The Melancholy End to My Triple German Life

Alas, I had very little time to blog while in Germany. This does not mean I have any less to say. Actually, I was just so busy juggling the best experience in my life up until now. It was a bit of a juggle just because, in some ways, the tour brought three different lives out of what was so simple before. I love this. I had the chance to embrace three different parts of myself.

First, there was “Tour Me.” “Tour Me” made a ridiculous number of friends. This person saw amazing places, and learned a lot about the tourist places we saw in Europe.

Ryan S, Sam H, and Alexis N. stared down at the mote of the caste in Heidelberg, with the amazing landscape farther in front.

I should definitely mention my pride at being mistaken for German while shopping in downtown Beitigheim. (I’m holding up some makeup that was on sale, which was an item I had forgotten back in the U.S.)

Second, there was “Downers Family Me.” “Downers Family Me” tried to skype my parents every night and stay in touch. This was a difficult task, but I think I did okay. Plus, “Downers Family Me” was always souvenir shopping.

Last, but not least, I lived “German Family Me” every night. In saving the best for last, I have to say how much I have come to love the German people. We were completely welcomed here, and it is almost like home. My hosts, the Schanz family, have treated me as a member of their family. There is no way I could ever thank them enough for that. I came to this country, already homesick and a little scared, but immediately they took me in. This is an unimaginable relief.

Thomas, Matthias, Alex, and Sabine Schanz wore their basketball themed gifts from my mom as soon as they saw them, even though the Euro Cup was on TV.

Here I am in Stuttgart with Sabine and Thomas, who showed me around on my very first day in Germany.

Really, the thing that made this trip a once in a lifetime experience for me has been my host family. I am not able to express the way I feel about these people. They made me feel like I am one of their own. Though I spent all day touring, I wanted to spend every night talking to them.

The Bietigheim-Bissigen residents gave us all so many priceless gifts. The first is a window into their culture. I have learned so much in my time here about the similarities and differences between the US and Germany. The second is the warm welcome into their homes and lives. I feel so much gratitude towards my host family for this. Third, they gave us a standing ovation. After our concerts, their applause was amazing. The sight of my host father, Thomas, taking pictures of me from the audience and the sound of cheers from the crowd… I almost started crying with joy. It means so much to me that a crowd of people I don’t know, who barely speak my language, and live so far away gave us that kind of applause. I love these people with all my heart, and I will miss them so much. The only thing I can say to them is danke schön.  Ich liebe Sie.

Happy Father's Day!

Some of the other band members and I wanted to send a message to our dads at home. A little confused by the picture? Maybe this one will help:

I think I speak for all of us when I say, I'm having a wonderful time, but I wish I could be home and spend time with you, too. Have a very good Father's Day. I will be seeing you soon and talking to you sooner.

P.S. I love you, Dad!!!!

End of Our Rome Trip, Beginning of Our German Adventure!

The last couple of days in Rome have been so wonderful. It is truly beautiful there, though I am slightly sunburned. Some highlights of yesterday:

Here I am tossing a coin into the Trevvi Fountain and making a wish. An hour of shopping immediately followed this moment, where I bought plenty of souvenirs for friends and family.

Alexis N. pretends to eat straight parmesian cheese during our dinner that was strangely similar to that of the day before, but still great.

This morning was a very tired one for most of us. Though we are slowly beating jetlag, our 6 am wakeup call left us all a bit fatigued.

Cassie B, Brett L, and Amanda N. were quite tired while waiting for breakfast to be served this morning.

Good planning gave us a little time to take pictures at the Coliseum after breakfast. On top is Erin E. and Kaitlin W. who are followed by Rachel W. and Dan R.

The counterparts to Mr. Miller’s “Das Miller” are Mrs. Miller’s “Women Millers.” Here we are in front of the Coliseum. From left to right, Alison L, myself, Kaitlin W, Stephanie G, Sarah J, Stephanie M, Erin E, Cassie B, Alexis N, Evangeline T, and Mrs. Miller.

