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Current time in Bologna, Italy
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Update 3...Friday night
The concert was a huge success!! We performed outside at Bologna's Piazza Santo Stefano. The weather was nearly perfect (just a touch of wind), the stage was wonderful, and the crowd was large and very appreciative. In fact, we were called back for THREE encores!
Today we relocated to Milan to catch an early flight home tomorrow. We visited the Duomo (the main cathedral) and toured La Scala Opera House. There are pictures below--just a few of the thousands we have taken over the last week.
Thanks for all your thoughts, prayers, and kind words. The students and Dr. Neal appreciate them! We look forward to seeing everyone when we return.
Thursday afternoon and evening
The stage in Bologna's Piazza Santo Stefano
Rehearsal the afternoon of the concert
It was a big audience that night!
Don't they look great under the lights?
Another performance picture
Dr. Neal bowing after one of the pieces
Acknowledging the ensemble
Friday
Inside the Duomo in Milan
Outside the Duomo
Today we relocated to Milan to catch an early flight home tomorrow. We visited the Duomo (the main cathedral) and toured La Scala Opera House. There are pictures below--just a few of the thousands we have taken over the last week.
Thanks for all your thoughts, prayers, and kind words. The students and Dr. Neal appreciate them! We look forward to seeing everyone when we return.
Thursday afternoon and evening
The stage in Bologna's Piazza Santo Stefano
Rehearsal the afternoon of the concert
It was a big audience that night!
Don't they look great under the lights?
Another performance picture
Dr. Neal bowing after one of the pieces
Acknowledging the ensemble
Friday
Inside the Duomo in Milan
Outside the Duomo
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Update number two...Thursday afternoon
It has been an amazing trip! We have experienced the art, food, and culture of Italy in remarkable ways, and everyone seems to be having a wonderful time. The weather has been beautiful, and every day has brought new experiences we will all cherish for a lifetime.
The pictures and brief descriptions here can not convey the beauty of the places we have visited, and the warmth of the people of northern Italy has impressed us all. Here are a few highlights...
Tuesday in Bologna
The flute section in front of the Neptune fountain at Bologna's Piazza Maggiore
A South African youth marimba band performs.
Dr. Neal with the Mayor of Bologna
Shopping after a publicity appearance!
Rehearsal that afternoon was a marathon, but we all agreed that it was better than doing shorter rehearsals every day. There are no pictures because the photographer was busy conducting the band, but rest assured, a great time was had by all!
Wednesday in Florence
The Florence skyline taken from a lookout at the city's edge
The domed ceiling inside the Duomo, the main cathedral in the city
Outside the Duomo...amazing architecture!
Students put on a fashion show for each other at one of the Florentine leather shops. We have some great pictures of Mr. Lloyd modeling in this fashion show, but we'll save those to bribe him later on!
Some of the guys rented bicycles to see more of Florence before we returned to Bologna for the evening.
Thursday in Bologna
Waiting for the tour bus Thursday morning...I think they are getting tired!
Students take in a lecture at the Anatomical Theatre at the University of Bologna. Founded in the 11th century, this is the oldest university in Europe. The school has over 100,000 students!
It is currently Thursday afternoon in Bologna, and we are all resting at the hotel in preparation for our performance tonight for the World Conference of the International Society for Music Education.
We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers. Please know that we are honored to share the McMurry experience with the world this evening. Our students have been outstanding ambassadors, and are prepared to give an inspired performance this evening. Since it is an outdoor concert, please pray for no wind and excellent intonation!
The pictures and brief descriptions here can not convey the beauty of the places we have visited, and the warmth of the people of northern Italy has impressed us all. Here are a few highlights...
Tuesday in Bologna
The flute section in front of the Neptune fountain at Bologna's Piazza Maggiore
A South African youth marimba band performs.
Dr. Neal with the Mayor of Bologna
Shopping after a publicity appearance!
Rehearsal that afternoon was a marathon, but we all agreed that it was better than doing shorter rehearsals every day. There are no pictures because the photographer was busy conducting the band, but rest assured, a great time was had by all!
Wednesday in Florence
The Florence skyline taken from a lookout at the city's edge
The domed ceiling inside the Duomo, the main cathedral in the city
Outside the Duomo...amazing architecture!
Students put on a fashion show for each other at one of the Florentine leather shops. We have some great pictures of Mr. Lloyd modeling in this fashion show, but we'll save those to bribe him later on!
Some of the guys rented bicycles to see more of Florence before we returned to Bologna for the evening.
