Senior Reflections

The tour was so much fun.  It was probably the best yet (though I know alums who might argue that their years had a lot to offer. 

We saw amazing sights, met some really nice people, and were able to perform in places with acoustics.  There was plenty to do and I was exhausted every night.  It was really fun to get to know other choir members throughout the tour.  It was neat to watch them change and grow in those few days.  I will never forget the last few performances (some better than others) because it means so much to be able to stand next to friends while making beautiful music and communicating.  The last one was heartbreaking, but it was nice to realize that there were 55 other people there to “hold my hand.” 

As I begin my summer, choir becomes a thing I look back on nostalgically because there were so many laughs, tears, mistakes and triumphs.  There is always someone to hang out with, to goof off with, and to talk to about issues that matter.  Choir has been an outlet for self-expression.  It is a place to learn leadership skills, following skills, and personal skills.  These years are irreplaceable and I will look back on them forever.

I have grown not only as a musician but also as a person thanks to what this group (the experiences, rehearsals, performances, retreats, meetings, and choir tours) has taught me. 

Thank you to the other choir officers and assistants, Mrs. Wilner, and the administration of the college for four fabulous years.

~April Martin

There are no words that could express how thankful I am that I got the chance to be a part of choir and to go to Scotland.  I have been in the Concert Choir all four years.  I loved being able to express myself through music with such a talented group of people.  Mrs. Wilner really has a gift for bringing out the best in all of us.  She can make a bunch of different college students into a group of beautiful musicians.  She has allowed us to go on many different trips and affect many people through our music.  I am very grateful for her!  We have been able to visit many places I would not normally visit.  I was so excited about going to Scotland.  It is one of the many places that I wanted to visit all my life.  I am so grateful to all of the people that have made it possible for the choir to take this trip!  It was the best choir tour that we have ever taken.  I enjoyed seeing all of the historic places, learning about each one, and sharing in it with such a wonderful group of people!  I loved learning about my own heritage in Scotland.  It is a trip that I will remember all of my life!  I know that it was a lot of work for many people, but it was truly worth all the work.  I loved singing in the big cathedrals.  They were so beautiful and the acoustics were so amazing!  I loved driving across the countryside.  The mountains, fields, sheep, cows, and the many lochs were breathtaking!  I took many pictures while I was there, and I look forward to sharing my memories with my family for many years to come.  I want to thank anyone who had a role in making this trip possible!  It was one of the greatest times of my life, and I am forever grateful to you in making it possible for all of to visit and sing at such a beautiful place.

~ Rebecca Thompson

Day 8 – St. Andrew’s and Edinburgh Castle

‘ello!

Right, okay!  Today we visited the city of St. Andrews.  The town seemed very different compared to the other towns we have visited.  St. Andrews, of course, had a golf theme, but was also a very high-class city.  I noticed many Ferraris and right-side drive vehicles.  My favorite part of today was the golf course.  I stood on the 18^th green of the links and soaked all the history up!

See you soon,

~Will Donovan

This afternoon we toured Edinburgh Castle and walked around in a local park.  It was very interesting to watch people react to the “Prisons of War” exhibit in the Castle.  We saw people setting up for a concert, which will be held in a few days.  The backdrop is the Castle. 

~April Martin

 

As today was our last day on the tour, it seemed fitting that it was raining.  For the first time on the trip, I truly felt like I was in Scotland and could almost hear the sounds of medieval voices while walking the ruins of St. Andrew’s Castle and Cathedral.  Everything from hiking down into the mine and counter-mine to climbing spiral staircases of a Cathedral tower to partake in views spanning the entire city and coastline, it was a day to experience Scotland’s roots, which the bare proudly.  In the Edinburgh Castle, it was startling to discover the history behind the crown jewels and see how many Scots worked diligently, most assuredly in the face of danger and death to preserve artifacts that united them to their Scottish history and pride.  The joy of this experience has been simply to see the Scottish people present over and over again their dedication to their history, their environment and their legacy.  For now, until forever, I will not be able to see a Scotsman (or an MC Scot) in a kilt without remembering the strife, struggle and joy that lies behind the clan tartan they bare.  Thank you Scotland.

