We visited Rockefeller Center, some wandered Central Park, others went to Times Square and then our children's lives changed forever. Teachers at LCHS: pay very close attention.
First stop after lunch was Chinatown. Some of us chaperones thought we'd prepare them for this unique experience by sharing some pointers on the art of haggling (it is expected in Chinatown). Most of us assumed the majority of kids might be a little nervous about this.
Let me be clear: these kids were born ruthless hagglers. {Disclaimer: this newly discovered skill may or may not show up in the classroom.} Overhearing one of our more shy students: "FIVE DOLLARS? I will not pay more than $4.75 for that real pashima scarf!" She stomped out of the store, so very empowered yet so very empty handed.
In addition to the Chicken Dance and the Napkin Waving Song, dinner mostly focused on who talked which shop owner down the furthest on their purchases. Oh. And there was the fish market in Little Italy with the overgrown bullfrogs (live and going for $4.99/pound) and the carp that gave everyone the stink eye as they passed by. No wonder he was still for sale.
The day concluded w/ our off-Broadway adventure: STOMP http://www.stomponline.com/show.php. For 1 1/2 hours, we listened to rhythmic percussion pieces played out on and in ways we never would have thought of: plungers, dust pans, brooms, mops, folding chairs, lighters, newspapers, sniffling, basketballs, inner tubes, throat clearing....everything except the kitchen sink. Wait. Take that back. Four men played four kitchen sinks. (And then the sinks relieved themselves. Ask your kids.) All set to riveting choreography and not a word spoken. So very interesting, entertaining - and at times, hysterical.
Tomorrow the kids have a band clinic with a clinician from the New York Philharmonic. A very exciting experience. Then off to Long Beach for time to look at the ocean (high of 57• tomorrow), maybe play some beach volleyball, walk the boardwalk and play a concert for the Lancer Insurance Company (name is a complete coincidence - they have a long standing insurance relationship w/ Tom Ready Bus Line). Tom is here with us and is proud to have our students share their gifts and the kids are quite excited to play for them tomorrow. The Lancer Company has hoped the La Crescent Lancers would visit them someday.
Stay tuned!
Hello all, we are very pleased at how well our clinic went with Mr. Adelson of the NY Philharmonic. Students were engaged, challenged, and brought to a greater understanding of their own musicianship. Mission accomplished!! Thank you to all whom made this morning possible!! The instruments, stands, chairs and facility were top notch too!! Thanks again!! JCopp
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