And here we are, the final night of our trip to Ireland.  We are settling in for a good night's sleep before our long journey home tomorrow.  

It has been an exciting day in Dublin.  After breakfast, we loaded the coach and drove downtown to city center where we were joined by a local tour guide who took us around downtown and gave us a lot of history about the city and Ireland.  

The first stop where we got off the bus was Trinity College.  This college is nestled in the heart of Dublin and home to the Book of Kells which is a 9th century manuscript of the gospels of the bible, Matthew ,Mark, Luke and John.  This is the world's most famous medieval manuscript.  This book contains over 200 pages of calfskin paper.  It is truly a beautiful manuscript to view as well as the drawings accompanying them in full color.  

Upstairs above the Book of Kells is the Long Room.  This is one of the world's most beautiful libraries and includes over 200,000 of the oldest books housed right here on the campus of Trinity College.  Students and researchers may request any of the books in the library. A worker will retrieve it for them and they must stay in the reading room with the book until they are finished with it.  Th reading room will keep it available for them for any length of time but they are not allowed to leave that room. Can you imagine the world the kids at this college have at their doorstep?  

From there we went to Christ Church Cathedral. We had a bit of time to explore this historical church which is believed to have been built around 1030 at it's present location.  It was this church's cathedral choir, along with the the choir of St Patrick's cathedral who premiered Handel's Messiah back in 1742.  

Dinner tonight was at the Merry Ploughboys Pub.  Many kids tried Lamb for the first time. Others chose the chicken, beef, or fish.  I don't think anyone was disappointed with what they had.  We finished the meal out with warm apple pie.  During dinner we were entertained by live traditional Irish music and traditional Irish dancers and even including a couple of our own who were invited up on stage to dance.  They were all amazing and the kids really got into all of it and had a great time.  

Tonight we are settled into our rooms for one final night in Ireland.  This has truly been an amazing trip with many memories made.  Music truly does let you travel the world not just through the pieces but physically.  Music has taken my husband and I throughout the United States and several countries through Europe and now we are so excited to be apart of watching these kids make their own memories through their travel with music.  I truly hope you keep singing and see the rest of the world.  We could not have asked for a better group of kids and chaperones to travel with.  Thanks for the memories.

Signing off for the final time from Ireland.  See you soon, Springfield.
​Kristin

Good evening from Killarney!  We have arrived after a most beautiful drive that the pictures we took won't do it justice.  The sun on the mountains with the ocean bays below were breathtaking.  We have certainly done something right because the weather has been absolutely perfect for our trip!

This morning we packed up and said good-bye to Limerick and headed towards Killarney.  Along the way, we drove the Ring of Kerry which is an amazing view from just one of the peninsulas of South Ireland.  We stopped several times along the way at overlooks to view the gorgeous scenery of the Atlantic Ocean, mountains soaring into the clouds, and islands in the sea including Skellig Island which is also know as Star Wars Island featured in "The Force Awakens".  

After we checked into the hotel in Killarney, we had a wonderful three course dinner at the hotel.  Next door to our dining was a group of retirees from Ireland.  After dinner, they opened the wall dividing the two rooms so the choir could perform an impromptu concert for them singing two of their concert songs.  It was so appreciated by all of them.  

After dinner was time on our own.  Some chose to spend time in the swimming pool while others walked downtown enjoying the live music and shops along the streets.  It's 10:00 and we just walked in but the streets are no where near closing down.  Such a fun area to explore.  

We are all settled into our rooms now and ready to turn in for the night.  It has been yet another big day here in Ireland and we are up and out by 9 am tomorrow on our way to Dublin. 

Due to the VERY slow internet here in Killarney, I will have to try to upload more of our pictures from today when we get to Dublin tomorrow.  I got a few on just to give a sneak peak into our Monday adventures. 

Good night from the mountains...
​Kristin 

It has been a very quiet day here in Limerick. Everyone had the chance to sleep in and have a lazy morning.  Some of us chose to take the bus into Limerick to the grocery store.  All of the stores are closed on Sundays so the grocery store was the only option we had.  Lunch was on our own today so some got lunch at the store to make in our apartments. 

This afternoon was a full rehearsal with the festival choir and the local orchestra with dinner after at the Pavilion right here on campus.  

Tonight was the Closing Gala Concert.  Performing were the Parteen National School Choir, a children's choir of 40 from Ireland; the Milford National School Choir, a 60 voice choir made up of 4th through 6th grade classes here in Ireland; the Cantette, a county choir with voices from age 9 to 16 years from schools all around Limerick; and ending the concert with the Perform International Festival Choir which is all 3 choirs from Missouri directed by Dr. Cameron LaBarr and accompanied by the Limerick Chamber Players, a professional orchestra from Limerick.  As you can imagine, the walls rang with beautiful music and the choirs were spectacular!  If you did not have a chance to watch the concert live, it is available through the choir Facebook page.  There is a link to the live feed through Perform International. 