We arrive home tomorrow, thanks for reading the blog and sharing your comments!

~Adrienne Schwarte

 

 

Day 7 – St. Giles High Kirk/Faith Mission – Edinburgh

Edingburgh: A Literature Major’s Heartland Talking a tour of the beautiful city of Edinburgh proved to be breathtaking from a literary perspective. Having wonders such as Sir Walter Scott, JK Rowling, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson, the classics literally came alive on the Cobblestone streets. A few short blocks from the Royal Mile, the inspiration for the Sherlock Holmes tales and Alexander Graham Bell’s home is found. Around the corner, Deacon Brody’s Café marks the place at which the character of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde remains imprinted in the town of its origin. Only two blocks down Castle Hill, the Elephant House lies snuggled amidst countless shops. Made famous as being the location where JK Rowling penned much of the first Harry Potter, the coffee shop/café proudly proclaims their ties to the worldwide phenomena of the young British wizard. The city simply oozes timeless words by sheer artists. Transcending centuries Edinburgh remains to this day a town of great literary heritage.

~Rebecca Wasil

Today we sang a concert in St. Giles Cathedral/High Kirk in the heart of Edinburgh and it was so beautiful. The stained glass windows were breathtaking and they all told some biblical story. We attended a short service before our concert, which was beautiful as the acoustics bounced off the old stonewalls. We were positioned in front of a massive organ and we faced the alter at the center of the cathedral. In a small room off the side of the cathedral there were chairs lining the walls that were completely carved out of wood with every detail perfect. In one corner, for instance, near the entrance there was a famous carving of an angel playing the bagpipes. It was such a beautiful experience.

~Sharon Lankford

Edinburgh: Scotland’s “New York”

Today we got to spend some time in Edinburgh. It was exciting to listen to the tour guide explain all of the historical background of the city. We even got to see the place were J.K. Rowling scribbled down Harry Potter on napkins. I really enjoyed the shopping and listening to each of the tourist shops’ Scottish music. While we were shopping, we came across a man dressed in a kilt playing a bagpipe. As we walked through the city we admired the architecture of the buildings constructed long before the beginning of US history. The city is beautiful beyond belief and I’m definitely not ready to come home (even tough I miss home…)

~Emily Emadian

Our last concert at the Faith Mission center was highly emotional and culminated all of our hard work in Scotland. There was not a dry eye in the place. Even those of us who hardly ever cry lost it during Off-Kilter’s “What a Wonderful World.” The audience was highly responsive and absolutely loved it. I still can’t believe we’re here. I’m going to miss performing with my brothers and sisters in the choir. I love all of you and I hope that we will meet again, God Bless.

~Jarrod Myers

Soon after a fulfilling dinner of traditional Scottish food, a few mates and I hopped into a taxi and headed to a local restaurant to check out some Scottish fold music. Along with a classical guitar, the musicians played fiddles, accordions and a fire key harmonica. The music was jolly and the atmosphere was dense and vibrant. After talking to a few locals, a tipsy man from Australia told us a joke or two. After some laughs, we departed and walked back through the city if Edinburgh, nearly stepping on a frog on the sidewalk.

~Melanie Devich

Day 6 – Aviemore and Blair Castle

Today started in a hurry when the hotel’s fire alarm system went off twice.  The first time we all became a little worried, but we were all very impressed by how quickly the fire department responded.  We also had a good laugh when we realized that our historian, Alonda, had brought her camera outside with her.  Unfortunately, many mistook the fire alarm as their clock and hit the snooze button.  Luckily, the alarm was false, so we were able to go back to bed.  Once the second alarm went off, most people decided to stay up.  It may not have been the best way to wake up in the morning, but it did give me time to finish the book I was reading.

