Thank you!

 As we, the directors, reflect on the New Jersey trip, we are overflowing with joy and pride in our students. Their performances were all beyond what we imagined, and their attitudes were stellar during the entire trip.  We received compliments from every place we visited, from schools to hotels,  on how respectful and well behaved our students were. You could see on their faces and in the way they presented themselves that our students were brimming with pride in themselves and their peers.

 When taking 125 people on buses to anywhere for 4 days it is impossible for everything to go as planned.  Flexibility is obviously a must as there are certain areas the group leaders have no control over. We felt that the students showed tremendous maturity when faced with an alternate plan or a change of any sort. Their flexibility and ability to “improvise” made us proud. Some great things can occur serendipitously. One example of this is when we missed the ferry from Ellis Island to the Statue of Liberty and wound up having time to perform in the balcony of the building! It wasn’t planned, but it became a memorable experience.  When arriving at the second motel and seeing its condition, we immediately (within an hour) were on our way to a different location with better facilities. The following day both of the exchange concerts were phenomenal exploits. The students were able engage with peers in a different state and from different social dynamics. They proved that music can tear down any barrier and bring people together. Through every experience the students showed a high level of emotional stability and maturity!

 

The chaperones we had with us were the most proactive and positive group we’ve traveled with. In every circumstance they supported the directors and children. Nothing would have been possible without them! No matter what the circumstance they rose to the challenge. We the directors were able to breathe and get through every situation because of their invaluable endorsement.Thank you thank you thank you!!! We could not have done it without you!

All in all it was an unprecedented experience for everyone involved, adults and students alike. Let’s do it again!