Apparently they enjoyed us on our final flight home. We are so proud of our CJS family!! This message was sent from the Delta Flight 1694 staff to CCM about us!
Airline passengers are often times willing to contact airline managementto let them know about service issues. I suppose it’s not often when anairline (or in this case, airline staff) might contact passengers to thankthem for their extraordinary behavior.
I was a member of the Delta Air Lines inflight crew who had the distincthonor of bringing your Cincinnati Junior Strings group home to CVG on thelast segment of their journey from Australia this past Wednesday, August6th. My entire crew was very impressed with the decorum of your studentmusicians and their excellent manners. We don’t often see such outstandingyoung folks like this; especially in such a large group. It was truly anhonor for us and a testament to the quality that your organization, theteachers and volunteers model for these students.
On behalf of my crew, I want to thank you and your organization for makingour day so enjoyable. Thank you also for the CDs that were left with us toenjoy and to remember you by. And thank you for helping these extraordinaryyoung adults make our world “sound” so wonderful. We certainly look forwardto welcoming you again soon!
With best wishes for your continued success,
MARCEL VIENS
Flight Leader – Delta 1694 LAX-CVG
Marcel.J.Viens@Delta.com
Monday, August 18, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
One Week Later...more photos to check out!
Cannot believe it has been a week since we were in Sydney...Who needs more Tim Tams and some Lift??
Anyway, here are links to some photos from the trip.
Rachel and Matt Bierkan's Photos - includes MANY from the concerts and schools we visited
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=18ktu6g7.8km0nj6j&x=0&h=1&y=b8obiv&localeid=en_US
Mr. Karrer's Photos
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=yebwof8.barrplm0&x=0&h=1&y=-dr0e8m&localeid=en_US
Mrs. Asgian's Photos (plus some from the camp concert in the US!)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=10so71xo.5p750eo8&x=0&y=wzzufk&localeid=en_US
Anyway, here are links to some photos from the trip.
Rachel and Matt Bierkan's Photos - includes MANY from the concerts and schools we visited
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=18ktu6g7.8km0nj6j&x=0&h=1&y=b8obiv&localeid=en_US
Mr. Karrer's Photos
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=yebwof8.barrplm0&x=0&h=1&y=-dr0e8m&localeid=en_US
Mrs. Asgian's Photos (plus some from the camp concert in the US!)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=10so71xo.5p750eo8&x=0&y=wzzufk&localeid=en_US
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Group Photos!
These are the photos of the whole group from Joy Campbell's camera. We will try to get them emailed to you as well!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
CJS Websites to check out...
For the article from the Newcastle newspaper featuring CJS: (Thank you Aunt Cindy)
http://theherald.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/american-string-ensembles-touring-bowl/1228937.aspx
For the recordings of the Rainbow Boyz:
http://www.youtube.com/user/rainbowboyz4
For Pictures visit:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=18ktu6g7.abf76knf&x=0&h=1&y=jd79qz&localeid=en_US
http://theherald.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/american-string-ensembles-touring-bowl/1228937.aspx
For the recordings of the Rainbow Boyz:
http://www.youtube.com/user/rainbowboyz4
For Pictures visit:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=18ktu6g7.abf76knf&x=0&h=1&y=jd79qz&localeid=en_US
Thursday, August 7, 2008
We're Back!
After a long day/day and a half/two days of travel, we have returned home safely.
Thank you all for a fabulous trip.
Thanks to Quentin and Sally for their Australian tour guiding.
What an amazing time we had!
Monday, August 4, 2008
For Devin and Stephen
Mom and Deidra say hi and Happy Birthday (Rachel says that she is sorry she didn't send it on Friday).
Stephen...Australia misses you. Say hi to Guido and Michael.
Stephen...Australia misses you. Say hi to Guido and Michael.
Our Favorite Aussie Animals
By an overwhelming vote, the koalas have won...though Mrs. Bierkan has been lobbying for the wombat. We did enjoy the kangaroos and the wallabies (Phillip Goist's favorite) and even the wallaroos - a totally different species of kangaroo-type creature, not a cross between the wallaby and the kangaroo. Mrs. Doan loved the kookaburra - and she even got to pet one. Ted Liu's favorite was the bird that dumped a surprise on his head.
