That was a quote from one choir member I asked today about the experience of performing on the concert hall stage at the Sydney Opera House. "They had our names on the dressing rooms." "The green room had a restaurant in it." "It was exhilerating!" The enthusiasm was high after the performance as the parental papparazzi snapped photos of the students exiting the stage door. For the parents sitting in the hall listening there were very few dry eyes. Both the band and choir seemed like naturals on the stage and recieved loud acclaim from the audience filled with students from St. Patrick's, other schools, and the community. Along with the beautiful music made by the St. Francis students, there were delightful visual moments as well like Avery's sparkling smile after his Georgia solo, the waves back and forth between our students and their new found friends from St. Patrick's in the audience, and all the 'Yankees' doing the arm motions to YMCA as it was played by one of the other performing groups.
The first half of the concert belonged to the St. Francis choir and symphonic band. After a brief intermission, a group of middle school age band and orchestra students from New Zealand played a number of pieces including several marches and movie theme songs that were audience pleasers. The program closed with a high school group from Queensland, Australia whose big band played Birdland and then combined orchestra and choir performed several praise hymns.
After the concert there was a little time for lunch in the Circular Quay harbor area near the Opera House and then the students were off to enjoy their last evening with their gracious host families. Tomorrow is a long travel day to the warmer northern coast town of Surfers Paradise. As the students headed for the bus back to Campbelltown a few more reflections were offered. "I was surprised I was so nervous, I am glad it is over." "I will never forget this. It was amazing." "I am so sad to be leaving my family. They have been so incredible." "I know I will cry in the morning when we leave."
Saying goodbye to Sydney will be difficult, but the memories will be rich and lasting.
