East Coast Tour Day 6

Mark and Mike went to the ABC affiliate WTVR with 20 plus Cantabile boys.  The rock stars showed Richmond what the Boychoir is all about on “Virginia This Morning”.   They looked great and sounded great.  They also saw how Richmond makes a 2.5 foot high hamburger.  It helps to have a guy like Mike around to grease the wheels in the TV world. They also recorded a holiday song to be used this coming holiday season in Richmond.  The rest of the choir went to the Museum of the Confederacy.  The museum sat next to the White House of the south and divided itself into three areas; how the Civil War effected civilians, artifacts from the period, and art.  There was a picture of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson meeting on horseback just before the battle at Chancellorsville where Jackson was mortally wounded (see Day 2 blog for more details).  They had a mural of Lee’s headquarters tent with the actual items he used including boots, bed, silver eating utensils and plates.  The morning was cool and breezy, a welcome change from the last few days of hot sun and humidity.  So we walked to the State Capital, saw a beautiful sculpture of George Washington and then down to Brown’s Island where we had sandwiches and sat on the bank of the James River.  It was the mouth of the James River where the famous Battle of the Monitor and Merrimack took place.  Next we visited the American Civil War Museum.  It was part of a historical site that included the Tredegar Iron Works, the largest munitions, steel and fabricating factory in the south.  This museum’s focus is on presenting a balance between the Confederacy, Union and African American perspectives of what built up to, happened during and what the continuing results of the Civil War are.  One of the highlights was learning how to fire a muzzle loading cannon.  After a couple of “deaths” because of poor loading techniques the participants were able to simulate the firing in less than 30 seconds.  We went back to the hotel for some rest before going to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for the performance.  This was a spectacular church.  Historically we learned that it is the only church in the world where one person wrote one check and paid for the entire church.  The benefactor wanted it to be acoustically state of the art and it was.  After rehearsal we were treated to a dinner prepared by a chef and our waiters were from the Knights of Columbus.  They also gave us an ice cream social outside the church after the performance that was a wonderful surprise for the boys.  The concert was live streamed, something we will be doing more of as we perfect the process.  There was a very large audience for a Wednesday night.  The boys filled the huge space with their music and received the praise and congratulations we regularly see after performances.  Back to the hotel, a little swim, and snack then off to bed for a 6:15 wakeup call.

East Coast Tour Day 5

Hey y’all. The boys were up at 6 and on the road by 7:45 headed to the Naval Base at Norfolk.  Just before we left, a hotel security official came up to a couple of chaperones and told them that in his 15 years of being in security at the hotel he had never met young boys so well behaved.  He commented that for a group of boys that size he was astonished there wasn’t one noise complaint.  As we headed to Norfolk half the boys slept the other half played cards, drew pictures, created a collage/mural on the bus wall or read.  We arrived at a food court in a mall on the edge of the base for an informal sing.  The sound was surprisingly good for a mall.  The boys sang and were well received with cheers, bravos and warm compliments, especially for “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8otFPu_g2U. Norfolk Naval Base is the largest naval base in the US, covering nearly 30,000 acres with 40,000 people.  We passed through security letting people with extra metal pieces in their bodies go first, so Hooyah ( a Navy cheer) for titanium and the metal plate Todd says he has in his skull.  The buses were boarded by Navy personnel and the tour began.   We were informed that security had been heightened since April from Alpha to Bravo Level (second of four levels) because ISIS has put the base on its list of places it would like to terrorize.  After seeing the weaponry and people in uniform, good luck with that ISIS.  Some of the interesting things we learned included the facts that there are helicopters the Navy has that are too big to fit on an aircraft carrier, battleships are being decommissioned, there are Navy bombers that use up half their fuel taking off due to the weight and the Navy is developing an aircraft carrier that will have no people on board (that part could be top secret so mums the word).  We left the base and drove about an hour to Virginia Beach.  The boys walked along the boardwalk (cement now), waded and walked along the ocean and of course found souvenirs to buy. It was hot, so the breeze off the ocean and toes (some boys a little more than toes) in the cool surf were welcome relief.  We arrived at the hotel in Richmond, VA and went immediately to dinner.  There was time for a swim in the pool then lights out.  A few boys have to get up early to be rock stars on TV in the morning the rest get to sleep a little later.