Thursday in Bologna
Waiting for the tour bus Thursday morning...I think they are getting tired!
Students take in a lecture at the Anatomical Theatre at the University of Bologna. Founded in the 11th century, this is the oldest university in Europe. The school has over 100,000 students!
It is currently Thursday afternoon in Bologna, and we are all resting at the hotel in preparation for our performance tonight for the World Conference of the International Society for Music Education.
We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers. Please know that we are honored to share the McMurry experience with the world this evening. Our students have been outstanding ambassadors, and are prepared to give an inspired performance this evening. Since it is an outdoor concert, please pray for no wind and excellent intonation!
Monday, July 21, 2008
The first two days...
We made it safely from Abilene to Bologna, although it was a long trip!
After taking an early bus to DFW airport, we went through the long check-in process for groups traveling overseas. Taking an entire wind ensemble that far requires lots of organization!
The flight from New York to Milan was approximately 8.5 hours, and the students actually got a little sleep during that time...at least some of them. We arrived at 8:10 a.m. Italy time (1:10 a.m. Abilene time) and began our first day. We traveled by bus to Cremona, where we toured the Stradivarius Museum, and then continued to our hotel in Bologna. After a wonderful dinner provided for us at the hotel, most of us went straight to sleep!
Monday took us to Venice. We took a charter bus to the port outside Venice, and took a boat to the main island and started out with a guided tour of the Doge's Palace. Then we visited St. Mark's Square and Basilica. After lunch and some gondola rides, we returned to Bologna to celebrate another great day in Italy.
Tomorrow, we meet the Mayor of Bologna and have an afternoon rehearsal to put the finishing touches on our upcoming concert for the World Conference of the International Society for Music Education.
Here are some pictures from our travels so far...
Abilene sunrise on our way to the airport. We won't see THAT again for at least a week!
Pre-flight excitement
Leaving the airport, traveling towards Milan. We're really here!
Enjoying the exhibits at the Stradivarius Museum in Cremona
Cathedral in Cremona
Italian countryside on our way to Venice
On the ferry, approaching the main island of Venice
Artistic staircase the the Doge's Palace
Students watch a glass-blowing demonstration at the Murano workshop in Venice
Gondola rides!
All of us outside St. Mark's Basilica.
Everyone is adjusting well to a different time zone, different food, and different cultural practices. The greatest crisis may be the absence of Dr. Pepper anywhere in Italy (gasp!).
Check back soon to learn about our next adventures!
After taking an early bus to DFW airport, we went through the long check-in process for groups traveling overseas. Taking an entire wind ensemble that far requires lots of organization!
The flight from New York to Milan was approximately 8.5 hours, and the students actually got a little sleep during that time...at least some of them. We arrived at 8:10 a.m. Italy time (1:10 a.m. Abilene time) and began our first day. We traveled by bus to Cremona, where we toured the Stradivarius Museum, and then continued to our hotel in Bologna. After a wonderful dinner provided for us at the hotel, most of us went straight to sleep!
Monday took us to Venice. We took a charter bus to the port outside Venice, and took a boat to the main island and started out with a guided tour of the Doge's Palace. Then we visited St. Mark's Square and Basilica. After lunch and some gondola rides, we returned to Bologna to celebrate another great day in Italy.
Tomorrow, we meet the Mayor of Bologna and have an afternoon rehearsal to put the finishing touches on our upcoming concert for the World Conference of the International Society for Music Education.
Here are some pictures from our travels so far...
Abilene sunrise on our way to the airport. We won't see THAT again for at least a week!
Pre-flight excitement
Leaving the airport, traveling towards Milan. We're really here!
Enjoying the exhibits at the Stradivarius Museum in Cremona
Cathedral in Cremona
Italian countryside on our way to Venice
On the ferry, approaching the main island of Venice
Artistic staircase the the Doge's Palace
Students watch a glass-blowing demonstration at the Murano workshop in Venice
Gondola rides!
All of us outside St. Mark's Basilica.
Everyone is adjusting well to a different time zone, different food, and different cultural practices. The greatest crisis may be the absence of Dr. Pepper anywhere in Italy (gasp!).
Check back soon to learn about our next adventures!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Away we go...
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Thursday, July 17, 2008
Updated Itinerary!!
This should be the final one...
McMurry University Wind Ensemble
Italy Tour and Performance at the
World Conference of the International Society for Music Education
July 19 – 26, 2008
ITINERARY
All times on this itinerary are indicated in local time.