It was hard to say what the highlight of the day was. We did see and pet more than 2 dozen koalas (and don't forget the 10 wombats!!!) but we also had an awesome final concert of the tour. We started the day with a school tour concert at PLC Croyden for 250 (?) girls from grade 1 to grade 7. Then it was off to Featherdale to see the Aussie animals and lots of Aussie birds. The kangaroos and wallabies were jumping around a bit and ate out of our hands, but mostly they were pretty lazy lying in the sun. The Tasmanian Devil was also a bit on the sleepy side and of course the koalas took turns sleeping in their trees (after all they sleep 16-18 hours every day...some of us will want to sleep like a koala when we get back to Cincy!) but the wombats were very active pacing in their pens and you can't forget those flying foxes (and the way they smelled.)
Then it was a quick stop at the Olympic Park to see how the Aussies have turned the Olympic Village into a workable and interesting city site.
We arrived back at PLC for a rehearsal with their senior chamber orchestra girls. We played Queen of Sheba and then Rondeau with them. We did a good job mingling CJSers with PLC girls during the sausage sizzle and then it was concert time. And as mentioned before, it was an excellent final concerts featuring all the gang buster tunes.
Our last day in Sydney features the aquarium, the golden bucket (the Aussie version of the Seattle Skyneedle) and the final bit of shopping. Some groups are checking out the Harbour Bridge and others are sampling local Krispy Kremes. A good time will be had by all.
We have had so much fun...but be prepared for some tired folks at the airport on Wednesday!
It was hard to say what the highlight of the day was. We did see and pet more than 2 dozen koalas (and don't forget the 10 wombats!!!) but we also had an awesome final concert of the tour. We started the day with a school tour concert at PLC Croyden for 250 (?) girls from grade 1 to grade 7. Then it was off to Featherdale to see the Aussie animals and lots of Aussie birds. The kangaroos and wallabies were jumping around a bit and ate out of our hands, but mostly they were pretty lazy lying in the sun. The Tasmanian Devil was also a bit on the sleepy side and of course the koalas took turns sleeping in their trees (after all they sleep 16-18 hours every day...some of us will want to sleep like a koala when we get back to Cincy!) but the wombats were very active pacing in their pens and you can't forget those flying foxes (and the way they smelled.)
Then it was a quick stop at the Olympic Park to see how the Aussies have turned the Olympic Village into a workable and interesting city site.
We arrived back at PLC for a rehearsal with their senior chamber orchestra girls. We played Queen of Sheba and then Rondeau with them. We did a good job mingling CJSers with PLC girls during the sausage sizzle and then it was concert time. And as mentioned before, it was an excellent final concerts featuring all the gang buster tunes.
Our last day in Sydney features the aquarium, the golden bucket (the Aussie version of the Seattle Skyneedle) and the final bit of shopping. Some groups are checking out the Harbour Bridge and others are sampling local Krispy Kremes. A good time will be had by all.
We have had so much fun...but be prepared for some tired folks at the airport on Wednesday!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
On the Rocks
We left Canberra bright and early this morning heading to Mt. Ainsley for a nice view of the city. Then it was off to Sydney.
The weather in Sydney could not have been better. It was a beautiful day to walk through the section of the city called the Rocks (where the first settlement in Sydney was) and visit the weekend markets and do a bit of shopping before the Harbour Cruise.
We took a cruise around the Sydney Harbour to see the sights (but let's be honest we only really cared about the Bridge and the Opera House) and hear a bit about the history of the city and the current events taking place there. There were lots of fabulous pictures taken as the skies were bright blue and nearly everyone was in a good mood.
Our dinner at Phillips Foote was a memorable one and a good time was had by all. We truly did get to choose our own cut of meat (beef, chicken or fish) and Matt and Joel barbecued it for most of us (mainly the kids...can't have them eating raw chicken!). There were many great side dishes and everyone left happy and full. This one gets the best dinner award.