~Emily Swicegood

The Scots-American Musical Journey has definitely been an adventure full of many exciting “firsts” for me.  Before this trip, I had never flown on an airplane (not to mention left the country).  And today, I had my first train ride!  Our group rode from Aviemore to a “photo stop” in Broomhill and back again. Despite the dreary, rainy weather, I enjoyed the old-fashioned station and the compartments that made me feel as if I was in the movie “White Christmas” (except it was raining, not snowing).  The best part was getting to talk to the conductor, and going to the engine to see how the train works (the whistle is extremely loud from there!).  

After returning to the Aviemore Station, the choir gave an impromptu performance for the train staff and the passengers.  (They specifically requested to hear our Scottish pieces).  Being part of a spontaneous mini-concert was fun, but the train ride gave me hiccups, which continually interrupted my singing! I am keeping my train ticket as a souvenir of my very first train ride and, although, I am having an exciting time, I am looking forward to coming home and sharing my many pictures and highlights of this adventure with family and friends.  But until then, this “small town girl” is enjoying her journey in Scotland!

~Jillian Atchley

Moments of Song
After getting off the train, we (the choir) congregated in an open space in the train station.  At first we didn’t have much of an audience, but as we began to sing people gathered around us with smiling faces, pulling out cameras and some were even moved to tears.  For me, this somewhat surprise performance turned out to be one of the most fun, yet relaxing and I got to enjoy the music with a very appreciative audience, which played a large part in my favoritism.  It brought me joy that we could bring these people joy.  A woman passing by with her son hushed him and pointed towards us and her son looked up at us as if he was enchanted with our song.  The train conductor watched us with beaming happiness, and the people in the train watched us through their windows.  Once we were through with singing, the train conductor thanked me and told me that having us sing reminded him of when he was in choir so long ago…

~Katherine Hoffman

Today the beautiful lochs and golden hills of the highlands gave way to the most mountainous region of the British Isles.  The Cairngorm Mountains were made the second of Scotland’s National Parks in 2002, and though the overcast, drizzly weather did not provide for idea viewing, the regions majesty was still evident even blanketed in its misty veil. The train ride and walk through Aviemore were nonetheless breathtaking and seeing such an amazing protected environment made me wish that I could go for a hike.  The rest of the trip will be spent in the city center of Edinburgh, but I have seen enough beautiful landscapes in the highlands of Scotland to keep me inspired for years to come.

~Chris Asquith

Our visit to the Blair castle was an experience in Scottish grandeur.  From the moment we walked through the doors, the immense display of guns and swords impressed intimidation and reverence upon the visitor.  Further exploration revealed halls lined with endless stag skulls, and this theme of hunting would continue throughout the mansion.  

When most people think of castles their minds gravitate to the medieval time periods, but this castle has been in operation for nearly 800 years, so the castle is in fact a picture of Georgian excellence.  The various halls revealed masterfully composed bedrooms and wonderfully adorned tapestries.  The two most awe-inspiring rooms were by far the Grand Ballroom and the Dining Hall, but the many other rooms of the castle were all certainly up to par.

Blair Castle is by far the most impressive historical experience that I have had while in Scotland.  Nothing else has really stuck in my mind quite as well. Sure the castle of Stirling and the vast depths of Loch Ness were great experiences but the sheer magnitude and detail of Blair Castle makes it a must-see for any Scotland adventurer.

~Winston Sullivan

Today we drove a lot.  Right now we are in traffic moving close to 5mph.  It’s been like this for a while now.  I’m getting a bit hungry and considering how long we’ve been in traffic, I don’t know if we’ll be in Edinburgh on time.  I’m starting to wonder if we’re going to get to eat dinner at the University.  This is the only day we didn’t have a concert so quite a bit of it has been spent on the bus.  I’m starting to get a little homesick and love and miss all the people at home.  I’ve talked to a lot of other people who feel the same way.  However, it will be a nice change of scenery to get to Edinburgh.  Everyone is getting more and more restless.  I think we are just tired of sitting on the bus.  Actually, I’m certain we just can’t wait to get to Edinburgh.