Our time at the Coliseum, which was amazing, was followed by a very warm tour of the Roman Forum. Then, we all shipped off to a well preserved Ancient Roman city, Ostia Antigua.

Brett L. and Sam H. enjoyed a view of the Ostian public toilets, where privacy was scarce.

Rachel W. pranced around the Ostian forum, which reminded us of the “Hills Are Alive” scene in The Sound of Music.

A quintet of DGS students wrote a song in the airport with different pitches of Coke bottles. After blowing over the bottles to make the first chord, I quote Mike R, “I’m a minor seventh!”

That brings me to now, where I sit in the middle of the night blogging after having a wonderful first experience with my host family. I already think they are wonderful people, and I can’t thank them enough. I know more great memories will soon follow.

All Roads Lead to Rome

 If it is still true that all roads lead to Rome, then these roads are full of fast drivers, traffic, motorcycles between lanes, and are laid out so illogically that I never know where we are. Luckily, we have a tour guide for that!

 After almost 24 hours of travelling, this beautiful city was a nice visual break for our eyes, which had been mostly focused on passing clouds. On our two plane trips, I was able to catch up with old friends, chat with close friends, and make new ones. Above, Ryan S, Sam H, and I proudly sport our orange and black tour shirts during our layover in Germany.

Alison L, Evan C, Alexis N, and Cassie B. in the Piazza San Pietro

 I have already learnt so many interesting things about Italian culture. For instance, a “bar” does not serve alcohol in Rome. In fact, “bars” are in and out type coffee houses. Also, pizza can be bought “by the meter” and sold based on the weight of the finished product. I am excited to see what real Italian pizza tastes like!

 During the short amount of time we could walk around the Piazza San Pietro I could not help but be swept away by a calm feeling. It was just an incredibly peaceful place. I am very excited to return and visit the Vatican.

We finished our day with a hearty Italian meal, including pasta, salad, meat, and dessert. Though I wonder if I will ever need to eat again (and hate to end on a cliché): when in Rome!

Greetings From French Horn Land!

Wow, I cannot believe how excited I am! Up until last week, I refused to let the trip become “real” to me. It is just too good to be true, and I didn't want to be so excited so long before we leave. However, taking my French Horn out on that first day of rehearsal, the trip became completely and totally real. Now, getting ready is all I can think about. I know we are all going to have the best time!

The North High band room has become a sort of home away from home for me - probably in a similar way to what I hope my host family's house will be. The more time I spend in the band room, the more connected I feel to the people I play with in the band. I did not expect to make so many friends so fast! Plus, all the work we have been putting in really shows. We sound pretty good, if I do say so myself! I am so proud to be a part of this band and this trip. I am hoping to see everyone at the preview concert tomorrow night to show how hard we have been working.

Also, I want to say a hearty thank you to everyone who is making this happen, from the organizers, band directors, parents, and host families to the students who have been working so hard to get ready. I know that everyone's effort will be worthwhile when we take part in this amazing experience.

Team Blogger!

As we near departure, you will begin to see our tour blog gradually pivot from an 'announcements & logistics' communication tool, to a more dynamic journal of the group's travel experiences.  The goal of our faculty is to turn over primary responsibility of documenting this adventure to the wonderful and very capable students of the District 99 Honors Band.

We've assembled a terrific team of six student Bloggers: three from North - three from South - three men - three women ... who are all excited to serve as your eyes and ears while the D99 Honors Band travels through Europe.

Introducing 'Team Blogger' ...

• Marjorie Fera, DGS French Horn/Trumpet (Senior) 
• Stephanie Gillen, DGN Flute (Graduate)
• Cameron Nichols, DGN French Horn (Junior) 
• Dan Reeter, DGS Clarinet (Senior)
• John Shimanek, DGS Trumpet (Junior)
• Joe Vitti, DGN Tuba/Trombone (Senior)