Pinnacle is an amazing experience. Imaging 800 of the best handbell ringers in North America in the same place! Our day consists of classes, concerts, classes, and more concerts.
Some of the showcase choirs have been incredible. Circle City Ringers from Indianapolis, IN wowed the crowd by leaving it all on the table. It was a great show.
We've had some Nashville fun, too. Last night Sonos, the professionals from Northern California, became the first handbell ensemble to perform at the Ryman Auditorium, home to the Grand Ole Opry. We preceeded the concert with a fun blues and brews meal at BB King's House of Blues.
Tonight we're headed the the historic 1st Baptist Church in downtown Nashville to hear the Agape Ringers.
Tomorrow, it's our turn! We had a really fun "airbell rehearsal" today, since our equipment is still on the bus. We not only got ready to ring, we proved why we're all ringers and not singers! (except Beth, of course)
Monday, July 19, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
On the road to Nashville
We got started on the road bright and early this morning in Loves Park, IL. There was a lot of game playing on the bus today, perfect for a games fan like me. Some of the games we've played so far include Wizard, Five Crowns, Wits and Wagers, and Phase 10. The members of the Twin Cities Bronze are fierce and fun competitors!
Our efficient driver had us in Nashville right on time. After checking in and unloading at the hotel, we hit the Caney Fork restaurant for dinner. We were served by the wonderful Melissa, who served all fourteen of us seemingly without breaking a sweat. Near the end of our meal we were serenaded by a country music quartet.
A great day, but I can tell the members of the ensemble can't wait to attend the classes and concerts tomorrow. Here's wishing everyone a good night's sleep!
Alec S.
Our efficient driver had us in Nashville right on time. After checking in and unloading at the hotel, we hit the Caney Fork restaurant for dinner. We were served by the wonderful Melissa, who served all fourteen of us seemingly without breaking a sweat. Near the end of our meal we were serenaded by a country music quartet.
A great day, but I can tell the members of the ensemble can't wait to attend the classes and concerts tomorrow. Here's wishing everyone a good night's sleep!
Alec S.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Quality Inn & Suites, Rockford, IL
Driver Dave got us here right on time. Of course, the party's already started...Leiney's, Trader Joe's wine, hummus. Have I said yet this group is all about food? We miss Alyssa...she couldn't come with us. So Chris cut the cheese in her honor.
We just discovered that girls are crazy when they're with other girls, and guys are stupid when they're with other boys. The observations of this austere group get more insightful by the minute.
Bill's all about adding video to our blog. Can't wait to see what THAT looks like!
Late to bed, early to rise. We head to Nashville tomorrow morning at about 7:30.
Monica, hope you're following our chronicle. We'll see you soon!
We just discovered that girls are crazy when they're with other girls, and guys are stupid when they're with other boys. The observations of this austere group get more insightful by the minute.
Bill's all about adding video to our blog. Can't wait to see what THAT looks like!
Late to bed, early to rise. We head to Nashville tomorrow morning at about 7:30.
Monica, hope you're following our chronicle. We'll see you soon!
The Wheels on the Bus
If it weren't for our beautiful motor coach, you'd swear the Clampetts were headed to Nashville. Pillows. Coolers. Computers. IPods. Cell phones. And Food, Food Food! Just a few short hours until wheels are rolling, and we start a new round of good times and memorable quotes and stories, many of which will be funnier at the time than when repeated!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Two days and counting...
Hello, my name is Alec, Maggie's fiancee. I'll be traveling along with the Bronze during their visit to Nashville and their mini-tour afterwards. I'm no stranger to music tours, having toured extensively with my high school's marching band and my college's symphonic band. What's different this time is that instead of performing, I'll have the privilege of listening to this fantastic ensemble in the audience. I imagine that I'll be recruited to help out with loading, unloading, etc.
I will be contributing my observations as a roadie during the group's tour. Stay tuned for more posts from me!
Alec S.
I will be contributing my observations as a roadie during the group's tour. Stay tuned for more posts from me!
Alec S.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Countdown to Tour!
Only six days until we'll be on our magical tour bus on our way to the Pinnacle handbell festival in Nashville. We've traded our normal "Grey Wolf with White Butt" van and trailer for a luxury motor coach...complete with DVDs, card tables, refrigerator, satellite radio, and a quiet zone. So now it's all about food, games, and what movies we're going to take. After all, this group requires a LOT of entertainment.
Bonnie Tranby is on point as tour guide, which means, as always, it will be a great trip. Follow us as we wend our way through Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and finally back to the Twin Cities for a welcome home concert at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie!
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