Tomorrow we visit our final school - PLC Croyden - and the Featherdale Animal park. Can't wait to see the Wombats (and kangaroos).
The weather in Sydney could not have been better. It was a beautiful day to walk through the section of the city called the Rocks (where the first settlement in Sydney was) and visit the weekend markets and do a bit of shopping before the Harbour Cruise.
We took a cruise around the Sydney Harbour to see the sights (but let's be honest we only really cared about the Bridge and the Opera House) and hear a bit about the history of the city and the current events taking place there. There were lots of fabulous pictures taken as the skies were bright blue and nearly everyone was in a good mood.
Our dinner at Phillips Foote was a memorable one and a good time was had by all. We truly did get to choose our own cut of meat (beef, chicken or fish) and Matt and Joel barbecued it for most of us (mainly the kids...can't have them eating raw chicken!). There were many great side dishes and everyone left happy and full. This one gets the best dinner award.
Tomorrow we visit our final school - PLC Croyden - and the Featherdale Animal park. Can't wait to see the Wombats (and kangaroos).
A Day in Canberra
Government Buildings - here we come!
Yesterday we had a very full, very busy day travelling from one government building in Canberra to another. But we learned a lot and it was totally worth it.
We started at Parliament where we saw the House of Representatives (a lovely gray/green room whose color represents the green of the Australian Gum Trees) and the Senate (a rosy pink room whose color represents the blossoms of the Gum Trees). We also saw an original copy of the Magna Carta which is on display there and an excellent gift shop - one of the best we've seen. Then we got to walk on the roof of Parliament which is actually the ground floor of the buliding - this allows the common people to be above the legislators reminding them who is really in charge of the country.
Then we were off to the Australia Museum where we learned about the Aborigine people, the colonization of Australia and then the process of becoming a Federation. After grabbing lunch there, we had a quick stop at the National Art Gallery where we saw some fabulous statues, some interesting Aboriginal art, and various Impressionist to Modern paintings as well as Indian and Asian pieces. The photographs of Southeast Asia were particularly interesting to some while others found the Ned Kelly display to be most enjoyable.
We ended our tour of Canberra with the War Memorial where we learned about the Japanese attack on Sydney during WWII, the Australian involvement in Gallipoli, and the Aussie work as Peacekeepers in the 20th century. We saw tanks, planes, boats, submarines, neumatic warheads, helmets (some kids even got to try them on), radio transmitters, barrack simulators and lots of diaramas depicting the battles fought. The trip to the Memorial ended with the closing ceremony held in the Hall of Honour (where all those who have died in combat were listed) featuring the bugle call to home.
Then it was off to the Yacht Club (via Embassy Row) for dinner. The highlight there was the chocolate cake dessert, but don't ask about it.
The kids were able to swim off a little energy when we returned to the hotel before suitcase packing and lights out.
Yesterday we had a very full, very busy day travelling from one government building in Canberra to another. But we learned a lot and it was totally worth it.
We started at Parliament where we saw the House of Representatives (a lovely gray/green room whose color represents the green of the Australian Gum Trees) and the Senate (a rosy pink room whose color represents the blossoms of the Gum Trees). We also saw an original copy of the Magna Carta which is on display there and an excellent gift shop - one of the best we've seen. Then we got to walk on the roof of Parliament which is actually the ground floor of the buliding - this allows the common people to be above the legislators reminding them who is really in charge of the country.
Then we were off to the Australia Museum where we learned about the Aborigine people, the colonization of Australia and then the process of becoming a Federation. After grabbing lunch there, we had a quick stop at the National Art Gallery where we saw some fabulous statues, some interesting Aboriginal art, and various Impressionist to Modern paintings as well as Indian and Asian pieces. The photographs of Southeast Asia were particularly interesting to some while others found the Ned Kelly display to be most enjoyable.