East Coast Tour Day 4

This morning was a struggle.  We had host families who didn’t want to let the boys go and boys who found a second home with new found siblings and parents.  We parted ways with promises to stay in touch and well wishes for a safe and fun tour.  Off to Mordecai Historical Park in Raleigh, NC.  The Mordecai House sat on a plantation of 5,000 acres, the largest in Wake County NC, and used 150 slaves to operate.  We saw the original house and other buildings that had been transplanted for authenticity.  These included a separate kitchen, management building and church.  The church accommodated about 75 people and was periodically visited by roaming ministers.  Slaves were not allowed to attend.  The 5,000 acres has been reduced to 3 and part of the property was donated to the State of North Carolina as a foundation for the city of Raleigh which ultimately became the capital of North Carolina.  Back on the bus and on to the North Carolina Museum of History.  We spent a short time there seeing the changes that occurred in the relationship between races.  There was a quick turnaround after the museum.  Checked into the hotel, traveled to First Presbyterian Church Durham, rehearsed (which was scary good and raised anticipation), ate another great meal provided by the church, then voice rest before the concert.  Not only is this church one of the oldest in Durham but it had amazing acoustics.  Easily the best sound so far (they just keep getting better). The boys performed for 100 people and received a couple of standing ovations.  We returned to the hotel where Auggie Nelson’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Glaser, treated us to ice cream and a smorgasbord of toppings.  The boys were exhausted and even with a heavy sugar infusion went to bed and fell asleep.  Tomorrow we will be going to Nofok Naval Base.  Sorry, we’re developing a southern accent.  Norfolk. 

East Coast Tour Day 3

Happy Father’s Day.  Host families got the boys back to Christ Lutheran Church at 8 AM sharp.  The boys were well fed, taken care of, happy and ready to sing.  There will be stories to tell about their home stay experiences.  The generosity and love that was received and appreciated was a joy.  One chaperone got to share a bed with a puppy because the host family gave up a treasured room usually occupied by one of their children.  Chaperones also heard how well behaved and exemplary the boys who stayed with them were.  At the church they sang for two services, one of which was live streamed, from the new chapel that was huge and state of the art.  The second performance was punctuated by a standing ovation, in a church, during a service.  Wow!  Following that performance and another enormous buffet lunch, the Allegro boys performed Finlandia for Virginia Pfeiffer in a small chapel where the memorial for Paul Pfeiffer had been held.  The sound was something other worldly that will be forever remembered by the singers and the few who were there to listen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghNd044VGMg&feature=youtu.be.  We left the church, our destination, the NASCAR Hall of Fame.  The boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves in the race simulator, pit crew challenges, race broadcasting and other exhibits and tests of skill and daring.  Two boys were able to jack up a simulated race car, change a tire, fill it up with gas and let the car down in 9.8 seconds.  A few boys and chaperones took a wandering tour of what is called Uptown Charlotte in 98 degree heat for about an hour before going back to Christ Lutheran Church to be met by our host families and be taken back to their homes for dinner and family fun.  Before leaving the church however, the boys paid a special tribute to dads https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaY6hLzYkd4&feature=youtu.be .  Tomorrow we will say good bye to our new extended families, leaving with great memories and travel on to Raleigh, NC as the East Coast Tour continues.

East Coast Tour Day 2

We awoke rested and ready for history, heat and the first official performance of the tour.  The boys ate in shifts filling up on eggs, sausage, bacon, fruit, cereal, juice and something that came out of an automatic pancake machine, allegedly a pancake.  We broke into three groups because the sightseeing venues were small and couldn’t accommodate large groups.  One of the stops was VMI, The Virginia Military Institute.  VMI was where Stonewall Jackson taught as a professor before the Civil War.  The VMI museum had an amazing display of guns. The exhibit was an evolution of muskets, revolving barrels, early machine guns, Olympic competition rifles, air rifles, and guns of silver and exotic wood that were hand carved.  There was also the oil cloth raincoat complete with bullet hole that Stonewall Jackson was wearing when he was shot in the arm behind enemy lines by friendly fire.  A wound he subsequently died from.  The museum was below an old chapel with great acoustics where Todd and the Allegro boys did a short version of Revelations for a few lucky people. These impromptu songs are one of the joys of being on tour.  Lexington is a small town with narrow streets and small shops.  Hard for buses to maneuver. Instead we walked around town in the “feels like 97 degrees” heat, had a little free time, stopped by the Stonewall Jackson house for a tour and ended with a picnic catered by Mountain Momma.  Back aboard the buses we drove four hours to Charlotte.  We were greeted at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church by Virginia Pfeiffer longtime friend and former Assistant Director of the choir.  There was a short warm up after which the boys and chaperones were treated to a huge and delicious buffet dinner.  We couldn’t have asked for a better start to performing on the tour.  The turnout was tremendous with the boys receiving a standing ovation and warm appreciation during the meet and greet afterwards.  We then went on to Christ Lutheran Church were we met the host families and were whisked off to their homes for a good night sleep and plans to return tomorrow for two worship service performances.

