On many occasions my husband has told the choir that ratings and pieces of plastic are not important. The most important part of performing is the experience and touching people's lives. As we traveled back to the hotel last night, he told the kids this again and said the performance at the Bean was more important than today's performance because of how many people listened, recorded, and were emotionally touched by the music.
Today they sang in competition for 3 judges and they sang from the heart! They brought tears to the eyes of the audience with their music. When the judges went on stage to give them feedback, the first one apologized for all of the "wow's" in her recorded comments. As they talked to the kids, you could hear how much they were truly moved by the choir's performance.
We spent the afternoon shopping and enjoying the honking horns (making us appreciate little Springfield) downtown Chicago at and around the Water Tower Place.
Early evening we loaded the bus which took us outside of Chicago to Medieval Times for a dinner theater and awards. The dinner was great and the show was amazing...but most of all, awards. Kickapoo swept the awards ceremony. Taking home a GOLD superior rating with 287 out of 300 possible points, 1st place in division 3A, most outstanding choral group, and the adjudicator award for the best ensemble at the festival between choir and band combined the kids were amazed at their accomplishments. Emily Trent was awarded the Maestro award for outstanding musician where musicians stood out to the judges during the performance. The Ovation award also went to Kaylee Grose. This is an award to an outstanding musician recommended by their teachers. The teachers write a letter explaining their accomplishments and their work not only in the choir and the school but also in the community. The festival reads the letters and chooses one person for this award each year.
The night ended with a dance for the kids and now are settling down in the hotel for a well deserved night of relaxation before heading home tomorrow. We will be leaving here at 10:30.
This has been an amazing trip with wonderful kids and awesome chaperones. Memories were made and bonds were made stronger over the last few days. This is an amazing group to travel with and Kickapoo and Springfield should be proud of the accomplishments of each and every one of them.
Good night from Chicago,
Mrs. Cornelius
Today they sang in competition for 3 judges and they sang from the heart! They brought tears to the eyes of the audience with their music. When the judges went on stage to give them feedback, the first one apologized for all of the "wow's" in her recorded comments. As they talked to the kids, you could hear how much they were truly moved by the choir's performance.
We spent the afternoon shopping and enjoying the honking horns (making us appreciate little Springfield) downtown Chicago at and around the Water Tower Place.
Early evening we loaded the bus which took us outside of Chicago to Medieval Times for a dinner theater and awards. The dinner was great and the show was amazing...but most of all, awards. Kickapoo swept the awards ceremony. Taking home a GOLD superior rating with 287 out of 300 possible points, 1st place in division 3A, most outstanding choral group, and the adjudicator award for the best ensemble at the festival between choir and band combined the kids were amazed at their accomplishments. Emily Trent was awarded the Maestro award for outstanding musician where musicians stood out to the judges during the performance. The Ovation award also went to Kaylee Grose. This is an award to an outstanding musician recommended by their teachers. The teachers write a letter explaining their accomplishments and their work not only in the choir and the school but also in the community. The festival reads the letters and chooses one person for this award each year.
The night ended with a dance for the kids and now are settling down in the hotel for a well deserved night of relaxation before heading home tomorrow. We will be leaving here at 10:30.
This has been an amazing trip with wonderful kids and awesome chaperones. Memories were made and bonds were made stronger over the last few days. This is an amazing group to travel with and Kickapoo and Springfield should be proud of the accomplishments of each and every one of them.
Good night from Chicago,
Mrs. Cornelius
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