Just two weeks ago our students set out on a journey all the way across the ocean with one goal: to perform and amaze new audience with their summer recital!
First day was the day to get to know London so there was a lot of excitement among our adventurers! The day began with sightseeing, starting at the Thames river, Southbank of London kids walked all the way to Borough Market – the most famous market in London. Next stop was the Golden Hind – the first ship to cruise around the world in 16th century, followed by the Globe Theatre & Tate Modern. Roaming the streets named after Charles Dickens’ beloved characters was a very special feeling.
After filling tummies with a traditional meal of fish and chips kids went to visit the Ministry of Sound, famous for it’s innovations in musical industry. They loved the space and the setting of ministry. But best part about it was definitely seeing DJ scene firsthand and even doing a little spin themselves!
Second day was the rehearsal day. After visiting the rest of sights including London Eye, Westminster Bridge, the Big Ben and the Houses of parliament kids took a walk in St James Park before heading to music rehearsal at The Schott Music Store. Rehearsal was a lot of fun but meeting students of Dea Music Academy in London more so – it turned out to be the start of a new friendship.
Next day the concert was set to begin 6:30 PM at St. John’s Church in Waterloo. As guests started to arrive our little musicians started to get a bit nervous. But just like big professionals they didn’t let the nervousness to take over and gave one of their best performances. Together with students of Dea Music Academy in London they played a variety of pieces starring from classics ending with Michael Jackson’s “Beat it”. Clapping was followed by a cocktail party where teachers, parents and guests congratulated little musicians on a job well done. As a memoir for the night all students received a certificate. But there’s no true victory without tears: we witnessed a very touching moment as children of both schools had to say their final goodbyes.
However there’s an “up” after every “down” and we are planning to have all our friends from London visit us in NY very soon so we can pick up right where we left off – just like real friends!
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