Dr. Neal’s cell number is (325) 518-7843. He will not have text messaging capabilities.
Call in case of emergency only!
Our Tour Manager is Enrica Angeli. She will be with us the entire week.
Saturday, July 19
5:15 a.m. Bus arrives at Ryan Recital Hall – put your luggage in specified loading area for
loading crew.
6:00 a.m. Bus leaves Ryan Recital Hall for DFW Airport
9:00 a.m. Arrive at DFW Airport to begin baggage and equipment check
11:50 a.m. Depart DFW at on American Airlines Flight 384 to JFK Airport (NY)
4:45 p.m. Arrive at JFK Airport
5:45 p.m. Depart New York City on American Airlines Flight 198 to Milan
Flight time is approximately 8.5 hours.
Sunday, July 20
8:10 a.m. Arrive in Milan
After we clear customs, board the bus, travel from Milan to Cremona (110 km)
Arrive mid-day in Cremona – lunch on your own there
Afternoon Visit the Stradivarius Museum
Continue to Bologna (159 km)
Check into hotel
Hotel Aemilia
Via Zaccherini Alvisi 16
I-40138 Bologna
phone +39 0513940311
8:00 p.m. Dinner provided at the hotel
Monday, Jul 21, 2008
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
8:00 a.m. Bus leaves for full-day excursion to Venice
Bologna – Venice 154 km
10:15 a.m. Board boat to travel to Venice
11:00 a.m. Morning walking tour of Venice includes
· St. Mark's Square
· Bell Tower
· Entrance to St. Mark’s Cathedral and Doges Palace paid
12:30 p.m. Lunch and afternoon on your own
4:00 p.m. Return to Bologna for the night – meeting location to be announced on-location before lunch.
Dinner and evening on your own
Tuesday, July 22
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
9:30 a.m. REQUIRED - Leave for ISME-arranged meeting with the Mayor of Bologna
Attire = travel uniform (black pants/socks/shoes with maroon shirts)
9:45 a.m. Arrive at Municipality Palace
10:30 a.m. Meet with the Mayor
11:00 a.m. Return to hotel
Lunch on your own
3:00 p.m. REQUIRED - Afternoon rehearsal at hotel
Dinner and evening on your own
Wednesday, July 23
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
8:00 a.m. Bus leaves for full-day excursion to Florence
Bologna – Florence 105 km
10:45 a.m. Morning guided sightseeing tour includes:
· Piazza della Signoria
· Palazzo Vecchio
· Ponte Vecchio
· Baptistry
· Campanile
· Entrance to Duomo
· Entrance to Academy of Fine Arts (entrance fees paid)
Lunch on your own in Florence
Afternoon Drive to Fiesole and Piazzale Michelangelo (both overlooking Florence)
Meeting time and location TBA that day.
Return to Bologna
Dinner and evening on your own
Thursday, July 24
9:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
10:00 a.m. Morning city tour of Bologna, including
· Piazza Maggiore
· Piazza del Nettuno
· Piazza di Porta Ravegnana
· Fontana del Nettuno
· Basilica di San Petronio
· Entrance do the Museo Civico Archeaologico
Lunch and afternoon your own
Early dinner on your own - stay close!
6:30 p.m. REQUIRED - Leave hotel on bus, dressed for concert (travel uniform with black tour shirts), with all music and equipment
7:30 p.m. REQUIRED – Rehearsal on-site
9:30 p.m. REQUIRED - Concert performance for the World Conference of the International Society for Music Education
Return to hotel via bus – pack that evening
Friday, July 25
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
8:30 a.m. Check out of hotel – return keys – load bus for trip to Milan
9:00 a.m. Bus leaves for Milan
Bologna – Milan 325 km
Lunch on your own
2:00 p.m. Guided sightseeing tour includes:
· entrance to La Scala Opera House and Museum
· entrance to the Duomo
7:00 p.m. Dinner provided at local establishment
Check into the hotel after dinner
Hotel le Robinie
Via Per Busto Arsizio, 9
I-21058 Solbiate Olona-Va
phone +39 0331 329 260
Saturday, July 26
6:15 a.m. Check out of hotel – return keys – load bus to go to airport
6:45 a.m. Bus leaves for Milan Airport (box breakfast taken with you)
7:30 a.m. Arrive at Milan Airport for baggage and equipment check
10:35 a.m. Depart Milan via American Airlines Flight 199 to JFK Airport
1:40 p.m. Arrive at JFK Airport – be ready to clear customs!