We ended our tour of Canberra with the War Memorial where we learned about the Japanese attack on Sydney during WWII, the Australian involvement in Gallipoli, and the Aussie work as Peacekeepers in the 20th century. We saw tanks, planes, boats, submarines, neumatic warheads, helmets (some kids even got to try them on), radio transmitters, barrack simulators and lots of diaramas depicting the battles fought. The trip to the Memorial ended with the closing ceremony held in the Hall of Honour (where all those who have died in combat were listed) featuring the bugle call to home.
Then it was off to the Yacht Club (via Embassy Row) for dinner. The highlight there was the chocolate cake dessert, but don't ask about it.
The kids were able to swim off a little energy when we returned to the hotel before suitcase packing and lights out.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Raindrops keep falling...
Rain seems to follow CJS wherever it goes on this trip.
As we drove out of Sydney this morning it started raining and the temperature started falling. It is now 40 degrees and the rain continues to fall here in Canberra. They say it will be sunny tomorrow...but we'll see.
The optimist says that we have had a lot of rain but also a LOT of Rainbows!
As we drove out of Sydney this morning it started raining and the temperature started falling. It is now 40 degrees and the rain continues to fall here in Canberra. They say it will be sunny tomorrow...but we'll see.
The optimist says that we have had a lot of rain but also a LOT of Rainbows!
The Opera House and the Kangaroos!
Our day began with a very informative tour of one of the most recognized buildings in the world - the Sydney Opera House. We got to take lots of pictures to impress you with when we get home and we learned a lot about its construction and turbulent history. We would like to play there...or just see a show of some sort. Maybe next time.
We have just arrived in Canberra. On the drive we saw at least 7 kangaroo mobs in the fields we passed. Unfortunately the kids were not as observant as most of the adults and they missed them...but maybe we'll ALL see them as we drive back to Sydney on Sunday!
We look forward to a day of learning all about Australia tomorrow. We will visit Parliament - the seat of the Aussie government - then off to the Australia Museum where we will learn about Australia's history. Then the Art Gallery and finally the showstopper - the War Memorial - where we will see a closing ceremony (like at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in D.C.)
We very much enjoyed our stay at Queenwood. Our billet families were so welcoming and generous. Thank you to Melinda Bryant for organizing everything for us and thank you to all those lovely Queenwood girls and their families!
We had a very successful day of concerts and rehearsal yesterday. During the day we rehearsed with the Senior String girls and the Junior School Orchestra. We played a fun arrangement of the Aussie favorite - Click Go the Shears at the evening concert. CJS's performance at last night's concert was really spectacular. We did the hardest tunes in the folder and then ended with Intermezzo spread all around the auditorium. It was fabulous. Ask Debbie for the video of that one!
So we look forward to a day of learning tomorrow and we look forward to getting our chaperone groups back together after 8 nights of billets in a row! See you soon!
We have just arrived in Canberra. On the drive we saw at least 7 kangaroo mobs in the fields we passed. Unfortunately the kids were not as observant as most of the adults and they missed them...but maybe we'll ALL see them as we drive back to Sydney on Sunday!
We look forward to a day of learning all about Australia tomorrow. We will visit Parliament - the seat of the Aussie government - then off to the Australia Museum where we will learn about Australia's history. Then the Art Gallery and finally the showstopper - the War Memorial - where we will see a closing ceremony (like at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in D.C.)
We very much enjoyed our stay at Queenwood. Our billet families were so welcoming and generous. Thank you to Melinda Bryant for organizing everything for us and thank you to all those lovely Queenwood girls and their families!
We had a very successful day of concerts and rehearsal yesterday. During the day we rehearsed with the Senior String girls and the Junior School Orchestra. We played a fun arrangement of the Aussie favorite - Click Go the Shears at the evening concert. CJS's performance at last night's concert was really spectacular. We did the hardest tunes in the folder and then ended with Intermezzo spread all around the auditorium. It was fabulous. Ask Debbie for the video of that one!
So we look forward to a day of learning tomorrow and we look forward to getting our chaperone groups back together after 8 nights of billets in a row! See you soon!
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