East Coast Tour Day 1

The boys stumbled through the Terminal 2 doors at 4:30 AM, connected with the chaperones, got their boarding passes, made it through TSA and received the first of many snacks and treats to come.  They rewarded the residents of Gate H5 with a couple of songs that Sun Country mentioned in their Facebook page.  We took off early, had a tail wind, approached Reagan National Airport along the Potomac, and after what appeared to be a possible water landing at first glance, ended with a smooth glide to the gate about a half hour early in Washington D.C.  Joe and Al were waiting for us in our familiar motor coaches and we were off to the Manassas/Bull Run battlefield.  We watched a movie together about the two battles (Manassas 1 and 2), had an hour or so to walk around the battlefield, look at cannons watch vultures and absorb the history on our own.  We were given a one hour walking tour of the battlefield that provided perspective on the nuances of how the first battle was fought and ultimately won by the South.  Then on to Lexington, VA through some beautiful scenery and ended up at Berky’s Restaurant for a buffet dinner of anything and everything they wanted to eat.  Berky’s has antique pedal cars hanging from the ceiling that at least one chaperone remembers using.  Off to the hotel, some DQ and then to bed.  Except for Allegro.  Allegro got to go on a walking ghost tour of Lexington, a very quaint town that felt the effects of the Civil War more than many. The walking tour was given by an entertaining guide through the alleys of Lexington and ended in a cemetery in the dark.  There were more DQ treats and then to bed.  Tomorrow we will see more of Lexington before heading to our first concert in Charlotte, NC.

Colorado Tour Day 8

A long day on the road. We had a slight delay (couldn't start the bus) of 12 minutes which put us on the highway at 7:42 am from Colorado Springs. We made it up by going 95 mph for awhile (buses can't go that fast). Well fed, the boys read, played cards, slept and did brain teasers. There was some singing and extreme sight seeing in Nebraska. We noted the turns and hills when they came up. There were a few rest area stops, lots of snacks and dinner at either DQ or Wendy's in Lincoln, NE before arriving a little early in Sioux City, IA. We are 8 days for 8 on rain. Upon arriving in Sioux City we were greeted yet again with a rainbow. This time it was a double rainbow. We will perform at the 9:00 am service at Trinity Lutheran Church before departing for home. It has been a joy and an honor being with these boys and young men. They truly exemplify what is good and beautiful in the world. They presented themselves courteously and were well behaved making chaperoning easy. We received numerous compliments from people not only for their singing but their behavior, confidence and good looks. It's a good thing more parents don't know how fun this is for chaperones or we would have to compete for the job. Thanks for sharing your son. Have a great summer.

Colorado Tour Day 7

We slept until 7:30 am, what a luxury.  Garden of the Gods was the choir's tour, photo op and gift shop stop today.  We watched a movie about how the rock formations were created and the evolution of their color.  We stayed on the bus and a tour guide gave us a guided bus tour of the park where we learned that we were passing through six different ecosystems with their unique plants and animals.  Because of its special nature different Native American tribes and white settlers used to mingle at the Garden of the Gods.  It's a very special place and the formations are spectacular.  We hiked for about 45 minutes on our own after the bus tour and ate lunch at the visitors center.  After our meal we were treated to a Native American dance performance.  The favorites were the Eagle and Hoop dances.  Responding to the dance, the boys sang Speak the Truth.  This brought tears to our Native American performers.  We returned to the hotel for a couple hours of down time before our final performance in Colorado.  While competing with the Pike's Peak foot race and road rally parties (part of it in our hotel) and a jazz festival at the Episcopalian church down the road, the boys brought in an audience of about one hundred people.  The audience wasn't disappointed.  The boys sang at the First Congregational Church, a beautiful church built in 1874 with wonderful acoustics, gorgeous windows and artistic woodwork.  People asked when the boys were coming back.  Tomorrow we are up early to board the buses and begin the trip home.

Colorado Tour Day 6

Another beautiful day, clear skies, great temperature. We started our day at 6,000 feet and left the hotel traveling just minutes west to Manitou Springs. Joe and Al had their challenges maneuvering the narrow streets and roundabouts of Manitou Springs. They could probably make the buses do pirouettes if they needed to. We boarded the Leadville Cog Railway, climbing Pike's Peak to 14,100 feet. We passed Pike's Peak granite, a 2,000 year old tree, snow, one of the most productive gold mines in the US, and mountain goats before arriving at the peak. The boys sang America the Beautiful, God Bless America and the Star Spangled Banner at the top. A perfect place to hear those songs and embrace the natural beauty of our country. On our way down we saw elk which was a first for some. A few minutes away from the cog railway we found ourselves spelunking our way through Cave of the Winds. It kept us cool as the above ground temperature rose to 88. We saw cave bacon, cave coral, stalactites, stalagmites, and as Ayden said, "stalagsights". There was a gift shop that took in some money from Minnesota too. Here the boys split up. Cantabile went to Manitou Springs for more shopping and Allegro went on to celebrate Allegro Night Out. Allegro ate at the Stagecoach Inn and had excellent burgers. They sang a thank you song that left the servers with their mouths open. One of them said it was the best tip they'd ever gotten. We jumped back on the bus and drove a couple minutes to Adventures Out West and ziplined 7 times each spanning over 200 hundred yards above a rocky gorge. We congratulated our bravery with smores and then went back to the hotel to wish Quinn Morrissey a happy birthday. The boys ate cake and ice cream because the smores weren't enough. We get a little extra sleep tomorrow then off to the Garden of the Gods and our last full day in Colorado.