**UPDATE! Pictures added**

Hey everyone, I don’t mean to go post crazy (two days in a row and all), but I had some great news that I wanted to share with you. As you know the Walsh Chorale has been busy already this year as I had mentioned in my last blog. In fact, we’re going places!! Like, E.J. Thomas Hall, where we went Tuesday evening to see Chanticleer, which was part of the Tuesday Musical events. Dr. Cooper lined up a charter bus to take about 50 of us to Akron University’s E.J. Thomas Hall. We had our choir practice as usual from 3:30pm-5:00pm and then were provided food before we loaded the bus.

A couple of announcements were made from Dr. Cooper about the evening and what we were about to witness and then we took off to Akron. Once at the hall I was amazed at how nice of a facility this was. I also noted how many students were attending, along with many adults and community members turning this event into a full house. The lights dimmed and everyone took their place, it was hard telling what to exactly expect. The men begin to take their places and sang the first note of their song, immediately it seemed, Chanticleer proved to me much more than just any old musical, in fact, it was amazing!! It was truly one of those experiences that you have to see to believe. This “Orchestra of Voices,” is what they call themselves, and basically it is a group of men who have amazing singing abilities. In fact they are named “the worlds reigning male chorus” by the New Yorker magazine and were named ensemble of the year in 2008 by Musical America. It’s easy to see and especially hear why they are world renowned. From the moment they begin their performance audience members are stunned by their unbelievable range—especially the individuals who can hit soprano notes—notes that are higher than many female artists hit at times. The performance is breathtaking and I know that I was on the edge of my seat with disbelief that a man could hit such a high note—I didn’t think it was humanly possible—but the hours of training and commitment put towards each performance shines through and leaves the audience amazed. I remember at times looking around the stage for a woman singing—no one else in site, the range was unbelievable—beyond words.

Along with the main performance were guest speakers Matt Oltman, the Chanticleer Music Director; and Mason Bates, a composer. The evening went on and I found that with every song I was impressed by something new-the audience must have agreed, as they were thanked with a standing ovation. It was great to be part of this event and I felt that it enriched not only my musical background, but as well as my cultural background and understanding—as I found out just how important “The Arts” are to our Cleveland/Akron area. I feel that because of this trip I broke down some walls and opened up some new possibilities that would allow me to grow and develop with an open mind, and greater appreciation for everything this area has to offer.

The experience we had at E & J Thomas Hall was only half the fun as it seems anytime all of us choir members are together there are always many laughs and great memories made. Luckily, my friend and fellow choir member Damir Jozic brought a camera so we were able to get several shots from our bus trip, to the actual performance itself. However, he has not uploaded these quite yet so stay tuned. I will post them as soon as I get them. Until then check out Damir on the 6:00pm news talking about his experience at Walsh—along with my fellow blogger Monika, who speaks about the importance of a Walsh Education to her family. The link to this video is: http://www.wkyc.com/video/default.aspx?maven_playerId=immersiveplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=9271045a646128edc214e46f9b102f3c3962bd5c&maven_referralObject=1287550434

Well stay tuned as I will be posting some interesting pics, and maybe a video or two from our Tuesday Musical!J

Hope everyone has a great weekend and fall break