Kickapoo and Springfield, you should be so proud of the Chamber Choir!  First thing this morning, the bus took us to Fourth Presbyterian Church where the choir performed four pieces for three judges.  They sang their hearts out and did an incredible job!  They even got an "Amen" after the last song from one of the judges. 

The next few hours were spent on Michigan Avenue shopping and eating lunch.  A very important moment happened for Mr. C and Mr. Clark that I would be in trouble for not mentioning.  As we walked into the famous "Ditka's Steak House" for lunch, there they saw him.  Mike Ditka was having his lunch just a few feet away from us.  They got their picture taken with him and were both very excited!

We ended the day at Orchestra Hall.  We found out before the performance that although we did not get the top rating, we were the only public school invited to the festival, competed against Private Liberal Arts based schools from all over the country and Canada, received a Division I rating from all 3 judges and received a beautiful crystal trophy to share with the school.  The concert was magnificent and seeing KHS kids performing on the stage of Orchestra Hall was an experience no one will ever forget. 

Tomorrow morning, we load the bus at 9:30 and on the road home.

Between the performances, the stamina, and the attitudes of these kids, I am a very proud director's wife!

So for now, good night!
Mrs. C

What a busy, busy day. 

The honor choir started out the day today with rehearsal first thing this morning.  I think there were a few tired kids after the late night last night. 

From rehearsal, we boarded the bus and headed downtown Chicago.  We spent a good portion of the day at Shedd Aquarium with a dolphin show and lunch mixed in. 

Next came the nerve test of the day.  25 of the 29 people ventured to the 103rd floor of Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) to step out on the glass floor.  Most went out on the ledge and there were even some who dared headstands looking straight down 1,353 feet to the ground below.  The choir then performed for everyone in the Skydeck getting wonderful reviews.

After joining up with the whole group, we walked from Willis Tower to Millennium Park with a bypass to stop in front of Orchestra Hall where the concert will be tomorrow night. 

Wrapping up the night with a banquet dinner for all participants of the Festival of Gold and both Mass Choir and Honor Choir rehearsals it's time to call it a night.  Tomorrow is the big competition at Fourth Presbyterian Church in downtown Chicago and the concert tomorrow night in Orchestra Hall. 

So for now from Chicago, we wish you all a good night. 
Mrs. C

A full day is planned today.  We will be leaving the hotel this morning to spend the day at Shedd Aquarium where we will also see a dolphin show then off to Willis Tower.  How many will go brave the heights and go over the edge to view Chicago from the glass bottom skydeck 103 stories in the air?  Time will tell.  Then on to Millennium Park.

Tonight, the banquet, rehearsal, and a good nights sleep.  Competition begins early tomorrow morning! 

We have arrived in Chicago after a long day on the bus and have been going non-stop ever since.  After checking in to our beautiful hotel, we all joined together for dinner at Buca di Beppo where a choir sing-off went on between Kickapoo and a girls choir from Fargo, North Dakota. 

Then rehearsal began.  12 of our choir members have joined an honor choir group directed by Elena Sharkova, director of Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale in San Jose, California.      

Saturday began with yoga (yes, yoga) and rehearsal for the honor choir followed by a short rehearsal for the Chamber Choir.  Then the shopping began.  We had three hours of free time which was spent mainly at the mall across the parking lot.  I'm not sure that some of the girls made it to more than one store, the 3000 square foot "Forever 21". 

In the afternoon, the Chamber Choir had the honor of working with Ms. Sigrid Johnson from St. Olaf College in Minnesota (the rival music school to Mr. C's undergrad).  It was wonderful to hear that she had to be very picky with the choir for things to critique.  The kids sounded wonderful and she was amazed with the performance. 

We ended the night at Navy Pier for dinner then off to the theater to see the production of "The Pirates of Penzance".  The kids became familiar with what they are up for in the fall when Kickapoo brings this to our stage. 

It has been a very fun first couple of days.  Everyone should be very proud of these kids.  They are a wonderful group to travel with and I look forward to getting to know them better every day of the trip. 

We will keep you posted on our adventures throughout the rest of our travels.  Good night.

Mrs. C

We're leaving for Chicago on Friday!  Please be sure to pack for the weather (www.weather.com) and bring a small collapsoble umbrella. 

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all ready for you on Friday so you won't have to spend any money on our first day!

Don't forget to pack your concert dress and at least two other formal outfits for