· Passport
· Items to claim
· VAT receipts
3:10 p.m. Depart JFK via American Airlines Flight 2033 to DFW
6:00 p.m. Arrive at DFW Airport
Bus to Abilene - probably arrive around 10:00 or 11:00 p.m.
Updated Itinerary!!
This should be the final one...
McMurry University Wind Ensemble
Italy Tour and Performance at the
World Conference of the International Society for Music Education
July 19 – 26, 2008
ITINERARY
All times on this itinerary are indicated in local time.
Dr. Neal’s cell number is (325) 518-7843. He will not have text messaging capabilities.
Call in case of emergency only!
Our Tour Manager is Enrica Angeli. She will be with us the entire week.
Saturday, July 19
5:15 a.m. Bus arrives at Ryan Recital Hall – put your luggage in specified loading area for
loading crew.
6:00 a.m. Bus leaves Ryan Recital Hall for DFW Airport
9:00 a.m. Arrive at DFW Airport to begin baggage and equipment check
11:50 a.m. Depart DFW at on American Airlines Flight 384 to JFK Airport (NY)
4:45 p.m. Arrive at JFK Airport
5:45 p.m. Depart New York City on American Airlines Flight 198 to Milan
Flight time is approximately 8.5 hours.
Sunday, July 20
8:10 a.m. Arrive in Milan
After we clear customs, board the bus, travel from Milan to Cremona (110 km)
Arrive mid-day in Cremona – lunch on your own there
Afternoon Visit the Stradivarius Museum
Continue to Bologna (159 km)
Check into hotel
Hotel Aemilia
Via Zaccherini Alvisi 16
I-40138 Bologna
phone +39 0513940311
8:00 p.m. Dinner provided at the hotel
Monday, Jul 21, 2008
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
8:00 a.m. Bus leaves for full-day excursion to Venice
Bologna – Venice 154 km
10:15 a.m. Board boat to travel to Venice
11:00 a.m. Morning walking tour of Venice includes
· St. Mark's Square
· Bell Tower
· Entrance to St. Mark’s Cathedral and Doges Palace paid
12:30 p.m. Lunch and afternoon on your own
4:00 p.m. Return to Bologna for the night – meeting location to be announced on-location before lunch.
Dinner and evening on your own
Tuesday, July 22
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
9:30 a.m. REQUIRED - Leave for ISME-arranged meeting with the Mayor of Bologna
Attire = travel uniform (black pants/spcks/shoes with maroon shirts)
9:45 a.m. Arrive at Municipality Palace
10:30 a.m. Meet with the Mayor
11:00 a.m. Return to hotel
Lunch on your own
3:00 p.m. REQUIRED - Afternoon rehearsal at hotel
Dinner and evening on your own
Wednesday, July 23
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
8:00 a.m. Bus leaves for full-day excursion to Florence
Bologna – Florence 105 km
10:45 a.m. Morning guided sightseeing tour includes:
· Piazza della Signoria
· Palazzo Vecchio
· Ponte Vecchio
· Baptistry
· Campanile
· Entrance to Duomo
· Entrance to Academy of Fine Arts (entrance fees paid)
Lunch on your own in Florence
Afternoon Drive to Fiesole and Piazzale Michelangelo (both overlooking Florence)
Meeting time and location TBA that day.
Return to Bologna
Dinner and evening on your own
Thursday, July 24
9:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
10:00 a.m. Morning city tour of Bologna, including
· Piazza Maggiore
· Piazza del Nettuno
· Piazza di Porta Ravegnana
· Fontana del Nettuno
· Basilica di San Petronio
· Entrance do the Museo Civico Archeaologico
Lunch and afternoon your own
Early dinner on your own - stay close!
6:30 p.m. REQUIRED - Leave hotel on bus, dressed for concert (travel uniform with black tour shirts), with all music and equipment
7:30 p.m. REQUIRED – Rehearsal on-site
9:30 p.m. REQUIRED - Concert performance for the World Conference of the International Society for Music Education
Return to hotel via bus – pack that evening
Friday, July 25
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
8:30 a.m. Check out of hotel – return keys – load bus for trip to Milan
9:00 a.m. Bus leaves for Milan
Bologna – Milan 325 km
Lunch on your own
2:00 p.m. Guided sightseeing tour includes:
· entrance to La Scala Opera House and Museum
· entrance to the Duomo
7:00 p.m. Dinner provided at local establishment
Check into the hotel after dinner
Hotel le Robinie
Via Per Busto Arsizio, 9
I-21058 Solbiate Olona-Va
phone +39 0331 329 260
Saturday, July 26
6:15 a.m. Check out of hotel – return keys – load bus to go to airport
6:45 a.m. Bus leaves for Milan Airport (box breakfast taken with you)
7:30 a.m. Arrive at Milan Airport for baggage and equipment check
10:35 a.m. Depart Milan via American Airlines Flight 199 to JFK Airport
1:40 p.m. Arrive at JFK Airport – be ready to clear customs!
