Each year we try to introduce the band students to a type of cuisine they may not be familiar with. Last year we had lunch in Chinatown; this year it was supper at the Parthenon. Yum – I love Greek food! The walls of the Parthenon are painted with…
Back on the bus the entire group was zoning out from the early start to the day, the fresh air at the zoo, and our full bellies. Suddenly the bus pulled over to the side of the street. I looked out the window to see what was going on…
In the past we’ve usually had a picnic lunch in the park or on the bus the year it poured at lunchtime, but this year we had lunch at Buddy Guy’s – a Blues nightclub. Like most nightclubs, Buddy Guys used to be adults-only, but has recently started offering programs…
Are we there yet? Hmmm, let’s see… lots of traffic… tall buildings in the distance… We’re here! I love Chicago! Driving up a Chicago street equally lined with cars and trees, seeing skyscrapers in the distance, hearing the hustle and bustle of a busy city makes me so happy…
Past Chicago trips usually began at some ungodly hour of the morning – last year it was 4:00 am – but this year was different. Since another band booked our usual morning time at VanderCook College of Music we were bumped to the afternoon and didn’t need to leave until…
Once again Teacher and I are putting our sanity on the line to accompany the middle school band to Chicago for the Music in the Parks competition. While you’re sitting comfortably in your home, maybe sipping a nice cuppa’ and eating a leisurely breakfast I’ll take a white chocolate mocha…
Some of you may have seen this already, but I thought such a fantastic display of Christmas spirit deserved to be shared again. I wish I’d been in that food court to see it in person… or better yet, I wish I’d been part of the choir! Now a…
Great America, here we come! Superman is the roller coaster closest to the entrance so of course, our squad wanted to ride it first. I rode it last year and that was enough. Hurtling through the air on my belly watching the ground below me speeding past was too…
We followed Bus One through the misty dark to the hotel. The kids were much quieter and more subdued than they were when we started the day over sixteen hours ago. When we arrived at the hotel Teacher and the other official Bus Packers unpacked the luggage and snacks.…
Seeing the low clouds enveloping the top of the John Hancock Tower I wondered if we’d still go up or not. It’s not much fun to be on the 94th floor if you can’t see anything. Again with the waiting – no matter how well a trip is planned,…
