By Simon Wu. Upon entering Regina Mundy, there was already a vibrant energy that swept throughout the vast church. People were singing and clapping despite the fact that it was still early in the morning. In contrast, from long sermons in many American churches, the bulk of the time was spent on the music. Many Read more about Be Happy![…]
By Roman DiPasquale. Today, on Easter Sunday, at 7:15 AM we journeyed to the Regina Mundi Church for Mass. Compared to Mass in Buffalo, this was extraordinarily different, with much more emotion and movement during singing. Moving and dancing to the singing with hundreds of South Africans made for quite a special and personal experience. Read more about Treasured Easter Sunday Moments[…]
By Elizabeth Vennari. The most wonderful thing about South Africa is the fact that the people are so friendly. At the rehearsal with the South African Suzuki groups, the stage quickly became a mass of enthusiastic chatter and playing. As the group on stage got bigger and bigger, we had the opportunity to meet each Read more about The Most Wonderful Thing[…]
By Tara Porter. On Friday, we went on a bus tour of Soweto, a group of 77 suburbs outside of Johannesburg (Soweto stands for SOuth WEstern TOwnships). A woman named Cindy who has lived there for her whole life led the tour and taught us aobut Soweto’s history. We drove through the middle class areas Read more about Tour of Soweto[…]
Well, the last few days have been rather hectic! They have also been amazing, life altering, and life affirming. Unfortunately, David and I have had a bit of difficulty with the internet. Late at night when we finally have a few minutes to post, the Wifi has been a bit problematic. This morning, I Read more about Here and There[…]
By Bailey Valint. Today started with wake-up calls and breakfast in the hotel. Afterwards we had rehearsal in a room in the hotel near the dining room and were greated by employees and other patrons applauding and even singing when we played the National Anthem. Next, we hopped on the bus for a guided tour Read more about Best Meal I’ve Ever Eaten. Sorry Mom![…]
By Danny Colucci. Today we ate at the Carnivore Restaurant in Johannesburg. The waiters served us meat off of giant spits. There was kudu (a type of African antelope), zebra, lamb, beef, chicken, chicken liver, and crocodile. All of it was delicious! And luckily only the chicken tasted like chicken. My only disappointment was that my Read more about Eating Like a Real Carnivore[…]
By Jimmy Berger. Going to the Buskaid workshop was by far the most fun experience yet! It reminded me of how every rehearsal we’ve been working on moving and being energetic, which Buskaid did amazing well; their exuberance was inspiring to everybody. It was clear that they loved playing with each other and loved the Read more about Buskaid: An Experience I’ll Never Forget[…]
By Elena deRosas & Heesung Kim. Playing at the U.S. Embassy was a huge honor. Although we were still groggy from our long night on the plane, we had fun. In our mini program, we played Trepack, On Wings of Song, Tanz, and Orange Blossom Special. Philomena and Elizabeth V. played their viola duet, Midnight Read more about Playing at the U.S. Embassy[…]
You’ve already read a bit about our time with Buskaid on Thursday in Kelsey’s post, here is a video to show you a bit of what we experienced. (The video is short due to WiFi limitations here, I’ll share the entire 90 minute version once we get home.) I’m sure you’ll read and hear more Read more about Buskaid[…]
