Saturday, August 2, 2008

Oh My God What A Performance ! ! !

Well today was not only the longest the kids have seen but the hottest weather wise. The walk to the practice grounds (About a half a mile) began at 8:30am and everyone finally arrived at the practice grounds at 9:30am (There are that many kids). The practice began at 10:45am after a lengthy set up. All the while the temperature rose to around 100 degrees. The practice was awesome as everyone expected. I have loaded the first video tape of the practice on the photo site, but be patient and let the entire video load to experience the entire portion of the practice. I have segmented the entire performance into small pieces and will try and upload those tomorrow evening. We have to be in bed early tonight as we have to get up at 2:00am to leave by 3:30am for the Tienanmen Square performance. The performance starts at 7:00am sharp.

The Orchestra had a unannounced performance tonight. They were performing for the International Olympic Committee to be judge as to if they are worthy and talented enough to perform in the Opening Ceremonies on August 8th, 2008. The performance had been mentioned in the early stages of our preparations for the trip, but nothing had been firmed up. The kids were not told that they were being judged by the IOC so as not to cause any nerves among them. They were simply told that there would be some important guests watching the show and that they should try to impress them. They entire Orchestra performed their show in it's entirety. The were remarkable and it was another tear jerking performance. When the entire 2008 member play the Olympic theme song it give a person goose bumps. I don't know when we find out about their decision but when I know you will all know too.

Well since I have to be up at 2:00am I am going to sign off a little early and get some most valuable sleep. Hope this entry finds everyone at home well. Everyone here is absolutely on cloud nine and we are all safe and healthy. Until tomorrow "One World One Dream"

7 comments:

Chris said...

Looking forward to the performance video. Practice video was pretty cool!

Anonymous said...

Oh My God !!!!!!They sound and look great. Wow there worthy and talented enough to perform for the Opening Ceremonies. Bobby, Tyler (your brother) says he misses you and loves you.

Youlanda, Bob, Branden and Tyler

Diane_TheBandMom said...

Ray -- We can't thank you enough for your blog. I have laughed and cried with each day. I'm so proud of all the students there and most of them came after my kids graduated from Davis. Thanks to parents like you and all the boosters that are in China and supporting from home we all get to experience music education at it's finest. Blessings to you all. Continued safe travels.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for keeping us updated. Looking forward to the big show.

Anonymous said...

Ray-

Thank you so much for keeping us up to date.... Where would we all be without you. Awesome Job!!!!

I hope you are keeping my husband out of trouble...Or is it the other way around.

Anonymous said...

WOW!!!! Speechless...just awesome!!! You all ROCK!!!!!
Keep up the good work, one and all!
Thank you Ray, more than words could ever express, and to all of the chaperones and parents, thank you. And congratulations to all for even being considered, youve already made it in our book.
Sleep well....be safe and continue to have the expereince of a life time.
Hugs from the Crawfords!

Aunt Merry said...

Hi Ray - the video was great and the sound sure was something! I can only imagine the chills and excitement that you and all the parent chaperones must feel watching them practice.

Good Luck with the BIG performance on Sunday - we are proud of each and every one there representing the Red Orchestra!! Tell the kids that we are with them in spirit!