When I first heard the news that our Music Department trip for this year was to be to New York City, instead of the anticipated (and approved) trip to The Bahamas for a Cruise/Festival, I was quite upset and disappointed. So disappointed in fact that I had at first decided that I didn't want to go on the trip. I got to thinking however, and realized that this being my senior year, I wouldn't have this kind of chance ever again. After making this realization, I decided that I wanted to go on the trip afterall.
I am now very glad that I came to this decision. The trip was much better than I expected it to be (despite the lack of sleep)I have memories to cherish, and lots of pictures from great places. Our concert at the banquet was the best we have played all year, and that is one thing that I, as well as every one else in the band should be proud of.
Our trip began at 6pm on Wednesday, April 12, when we brought our luggage and instruments to NHS to be tagged.
On Thursday, we boarded buses at approximately 9am and headed on our way. Seven hours, and 3 stops later, we arrived at our hotel, The Crowne Plaza, in Secaucus NJ. We were supposed to go out for dinner after unpacking our belongings, but plans were changed, due to the fact that law required our drivers to rest for 4 hours after driving for so long. So instead of dinner out in New York, we got Domino's pizzas delivered to our room (better than nothing I guess). After dinner and rest, we left the hotel to head for the Imperial Theatre, where we saw "Les Miserables." I personally thought the play was excellant, and would definately see it again. If you haven't seen it yet, I definately recommend it. After the play, we returned to the hotel, and went directly to bed.
Friday morning started nice and early (6am). After the hotel breakfast of sponge-like eggs and various side items, we headed out for NYC. Our first stop was the Empire State Building. From the bottom it looks incredible, and the view from the top is awesome. I originally chose this page because I loved how it showed the buildings and the waterway. I am glad now that I chose this one, cuz the rest of the NYC pics and others were deleted when my dad accidentally deleted the old hard drive of our computer, and I later noticed that this picture has a (just barely visible) view of one of the Twin Towers (center, far left edge of picture).
After visiting the Empire State Building, we went for lunch, then went on a Cruise of NY Harbor, and saw the Statue of Liberty. Seeing the statue was one of the things I looked forward to on this trip, and I have several pictures. Here is the best one out of all of them.
After the cruise, we went out for dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner, where there were singing waiters, and dancing and karaoke for everyone (everyone seated upstairs that is). That night, following dinner, we all saw "Miss Saigon" at a Broadway Theatre. This show was excellent as well, despite the uncomfortable seats and crying gentlemen in my vacinity. After the show, we headed back to the Hotel and went to bed.
Saturday was the big day for all performing groups, with band students visiting FAO Schwartz and then the Hard Rock Cafe, then heading back to the hotel for our clinic. A few hours after the clinic, there was a showcase/dinner at the hotel, in which all music groups attending the clinic performed their pieces during dinner. It is my belief that our Concert Band played the best we have all year (Excellent Work everyone). A round of applause is also deserved for the various NHS choral groups that attended, who were wonderful as always (Great Job!!)