· Passport
· Items to claim
· VAT receipts
3:10 p.m. Depart JFK via American Airlines Flight 2033 to DFW
6:00 p.m. Arrive at DFW Airport
Bus to Abilene - probably arrive around 10:00 or 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Concert Program
McMurry University Wind Ensemble
Dr. Christopher M. Neal, Conductor
performance at the
World Conference
of the
International Society for Music Education
Thursday, July 24 at 9:00 p.m.
Piazza S. Stefano
Bologna, Italy
Dr. Christopher M. Neal, Conductor
performance at the
World Conference
of the
International Society for Music Education
Thursday, July 24 at 9:00 p.m.
Piazza S. Stefano
Bologna, Italy
Program
Flourish for Wind Band - Ralph Vaughan Williams
An American Tapestry - Daniel Kallman
Shenandoah - Frank Ticheli
Lincolnshire Posy - Percy Grainger
His Honor - Henry Fillmore
Flourish for Wind Band - Ralph Vaughan Williams
An American Tapestry - Daniel Kallman
Shenandoah - Frank Ticheli
Lincolnshire Posy - Percy Grainger
His Honor - Henry Fillmore
We've gone public!!
Welcome to family members, McMurry University faculty/staff/students, and anyone else interested in the activities of the McMurry University Bands!
All posts below this one contain practical information about our upcoming trip to Italy to perform at the World Conference of the International Society for Music Education. Upcoming posts will detail our preparations for this event, and will have daily updates with pictures of our adventures in Italy.
Be sure to check this site daily from July 19-26 to see what we're up to!
All posts below this one contain practical information about our upcoming trip to Italy to perform at the World Conference of the International Society for Music Education. Upcoming posts will detail our preparations for this event, and will have daily updates with pictures of our adventures in Italy.
Be sure to check this site daily from July 19-26 to see what we're up to!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Tentative Itinerary
Some details are STILL coming to us from Italy, so while this itinerary is relatively solid, details could change at any time.
NYC is one hour ahead of us. Italy is 7 hours ahead of us.
All times on this itinerary are indicated in local time.
There are 1.6 kilometers in a mile.
Saturday, July 19
5:15 a.m. Bus arrives at Ryan Recital Hall – put your luggage in specified loading area for loading crew.
6:00 a.m. Bus leaves Ryan Recital Hall for DFW Airport
9:00 a.m. Arrive at DFW Airport to begin baggage and equipment check
11:50 a.m. Depart DFW at on American Airlines Flight 384 to JFK Airport (NY)
4:45 p.m. Arrive at JFK Airport
5:45 p.m. Depart New York City on American Airlines Flight 198 to Milan
Flight time is approximately 8.5 hours.
Sunday, July 20
8:10 a.m. Arrive in Milan
After we clear customs, board the bus, travel from Milan to Cremona (110 km)
Morning Visit the Stradivarius museum in Cremona
Lunch on your own in Cremona
Afternoon Continue to Bologna (159 km)
Check into hotel
Hotel Aemilia
Via Zaccherini Alvisi 16
I-40138 Bologna
phone +39 0513940311
Dinner provided that evening at the hotel
Monday, Jul 21, 2008
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
8:00 a.m. Bus leaves for full-day excursion to Venice
Bologna – Venice 154 km
10:15 a.m. Board boat to travel to Venice
11:00 a.m. Morning walking tour of Venice includes
• St. Mark's Square
• Bell Tower
• Entrance to St. Mark’s Cathedral and Doges Palace paid
12:30 p.m. Lunch and afternoon on your own
4:00 p.m. Return to Bologna for the night
Dinner and evening on your own
Tuesday, July 22
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
9:30 a.m. REQUIRED - Leave for ISME-arranged meeting with the Mayor of Bologna
Attire = travel uniform (maroon shirts)
9:45 a.m. Arrive at Municipality Palace
10:30 a.m. Meet with the Mayor
11:00 a.m. Return to hotel
Lunch on your own
3:00 p.m. REQUIRED - Afternoon rehearsal at hotel
Dinner and evening on your own
Wednesday, July 23
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
8:00 a.m. Bus leaves for full-day excursion to Florence
Bologna – Florence 105 km
Morning guided sightseeing tour includes:
• Piazza della Signoria
• Vecchio
• Ponte Vecchio
• Baptistry
• Campanile
• Entrance to Duomo
• Entrance to Academy of Fine Arts (entrance fees paid)
Lunch on your own in Florence
Afternoon Visit Fiesole and Piazzale Michelangelo (both overlooking Florence)
TBA Return to Bologna
Dinner and evening on your own
Thursday, July 24
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
9:00 a.m. Morning city tour of Bologna, including
• Piazza Maggiore
• Piazza del Nettuno
• Piazza di Porta Ravegnana
• Fontana del Nettuno
• Basilica di San Petronio
• Entrance do the Museo Civico Archeaologico
Noon Lunch on your own
3:00 REQUIRED – Brief rehearsal at hotel
4:30 Early dinner on your own (stay close!)