After the concert, there was a Post Concert Festival in the Pavilion on Campus as the final farewell to the festival portion of the trip with drinks, "nibblers", and time to let down and socialize.  The next two days are full of sight seeing through Ireland and a concert Wednesday of just the Kickapoo choir which will also be live streamed beginning at 1:15 pm (7:15 am Springfield time). 

Settling in for one more night here at the University of Limerick before heading down the road.  Time for a good night's rest. Memories are truly being made and above the performances, memories are the most important part of any of these trips.  Days may be forgotten but the memories and friends these kids have experienced and gained will always hold a special part in their lives.  

Until tomorrow.....

Kristin

Good evening, again from Limerick.  What a day perfect day it has been!

This morning started with another 2 1/2 hour rehearsal with the festival choir.  I stopped in for a bit and am so excited about the concert tomorrow night.  They sound spectacular!  

Today took us to the edge of the cliff!  We traveled from Limerick to the Cliffs of Moher where we had the most beautiful and clear weather.  Most have seen pictures of this or have seen the cliffs in movies such as Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, The Princess Bride , or Into the West but today we got to experience it all ourselves.  These cliffs were formed over 320 million years ago when the area was warmer and at the mouth of a large river.  The sand and mud from the river settled and created the rock layers that make up the cliffs.  You can clearly see these layers as you look over.  Also at the bottom of the cliff is Aileen's which is the largest surfing wave in Ireland and was the site of the movies "Sea Fever" and "Wave Riders". 
Most everyone hiked one direction or the other, although some went both ways.  We stood on top of 700 foot cliffs looking directly down on the Atlantic Ocean below and the waves crashing against the rocks.  Such a soothing sight and sound.  Also along the path were traditional Irish musicians playing harps, banjos, or squeezebox (small accordion looking instrument).  

Dinner tonight was together with all the festival choirs at the Pavilion right on the University Campus followed by another 2 1/2 hour rehearsal for tomorrow's concert.  We are all exhausted from our excursion tonight so it is promising to be a quiet night.  

Until tomorrow....
​Kristin

Greetings again from Limerick.  It has been another very busy day and we are ready to turn in for a good night's sleep.  

This morning the kids had a 2 1/2 rehearsal with the festival choir which consists of Kickapoo, Bolivar High School, and MSU choir and is led by Dr. Cameron LaBarr.  They sounded beautiful and was such a refreshing sound as I walked through the campus and heard nothing but nature and then the faint sound of the choir in the air coming from the open windows of the rehearsal hall.  

This afternoon, after grabbing a quick lunch on campus we headed downtown Limerick where we had a walking tour of the city and a bit of free time to enjoy shopping, coffee shops, or just wandering taking in the sites.  A sound check at the Redemptorist Church showed us the beautiful space where we would be enjoying the concert tonight.  Dinner came after at Bobby Byrne's Pub where all of the festival choirs gathered together. 

The Choirs in Concert was an amazing concert given by three local Limerick choirs as well as the Kickapoo Choir and MSU.  If you have not had a chance to see the concert online, it is posted on "The Kickapoo High School Choir" Facebook page.  Even though the technology doesn't do it justice, you can be sure they all did such an exemplary job performing and the audience was truly moved. 

After the concert we had music and sandwiches at Dolan's Warehouse with a social time before returning to the dorms.  

Tomorrow promises to be another busy but amazing day but for now the beds are calling our names for a good night's sleep.  Until tomorrow.......

Kristin 

Hello from Limerick, Ireland where the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, and everything is beautiful.  We had a slightly eventful trip here.  We boarded the bus at Kickapoo yesterday and pulled out at 9:30 am.  Arriving at the Kansas City airport for our 3:30 flight to Philadelphia we had plenty of time to check in, go through security, and have a bite to eat.  That's when it got interesting.  Our flight was delayed until 5:00 due to weather in Philadelphia.  Considering we originally only had a 90 minute lay over, we were sweating if we were going to make it on time.  Our flight was to land at 9:14 at Concourse C and our Dublin flight was scheduled to leave at 9:05 from Concourse A.  We must have had some strong vibes, prayers and hopes going out, they held our plane for us and took us right across the hall from our new boarding gate.  That was a little too close for comfort. 

We arrived in Dublin 30 minutes later than scheduled (about 9:00 am Thursday morning, which  was 3:00 am Springfield time), got through customs, and baggage claim.  I'm happy to report ALL bags, and people, were accounted for!  We boarded our charter bus and off to Limerick we went. 