~Partick Finney

When we finally arrived two hours late, we settled down to a lovely dinner and were showed to our dorms.  We were given key cards that are needed to access any door or elevator in the dorms.  It took us some time to figure that out.  The dorms we are taking residence in are all on the second floor.  Some of us are ready for bed, while others are heading into town to shop.  The dorms are very nice and clean with two twin-sized beds in each room.  We are settling in for the night on this beautiful campus.  The internet and phone services are pretty inexpensive compared to previous locations.  Internet access is a pound for every 15 minutes, so we’ll keep you posted.

~Eamon Felton-Curtis

Day 5 – Loch Ness and “Nessie”

 

Today’s Blog from the Concert Choir Members:

Today we left the beautiful Ballachulish and passed through the beautiful countryside on our way to Loch Ness.  Although Nessie was not spotted, her cousin second removed, Armando, made an appearance 30 meters from our sailing vessel.  The wind over the deep water was refreshing and the smaller boat gave us an intimate view of Scotland’s beauty.

Bradley Robinson

Today was packed full of adventure!  This morning we went to Urquhart Castle, or rather, the ruins of what used to be the Urquhart Castle.  They blew it up in 1692 so that it wouldn’t fall into Jacobite hands.  We got to see where different rooms would have been, like the kitchen, the stable room and even the “lavatory,” which was a square hole that went down to the ground.  From the Castle we could see right onto Loch Ness.  It was absolutely breathtaking.  There were sailboats right beneath the Castle and the sky was really cloudy and the water was so black; it gave off quite an eerie feeling.  I was just waiting for Nessie to jump out of the water!  The wind was blowing and it was really chilly today.  With the past few days being so sunny, today finally truly felt like I was in Scotland.  It was wonderful!

Anna Baker

Today we got to experience the greatest attraction in Scotland!  Ever since I heard we were going to Scotland, I have been waiting in great anticipation for the moment I would come face to face with the mystical “Nessie.”  Although she did not make an appearance for our ferry adventure, it would be incorrect to say that our Loch Ness adventure was void of magic.  The rolling hills, crisp breeze and breathtaking landscape more than made up for the absent lake myth.

Katie Fernandez

So far, my experience in Scotland has been amazing.  The best part has been viewing the countryside.  The areas that aren’t densely populated have miles of open fields with lush greenery and mountains that mimic a more beautiful picture of the hills of Tennessee.

Rachel Sharp

Scotland!  Now that’s taken care of – let’s do some blogging.  Today was filled with many wonderful sights to be seen.  Besides the obvious being the breathtaking landscape, I also found myself in awe of the sites in the city.  Being a big Harry Potter fan, I was ecstatic to see the crimson red hogwarts express! And, being a fan of all things mythical, I was overjoyed to experience the Loch Ness cruise and hunt for Nessie.  I would have loved to high five the glorious sea monster but unfortunately she was probably entertaining guests; at least that is what I’m going to tell myself.  I love Nessie! And Scotland!  And Choir! Hi – mom and dad.

