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| It was an early departure and a long ride on route 80! |
But the students passed the time with relaxing....and of course singing!
We were SOOO excited that Rachel Flicker was able to join us. Rachel accompanied choirs, and especially the Nightingales, for 6 years while being a student at Nazareth Area Middle and High Schools!!! She is now a Freshman at Penn State University majoring in Music Education with an emphasis in piano.
We got a chance to get warmed up...
And sing for Dr. Leach. This entire concert was a project organized by Dr. Leach. All of the directors who brought choirs had been past students of his while at Penn State. There were 7 choirs in attendance and they all combined together to sing two pieces directed by Dr. Leach.
We then had a quick lunch and prepped for the concert..
Quick pep talk!
Looking good!
Off we go!
All of our music came from the African-American tradition. This music is beautiful and powerful and can be both heartbreaking and exhilarating!
We then had a bit of time to head up the hill to Penn State University.
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| Nazareth Nightingales |
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| Men of Nazareth |
A few of us went to THON!!!
And others went to the Creamery!
And got back on the bus to make the trip home to Nazareth!
I think the following from Giovy, a new member of Nightingales, perfectly sums up out day:
"I remember walking off the stage after we performed and having goosebumps. I got teary-eyed and I tried to keep it together but I couldn't. I don't think I'll ever forget Mrs. Rocchi seeing me cry and telling me "That's what we call the Nightingale Reaction. Welcome." At that moment I truly felt like a Nightingale. I think it was the experience of singing such beautiful music and the rush and the excitement of the songs, "Praise His Holy Name" and "Walk Together Children", and the emotion of "Jordan's Angels". I started to not only think of the songs but also the people that I sang them with. I began to think of how proud I was of all of my fellow Nightingales and how much I love and appreciate every single one of them and how blessed I am to be a part of something so amazing and with all of our hard work and dedication and love for music and each other, we really do create some beautiful music together."
