Yesterday

Yesterday was quite the day.  It started by us going to a converted observation deck that is now a historical site about the building of Canberra.  Then we went to the Parliament House and got to watch a vote on the house floor!!!! 

Then we went to their War Memorial.  An amazing place that has sites on all the various wars and military conflicts.  Fascinating!  Especially since it had replicas of WWI and II planes and tanks, uniforms and photos.  We could have spent all day there. 

Afterwards we had a rehearsal then a PACKED concert in the Wesley Uniting Church!  The students play really well.  It was a great day!!!!

For those wondering why the students are not posting on the blog, they are using Facebook instead.  I plan to have each post their favorite photos of the entire trip once we get back so we can have a big collage.

This trip has been nothing short of wonderful!  The students of PLU are being amazing ambassadors!  Parents, you should be proud!

Bairnsdale to Canberra

We've arrived in Canbera from Bairnsdale!  A little over 6 hours by bus through very beautiful countryside. Only sullied a little by Malfunctioning bus alarm that emitted a high pitched flat C for most of the trip. Pleasant?  NO!

I can't say enough about how proud I was of our students as the lived with Australian hosts and worked with school children. The town turned out for the concert along with the Mayor and other dignitaries.  I've posted some Facebook links. We got some very nice articles in Aussie news papers. 

Our PLU students are very special. 

Last night

Bainrnsdale

Today we have been busy!  We are in the lovely little town of Bairnsdale!  Rural Australia is gorgeous.  We went to a Koala Sanctuary then on to Bairnsdale Secondary College, a 7-12 school.  We rehearsed with their students and will perform a concert tonight.  It was really fun!!!!  The best part is that Emily got a chance to play horn with them!  She is having a WONDERFUL time!!!!!  So am I.  PLU really has amazing and wonderful students!

 

Yesterday's gigs at Dizzy's.  The Jazz Ensemble played their rears off!!!!!  Really great to share with everyone.  Even a few of the locals sat in!!!!!!  Fantastic!!!

Last night

From last night's gig!  It was really great!

Day 3 in Melbourne was fantastic beyond all description.  First I met some family for the first time.  I spent most of the day with them while the students perused the Queen Victoria Market (like Pike Place but HUGE).  It was lovely to meet these members of the family who are the offspring of a Great Grand Father who immigrated to Australia in the late 1800s. 

Later we had a sound check at St. Steven's Church, UGH!  Jet lagged!!!!  Then the Heidelberg Wind Ensemble came and we shared a concert.  When it came time, THE WIND ENSEMBLE STEPPED UP!!!!!!!!  It was electric with energy!  The audience loved it and the response was really great.  Afterward, they had a reception for us and we had a chance to visit.  It was a really nice time!  Since I was a little busy, I do not have pix, I will post them once I can get them from the various sources.  It was indeed a great day!  A day that made me proud of PLU.