Natalie Silva

Let me tell you about the bathroom, or the Lou, if you will.  Using the Lou in Scotland is not like using the Lou where you and I are from.  I’m not saying I had to re-potty train, but there were some simple adjustments that I was forced to make to a routine that has not changed since age two.  Let me explain about the Lou.  First I enter the dark bathroom and grope blindly for the light switch.  However, there is no switch inside the Lou.  The first time I discovered this, I was in a hurry, so I ended up in the dark.  I later learned that the light switch is in fact on the outside of the room and must be flipped before entering.  Next, I push the flush lever and watch in dismay as the contents swirl weakly but do not disappear.  I then grasp the lever and pump vigorously for about 30 seconds until the toilet grudgingly flushes.  I breathe a sigh of relief.  Each shower in Scotland presents a new challenge because no two are alike.  At my first home stay in Stirling, turning the water on required flipping an inconspicuous switch in the hallway.  I am grateful that my host mentioned this.  If I am at a hotel, I place my wet towel on the electric drying rack.  Wet cloth and electricity.  I am convinced that this device, if activated, will single handedly cause the building to burn down.    And this concludes the use of the Lou.  Do not forget to pray that your mischievous roommate does not cruise by and flip out the lights while you are inside.  Scotland, although not that different from our own culture, still forces me to consider routines that I scarcely remember learning.  Maybe someday I will even come to trust the towel racks.

Shannon Mays

Tonight we are staying in our second hotel.  Like the first, it has a heated towel rack in each of the bathrooms. How posh!  The view from our bedroom is not quite as picturesque as the room in Ballachulish but there are certain benefits to staying in a city.  There are actually people around here and shops!  The countryside has been magnificant to say the least, but it is nice to see some more people and fewer sheep.

Cate Culbertson

Day 4 – Isle of Iona

Today’s Blog from the Concert Choir Members:

 Today we had an early and hurried start to the day, we traveled by bus and two ferries until the afternoon when we reached the Isle of Iona.  The island was so beautiful and felt like we were in a completely different country.  The water was shades of blue and green and there was white sand instead of rocky beach giving the coast and almost Caribbean feel.  There was even a ship that looked straight from the Pirates of the Caribbean.  Although the island was gorgeous there was nearly 5 times as many tourists as there are inhabitants, so everything was fairly expensive compared to prices on the mainland.  After the recital in the medieval Iona Abby, we traveled back to our original port in Oban where we had fish and chips in a restaurant! 

~Rachel Martin

Wind, so much more alive than rocks that it so violently, (yet aimlessly) thrusts itself upon and I wonder which is older – the rocks or the wind. For the rocks, peeking from beneath grass greener than the very color of all things living, have seen this land and breathed this land since before we knew of it.  Yet, the wind, which is my support, the wind that can bear the weight of my body and soul has tossed the grass of these hills perhaps longer. 

A day on the road was delightfully restful after the intense hurried pace of yesterday.  This morning we drove to Oban and took a ferry to Iona, quick a bit rockier than everything else we have seen of Scotland so far.  The hills were just as gray as they were green.  While on Iona we visited a craft store where we purchased some Iona marble and soap.  We sat by the seashore overlooking the Abby and Nunnery and had some hummus and pita bread.  I had to go down to the shore and put my feet in the water, it was incredibly cold but well worth it.  The water was crisp and clear – standing in it made me feel as if the oceans and mountains were connected to me. 

~Maranda Coffey

Iona was my favorite part of the day.  The water was so blue and the land was so green that the view seemed surreal.  I sat on a stonewall while I was waiting for everyone else and just took in the beauty.  We wandered through the town and stopped at a store full of crafts made by Iona’s Crafting Guild.  There were all sorts of soaps, candles and knitted and crocheted goods – my favorite because I myself knit and crochet! I spent some time finding out about the local crafters and I really enjoyed looking at others’ work and evening purchased a lovely candle as a gift.  Even though I’d wished we had more time on Iona my experience there will never be forgotten.

~Allison Bradley

What a glorious day it was! For the third straight day we were given clear blue skies and a bright shining sun. After waking to this wonderful weather cascading over the mountains, gliding along the loch, and streaming through the windows we prepared for a full day of travel to the west coast of Scotland.  The drive weaved through verdant glens and past picturesque lochs until we reached Oban.  As we stepped off the bus, I was delighted to be absorbed to the crisp salty air of the sea.  After a ferry ride to the Island of Mull and from there to Iona on another ferry, I was astounded by the crystal clear water that seemed to glow and ethereal blue.  The isle, more like a gallant monument to a bygone era crowned by the Iona Abby.  After a successful concert and time enough for a few pictures we were transferred back into the mystic sea amidst brightly painted fishing boats and drifting sailboats.  It was good to be back on the coast. 

