The common thread in this blog as I attempt to catalog my daily activities has one thing in common - I never know exactly where to begin. We left for Ft. Lauderdale at 4am - right after loading the bus with all of our instruments, music, and bags, showed up for a 1pm rehearsal, a concert that evening, and then another performance the next morning followed by a big concert with the Ambassador of Jamaica in attendance the same evening. And we didn't even leave the US. By the time we actually left US territory, I felt like I've been on the road for a week. This is how the New England Youth Ensemble functions - unfortunately. We lose a great deal of musicality when musicians are falling asleep on stage, so with that said, the concerts went well, but could have been much, much, much better. But, I was glad, nonetheless, to be away again.
Once in Jamaica, we loaded a shabby, but colorful bus, and headed to Northern Caribbean University for the annual Christmas "Feast of Lights" celebration. The dorms and hospitality were awesome, except for a lousy shower, and it certainly helped get us off on the right foot. The most wonderful thing happened at the end of the concert - you see, Jamaicans take their time - with everything. We played, they gave a speech, we played some more, they gave some more speeches, we played again with full orchestra and choir, they spoke some more still, and then we played a big final number...after we blew out the power. The final Hallelujah chorus from "Messiah" was performed with a packed house of cheering Jamaicans, a sweaty, tired group of Americans on stage, and a very animated Jamaican choir belting out the notes. If it weren't for a few audience volunteers to help hold candles for the musicians, it wouldnt' have ended in pitch blackness and without music! The candles made everything better - the music, the vibe, the listeners...it was real magic.
The following day we made our way to Starfish Resort - passing through rural Jamaican village after village. Third world, developing...I was a bit uneasy - not ALL Jamaicans are super chill or welcoming of foreigners. In any event, the more touristy resort was welcoming in my book - lots of Americans and Europeans and Asians visiting, a friendly staff - open bars - a pool, a beach, and of course, a fun concert for the tourists at night. Jamaica lacks orchestral instruments, so Randy and I had to make due with some beat up travel timpani for the whole trip. But it worked somehow. And the food at Starfish was DELICIOUS.
The next day we headed out to Kingston to an even nicer resort - Pegasus. The bus driver took us to a market, we visited Dunn's River Falls, I got scammed HARD CORE by a street vendor, and Mr. Flash treated the orchestra to a very satisfying meal at the end of the day. The rest of the night was spent relaxing after meandering bus rides through the country and seemingly endless performances. Our director has a history in Jamaica (among other places) and I am certain she'll want to go back next year.
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