Raindrops are fallin on my head.....

Although the weather outside was frightful....the band and choir was so delightful! We woke up this morning to rain....but it did not stop us from having a GREAT last full day in NYC! We drove into the city and did a driving tour looking at where many of the famous people live. We also drove past Central Park which if the weather is good we will be walking through tomorrow. We then drove to Grand Central Station and was able to look around!

Then off to the Rock we went where we ate lunch, and shopped in the surrounding stores. We then loaded the bus and went to the Cathedral where we put on a music concert. The students did an excellent job and it was really fun hearing the music in the acoustics. After getting done with the concert we walked over to V & T Pizza where we had New York style pizza! Once we got our fill we drove to China Town to do some last minute shopping before we will be heading home tomorrow.

The night concluded with the Blue Man Group!!!! This was a 2 hour show that was awesome! The students really enjoyed it and some even were able to take some paintings home.....The students have done a wonderful job this trip and we have been very proud of them.

Tomorrow we will be hopefully taking a walk through Central Park (weather permitting) and going to the Top of the Rock for a full view of the city.

As we get packed up to leave for home we will leave with many fun memories of New York City :) Thanks for following our blog and we look forward to sharing more exciting details when we arrive home.

Singing in the rain....

Well today started off wet! It was raining lightly on us all day but that did not stop us from enjoying New York! We started the day off by going to New York University to have workshops with professors their. They were great to work with and both the band and the choir did a great job! I feel that this is one of the best things about going on a trip! To be able to get feedback from another musician and work with a professional is so beneficial for the students!

After getting done with the workshops we loaded the bus and went to Wall Street. We were able to get a bite to eat and then travel over to Ground Zero. These students are getting such a great opportunity to see some of the major parts of history!

We then loaded a cruise to view the Statue of Liberty! This was so empowering to see where many people came to America! After the Statue of Liberty we went to Ellen's Stardust Diner where we were serenaded while we ate. This restaurant is located at the heart of Time's Square. We then looked at the beautiful fountain right near Juilliard. This is a famous school known for the fine arts. Only 2 of every 1000 applicants get excepted! After our bellies were full and we saw Juilliard, we took the Subway...yes the Subway to Macy's Department Store where they were having their Spring Flower Show. Some students even saw spiderman.....After taking in the view we loaded the buses for the hotel.

Although we wish for better weather tomorrow it definitely has not slowed us down! Like I said earlier...everything in life is what you make it. Make the best of everything you do! Off to bed for me...I will keep you posted on the busy day tomorrow!

Out on the boardwalk.....

We were able to sleep in an extra hour before heading out to Coney Island to walk on the boardwalk. Before walking on the boardwalk we took in a little shopping right in Brooklyn. We were able to take in the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Nathan's Hotdogs for lunch. We were also able to experience true New York culture as we witnessed the Polar Club taking there weekly plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. One of our own BBE students, Tyler Tensen took the plunge into the ocean along with the many locals showing them how true Minnesotan's take the cold....

After breathing the ocean air we took a ride back into the heart of Brooklyn where we then got dropped off and walked the Brooklyn Bridge. We then walked to China Town where the students learned to barter with the best of them. Many of them ended up getting better deals than I did!! After getting some great deals we walked to La Mela (Little Italy) and had some great Italian food.

We then got back onto the bus where we drove to the "Rock" and made a quick change into our dress clothes and then went to the Broadway musical "In The Heights." This musical was based on the Dominican immigrants that came and now live in Manhattan. After arriving back at the hotel we snuggled in dreaming about being out on the boardwalk.....

Journey Through The Past

After driving through the night and part of the morning we arrived at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. We were able to walk through the Gettysburg Museum taking in mini videos about the war. We then took a driving tour with Mike (our tour guide) through the battlefields of Gettysburg. This was very educational and very informative! I was impressed with many of the students as they knew many facts about Gettysburg! After taking the 2 hour tour we continued on our way to New York City. We crossed into New York through the Holland Tunnel (a tunnel that is completely under water). We then got off the bus and walked through Times Square to get to Planet Hollywood where we ate supper. The students learned very quickly to walk like a New Yorker!!! Shoulder to shoulder, bumper to bumper we made it to the hotel safely where we are all snuggled in getting a much needed night of sleep! After many hours of travel we are all ready to get some shut-eye :) Once again I leave you with some photo highlights of our journey through the past.