~William Sconiers

Scotland the Brave! I am writing to you from the ferry to Oban and I wish I could fully describe to you the beauty of the crystal water and the green hills beyond.  The best I can do is bring home pictures and postcards, but it would be better to bring you all here to see it for yourselves.  The view from the window of my hotel room is equally gorgeous. If you crawled out the window you would reach the Loch in 50 feet and the hills rise behind it right where the sun comes up.  I sat there early this morning and read a book next to the water but I couldn’t crawl out of bed early enough to watch the sun rise at 5am.  I am determined to do it tomorrow though, even if I just go to sleep again after the sun tops the hills. I have a small anecdote that might amuse you, we are wearing our informal choir attire, because we had a concert at Iona Abby today, which means, maroon shirts khakis that look like the program you can see on the program on this site.  As is my fashion, I am wearing a khakis skirt this ferry is so windy that your teeth dry when you smile.  I will leave the reminder to your imagination, but it was not as entertaining to me as it was to everyone else on the upper deck.  The Britannia that we visited on the first day had safety measures in place to prevent the royal skirts from flying up, but I suppose I am not of a high enough class standing for such treatment. 

Traveling is my new passion, I think.  I love learning about the differences in culture and to be surrounded by accents and language so different from my own.  Here, cookies are called biscuits, French fries are chips, chips are crisps, the sidewalk is called the pavement, and we would never say “dog foul” or have signs declaring the “life jacket donning instructions.”  My favorite language quark so far was when our tour guide Nathalie told us to “bulge the queue,” or jump line, to make sure we all made it onto the little ferry.   In short, I could stay here forever.

~Rebekah Moore

Waking up this morning at the Glencoe Hotel, with the sun streaming over the mountains to the smooth lake was just the beginning of a wonderful day here in Scotland.  Once arriving on Iona we were in a bit of a rush to make our deadline for our performance so we scurried by the 1500 year old scenery and into the Abby to perform.  The acoustics in the beautiful stone monastery made our voices resonate endlessly.  Once the performance was over, we were free to roam about the island and have lunch or tea and take pictures of the ancient buildings and beautiful sea.  From the we boarded the ferry and then the coach to slowly make our way back to Glencoe where the pool and sauna await us.  Despite the many hours of travel involved with today’s activities we really had a wonderful time of observing and appreciating God’s hand in the glorious landscape in the isles of Scotland.  After such a long day, we will all surely sleep well tonight.

~Chrissy Eastridge

When we told our home stay family we were going to Ballachulish and Iona they told us we would be traveling through “God’s land,” named for its breathtaking scenery – they were certainly correct!  We had a quick hot breakfast with traditional Scottish favorites such as black pudding and more recognizable Americans treats of muffins and cereal. When arriving in Oban we found a beautiful, culturally exciting town set upon a gorgeous Loch.  Overlooking the town were the remnants of a coliseum build when the masons needed work, but it was never finished.  The ride to Iona was slightly terrifying and slow going as there was only one road and it was only one lane.  However, the scary trip was worth it to reach Iona, the most beautiful stop of our trip in Scotland thus far.  We sang a beautiful concert.  The acoustics in the Abby were fantastic and each note resonated perfectly!  After our concert we learned the history of the Abby and the Isle of Iona.  Chrissy and I ate lunch in a little tearoom.  We had delicious vegetable soup and bread with raspberry jam.  It was then time to leave this charming island. Iona is by far my favorite place on the trip.  Each day I think I have seen the most beautiful lands and then I am proven wrong by each preceding visit.  I can’t wait for tomorrow…

~Susan Evans

Day 3 – Church of the Holy Rude

Today’s Blog from the Concert Choir Members:

” ‘ello! I am tired, but am having fun. My home stay experience was very interesting. I spent two days on a 100 acre farm with 400 dairy cows. We had many Scottish specialties at each meal. I liked the fact that Mr. Megloin was half Irish. When I told him my last name, he immediately spoke about Ireland and how he was just in the country two weeks ago. I am now sitting at a dinner table about to eat duck. The window in front of me looks out into a huge lake with mountains or ‘hills’ on each side. Having a great time!”