Stopping for lunch, we ate at the Barack Obama Rest Stop just outside of Limerick.  It was named after him after he stopped there in 2011 and Michelle has ancestors from a small town near by.  Burgers, subs, pizza, nothing to "Irish" about the food this time around.

Off to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.  This castle was constructed in the 1400's and we were able to explore everything from the dungeon to the roof top winding our way through tiny little staircases and doorways.  Everyone had a good time finding new pathways throughout the castle.  We spent a little time wandering about looking at the old buildings, servants quarters, farmhouse, and more for a short time before heading onward.

We have checked into our dorm rooms where we will stay for the next several nights.  Each person has their own room and attached bathroom and a common's area for the 6 rooms per apartment. 

Tonight we went to a concert by "The Real Group", an acapella group from Sweden. Singing everything from old Swedish folk songs to George Michael, they entertained us with their music and personalities.  

From there we went to another location on campus for a BBQ dinner.  Hamburgers, chicken, ribs, sausage and plenty of sides to keep us stuffed for days were served.  Sitting outside listening to the Irish trio accompanied by an Irish dancer was great entertainment while we ate and some even got in on some singing and dancing when they were done.  

It has been a huge couple of days and we are all exhausted.  I'm sure everyone will fall into bed tonight with a grateful heart and memories that have already been made.  We are so lucky to get to experience this and I am so fortunate to be able to also go with this group each time they travel and get to know your kids even more.  

For now, good night from Limerick.  More tomorrow. 

Just an FYI, The Kickapoo Choir performs tomorrow night at the Gala concert.  I will try to stream live for the concert on Facebook live on The Kickapoo High School Choir homepage.  The concert begins at 8:15 (2:15 am Springfield time).  We think we are the second to last choir to perform so I will try to go live when they begin.  Stay tuned....

Kristin Cornelius

Day 2 has come and gone and we have been busy all day!  

The morning started downtown Nashville at the Downtown Presbyterian Church for the Choirs of America Festival.  The Chamber choir sang beautifully for the adjudicators and when finished, not much was said.  After all, what do you say to such an amazing choir?  When you silence the adjudicators, you know you have done well.  

They then joined several other choirs in vocal exercises led by Robert Gibson from MSU. Yes, we come all the way to Nashville to work with an MSU choral director who was one of the adjudicators. They then had the opportunity to work with composer Stacey Gibbs to rehearse and do the premier recording of his piece, Spiritual Potpourri.  What an experience for the kids!  Beautiful!

After lunch at the church (thank you boosters for the Panera that was delivered), the choir had a clinic by one of the adjudicators, Jeffrey Ames from Belmont University here in Nashville.  He was very positive with his comments and enjoyed listening to and working with the choir.

From the festival we spent a beautiful afternoon at Centennial Park.  The replica of the Greek Parthenon, Starbucks, Frisbee, and of course, rentable scooters.  It was great to enjoy down time outside in the wonderful weather. They performed an impromptu concert on the steps of the Parthenon and drew in a crowd to listen.  

We headed to a mall for dinner and some shopping. Many ate dinner at the Rainforest Cafe and others spent the time shopping. Several came out with a brand new pair of cowboy boots.  We ran into Robert Gibson so he was able to talk directly to the choir and emphasize how happy he was to have heard them and how wonderful of a job they did.  

We are back at the hotel and the halls are quiet. Our last night here for our quick trip to Nashville but we are leaving with fond memories and wonderful experiences.  Another great tour will soon be in the books.  We'll leave here at 8am and should be returning to Kickapoo about 3pm.  

Be proud of the kids you are raising. They are humble and kind and such a wonderful group to travel with.  Don't forget to watch the recordings of their performances on the choir Facebook page. We'll see you tomorrow Springfield. 
Good night, 
​Kristin 

Good evening from Nashville.  We have arrived and settled in to our hotel for the evening. It has been a great day with the Chamber Choir.

After setting out at 6am, a quiet ride, and lunch in a tiny Kentucky town park, we arrived at the Country Music Hall of Fame about 1:30pm.  They were able to sing and entertain many people in the lobby of the Hall. So many people stopped to say how amazing they were including a couple from California who couldn't believe they come from a PUBLIC school and a couple others visiting from Holland who sing in a  choir over back home and want to connect with KHS.  

After spending a couple of hours touring the Country Music Hall of Fame, we walked half a mile to Peg Leg Porker for Tennessee Barbecue.  Great food, great weather to eat outside on the patio, and great times by all. 

Due to several kids not bringing swimming suits, a trip to Walmart on the way to the hotel was a must but now we are settled in, many are in and back out of the pool, and ready to quiet down for the night before a big day of performing tomorrow.