Zoo Animals on Parade

We had a fantastic rehearsal today, and the hard work and preparation our kids invested has really paid off - they really know their music, and are off-book in a number of pieces.

After our morning rehearsal we headed over to Lincoln Park Zoo. The beautiful grounds, along the shore of Lake Michigan, were amazing. The zoo is a free service provided by the City, and we saw many groups and families out enjoying the beautiful weather and the interesting animals.

Mr. Moss wasn't as thrilled, as many of his favorite animals are nocturnal, but a few yawned and stretched for him, so he was content.

After the zoo, we headed to Ed Debeviks for dinner. This fun diner's "schtick" is the rude waiters, who were actually hilarious. The kids were howling with laughter while dishing it right back.

Tonight, we went to the Merit School and enjoyed a concert with the other choirs participating in the festival. Each one gave an individual performance for the rest of us to enjoy.

The Alaska choir opened with a native song accompanied by a drum, and the children came in dancing as different animals. The Minnesota choir performed a beautiful piece about the prairies based on a poem written by the Nebraska poet laureate. The Winston-Salem choir performed the Pink Panther, and it was hard for our kids not to jump in and sing along, as that was one of our sumer camp songs from last year.

Our kids were amazing. Only after we got off stage did we realize we sang NOTHING in English! They did Jubilate Deo in 6 parts, Bist Du Bei Mir, and Eliyahu Hanavi, which made our wonderful tour guide, Mike Stillerman, cry.

It is interesting that we went from bring the "little kids" last year in Somerset to being some of the "big kids" this year - what a difference a year makes!

Our chaperones, Rhoda, Vanessa and Michael, are troopers, and doing a great job making sure the kids are safe, secure and having a great time.

Tomorrow is a day full of rehearsals, and then our big performance at Orchestra Hall. If you're in the area, the concert is free and open to the public, and begins at 7:30 - we hope to see you there!