7:00 p.m. REQUIRED - Leave hotel on bus, dressed for concert (travel uniform with black tour shirts), with all music and equipment
9:30 p.m. REQUIRED - Concert performance for the World Conference of the International Society for Music Education
Return to hotel via bus
Friday, July 25
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
Morning Transfer to Milan
Bologna – Milan 325 km
Lunch on your own
Afternoon Guided sightseeing tour includes:
• entrance to La Scala Opera House and Museum
• entrance to the Duomo
Check into the hotel after sightseeing that day
Hotel le Robinie
Via Per Busto Arsizio, 9
I-21058 Solbiate Olona-Va
phone +39 0331 329 260
Evening Dinner provided at local establishment
Saturday, July 26
6:45 a.m. Bus leaves for Milan Airport (box breakfast taken with you)
7:30 a.m. Arrive at Milan Airport for baggage and equipment check
10:35 a.m. Depart Milan via American Airlines Flight 199 to JFK Airport
1:40 p.m. Arrive at JFK Airport – be ready to clear customs!
3:10 p.m. Depart JFK via American Airlines Flight 2033 to DFW
6:00 p.m. Arrive at DFW Airport
Bus to Abilene - probably arrive around 10:00 or 11:00 p.m.
NYC is one hour ahead of us. Italy is 7 hours ahead of us.
All times on this itinerary are indicated in local time.
There are 1.6 kilometers in a mile.
Saturday, July 19
5:15 a.m. Bus arrives at Ryan Recital Hall – put your luggage in specified loading area for loading crew.
6:00 a.m. Bus leaves Ryan Recital Hall for DFW Airport
9:00 a.m. Arrive at DFW Airport to begin baggage and equipment check
11:50 a.m. Depart DFW at on American Airlines Flight 384 to JFK Airport (NY)
4:45 p.m. Arrive at JFK Airport
5:45 p.m. Depart New York City on American Airlines Flight 198 to Milan
Flight time is approximately 8.5 hours.
Sunday, July 20
8:10 a.m. Arrive in Milan
After we clear customs, board the bus, travel from Milan to Cremona (110 km)
Morning Visit the Stradivarius museum in Cremona
Lunch on your own in Cremona
Afternoon Continue to Bologna (159 km)
Check into hotel
Hotel Aemilia
Via Zaccherini Alvisi 16
I-40138 Bologna
phone +39 0513940311
Dinner provided that evening at the hotel
Monday, Jul 21, 2008
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
8:00 a.m. Bus leaves for full-day excursion to Venice
Bologna – Venice 154 km
10:15 a.m. Board boat to travel to Venice
11:00 a.m. Morning walking tour of Venice includes
• St. Mark's Square
• Bell Tower
• Entrance to St. Mark’s Cathedral and Doges Palace paid
12:30 p.m. Lunch and afternoon on your own
4:00 p.m. Return to Bologna for the night
Dinner and evening on your own
Tuesday, July 22
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
9:30 a.m. REQUIRED - Leave for ISME-arranged meeting with the Mayor of Bologna
Attire = travel uniform (maroon shirts)
9:45 a.m. Arrive at Municipality Palace
10:30 a.m. Meet with the Mayor
11:00 a.m. Return to hotel
Lunch on your own
3:00 p.m. REQUIRED - Afternoon rehearsal at hotel
Dinner and evening on your own
Wednesday, July 23
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
8:00 a.m. Bus leaves for full-day excursion to Florence
Bologna – Florence 105 km
Morning guided sightseeing tour includes:
• Piazza della Signoria
• Vecchio
• Ponte Vecchio
• Baptistry
• Campanile
• Entrance to Duomo
• Entrance to Academy of Fine Arts (entrance fees paid)
Lunch on your own in Florence
Afternoon Visit Fiesole and Piazzale Michelangelo (both overlooking Florence)
TBA Return to Bologna
Dinner and evening on your own
Thursday, July 24
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
9:00 a.m. Morning city tour of Bologna, including
• Piazza Maggiore
• Piazza del Nettuno
• Piazza di Porta Ravegnana
• Fontana del Nettuno
• Basilica di San Petronio
• Entrance do the Museo Civico Archeaologico
Noon Lunch on your own
3:00 REQUIRED – Brief rehearsal at hotel
4:30 Early dinner on your own (stay close!)
7:00 p.m. REQUIRED - Leave hotel on bus, dressed for concert (travel uniform with black tour shirts), with all music and equipment
9:30 p.m. REQUIRED - Concert performance for the World Conference of the International Society for Music Education
Return to hotel via bus
Friday, July 25
7:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
Morning Transfer to Milan
Bologna – Milan 325 km
Lunch on your own
Afternoon Guided sightseeing tour includes:
• entrance to La Scala Opera House and Museum
• entrance to the Duomo
Check into the hotel after sightseeing that day
Hotel le Robinie
Via Per Busto Arsizio, 9
I-21058 Solbiate Olona-Va
phone +39 0331 329 260
Evening Dinner provided at local establishment
Saturday, July 26
6:45 a.m. Bus leaves for Milan Airport (box breakfast taken with you)
7:30 a.m. Arrive at Milan Airport for baggage and equipment check
10:35 a.m. Depart Milan via American Airlines Flight 199 to JFK Airport
1:40 p.m. Arrive at JFK Airport – be ready to clear customs!
3:10 p.m. Depart JFK via American Airlines Flight 2033 to DFW
6:00 p.m. Arrive at DFW Airport
Bus to Abilene - probably arrive around 10:00 or 11:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Packing advice from our Tour Company
When packing for your trip, bring clothes that can be color coordinated and layered according to the weather.
Also keep in mind these tried-and-true tips:
Also keep in mind these tried-and-true tips:
- Bring comfortable walking shoes as your tour will include CONSIDERABLE walking. Negotiating cobblestone streets, hill-climbing, and touring old castles (with no elevators) are all common activities. New shoes can cause blisters and pain!
- Dress appropriately for tours of churches and cathedrals. Although many of the great cathedrals and churches in Europe are top tourist attractions, they are still used as houses of worship, and many require that visitors wear proper clothing, especially in Italy and Spain where one’s knees and arms should be covered when entering a church. Avoid shorts and immodest outfits. You may be asked to leave by a church official if your clothing is considered inappropriate.
- Discourage purse snatchers and pickpockets by bringing small money/passport holders or handbags with long straps that you can sling across your body, bandoleer-style, and with a zippered compartment for money and other valuables.
- Bring an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Bring rainwear. Plastic rain ponchos, which often come in a small square package, are easy to pack and can be purchased very inexpensively.
- Your luggage should be light but sturdy. Because you are responsible for your own luggage, the less you have, the happier you’ll be.
- Sample-size toiletries in leak-proof containers which are organized in a waterproof plastic bag work best. Due to security issues, liquids and gels may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Since these restrictions are subject to change, you may want to check for specific restrictions 24 to 48 hours prior to your departure.
- Most medications should be carried in your carry-on bag and kept in their original pharmacy containers. Due to security issues, some medications may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Since these restrictions are subject to change, you may want to check for specific restrictions 24 to 48 hours prior to your departure.
Important Reminder about Luggage
- Don't forget that checked bags can be a maximum of 62" total (length + width + depth) and 50 lbs. You (not the McMurry Band!) will be charged at check-in for any checked bags that are over-sized and/or over weight. Also, remember that you will have to carry your own baggage!
- Carry-on bags can be a maximum of 45" total dimension, and must fit either under a seat or in an overhead compartment. If it is too big, the airline will make you check the bag and charge you for doing so.
Airlines now only allow very small quantities of liquids (around 3 oz.) in carry-on bags, so plan accordingly.