~Will Donovan

“We sang at the Holy Rude Church of Scotland this morning. Interestingly, I learned that many Scotsman pronounce it incorrectly: ‘Holly Rude’ although it is pronounced the way it is spelled: ‘Holy Rude’ It was beautiful and has been in use for over 600 years. On a more musical note, the acoustics were beautiful and our performance reflected that. Behind the church was an expansive graveyard (aka kirkyard) with records dating back to 1579. In the center of the kirkyard was a hill that allowed visitors a magnificent view of Stirling Castle, the city itself and the rolling hills and mountains.”

~Susanna Anderson

“We left Stirling today and headed over to Lock Lomond. The weather was absolutely beautiful, a few clouds here and there. The scenery was stunning. There were rivers and a lake nestled between tall steep hills that were half covered with pine leaving the tops exposed to the elements. This is definitely a place to come back to and visit. This probably is the best group tour I have been on in my life.”

~Morgan Gerville-Reache

“After performing at the Holy Rude Church we boarded our coach to enjoy a drive along the rolling hills of Scotland. It was extremely windy and the grass looked like rolling waves in the ocean. We also drove along Loch Lomond which has some of the bluest water I have ever seen! After about a 30 minute drive we stopped at a little park to have lunch along at Luss. Before getting back on the coach we thought it would be appropriate for Off Kilter to sing ‘Loch Lomond’ on the bonnie bonnie banks of Lock Lomond.”

~Leah Scheafnocker

“After we left Lock Lomond we boarded the bus and headed toward Ballachulish. On the way, we stopped at Loch Tulla to take some gorgeous pictures of the highlands. We even had an up-close encounter with a couple ‘Scottish elk.’ They posed for some pictures with an absolutely incredible background. We then drove through Glencoe and WOW! it is gorgeous. Several films have used the Glencoe mountains including Harry Potter and Monty Python. Glencoe is by far the most beautiful place we have been thus far. From there we drove to our hotel which is right next to Loch Leven. Our hotel has the most amazing view and excellent food. We are currently waiting for the second course of our 3-course dinner. But, we are having such an amazing time and if you ever get the chance, you have to come to Scotland!”

~Alonda Cutshaw

“We arrived in Ballachulish our destination for the next two evenings. It is surrounded by the Highland Hills in every directions. The hotel is superb, with the windows overlooking the lake of Loch Leven. The room is simple and elegant, typical of European style. The bathroom even has a notice about revising the towels and is an excellent example of the conservative attitude of the Scots in regard to the environment. The area is a major shift from the previous night’s stay in Stirling, the area being serene. Several local areas were recognized from movies and other media events. The attitude is quite different from the hustle and bustle of Americans, plenty more time is spent eating and relaxing. Even the local shops close before 6pm and an air of relaxation is evident. The curiosity of local history brings out interesting perspectives and the thoughts of wandering legends. The locals are still direct descendants from famous Scots we have studied or heard. The days to come will be filled with new experiences and an even increasing awareness of this unique lifestyle.”

~Daniel Wilder

Tomorrow we travel to Iona…

Day 2

For Day 2 Blog, see the link to the right or click below:

http://scotsamericanmusicaljourney.wordpress.com/day2/

Day 1 – See Under Schedule to the Right

You will see the link to the blog entry for day one on the link list to the right or click the link below:

Day 1 Blog

Tour Poster & Program

Poster for this year’s Tour
designed by Stephani Richardson, Art Major @ MC

This is the program and selection of songs for the tour
choir08program