Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed
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...
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