Monday, June 30, 2008
A few more details...
Here are a few more details about the trip.
I heard back from MCI about money today, and they recommend the following:
I heard back from MCI about money today, and they recommend the following:
- Don't take traveler's checks. Vendors run out of change very quickly when 45 of us all show up at once.
- Plan to use a credit card or debit card as much as possible. A debit card must access a checking account, not only a savings account, for it to work in most cases. To obtain Euros, use your card at an ATM once you arrive there.
- Check with your bank to be sure your ATM/Debit card will work overseas.
- Be sure to alert all card holders that you will be traveling overseas. Unusual charges will sometimes cause your account's fraud protection to freeze the card.
- You can exchange US Dollars for Euros here or in Italy, but most places will charge a service fee. We will not stop in the Milan Airport to exchange currency.
- MCI also indicated that lunches will probably cost a minimum of 10-12 Euros, and dinners will likely cost a minimum of 20-25 Euros.
- Breakfast will be provided every day at the hotel. Dinner will be provided on the 20th and the 25th. You are on your own for the other dinners, as well as all lunches.
- Our customary travel uniform, including nice black pants, black shoes, black socks, and the new maroon McMurry Band shirt.
- Performance shirt to be distributed before we leave. This will be work with black pants, black shoes, and black socks.
- You will NOT need concert black tuxes or dresses at all on this trip. It will probably still be in the mid-80's at performance time, and our performance is at an outdoor venue.
- Some churches do not allow visitors with shorts, so you may want to bring a comfortable pair of long pants for sightseeing at some locations.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Overseas Gadget Tips
Here are some tips for using your phones, etc. overseas...
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13515_3-9972188-26.html
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13515_3-9972188-26.html
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
ISME Performance Schedule
Just so you can see who else will be at the ISME conference...
Click here to see the ISME Conference performance schedule
Also, you can access the main conference website by clicking here.
Click here to see the ISME Conference performance schedule
Also, you can access the main conference website by clicking here.
Rooming Lists
Rooming lists will be distributed to the ensemble during the week of rehearsals. You may email Dr. Neal if you need a copy before then.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Performance Location
We perform at the Piazza S Stefano on Thursday, July 24th at 9:00 p.m. Here are some pictures of the location.
It's almost time!
Here are a few initial tidbits of information about the trip. I just got off the phone with MCI (Music Celebrations International - the company planning the trip for us), and we expect a more detailed itinerary any day.
Departure
July 19, 2008
Bus from Abilene to DFW Airport that morning
Arrive Milan 8:10 a.m.
Bus from Milan to Bologna.
Return
July 25, 2008
Bus from Bologna to Milan, and spend the night in Milan.
July 26, 2008
HOTELS
Bologna
July 20-25
Hotel Aemilia
Via Zaccherini Alvisi 16
I-40138 Bologna
Telephone: 011 390 5 1394 0311
FAX: 011 390 5 1394 0313
WWW: www.aemiliahotel.it
Milan
July 25-26
Hotel Le Robinie
Via Per Busto Arsizio, 9
I-21058 Solbiate Olana-Va
Telephone: 011 390 33129260
FAX: 011 390 331 620887
WWW: www.lerobinie.com
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Note: All times are local to the event.
Note: All times are local to the event.
Departure
July 19, 2008
Bus from Abilene to DFW Airport that morning
- American Airlines Flight 384
- Depart DFW at 12:05 p.m.
- Arrive New York City 4:45 p.m.
- American Airlines Flight 198
- Depart New York City 5:45 p.m.
Arrive Milan 8:10 a.m.
Bus from Milan to Bologna.
Return
July 25, 2008
Bus from Bologna to Milan, and spend the night in Milan.
July 26, 2008
- American Airlines Flight 199
- Depart Milan 10:35 a.m.
- Arrive New York City 1:40 p.m.
- American Airlines Flight 2033
- Depart New York City 3:10 p.m.
- Arrive DFW 6:00 p.m.
HOTELS
Bologna
July 20-25
Hotel Aemilia
Via Zaccherini Alvisi 16
I-40138 Bologna
Telephone: 011 390 5 1394 0311
FAX: 011 390 5 1394 0313
WWW: www.aemiliahotel.it
Milan
July 25-26
Hotel Le Robinie
Via Per Busto Arsizio, 9
I-21058 Solbiate Olana-Va
Telephone: 011 390 33129260
FAX: 011 390 331 620887
WWW: www.lerobinie.com
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