(Or how long can you spend reading about, learning about, looking at pictures of a place before you actually go?)
I'll finally be on my way in a couple of hours, and I still don't think it's really hit me yet. It is still very abstract to me, or perhaps it feels like it's happening to someone else rather than me. I feel quite blessed to be able to go on this trip, and if you've found your way here I look forward to sharing the experiences and all the wacky hi-jinks I might find myself in. よろしく おねがいします! (yoroshiku onegaishimasu!) [In this context: please treat me kindly as you visit the blog!]You'll find all the flickr pictures at this collection: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wake-eat-sleep/collections/72157623524122053/
Another year, another concert season over. The concert "season" as far as concerts that utilize Old St. Pats as a rehearsal location, starts off in September with practices for Deck the Halls on Tuesdays and Thursdays, followed shortly thereafter by Too Hot to Handel rehearsals on Monday. Deck the Halls happens in late November, early December which clears the week until Siamsa na nGael rehearsals start up in January taking up the usual Tuesday and Thursday spot. This year's concert had a number of twists to it, as a performer. We were moved from our typical spot in the choir down to the stage level and on risers due to a slide show of pictures that they wanted to display in that spot instead. Based on sight lines, it wasn't the most ideal for maintaining a perfect visual on the conductor. Secondly, after rehearsing in smaller SATB (Soprano-Alto-Tenor-Bass) combinations, we also performed in that formation for the first time. It went okay, though I feel that there was still room for optimization to get the most sound from having the right people placed in the right areas. As an indirect attendee, I thought that the Trinity Dancers had a fun little number this year. Rather than the routine that I was accustomed to: a small number of dancers, gradually building up to more in number, before bringing out a younger Trinity Dancer, or a young male dancer; the first set of dancers came out with drumsticks (mallets?)! The music was heavily drum-based, with the dancers rapping a beat out using their sticks while dancing and posturing in various ways to a Gary Fry written piece named Celtic Tiger. It was different, and quite entertaining! All in all, as much as I enjoy concerts, I also like having my weeknights back and going back to the regular routine of Sunday music only.Here's some pictures:
As I was walking the neighborhood today, I noticed a lot of oddly dressed folk today. (well perhaps not as strange, but well coordinated into themes in fact.)Turns out that we're along the Chiditarod 2010 race route, and good old 5-Star was one of the pit stops: http://www.chiditarod.org/Enjoy some of the pictures that I took: Boy Scouts Run Forrest...RUN!
I'll finally be on my way in a couple of hours, and I still don't think it's really hit me yet. It is still very abstract to me, or perhaps it feels like it's happening to someone else rather than me. I feel quite blessed to be able to go on this trip, and if you've found your way here I look forward to sharing the experiences and all the wacky hi-jinks I might find myself in. よろしく おねがいします! (yoroshiku onegaishimasu!) [In this context: please treat me kindly as you visit the blog!]You'll find all the flickr pictures at this collection:
