids just seem to have to wear black pants and one of the various casual shirts the school issues. The audience was really great, and asked for “more!” Following the performance, they requested some time to speak with the kids – ohmygod – talk about kids going crazy! But they had a fantastic ½ hour of time together, and you know darn well that e-mail addresses were exchanged!

Whirlwind shopping at a great Scottish gift shop and then a silent (saving voices) ride to the Craigsbank Parish Church where some punch was waiting for us as the kids ate their sack dinners their homestay hosts had packed. Margaret had a few minutes for them to warm up and get used to the sanctuary acoustics, then get all formally dressed. Aaron had his new suit on, Peter looked adorable as usual and the girls all spiffed up like shiny new pennies! The first half of the concert was made up of performance selections by the church’s three choirs: children’s, youth, and adult. Then after a brief intermission, our kids took center altar and performed MAGNIFICENTLY! The audience was mesmerized by the kids, and they loved each and every selection. Margaret had it mixed up quite nicely and Aaron was his regularly fantastic accompanist to admire. After the last number, “Lord Bless You and Keep You” the kids had to hurry out of the sanctuary and quickly get undressed because we had to get our bus driver off duty (extremely strict Scotland laws). THE WHOLE TIME THE KIDS FILED OUT OF THE SANCTUARY, DOWN THE HALL AND INTO THE ROOM TO CHANGE, THE AUDIENCE WAS STILL CLAPPING! Christopher “Pooh Bear” Robin told us this was the closest he has ever seen to a standing ovation that can be done (no standing O’s in churches apparently)!

The kids were so cooperative in getting out of their concert dress and onto the bus.

We’re so proud of them today:
Their behavior
Their performances
Their extreme cooperation

Til next time,

Sue